Upriver Nature Preserve
Explore Upriver Nature Preserve.
Read MoreThe Big Forests & Wild Rivers region is characterized by large blocks of forest and winding, scenic rivers. This expanse of connected habitat sustains a biodiverse collection of plants and wildlife. Its barrens and savannas host Michigan’s most significant populations of the endangered Karner blue butterfly. The threatened eastern massasauga rattlesnake also makes its home here.
The region’s rugged natural features make it a sought-after destination for outdoor recreationists. Backpackers trek through the Manistee National Forest and Muskegon State Game Area. Families enjoy paddling excursions along stretches of the winding Pere Marquette, White and Muskegon Rivers. And anglers come from far and wide to fly fish in the region’s world-class trout streams.
But these hallmarks are at risk of degrading and disappearing. Fire suppression and careless land use have closed the region’s barrens and stifled its forests, weakening these ecosystems and making them even more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The impressive rivers and streams and the fish who inhabit them are threatened by erosion and sediment pollution brought on by development and the increasing severity of rain events.
We must work proactively to ensure future generations can enjoy these landscapes. Our task is to maintain and improve habitat connections and respond to habitat degradation to ensure this region’s species and ecosystems are resilient as climate change progresses.
Create and maintain large blocks of intact upland and riparian habitat to allow landscape-level movement of wildlife, protect water quality and hydrology along important rivers and preserve the wild character of the region.
Explore Upriver Nature Preserve.
Read MoreWe need your support to fund the future of Pere Marquette Conservation Park!
Read MoreThis section of the Muskegon River is easily accessible from Newaygo. Visitors will float through the city and past forested slopes along the river.
Read MoreLake Michigan Shoreline | Big Forests & Wild Rivers | Eastern Glacial Corridor
Strategic Conservation Plan Home
To identify lands in West Michigan that best support biodiversity, water quality and the long-term resilience of our native plants and wildlife, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan first needed to define what constitutes “conservation potential.” We created a story map to illustrate how we approached that.
This plan is ambitious and will succeed only with your help. Donate now to support strategic conservation in West Michigan.