January 8, 2025
in Features
2024 Holiday Hike Challenge Results
Congratulations to our 2024 winners!
News & Blog
December 10, 2024
in Features
An enchanting experience: Collecting seeds in the prairie
Whether they are collecting and planting seeds, pulling invasive shrubs, or taking a friend on a walk through one of our preserves, the Land Conservancy continues to feel the positive impact of our volunteers at each Second Saturday and every day in between. This year, we
November 18, 2024
in Features
Tips for participating in the Holiday Hike Challenge
This season, the Land Conservancy is once again hosting its Holiday Hike Challenge! Before you embark on your search for the holiday bows we’ve hung in our nature preserves, we've prepared some tips for how to safely explore nature nearby this season. 1. Plan your visit Research
Campaign complete: Land Conservancy of West Michigan has reached McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve fundraising goal
New trails and recreation opportunities debut this fall and winter
October 15, 2024
Letter from the Executive Director: Fall 2024
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
October 15, 2024
Meet the Oak Savanna
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
October 15, 2024
Indigenous Fire Shaped Oak Savannas
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
October 15, 2024
Welcome New Staff and Board Members!
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
October 15, 2024
Restoring the Oak Savanna
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