The 37 square mile township includes Harsen’s Island and St. John’s Marsh. Ferry Service connects Harsen’s Island with the mainland. Colony Tower at the southwest corner of Clay Township, is a registered historic site and a local landmark since the 1920s. Clay Township is a center of water recreation. A public pier is located off M-29 at Pearl Beach. Demographics

Officials: Supervisor Jon Manos, Clerk Michael Pellerito, Treasurer Connie Turner, trustees Dr. Leonard Kasperowicz , Patricia Sharrow, Joanne Shirkey and Bruce Wenk. Elections are held in presidential election years. 

Township Offices: The township hall is located at 4710 Pte. Tremble Road adjacent to the police department. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. 794-9303. Fax: 794-1864

Library: Algonac/ Clay Township Library is located at 2011 St. Clair River Drive. 794-9015.

Museum: Clay/Algonac historical society has restored a log cabin on the municipal grounds. It dates back to the early1800s and contains many artifacts. It is open on Log Cabin Day in June and by arrangement at other times. The new museum is located in an historic building at 1240 St. Clair river Drive. 

Parks: 

• A portion of Algonac State Park is located in Clay Township. The park includes river frontage for fishing and camp sites for recreational vehicles or tents. The park has a boat launch, a day use area, archery and trap ranges. 765-5605.

• Harsen’s Island and the St. Clair Flats combine to create one of the largest inland fresh water details in the world. The Michigan department of Natural Resources maintains two access sites on Harsen’s Island, one on the South Channel and one on the Middle Channel.

• The huge St. John’s Marsh, a breeding ground for swans and other wildlife, is managed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. It has an Access site and spots for fishing. 

Recreation: 

• Sports- Downriver Recreation Commission offers organized sports and a variety of recreation programs. Call 794-9317 for a schedule.

• Bowling- Colony Bowl.

Big Events: 

• September- Harsen’s Island Turkey Shoot is held in early September, along with a duck decoy show.

• May- St. John’s Marsh Cleanup is a community-wide effort to preserve the beauty of the marsh. Call 725-2858 in early May for details.