The E.S. George Reserve is a major research site for the University of Michigan.  It is 1500 acres in size and, apparently, contains a rich combination of flora and fauna.  I say “apparently” because the George Reserve is closed to public access.

Most people outside the research community become aware of this area because of its proximity to the Pinckney State Recreation Area.  In fact, the Potowatomi Trail - one of SE Michigan’s major trails complexes - passes right along the George fenceline.  On many occasions I have hiked along this fence wondering what was just beyond.

While my hiking boots are just raring to get inside, I understand that the researchers do some great work behind that fence.  The June 2002 issue of Discover Magazine had a report on turtle aging that was based on George research.  The scientists basically found that many local turtles have little to no limit on lifespan.  Most are killed by traumatic events.  Theoretically, some could live forever.  And, in fact, there are some numbered turtles in the preserve that have been tracked for as long as the George Reserve has been in existence - that’s 70+ years.

For those who want to peer behind the fences, the preserve is located along the northernmost loop of the Potowatomi Trail.  See the Pinckney Recreation Area map below:

http://tinyurl.com/2k2kww

Discover Magazine charges a fee for its archived articles, but there is a similar article about the George turtle experiments here:

http://www.nwf.org/nationalwildlife/article.cfm?issueID=113&articleId=1440

Here’s the official U of M website for the E.S. George Reserve:

http://sitemaker.umich.edu/esgr/home

Here’s a research summary of the turtle studies:

http://www.uga.edu/srelherp/projects/MICHIGAN.HTM

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