New additions will enable even more access to Groen Nature Preserve

JOHANNESBURG — The Louis M. Groen Nature Preserve has new amenities that will expand access for people to enjoy the wildlife and engage in recreational activities.

The 765 acres of pristine forest was donated to Otsego County by a visionary philanthropist over 20 years ago.

Louis Groen owned McDonald's franchises in the Cincinnati area and in the early 1960s he convinced Ray Kroc, the founder of the hamburger chain, to put a Filet-O-Fish sandwich on the menu. That turned out to be a very fortuitous move for both men and the company.

Groen acquired the Johannesburg property in 1988 from Andrew Kalman who purchased it in the 1960s. Groen used it as a retreat and allowed family and friends to fish and hunt on the land. The fishing and hunting stopped in 2011 when Groen passed away and left the property to the county.

On June 23, officials and residents gathered to dedicate a new gate for the preserve, located at 10950 Hetherton Road, and the opening of an educational center, museum and pavilion.

"This will fulfill Lou's vision to allow everyone access to the property and to enjoy it," said Roger Latuszek, the director of the preserve who has been involved with the property since he was a child. That is because his father worked for Groen and the previous owners in maintaining the property.

"Lou enjoyed it for the scenery and the wildlife. When he passed away he donated it to the county at the suggestion of my parents," Latuszek said.

The property contains Kujawa and Johannesburg lakes, along with reminders that it was once the home of the Johannesburg Manufacturing Company and Echo Valley Resort. In fact, Johannesburg is named after the company which was a sawmill that produced lumber in the early 1900s. The company was named in part after the owner's daughter, Joanna.

The public can access the preserve for activities such as biking, hiking and horseback riding which are permitted on designated trails. In the winter the preserve is a destination for snowshoeing and cross country skiers.

"The best part is that everyone can do all of that and there is no charge," added Latuszek.

In fact, you can bring your own horse to the property and ride it on the designated trails at no cost.

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Latuszek intends to host more children's activities at the preserve to take advantage of the education center and museum. He will also will begin rehabbing the remains of the Echo Valley Hotel so it can once again host visitors on the land.

“We are going to keep it as pristine as possible and to what Mr. Groen’s vision was for the property,” he said.

Funds to maintain the property come from a foundation that was financed by Groen and no taxpayer money is used to operate the preserve, according to Latuszek.

.— Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com .

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: New additions will enable even more access to Groen Nature Preserve