Author: Land Conservancy
October 18, 2022
Letter from the Executive Director
Fall is my favorite time of year, and observing the changing season got me thinking about nature and the transitions that occur in the natural world. In the autumn, plants move their energy into their roots in preparation for the period of rest ahead. The
October 18, 2022
Eric Bassett finds a natural refuge close to the city
Eric Bassett grew up near Big Rapids in a rural environment. When it came time to go to college, he always knew he wanted to go to Grand Valley State University. He went, and as he expected, he loved it. When he graduated, he wanted to
October 18, 2022
in News
Groundbreaking restoration work at The Highlands
This summer, ground broke on one of the final pieces of the restoration work at The Highlands, a natural area protected in collaboration by the Land Conservancy and Blandford Nature Center. Â Construction began on the stream daylighting project in early July. The project will bring
October 18, 2022
John and Bernadette Barbatano support spaces for nature to reign
John Barbatano and his family have deep roots in Grand Rapids. His childhood home, where his mother Bernadette still resides, is just down the road from The Highlands. “I grew up playing in the woods at Blandford Nature Center with my friends,” John said. After graduating from
October 18, 2022
On the shores of the Little South Branch: Upriver Nature Preserve
This spring, the Land Conservancy announced its acquisition of a new nature preserve on the shores of the Little South Branch of the Pere Marquette River. On October 8, we held a public dedication to celebrate opening the preserve. The 155-acre property was generously donated to
October 18, 2022
Land Protection Director April Scholtz retires
The Land Conservancy of West Michigan would not be the organization it is today without April Scholtz, who retired this spring after a nearly 30-year tenure as its Land Protection Director.  April was the Land Conservancy’s first and longest-serving employee. She was hired as LCWM’s
September 28, 2022
in Features
Nature is for Everyone: A reflection on Second Saturday Workdays
LCWM volunteer Stephanie Gerling shares her reflections after attending a few Second Saturday Workdays.
September 20, 2022
in Features
Cirsium pitcheri: A thistle at risk
The following is a guest post from Maisie Wiler (pictured above), a student at Grand Valley State University studying Natural Resources Management and Writing and a Land Conservancy of West Michigan volunteer. She is an avid hiker, cyclist, gardener, and hobby photographer. This past summer, I
August 31, 2022
in Features
Meet the Staff: Chris Long, Conservation Easement Stewardship Specialist
When it comes to helping people protect, enjoy and care for nature in West Michigan, LCWM’s staff make it all happen. This post is part of a series of interviews to help you get to know our team members!