The Vernon and Velma Radebaugh preserve is the last remaining natural area around Eagle Lake. The lake is about 1.5 miles long and 0.8 miles wide. The generous Radebaugh family donated this land to the Michigan Nature Association in 2006 in memory of their late parents. Their parents, Vernon and Velma, purchased this wetland along with 50 acres of adjacent farm and woodland in 1937. The Radebaughs were not farmers, but they purchased the property because of their desire to live next to pristine land containing a wide variety of plants and animals.
The land in this preserve has been in its original state from the earliest recorded deed in 1836. The wishes of Vernon and Velma, along with their sons Vee and Ray, and daughters Veda and Rada, are that future generations will learn from, and enjoy, this unique preserve.
