South Fox Island is an ecologically diverse island consisting of 3,400 acres with many interesting natural features including perched dunes on the west end and areas of hundred-year-old white cedar trees. Along the shore are sand/gravel beaches backed by open sand dunes. Boreal forest, mixed conifers, and northern hardwoods all are found on the island.

The lake-moderated climate produces cooler summers and warmer winters, which creates a microclimate that supports species that would not normally be found in this part of Michigan. Threatened and endangered species have been identified, including critical habitat for Piping Plovers. Pitcher’s Thistle is endemic to the islands and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. There is limited diversity of small mammals, and mainland species such as racoons, weasels, and skunks are absent. An important flyway for songbirds passes through South Fox. Colonial nesting waterbirds such as cormorants, gulls, terns, herons, and migratory birds such as pelicans can be found in abundance. A variety of butterflies can also be found on the island including migratory Monarchs.

South Fox is geologically significant, dating back to the earliest stages of Lake Algonquin. While other islands in the area were probably connected by a land bridge, it is believed that South Fox was always an island. Not being connected to land created a different evolution of plant and animal species on the island, making it significant for research. South Fox Island is part of the Great Lakes Islands management area and is considered a state wildlife research area.

Human settlement on the island introduced some changes to the island such as logging, limited farming, and White-Tailed Deer. The keeper’s influence can also be seen at the light station. In spring, naturalized daffodils grow in the woods side-by-side with trillium. Lilacs, day lilies, and oriental poppies grow amongst the buildings. Strawberries, blackberries, hops, a plum tree, and several apple trees likely descend from the keeper era. A rare, heritage apple variety known as Caville Blanc d’Hiver, considered to be the classic dessert apple of France, can still be found at the station.

The isolated location, unique climate, and specialized environment cause the islands to have a disproportionate number of occurrences of endangered, threatened, or rare species. Location, in this case, makes the natural world of South Fox Island a truly special place.

Short videos are available on common flora and fauna seen in and around the Light Station property.