[1][2][3] In 1951, a bird study group in the Macomb County was formed to protect wildlife, hoping to keep Michigan in a natural state.

Calling themselves the St. Clair Metropolitan Beach Sanctuary Association, they started weekend nature exhibits, guided tours, and published a study course.

Further properties were obtained through persuasion with landholders, and by 1965, the group renamed itself the Eastern Michigan Nature Association.

[4] In 1974, founder Bertha Daubendiek was awarded the Outstanding Michigan Volunteer of the Year by Governor Milliken for her work with MNA.

[5] The Michigan Women's Hall of Fame inducted Bertha Daubendiek in 1994 for her success launching her wild natural habitat projects.