In 1976, four dedicated volunteers met to lay out a plan that would identify, protect, and care for West Michigan’s natural areas. They created an organization called the Natural Areas Conservancy of West Michigan (NACOWMI), and they immediately set out with lofty goals. Early projects included several conservation easements, Saul Lake Bog, Lake Breeze natural area and an addition to the Saugatuck Dunes State Park.
In 1997, the name was changed to The Land Conservancy of West Michigan, and the projects have continued to grow. Today, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan is an accredited land trust with an office in Grand Rapids, governed by a board of directors and operated by a professional staff.
We envision a vibrant West Michigan with natural areas preserved for future generations.
Our mission is to help people protect, enjoy, and care for natural land in West Michigan.
As a non-profit land conservancy, we work with private landowners and governmental bodies to permanently protect and care for the 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 accredited 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.