Author: Land Conservancy

How to Get Your Nature Fix From Home

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.

Guest Post: Karner Blue Butterfly as a State butterfly wannabe

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

No trails, no problem.

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

Letter from the Executive Director

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

4 Ways to Practice Social Distancing in Nature 

By Alexandra Sixt  Spending time in nature is known to have many benefits; most notably the incredibly positive effects it can have on mental wellbeing! In this time of social distancing, a walk outdoors may be even more beneficial as we find ourselves indoors more often

Finding health and fulfillment in volunteering

After retiring from a career in social work, Caroline Clark found she had time to explore new opportunities. One avenue that sparked her interest was becoming a master naturalist through Michigan State University Extension. The program requires prospective naturalists to complete a certain amount of