News & Blog
March 27, 2015
in Features
Kayaking on thin ice
Growing up on one of the lower Grand River bayous, the day the ice went out in the spring was always an exciting event, with a riot of circling gulls fighting to scavenge pickings released from the ice. A sudden change in the wind direction
March 24, 2015
in Features
How are Piping Plovers and petri dishes connected?
In the game “Six Degrees of Separation” players are challenged to find the links between two seemingly unrelated people or things with the fewest steps possible. In west Michigan, there is a very strong connection between petri dishes and plovers – and the Land Conservancy is
March 13, 2015
in Features
“Who cooks for you?” asks the Barred Owl
“Who cooks for you?” This was the sound I heard last week when I was out in my backyard. (It was somewhat ironic since I was grilling at the time!) The question was actually coming from a Barred Owl. Of course, I doubt there was really any
March 12, 2015
in Features
Another reason to add native plants to your West Michigan yard
The reasons to incorporate native plants into your yard are numerous: Supporting native animal and insect populations Their long root systems prevent erosion and runoff They are formed by our climate, and thus more tolerable of weather extremes Variety of native plants allow for blooming
March 10, 2015
in Features
Cutting down oak trees to protect a rare oak-pine barren
Like a teenager who’s partied past curfew, nature preserves need tough love, too. That’s why a group of us found ourselves in Rockford last week, cutting down perfectly good trees in a nature preserve. Invasives? Nope. These were oaks, mostly, with some maples and cherries too. Quite
March 5, 2015
in Features
Paul the Beetle: A story about keeping nature nearby… on the piano.
“Your pet has escaped and it’s somewhere in our house.” This was our younger daughter, calling my office on the day before Christmas. I was avoiding the holiday crowds by hiding at work. She sounded agitated even before we heard a scream from across the room.
March 2, 2015
in Features
The job of protecting the places we love is never done
One of Emily Dickinson’s poems begins: “I dreaded that first robin so…” That first robin cannot come soon enough for me. I love the four seasons, including winter, and love being outdoors in winter, but I have had enough. In idle moments, my mind is pulled to
February 19, 2015
in Features
Sandy Hansen Birding Trail in Muskegon: Anderson Woods donors create a special opportunity
We recently announced that we reached our fundraising goal for the new Anderson Woods Nature Preserve in Muskegon County’s Fruitland Township. Community response to this project has been gratifying, helping us raise over $190,000 including lead donations and grants. Thanks to everyone who contributed – your