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...
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...
Spring is coming! Now is a great time to start thinking about which native plants you will grow in your yard this year. Find a native plant sale happening in your area below. Why native plants? There are many reasons to landscape your yard with native plants....
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...
With the help of our supporters and volunteers, 2019 was a great year at the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. As we embark on the new year, we want to reflect on last year’s achievements. Join us in looking back on what we have accomplished...
A Year-End Message from Executive Director Joe Engel In 1851, ten years before the Civil War, 22-year-old Carleton Watkins left Oneonta, New York and headed west to seek his fortune after hearing about the discovery of gold in California. After a long journey across the breadth of...
In this latest issue of the newsletter, we talk about the role community plays in conservation. We speak with a supporter who raised money for the Land Conservancy through a Facebook fundraiser in honor of her late friend. We reflect on how the community rallied...
Molly Bradshaw played a pivotal role in shaping what the Land Conservancy of West Michigan is today. She passed away in July 2019. [caption id="attachment_16189" align="alignright" width="313"] Molly Bradshaw, then president of the Natural Areas Conservancy of West Michigan, speaking at the dedication of the Saugatuck...
We celebrated the transfer of this property to Ottawa County Parks in October 2019. [caption id="attachment_16180" align="alignright" width="443"] Hikers explore Ottawa Sands during the dedication.[/caption] On a blustery, gray day in mid-October, supporters of Ottawa Sands County Park gathered to celebrate its dedication—the final chapter in a...
How neighbors have worked together to protect the Pere Marquette River. Conservation agreements are often viewed as private, individual acts of conservation, where landowners work directly with a land trust to protect their own land from development based on their vision for future use of the...