In northeast Grand Rapids, Lamberton Lake serves as the headwaters of Lamberton Creek. A tributary of the creek flows out of Lamberton Lake into the Grand River. Where the creek meets the lake is a prairie fen. Prairie fens are groundwater-fed wetlands with alkaline soils
Dave Warners was first introduced to the Land Conservancy of West Michigan by way of Lamberton Lake Fen Nature Preserve. In the early 1990s, Dave was a new arrival in Grand Rapids, having just graduated from his PhD program at the University of Michigan. He had
Thanks to one man’s lifetime commitment to nature, both sides of 2,912 feet and the headwaters of Little Cedar Creek in northern Kent County are now permanently protected. Steve and Karen Mueller’s 56-acre property in Cedar Springs, home to forests, fields, wetlands, waterways, and abundant wildlife,
With Development Manager Han Meadway and Board Member & Financial Advisor Barbara Griffin If you are interested in leaving a legacy of healthy, protected land, then a planned gift to the Land Conservancy of West Michigan (LCWM) might be right for you. Including the Land Conservancy
Dear Cherished Community Members, Michigan is known widely for its striking natural environments. They’ve been a draw for people from all over for centuries. They drew me here from Colorado. Though I have lived in many places with iconic natural features, in my opinion, few match
Oak savannas occur in between two other habitat types, where a dense, shaded oak woodland gradually opens into sunny prairie. In an oak savanna, mature oaks are spaciously scattered in an open field, free to stretch and grow wide crowns. They are joined by a modest
An interview with land manager Mary Parr Growing up in Grand Rapids, Mary Parr knew from a young age that she wanted to work for the environment. She obtained an undergraduate degree in Natural Resources Management from Grand Valley State University and then traveled around the
Rory Thibault, Land Protection Specialist Growing up along the Lake Michigan Shoreline, Rory considers himself privileged to call these critical and rare ecosystems his proverbial backyard. This youthful engagement with nature nearby grew into a penchant for the design and provision of space. Rory holds a
Oak savannas present a unique opportunity to make a big impact for preserving and restoring biodiversity, health, and resilience to the West Michigan landscape. Once abundant in Michigan, oak savannas are now incredibly rare, and they are a regional and national priority for protection and