2020 in Review
Join us in taking a look back on a year that was truly unlike any other!
Features
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
October 31, 2020
in Features
4 Eerie parasitic plants and where to find them
Happy Halloween! It’s that special time of year when we spend unusual amounts of time thinking about ghosts, goblins, skeletons, spiders, and creepy things in general. We here at the Land Conservancy are no exception: Lately I’ve been thinking about parasites. What’s a parasite, exactly? In short, it’s a creature that lives on or in another organism, on which it feeds. Lampreys, leeches,
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
August 10, 2020
in Features
Protecting the forest beside the inland sea
Enchanted with a rare Lake Michigan lakeshore forest community, Douglas and Gretchen Paprocki devoted themselves to ensuring its permanent preservation. In 1986, Douglas Paprocki and his late wife Gretchen purchased a cottage on the Lake Michigan lakeshore. Much like today, it was at a time when water levels had reached historic
August 3, 2020
in Features
How To Support Pollinators At Home
By Alexandra Sixt It’s summer, which means pool days, backyard barbecues, and . . . bugs! Yes, right around this time of the year, millions of bugs can be seen flying about, typically near flowers, and enjoying the warm summer sun. You may cringe at the
July 22, 2020
in Features
Flower Creek Dunes Nature Preserve: What hope looks like to a bird
Volunteer Preserve Stewards Jill Henemyer and Dotti Clune share their experience caring for Flower Creek Dunes Nature Preserve and why they value this rich landscape. It doesn’t take much time at Flower Creek Dunes Nature Preserve to realize that it’s a very special place. Dotti Clune and Jill Henemyer, who have volunteered
July 8, 2020
in Features
Anderson Woods trail monitors help keep the preserve accessible to all
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