Our Story

At the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, we work to keep nature nearby by permanently preserving unique and vulnerable properties for the health of our communities, the benefit of wildlife, and the enjoyment of generations of Michiganders to come.

As a non-profit land conservancy, we work with private landowners and governmental bodies to permanently protect and care for the land. To date, we have permanently preserved 100 properties and more than 8,000 acres of land. Our protected land reflects the diversity and beauty of West Michigan and includes lush forests, grassy fields, flowering meadows, marshy wetlands, and rolling sand dunes. These significant habitats and ecosystems are home to a rich variety of plants and wildlife, some of which are now threatened or endangered species.

By preserving and restoring these properties through the best practices available, we give future generations the precious opportunity to experience the same natural wonders that we treasure today.

The Land Conservancy is the only organization in our service area dedicated solely to the permanent conservation of significant natural areas. Our land protection area includes all or parts of eight counties: Allegan, Kent, Ottawa, Newaygo, Muskegon, Oceana, Mason, and Lake.

Formerly the Natural Areas Conservancy of West Michigan, our organization was founded in 1976 by a dedicated group of volunteers who sought to protect West Michigan’s natural landscape.

Today, we are an accredited land trust with an office in Grand Rapids, governed by a board of directors, and operated by a professional staff.

Additional resources:
Annual report – 2012 (pdf)
Fiscal Year 990 – 2012 (pdf)
Frequently asked questions