Laketown Township near Saugatuck in Allegan County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Saugatuck Dune State Park
Patty Birkholz Natural Area
Photographed by Daniel Barriball, August 4, 2025
1. Saugatuck Dune State Park Marker
Patty Birkholz (1944-2018)
Patty was a passionate conservationist, state legislator, and local leader. Patty dedicated her life to conserving and honoring the natural resources of Michigan with a zeal for protecting our waters, our dunes and our state parks. As a legislator, Patty reminded us of the importance of being true to the Michigan Constitutional charge that requires that "the legislature shall protect the natural resources from pollution, impairment and destruction." This area stands as a testament to Patty's legacy of love and commitment to Michigan; the Great Lakes and the Dunes, for current and future generations.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1944.
Location. 42° 42.017′ N, 86° 11.787′ W. Marker is near Saugatuck, Michigan, in Allegan County. It is in Laketown Township. It can be reached from 66th Street. This marker is just off the parking lot at the trailhead of the Beach Trail in Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3622
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Michigan, specifically in Greater Grand Rapids, and in one of the Lake Michigan Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Maple Tapping (approx. 0.2 miles away); Felt Mansion (approx. Ό mile away); The Most Reverend Joseph A. Hickey, O.S.A. (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Shore Acres Trail (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Horse Barn (approx. 0.3 miles away); Laketown Township Hall (approx. 2.4 miles away); Saugatuck Pump House (approx. 2.8 miles away); First Congregational Church (approx. 3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Saugatuck.
Also see . . . State Senator Patricia L. Birkholz. Michigan Manual 2009-2010 Biography and photo of Patty Birkholz (Submitted on August 17, 2025, by Daniel Barriball of Chesterton, Indiana.)
Photographed by Daniel Barriball, August 4, 2025
2. Saugatuck Dune State Park Marker in context
Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2025, by Daniel Barriball of Chesterton, Indiana. This page has been viewed 91 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 15, 2025, by Daniel Barriball of Chesterton, Indiana. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
