In 2015, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan worked successfully with the local community to protect Anderson Woods Nature Preserve—73 acres of beautiful, contiguous forest in Muskegon County. The quiet, serene preserve provides important habitat for migratory birds and wildlife. Because of the preserve’s gentle terrain, it presented a perfect opportunity to
LCWM Board Member and dune geoecologist Suzanne DeVries-Zimmerman shares her thoughts on one of West Michigan’s most iconic landscapes. Lake Michigan’s scenic sand dunes were a part of Suzanne DeVries-Zimmerman's life well before she was born. Her parents met at a beach party, and when Suzanne's mother was pregnant with her, she
By Alexandra Sixt Though some restrictions related to COVID-19 are lifting here in Michigan, it is still important to practice caution when going to public spaces. Social distancing guidelines recommend that people limit travel and avoid larger crowds, possibly making visits to natural areas less feasible.
The Land Conservancy was interested to learn that there is a local effort to have the Karner blue butterfly designated as the State butterfly. Lori McElrath Eslick, a children's book author and illustrator, learned about this rare and beautiful butterfly while participating in the Land Conservancy’s Preserved! program. Now, she and a group of West Michigan
This year's spring newsletter centers on the topic of health, and the many ways nature supports our health. In the midst of a global pandemic, we are seeing these benefits in a whole new light—and appreciating them more than ever. We talk with a conservation
Exploring the Harters' peaceful creekside getaway—protected by a conservation easement. Susi Harter prefers to walk off the beaten path. “It’s a very refueling kind of feeling to go out in the woods and just wander around and not have a plan,” she said. That is why she decided
Dr. West will tell you that exercise is one of the most important preventive measures he can recommend to his patients, but he says it’s one of the hardest things to get them to do. “We all understand that we need to exercise. The problem is,
David and Diana Morgenstern decided to include the Land Conservancy of West Michigan in their estate after David served as a co-chair for The Highlands Phase One campaign. David and Diana Morgenstern are members of the Land Conservancy of West Michigan’s “Circle of Oaks” society. They
Those who are not so inclined to work up a sweat in a humid, fluorescent-lit gym might be happy to know there is an alternative option—and it smells a whole lot better. Land Conservancy supporter Cari Draft is a fitness trainer and the owner of EcoTrek
My initial letter for this page, written six weeks ago, is now in digital heaven – conceived long before COVID-19 changed the face of our current reality. Ironically, if not prophetically, the theme for this spring’s newsletter – health – was chosen last year, well