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
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
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.
By Nick Sanchez, Conservation Easement Stewardship Specialist Trout season starts today, and what better time to recognize the support of our communities and the families who have worked with us to protect almost 12,000 acres of natural land in our eight-county service area. These lands are primarily comprised of family-owned forests under legal protection through conservation agreements, also known as conservation easements. Being land-dwellers ourselves, we
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
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
Like many of you, we’re spending a lot more time video conferencing here at the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. Sheltering in place is hard—especially when all you want to do is go outside and explore. But we have a way you can keep nature nearby, even in
For Grace Houseal, volunteering with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan opened up a world of possibility. Houseal moved to Grand Rapids from Midland, Michigan to pursue a degree in English from Grand Valley State University in 2016. She landed a job at Brewery Vivant, and