Exploring the Harters' peaceful creekside getaway—protected by a conservation easement. Susi Harter prefers to walk off the beaten path. “It’s a very refueling kind of feeling to go out in the woods and just wander around and not have a plan,” she said. That is why she decided
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
Sand dunes, forests, wetlands, and streams—all contribute to the character and appeal of Hamlin Lake. Located just north of Ludington, this 5,000 acre lake is fed by the Big Sable River. In recent months, two separate conservation projects collectively protected over 300 acres of the
As 2018 comes to a close, we look back on another whirlwind year. We added conservation agreements, helped with a major public acquisition, said goodbye to a few of our longtime staff and welcomed new staff, and we continue to be driven by a growing
If you asked Bruce and Ellen Vartian, they would tell you that the land where they live has taken care of them for nearly 40 years. Last summer they decided, after all the time the land has taken care of them, it was time to
The Land Conservancy and Ottawa County Parks are teaming up for National Trails Day! The afternoon will begin with a guided paddle on the Pigeon River, one of Ottawa County’s hidden gems and will meet up with a guided wildflower hike upon arrival at Hemlock
An Exciting Landmark Reached With the completion of several new conservation projects at the end of 2016, The Land Conservancy of West Michigan recently surpassed a total of 10,000 acres of preserved natural land in West Michigan. Five new projects were completed in December and were protected with conservation agreements,