April 4, 2024
Nature Gives Brian Seely Peace, So He Gives Back
For Brian Seely, volunteering for conservation is an act of gratitude.
Newsletter Archive
October 18, 2022
Letter from the Executive Director
Fall is my favorite time of year, and observing the changing season got me thinking about nature and the transitions that occur in the natural world. In the autumn, plants move their energy into their roots in preparation for the period of rest ahead. The
October 18, 2022
Eric Bassett finds a natural refuge close to the city
Eric Bassett grew up near Big Rapids in a rural environment. When it came time to go to college, he always knew he wanted to go to Grand Valley State University. He went, and as he expected, he loved it. When he graduated, he wanted to
October 18, 2022
John and Bernadette Barbatano support spaces for nature to reign
John Barbatano and his family have deep roots in Grand Rapids. His childhood home, where his mother Bernadette still resides, is just down the road from The Highlands. “I grew up playing in the woods at Blandford Nature Center with my friends,” John said. After graduating from
October 18, 2022
Preserve Steward Annette Byers takes care of Minnie Skwarek Nature Preserve
Annette Byers signed on to be the Preserve Steward of Minnie Skwarek Nature Preserve in 2018. She learned of the opportunity while she was completing a master naturalist training with Michigan State University Extension. A lifelong learner, Annette relished the opportunity to continue expanding her
October 18, 2022
On the shores of the Little South Branch: Upriver Nature Preserve
This spring, the Land Conservancy announced its acquisition of a new nature preserve on the shores of the Little South Branch of the Pere Marquette River. On October 8, we held a public dedication to celebrate opening the preserve. The 155-acre property was generously donated to
October 18, 2022
Land Protection Director April Scholtz retires
The Land Conservancy of West Michigan would not be the organization it is today without April Scholtz, who retired this spring after a nearly 30-year tenure as its Land Protection Director. April was the Land Conservancy’s first and longest-serving employee. She was hired as LCWM’s