A Letter from Glen Chown

Dear Friends,

Call me an optimist, but I feel more hopeful today than ever before. It’s not that I’m unaware of the many challenges the world faces. Often, I’m deeply concerned about them. It’s that the work I am fortunate to do every day makes me feel that, together, we can be part of the solution.

The conservancy’s talented staff, finally working together again after three years apart and mostly alone, are an energizing, intelligent, motivated group. This next generation of conservation leaders is creatively digging in to solve some of our region’s greatest challenges.

The incredible facilities at Mitchell Creek Meadows: The Don and Jerry Oleson Nature Preserve are already providing opportunities that we previously only dreamed of. The ability to show key aspects of our work right outside every window and door is a tremendous privilege that has brought a new kind of energy and sense of purpose to our team. Our brand new headquarters, the McMullen Family Conservation Center, is a demonstration site for innovative and efficient ways to conserve both water and energy in the Great Lakes Basin. Be sure to read the articles about some of our activities and explorations beginning on page 24, and mark your calendars for our July 15 grand opening at our annual Preservation Celebration.

Meanwhile, we are working diligently to protect and restore several incredible properties (learn about them on pages 4-23). Given the number of people relocating to the Great Lakes region, where fresh water is abundant, and we are spared the ravages of hurricanes, mudslides, and wildfires, I don’t foresee the pace of our land protection and stewardship efforts slowing anytime soon.

Our vision for northern Michigan is this: The region’s water will be clean, its forests resilient, its vistas unparalleled. Protected lands will be embraced as an essential element of the region’s long-term prosperity. The health and well-being of the region’s residents and visitors will be enhanced by their use of our protected properties to hike, bike, ski, swim, relax, and otherwise escape into nature. A diverse employment base and talented workforce will be attracted by the region’s natural beauty and quality of life. The region’s unique agricultural heritage will be manifest in viable farms supplying worldclass products, burnishing its image as a travel destination, satisfying local desires for fresh foods, and enhancing food security.

Who doesn’t want clean water, healthy forests, local food, breathtaking scenery, and a healthy, prosperous community that shares these goals? We are truly fortunate to have the opportunity to make our vision for this region a reality. And I am especially grateful to all of you for supporting this vision and the work it takes to bring it to fruition with your time, talent, and treasure. You encourage us to keep going. YOU are part of the solution!

Glen Chown, GTRLC Executive Director

Rallying for Turtle Cove

STEWARDSHIP EFFORTS LAUNCH AS FUNDRAISING REACHES FINAL STRETCH FOR PROPOSED TURTLE COVE NATURE PRESERVE

Significant headway is being made to protect and restore sensitive shoreline habitat and create a new nature preserve on one of Grand Traverse County’s most beloved inland lakes.

The proposed Turtle Cove Nature Preserve encompasses 120 acres of northern hardwood forest nestled around a shallow water cove in Arbutus Lake. As a rare, large tract of undeveloped shoreline near Traverse City, the parcel has long been on GTRLC’s radar for protection.

The property’s rich landscape includes upland and wetland habitats that support diverse species, including a nesting Bald Eagle and various fish, amphibians, and invertebrates that rely on the warm, shallow-water nursery provided by its namesake cove.

Surrounding most of this bay with additional frontage on the main body of Arbutus Lake, the proposed preserve would safeguard more than three-quarters of a mile of water frontage–making it critical for water quality on the lake and within the Boardman River watershed.

Generous conservation buyers Casey and Dana Cowell purchased the property with plans to sell it to GTRLC for a bargain price, granting the Conservancy the gift of time and the opportunity to fundraise for its protection. Still, the $2.4 million goal initially felt imposing to GTRLC’s development team when they launched a fundraising campaign near the end of 2021. Yet the response from families around the lake and other supporters was nothing short of incredible.

“We were dreaming about how to save it, and then these angels named Casey and Dana Cowell dropped in the area,” explained Kathi Mudd, who, along with her husband Larry and their two sons, were among the project’s earliest supporters. “Once the Cowells said they were in, this lake just rallied.”

Having owned property along Arbutus Lake for nearly twenty years, the lake has long been close to her heart. “Northern Michigan gets into your blood,” she said, noting the area’s pristine waters and abundant wildlife. Understanding that the same reasons they fell in love with the lake would attract others to the area, the Mudds have kept their eyes on the property as parcels around Arbutus Lake were developed.

While hiking the property with neighbors Scott and Allyson Tinker, who also pledged their support for the project early on, they were thinking of ways to save Turtle Cove when Kathi noticed a Fowler’s toad. “I thought it was a sign between the toad and the eagle’s nest out there,” she said.

In addition to maintaining the lake’s water quality, Mudd cited supporting high-quality habitats for wildlife as among the project’s most important benefits. In particular, with the proposed preserve adjacent to Pines Park and state land, she pointed to the habitat connectivity it safeguards between protected lands. “It warms my heart to know that all those creatures will always be able to move freely between those properties,” she said.

So far, close to 150 contributors have pitched in to support the project, providing the majority of the dollars needed for the property's protection. At the time of this writing, the Conservancy has just over $470,000 left to raise before the end of December. When this goal is met, the nature preserve and just under two miles of trail will open to the public.

“We have applied for public funding and hope it will help us reach our goal, but we welcome opportunities to talk with supporters about how they can help,” said Senior Charitable Giving Specialist Kate Pearson. “If we don’t reach our goal, we’ll need to ask people who have already given to dig deep and help us. Unfortunately, the grant is not a shoo-in.”

Meanwhile, stewardship work is already underway at the proposed preserve. While GTRLC doesn’t typically invest in restoration projects until after a property has been protected, in this case, time was of the essence.

Unfortunately, a large infestation of oak wilt, a fungal disease that can quickly kill healthy red oak trees, was discovered during a survey of the property. The disease moves through a tree’s vascular system, an interconnected network of conducting tissues that transports water and other nutrients throughout the plant’s body.

While it can spread slowly between trees through their root systems, oak wilt often affects oaks when infected firewood is moved or by insects carrying spores from an infected tree to one that’s been freshly pruned or wounded. For this reason, it’s important to not trim oak trees from April 15July 15, when they are most susceptible to the disease. If left untreated, the infected tree will drop its leaves during the summer and die the following year.

There are injection treatments available to save a single or small number of oaks from succumbing to the disease.

However, these injections are costly and only abate the fungus, so they don’t keep it from spreading to other trees and have varying degrees of success. In this case, with an estimated 400 trees affected–including those within a certain distance of the infected trees–the best course of action is to remove any trees that may carry the fungus before it spreads any further.

“This is never something we hope to find, but we’re glad we were able to spot the problem,” said Land Stewardship Specialist Steve Lagerquist. “If it hadn’t been addressed, the disease would have spread to neighboring areas and could have been much more devastating. We could have lost all the red oak trees there.”

GTRLC began working with a tree expert in February to remove affected red oaks while preserving as many healthy trees as possible, and anticipates a 98% success rate with the removal. To offset the estimated $20,000 undertaking, the oaks removed precautionarily will be repurposed for timber.

As an added silver lining, Lagerquist noted that he expects to see an “explosion of young trees” as the forest recovers. “It will look sparser, but it won’t take long to create different habitats. There are various species that like a more open canopy, such as birds and brown snakes,” he explained. “The habitat there should rebound reasonably well.”

The Conservancy’s stewardship staff are also busy planning the layout of the Beverly and Spencer Silk Nature Trail, a two-mile loop trail that will offer opportunities to observe a wetland bog and seasonal views of Arbutus Lake. The trail will traverse through various habitat types, largely avoiding areas that were affected by oak wilt.

Trail design details are preliminary, but GTRLC expects to partner with a crew from SEEDS to hand-build the trail, beginning this summer. There will also likely be select volunteer workdays at the property to assist with building the trail and controlling invasive species.

To support the proposed Turtle Cove Nature Preserve with a cash donation or pledge, please contact Kate Pearson at (231) 922.1244 or kpearson@gtrlc.org. To learn about volunteer opportunities and find more information, visit gtrlc.org.

A Neighborhood Effort GREEN POINT DUNES’ NEIGHBORS HELP TO RESTORE BEACH ACCESS, IMPROVE TRAILS

Places like Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve are part of the reason people fall in love with northern Michigan. And what isn’t there to love? Just a short jaunt from Frankfort, the preserve features many native plant species and unique bird habitats, a trail that winds through forests and meadows to stunning views of Lake Michigan, and access to a beach of unparalleled beauty.

“Green Point Dunes has been a wonderful oasis for our family over the years,” said Amy McVeigh, who owns a home near the preserve with her husband, Jeff Braun. The active couple is among those who treasure opportunities to hike, swim, relax and escape into nature at the preserve.

Yet in 2019 and 2020, high water levels and intense wave action in Lake Michigan caused the preserve’s entire beach to erode. As a result, the lower section of the staircase built in 2006 to provide safe, low-impact access to the shore was severely damaged and had to be removed.

While the move was necessary to keep trail users safe and prevent further harm to the infrastructure, would-be beach goers have since been discouraged from accessing the lakeshore and a portion of the dune’s sensitive habitat has been vulnerable to off-trail use.

Fans of the preserve will soon rejoice as a project commences to restore access to the shoreline while protecting the preserve’s critical coastal habitat. Fundraising for the project, which includes revamping sections of the trail system and ongoing stewardship work at the preserve, was expedited thanks to a neighborhood effort spearheaded by Braun and McVeigh.

While they live and work in Indianapolis, the couple escape to their home neighboring the Green Point Dunes preserve as often as possible.

“We are big hikers, bikers, and runners and spend a lot of time outside,” McVeigh said. “So, when we heard about the fundraiser, we decided we should make a significant contribution to recognize the joy we've received from using the preserve.”

The project, which has a $103,000 price tag, caught their attention after they had been hiking at the preserve and wondered when the staircase would be repaired. They contacted GTRLC’s Director of Development Marissa Duque, who explained that the Conservancy hadn’t yet launched the project’s fundraising campaign, but talks were happening behind the scenes.

“We like to use our charitable giving in places that can really make an impact, and we tend to look for local things that will matter,” said McVeigh. “The high water was devastating in a lot of ways, and this is a place where you can access this incredible beauty, but many people couldn’t and shouldn’t do the scramble at the last part of the stairs.”

After brainstorming how they could make the most of a charitable gift, Braun and McVeigh pledged to contribute $50,000 as a dollar-for-dollar matching challenge grant. Not only that–the couple took it upon themselves to reach out to their neighbors about supporting the project.

“We were just thinking about how to kickstart the project,” McVeigh explained. “I’ve always been intrigued by people doing things to get others to give more. We talked as a family and decided this is something we might be able to do to help get the whole thing done.”

In addition to reaching out to the neighborhood on the Conservancy's behalf, she also suggested placing signage at the trailhead about the matching challenge to garner the support of anyone who uses the trail. “It’s for the good of anybody who wants to use that trail,” she said.

Once the wheels were set in motion, it was only a matter of weeks before the matching challenge was met. Thanks to their initiative, the project was fully funded in early 2023.

“The matching challenge was incredibly successful,” said Duque. “Thanks to Amy and Jeff and all those who contributed to this project, we quickly raised the dollars needed to move this project forward.”

With funding in hand and the lake’s water levels receding, reconstruction of the staircase’s damaged section is slated to begin this spring.

Considering the lake’s history and propensity for future water level fluctuations, the staircase’s components were carefully selected to provide a safe, high-quality structure that will last approximately 30 years. The new staircase balances weather resistance, longevity, and cost-effectiveness by using treated lumber and concrete piers to keep the wood elevated and dry. It will also feature taller guardrails and handrails that meet the current standards for construction.

Given the preserve’s popularity and steep landscape, certain portions of the trail have eroded over time. While plans are preliminary, a more sustainable and navigable trail system is being designed to address problems with erosion. Initial designs call for rerouting some of the steepest parts of the trail, such as the first intersection and the southern section that leads to the beach.

GTRLC will again partner with a SEEDS crew, who will handbuild earthen steps to protect the preserve’s fragile habitats with as little disturbance as possible. This part of the project adds to a long list of meaningful work through which GTRLC has partnered with SEEDS to employ a team of at-risk youth. Though a specific timeline hasn't been nailed down yet, the trail work could begin as early as the late summer.

For a current list of GTRLC’s active projects, visit us at gtrlc.org. To learn more about supporting a project or how you can help, contact Marissa Duque at mduque@gtrlc.org or call (231) 929.7911.

Fostering a Love for the Land

NEW TRAILS AND INFRASTRUCTURE BOOST RECREATION

AT LOWER WOODCOCK LAKE NATURE PRESERVE

It was a windy, rainy day in October–the kind that makes you want to curl up in the comfort of your home and watch the leaves fall. But with rifle hunting season and winter approaching, a group of volunteers and Conservancy staff members bore the brunt of the elements to finish building a new trail at the Lower Woodcock Lake Nature Preserve.

The workday was the last in a series of 14 volunteer events throughout the summer and fall of 2022, where dozens of volunteers helped hand-build a new 1.5-mile loop trail that encircles the preserve’s namesake lake.

Lower Woodcock Lake, a pristine, undeveloped 22-acre lake surrounded by healthy forests, is unquestionably the nature preserve’s most impressive feature. Yet this ecologically significant property also contains a half-mile of frontage on the Platte River and a variety of habitats that support diverse wildlife.

Protected through the Campaign for Generations for its exceptional conservation value, the Lower Woodcock Lake Nature Preserve opened to the public in early 2020. At the time, hiking opportunities were limited to a short 0.8-mile

“lollipop loop” through hardwood forests down to the lake, a trail that was constructed with the help of a SEEDS crew and local boy scouts.

As interest grew in the property, it soon became apparent that the preserve’s proximity to Lake Ann and unique natural features made it an attractive destination for outdoor recreation throughout the year. Already, neighbors in the area had been using unmarked trails around the lake for hiking and cross-country skiing.

“We realized people would continue using the property for recreation, so we wanted to figure out how to protect the property’s sensitive features while allowing people to enjoy all the beautiful natural elements out there,” said Selewski. “And then, of course, it really came down to funding.”

With the help of generous supporters, GTRLC launched a multi-phase project to improve recreational access at the preserve. The Conservancy hoped these improvements would offer visitors a chance to better engage with this special property and foster an appreciation for its natural features while protecting the sensitive qualities that make it so remarkable.

In 2021, the trail system was expanded with the help of volunteers, who constructed a second 1.6-mile loop through the beautiful, healthy forests in the southern section of the preserve. The following year, in addition to the loop trail around the lake, the project’s third and final phase installed a footbridge, a floating dock for fishing access and launching kayaks and canoes, and an additional parking area that offers more convenient access to the lake.

“Our volunteers are worth their weight in gold,” said Land Stewardship Specialist Cody Selewski. “We wouldn’t have completed the trail this season without them.”

While the preserve’s trail system offers beautiful views and is enjoyable year-round, a portion of the loop around the lake will be closed from April 15 to July 15 to protect nesting raptors. “During that time, Red-shouldered hawks (pictured, right) are very susceptible to noise and disturbance, and they typically nest in habitat similar to what is found at Lower Woodcock Lake,” Selewksi explained. “As a protected area, the preserve’s lack of noise and infrastructure allows these animals to nest and brood successfully, so it’s critical to close off this portion of the trail at that time.”

Selewski also emphasized how the new infrastructure will help protect sensitive natural features in and around the lake. “The way we designed the floating dock creates a way for people to limit their impact while still experiencing the preserve,” said Selewski. For instance, canoeists and kayakers can now access the lake with their watercraft without disturbing sensitive species that grow along the shoreline, like the James’ monkey flower and other wetland plants.

An avid angler, Selewski sees the floating dock as a great place to fish for species like bluegill, bass, and northern pike. With multiple biological surveys having shown the lake to be mostly devoid of troublesome invasive species and home to numerous native plants and animals, he stressed the important role people play in keeping the lake pristine. “For anyone who accesses the lake, it’s critical to clean, drain, and dry your kayaks, canoes, and other equipment–including waders–to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species,” he said. “The fact that we have protected the entire lake is huge. The lake may be small, but it is pristine. If we can keep it that way, that would be a big deal.”

For more information about the Lower Woodcock Lake Nature Preserve, visit gtrlc.org.