The Nature Preserve has been host to as many as 6,000 kids a year studying wetlands environmental issues. Mona Shores and Reeths Puffer School Districts are among those in attendance. There is no charge for the use of the Preserve, just come. It is always open. The Preserve comes to life each spring as over 52 bird species have been counted, turtles can seen laying eggs, and the trees and flowers are starting a new year and the water has many small invertebrates to be discovered.

The Fred Wilder Observation Deck is named after a gentleman who has made the progress of the Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve possible. Fred Wilder is the father of the Preserve. The Observation Deck was constructed during the year 2002 and was dedicated October 18. The Funds were provided by the Dana Corporation and the Herman Miller Foundation. The work was provided by many volunteers who spent many hours on the construction.

The Muskegon Environmental Research & Educational Society built the Wilder River Walk in 2007. The Wilder River Walk links to the current Muskegon Lake Shore trail and provides for access to the Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve. The Wilder River Walk will also has 7 fishing platforms along the way, giving fishermen access to the Muskegon River.

The Al Bell Trail runs along the northeast side of the Preserve. It is mostly a low boardwalk. The Al Bell Trail goes across the wetlands, protecting the wetland areas from foot traffic while letting people get into the wet lands and study them. There are 3 fingers that lead from the trail to the water’s edge for sampling. The Al Bell Trail was built by volunteers and funded by the Muskegon Conservation District through a DEQ Grant.