2020 in Review
Join us in taking a look back on a year that was truly unlike any other!
Author: Land Conservancy
November 9, 2020
Resilience: Fall Newsletter 2020
This year has certainly been a tough one. The challenges we have endured, and continue to endure, have shown us our capacity for resilience. That is why we chose this concept as the theme for our newsletter this fall. In this issue, a volunteer shares how
November 9, 2020
GVSU professor studies ways to support forest resilience at two LCWM nature preserves
Priscilla Nyamai is a Natural Resources Management professor at Grand Valley State University and a former LCWM board member. She writes about her experience conducting a long-term study to assess ways to restore biodiversity and support the resilience of oak forest systems at the B.D.
November 9, 2020
For Margaret Idema, the pandemic has made time in nature a higher priority
Margaret Idema first heard about the Land Conservancy of West Michigan when one of her friends, John Will, was helping to create it with just a few other people. “I remember being intrigued by it,” she said. A lifelong lover of nature, Margaret has long
November 9, 2020
In it for the long haul: How three LCWM conservation easement owners are proactively caring for their land
The Land Conservancy of West Michigan works with many property owners to help protect privately owned natural land. Through conservation easements, we are able to ensure West Michigan forests, habitat corridors, and wetlands remain connected and undeveloped. The process can be long and is not
November 9, 2020
Focal Region Feature: Lake Michigan Shoreline
Earlier this year, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan unveiled its first ever Strategic Conservation Plan. The plan identifies three regions where we will focus conservation efforts. In this article, we explore the Lake Michigan Shoreline with LCWM's Stewardship and Land Protection Directors. The western border
November 9, 2020
In uncertain times, volunteering helps Mackenzie Scott stay grounded
Mackenzie Scott was hooked on volunteering with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan from the first time she tried it. Her coworker and friend, a member of Grand Rapids Young Professionals, invited her along to a special event the organization hosted with the Land Conservancy.
LCWM Executive Director Joe Engel announces his retirement
LCWM Executive Director Joe Engel will retire in February 2021.
October 15, 2020
in Features
First Nesting Season on The Highlands Bluebird Trail is a Success!
Peggy Falk is a Land Conservancy of West Michigan volunteer and supporter and a member of the Michigan Bluebird Society. She spearheaded a project to install bluebird boxes at The Highlands last fall and monitored them throughout the year.
October 1, 2020
in Features
Second Saturdays are a chance to get outside, get moving and connect with people
Norm Ferguson has been a volunteer with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan since 2015. He first heard about the organization on NPR and got hooked on the regular Second Saturday Workdays. “Justin usually gives a rundown of what Michigan used to be like. It’s fun learning about that stuff, but I also