Humbug Marsh

In the Great Lakes region, no other marsh matches the diverse biological makeup, fish, and wildlife of Humbug Marsh along the Detroit River.

Unfortunately, shoreline development has destroyed more than 97 percent of the coastal wetlands along the river, and nearly all the coastal wetlands along western Lake Erie have disappeared during the past 50 years. Humbug Marsh encompasses the last mile of natural shoreline on the U.S. mainland of the Detroit River.

These alarming statistics fueled Trust for Public Land’s conservation efforts to protect Humbug Marsh’s unique place within the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. TPL worked with city, county, state, and federal governments to develop a long-term conservation solution, raise funds to purchase the land, remove trash in the area, and convey the 410 acres to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“The acquisition of Humbug Marsh is the most significant development for the refuge since its inception in 2001,” U.S. Congressman John Dingell said. “The refuge is more than land; it now includes pristine land populated with unique and valuable species. With this new jewel as the centerpiece of the refuge, all of the residents of southeastern Michigan will benefit from this magnificent treasure. I want to thank TPL for its hard work and perseverance in conserving this valuable land, distinct in its urban setting.”

The sale concluded a long and ultimately successful struggle by local citizens and environmentalists to protect this ecological jewel in an industrial heartland.

Humbug Island, Humbug Marsh, and adjacent undeveloped upland habitats make up the 410-acre Humbug Complex. A visitor center offers environmental education and equipment to explore the area.

Located on the western bank of the Lower Detroit River, the permanently protected site now gives birders, boaters, anglers, hunters, and hikers a rare urban opportunity to experience the natural habitat of the river.