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Newsletter: Spring/Summer 2016

April 25, 2016

in Newsletter Archive

by Colin Hoogerwerf, Communications Director

Newsletter: Spring/Summer 2016

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About Us

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that works to keep nature nearby and help people protect, enjoy, and care for natural land in West Michigan. We conserve land by creating public nature preserves, providing support to communities and local governments creating natural areas, and helping private landowners protect their own land.

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Grand Rapids, MI 49504

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Thanks to everyone who joined us at Saugatuck Dunes State Park last night for the Summer Solstice hike! ☀️ Thanks especially to Joel and Josh Betts for sharing their knowledge and leading us on a fun and informative exploration!

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The Land Conservancy wishes to recognize Ranger Steve Mueller of Cedar Springs, MI, who recently passed away, for his contributions to conservation in West Michigan. His love for nature and especially for butterflies has driven a career that has spanned more than 40 years. Ranger Steve was well known for his expertise in butterfly identification and study and he was honored with many awards in recognition of his work as an environmental educator and interpreter and as a lepidopterist.
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He shared his knowledge generously throughout the years. Many people from around the country have had the opportunity to go on a butterfly survey or nature walk with Ranger Steve as he directed countless hikes for research and education purposes. In addition, his experience in creating and managing nature preserves has introduced so many to the wonders of nature. The Howard Christensen Nature Center and Calvin Ecosystem Preserve are just two examples of Ranger Steve's work to invite people to experience and engage with nature. He also shared his knowledge in his long-standing column, "Ranger Steve's Nature Niche" for the Cedar Springs Post.
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His work in conservation carried over to his home life, too. Since 1979, Ranger Steve and his family have worked to protect and manage their land, also known as Ody Brook Nature Sanctuary. Ody Brook hosts wetlands, ponds, a trout steam and uplands rich with wildflowers. Over the years, Steve carefully catalogued and monitored plants, butterflies, reptiles, and many other wildlife species. Recently, Steve and his family were awarded a grant via the Clean Water Act to help cover the costs of protecting Ody Brook Nature Sanctuary with a conservation easement. The Land Conservancy is grateful for the chance to carry forth Ranger Steve’s incredible legacy and work with his family to protect this beloved landscape in perpetuity. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.
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Photo: Ranger Steve Mueller walks Ody Brook Nature Sanctuary in fall 2021.

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A notice to visitors of The Highlands: This view is about to look a lot different! As part of the ongoing work to restore The Highlands to a natural landscape, there are a few projects that will begin in the coming weeks.
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For years, a pipe buried beneath The Highlands has been sending water into Indian Mill Creek, a tributary to the Grand River. Raising this waterflow to the surface, or “daylighting” the stream, will slow down the rush of water and improve the water quality of both Indian Mill Creek and the Grand River. In addition to daylighting the stream, some fencing along the border of The Highlands will be removed to ensure wildlife can easily access the restored habitat.
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While we are excited about these upcoming projects, we would like to inform our visitors that it may be noisy at times, portions of trails will be closed, and the area may look less natural before it transforms into the healthy landscape we are working towards. We appreciate your patience as The Highlands continues to become a thriving natural space!

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Happy Summer Solstice! ☀️ Join us this week for an opportunity to learn about solstice folklore and the protected natural features at Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Sign up to attend here at naturenearby.org/events.
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Please note: this hike will be 3.7 miles long (approximately 2 hours) through sometimes steep, sandy trails. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring water!

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Common buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) sports spiky, spherical flowers. The flowers are pollinated by bees and butterflies and become a brown fruit that splits into nuts. Waterfowl and shorebirds like to eat the seeds, and deer munch on the foliage. Wood ducks nest in the protection of the plant's structure. You can find this plant blooming in the bog at Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve! Learn more at naturenearby.org/explore.
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Information via USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

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Ari Henson joined the LCWM staff as a Stewardship Intern this summer! Get to know Ari in our latest entry in our "Meet the Staff" series: https://naturenearby.org/meet-the-staff-ari-henson-stewardship-intern/

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Next Thursday, join Joel and Josh Betts for an evening of ecology and folklore surrounding the Summer Solstice. We will be exploring Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Joel and Josh will lead us on a 3.7-mile hike through dune forest to a rare, protected interdunal wetland, finishing with a short beach walk before heading back along Livingston trail. The hike along sandy trails with some steep hills will take approximately 2 hours.

Learn more and register to attend on our website! https://naturenearby.org/events/summer-solstice-at-saugatuck-dunes-state-park-0622/

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The Highlands grows ever wilder. Where once was a golf fairway now grows golden alexanders, sand coreopsis, and wild lupine—a place much friendlier to critters like garter snakes.
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@blandfordnaturecenter #thehighlandsgr #naturenearby #protectenjoycare

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