Michigan Nature Association: 2012 Year in Review by Michigan Nature Association

Millmine Lake at George and Jessie Krum Memorial Plant Preserve. Photo by Joshua Chrisman

Michigan Nature Association

2012 Year in Review

Reflecting on a Very Special Year

Steve Kelley President

Garret Johnson Executive Director

For many, the holidays are a time to reflect on blessings and recent achievements. And so it is for MNA as we celebrate successes and good fortune and reflect on a very special 60th anniversary year. This year’s memorable moments included seeing young and old visitors experiencing our sanctuaries, whether it was older members steadfastly pushing ahead on the Fall Adventure or a young girl named Flora walking amongst 400-yearold trees at Estivant Pines. It is always inspiring to see people across generations experiencing the special places protected by MNA. Another one of the many memorable moments was the dedication of MNA’s newest nature sanctuary, as family and friends gathered to celebrate the Edna S. Newnan Nature Sanctuary in St. Clair County. This new 88-acre sanctuary is a lasting tribute to Edna’s love of nature. This year also featured Dave Wendling’s ambitious plan to visit each of MNA’s 20 Showcase Sanctuaries in celebration of MNA’s 60th anniversary. More than 180 people from across the state experienced some of the best of Michigan’s natural heritage. Many others joined MNA throughout the year for field trips, volunteer days, and special events. In fact, one of the highlights of 2012 was the enthusiastic participation of people at MNA events. We saw larger crowds than ever before at our Members’ Meeting, our Volunteer and Donor Recognition Dinner and field trips. People who care are at the center of everything MNA has accomplished over 60 years. In 2012, our dedicated volunteers contributed an amazing 4,456 hours to help MNA protect Michigan’s natural heritage. As MNA’s stewardship coordinator Andy Bacon says elsewhere in this report, our volunteers are truly unsung heroes. We also are extremely grateful to the J.A. Woollam Foundation for its “60 for 60 Challenge” grant, and for all of the support of individuals, foundations and corporations that help ensure MNA will thrive for years to come. Thank you for everything you do, in so many individual ways, to help build a brighter future for Michigan. Happy Holidays to you and yours. We look forward to another special year to come as we work together to further protect Michigan’s natural heritage.

◄ Trees at Estivant Pines. Photo by Marianne Glosenger

A Track Record of 60 Years of Success

Celebrating the Journey 2012 marked MNA’s 60th anniversary, an incredible milestone for a citizen-based conservation organization. To help celebrate the remarkable journey MNA has traveled over the course of the last six decades, MNA launched its 60th Anniversary Odyssey Tour, a series of special guided tours of some of MNA’s finest sanctuaries. More than 180 people participated in the Odyssey Tour, which spanned Michigan’s southern savannahs all the way to the breathtaking Keweenaw Peninsula. The Odyssey was the inspired idea of former MNA Trustee Dave Wendling who, with the help of long-time volunteer Tina Patterson, created this once-in-a-lifetime tour. The 20-sanctuary tour began on April 15 at Timberland Swamp Nature Sanctuary in Oakland County and concluded on September 30 at Black Creek Nature Sanctuary in the Keweenaw. The Odyssey was a terrific way to celebrate MNA’s proud history, including the group of spirited individuals who 60 years ago pioneered the protection of critical habitat for rare, threatened and endangered species in Michigan. ▲ Exploring a nature sanctuary in the early days of MNA.

“Visiting MNA’s sanctuaries, I couldn’t help but marvel at the amazing vision of the people who founded MNA sixty years ago.” Dave Wendling, MNA Odyssey Tour leader

◄ MNA Odyssey participants celebrate at the Schafer Family Nature Sanctuary at Roach Point. Photo by Marianne Glosenger

Saving Michigan’s Natural Treasures

A Geography of Hope The Michigan Nature Association’s members, donors and volunteers have built a remarkable network of more than 170 nature sanctuaries – the largest statewide network of natural areas established and maintained by a non-profit conservation organization in Michigan. Earlier this year, MNA celebrated the latest addition to its network of natural areas. The new sanctuary, which protects 87.9 acres of land in St. Clair County, was made possible through the generosity of Edna Newnan and her son Hal. Edna, a past president and long-time supporter of MNA, passed away in 2011 while she was in the process of donating her land to MNA. Her son Hal Newnan pursued his mother’s wishes to have the land maintained as wildlife habitat by donating the land to MNA, along with funds to implement invasive species control and restoration. MNA dedicated the sanctuary on June 1, with Hal Newnan leading a touching tribute to his mother’s legacy. The sanctuary features dogwoods, meadowsweet, mosses and knotweeds, and the forested area contains a number of vernal pools, providing ideal habitat for salamanders and other amphibians.

▲ Top: MNA’s network of more than 170 nature sanctuaries. Bottom: The 87.9-acre Edna S. Newnan Nature Sanctuary

“My mom had far reaching influence by way of her concerns…to protect and encourage wild places and biodiversity in Michigan.” Hal Newnan, as published in The Voice on June 22, 2012

◄ Top: Whiskey Harbor at dusk (Jason Steel). Left: Autumn at Lefglen Nature Sanctuary (John Bagley). Right: A view up into the trees at Estivant Pines (Kyle Rokos).

Measurable Results

140

completed volunteer work days

hikes, kayak trips, ski trips, photo tours, and bird watching days

controlled burns conducted at eight sanctuaries

sanctuary management plans completed

sanctuaries with invasive species control projects

completed trail accessibility projects

youth service projects

completed stewardship grants

partners conducting research within MNA sanctuaries

Being Good Stewards of the Land

Restoration and Renewal As Michigan’s landscapes change and more and more of our state’s natural areas become fragmented, MNA continues the work of restoration and renewal necessary to protect Michigan’s unique natural heritage. Highlights of our stewardship work in 2012 include: ●● Reforesting land adjacent to one of the finest examples of southern hardwood forest left in the Lower Peninsula, MNA’s Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary, where MNA planted 14,500 trees earlier this year with the help of a grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. ●● Working to protect Michigan’s rarest wildflower, the lakeside daisy, by successfully sustaining and expanding the only known naturally occurring population remaining in Michigan, found on an MNA nature sanctuary in the eastern Upper Peninsula. ●● Restoring habitat for rare, threatened and endangered species on MNA sanctuaries, like the Michigan monkey-flower, the Karner blue butterfly, the Massassauga rattlesnake, and other vulnerable species. MNA’s volunteers and stewardship staff have put in thousands of hours on these and other exciting projects.

hours worked by MNA volunteers in 2012, including volunteer work days

“The local volunteers who make up our stewardship team are the unsung heroes of MNA.” Andrew Bacon, Stewardship Coordinator

◄ Volunteer Kali Bird cuts buckthorn at Columbia Nature Sanctuary in Jackson County. Photo by Matt Schultz

4,456

Working Together to Build a Brighter Future

Meeting the Challenges Ahead The Michigan Nature Association’s 60-year history of conservation success provides us with a strong foundation as we prepare to meet the challenges of conservation in the 21st century. Earlier this year, MNA began what will be a multi-year, multi-stakeholder effort to draft a comprehensive strategic conservation plan. By identifying the critical areas in Michigan where MNA’s help protecting rare, threatened and endangered species is needed most, we will be creating a blueprint for our conservation work for years to come. This effort will be especially important as we face increased threats from habitat destruction, invasive species, hydrological alterations and climate change. We have also committed ourselves to meeting the highest national standards for land trusts in all that we do. Earlier this year, MNA registered to apply for independent, third-party accreditation through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. This is an enormous commitment, given our long, complex history, and an enormous step in the evolution of MNA. By challenging ourselves to achieve accreditation, we are not so much seeking a seal of approval as we are ensuring that MNA will be an enduring institution for generations to come.

Preparing for MNA’s Next 60 Years

“In Michigan we have a land fragmentation issue…but fundamentally, the challenge is to reconnect people to nature.” Keith Creagh, Director Michigan Department of Natural Resources

◄ Trillium Recurvatum at Trillium Ravine Plant Preserve. Photo by Michael Seabrook

People Making a Difference

Volunteer of the Year Awards Paul Messing Mary Powell Carolyn Reed Clifford Welsch Christopher Keller*

Mason and Melvin Schafer Distinguished Service Awards Margaret Moran Ken Ross Dave Wendling

Richard W. Holzman Awards Debby Igleheart Karen Weingarden *Youth Volunteer of the Year

◄ Sharing technology and nature at Sharon Zahrfeld Memorial Nature Sanctuary. Photo by Angie Adamec

2012 Volunteer Award Winners

MNA relies on dedicated people from across the state to accomplish our goals, and MNA’s supporters include people from all walks of life, young and old — but all share a common vision and commitment. Each fall MNA supporters gather to celebrate the commitment of those who have made outstanding contributions to MNA’s success. The 2012 Volunteer and Donor Recognition Dinner celebrated contributions that spanned generations – from those whose history of support extends to the earliest days of the organization, to the next generation and the leaders of tomorrow. Perhaps Ken Ross, one those honored at the dinner, said it best: “Our endeavors are a manifestation of what we stand for, what we believe is important in life. They are part of a desperate race to save what we can of nature’s wild treasures… Our grandchildren, and countless others, will thank us for trying.”

A Legacy That Spans Generations

A Statewide Impact 1

MNA would like to thank the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the J.A. Woollam Foundation, the Leuthold Family Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, the Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy, and our hundreds of dedicated stewards and volunteers for their assistance in 2012. Without their assistance, many of these projects would not have been impossible.

5 6

1. Brockway Mountain Cell Tower Efforts

President Steve Kelley sent a letter on behalf of MNA members asking the Keweenaw County Board of Commissioners to reconsider its decision to authorize the building of a 220-foot cell phone tower on Brockway Mountain.

2. Lightfoot Bay Cooperative Wetland Day

MNA co-hosted a special event with the Keweenaw Land Trust to celebrate and learn about the importance of coastal wetlands and the role of organizations like MNA and KLT in protecting them.

3. Protecting the Michigan Monkey-Flower

MNA conducted a federally-funded study of the impact of removal of sediment and accumulated biomass on a subpopulation of the Michigan monkey-flower at an Upper Peninsula sanctuary.

4. Lakeside Daisy Monitoring ▲ Volunteers stand on the newly-constructed bridge at Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary. Photo by Paul Messing

MNA set up a monitoring protocol for the lakeside daisy, Michigan’s rarest wildflower, at a nature sanctuary in the eastern Upper Peninsula.

9 8 11

12 13

23 21

14 15

18 17 16

5. Over One Ton of Trash Removed

At the Schafer Family Nature Sanctuary at Roach Point, more than one ton of trash was removed from the sanctuary’s new 259-acre addition.

6. Dune Restoration Efforts

With partners, MNA completed a dune restoration project at Lake Huron Sand Dunes Plant Preserve in Chippewa County.

7. Frost Pocket Plant Preserve

Volunteers teamed up to pull and manage spotted knapweed within the oak/pine barren community at the Otsego County plant preserve.

8. Scrap Tire Removal

Thanks to an MDEQ grant, MNA was able to remove more than 150 tires and other trash that had been dumped at the Five Lakes Muskegon Nature Sanctuary.

9. Summer Interns Assist With Projects

Throughout the summer, a team of interns completed projects at Newaygo Prairie Nature Sanctuary and Karner Blue Nature Sanctuary, including invasive species management, seed collection and fire break installation.

10. Kernan Memorial Accessibility

12. Sharon Zahrfeld Memorial

In May, the Save-It-Creek Nature Sanctuary in Genesee County was rededicated in memory of longtime MNA supporter Sharon Zahrfeld. The trail was also cleared and marked as part of an Eagle Scout project.

13. Bridge Repair Project

Volunteers worked to repair the deck and railing on the bridge at the Lyle and Mary Rizor Memorial Nature Sanctuary.

14. Big Valley Nature Sanctuary

MNA’s burn team completed a prescribed burn at the Oakland County sanctuary, and a partnership funded by an SOGL grant assisted with a black swallow-wort control project.

15. Phragmites Control Projects

MNA completed phragmites management projects at four Lower Peninsula nature sanctuaries, including Timberland Swamp Nature Sanctuary, in conjunction with Indian Springs Metropark staff.

A team of volunteers planned and constructed a new bridge at Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary in Huron County. A Boy Scout also re-established the trail at the sanctuary for his Eagle Scout project.

16. Educational Signs

11. Trail at A Looking Glass Sanctuary

17. Bridge Replacement

A new trail was completed in 2012, improving access to the popular A Looking Glass Sanctuary in Clinton County.

Educational sanctuary signs were designed and installed at the popular Wilcox-Warnes Nature Sanctuary in Macomb County by an Eagle Scout and his crew. An Eagle Scout and his crew rebuilt a dilapidated bridge at Trillium Trail Nature Sanctuary in St. Clair County.

18. Edna S. Newnan Nature Sanctuary

On June 1, MNA dedicated the new 87.9acre Edna S. Newnan Nature Sanctuary in St. Clair County.

19. Trail Improvements

The trails at Stephen M. Polovich Memorial Plant Preserve were connected into a loop, making it easier for visitors to navigate the sanctuary.

20. Ambitious Reforestation Project

In April, 14,500 native trees and shrubs were planted over 32 acres at Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary.

24. Americorps Project

Fourteen Americorps members assisted with garlic mustard control at Robert Powell Memorial Nature Sanctuary in Lenawee County.

25. Partnerships at Charlotte C. Evans Memorial

A partnership with The Nature Conservancy resulted in invasive species control projects benefiting the flatwoods and prairie communities found here.

21. Invasive Species Management

Through a grant partnership with several organizations, MNA conducts ongoing invasive species management projects at several sanctuaries, including Sauk Indian Trail Plant Preserve.

22. Restoration Projects at Sarah Jane’s Nature Sanctuary

Through a USFWS grant, a large wetland restoration and drain tile removal project was completed. This will be beneficial to amphibians and reptiles at the sanctuary.

23. Projects at Goose Creek Grasslands Nature Sanctuary

Several projects took place at Goose Creek Grasslands, including ongoing glossy buckthorn management, a prescribed burn, and the erection of a horse exclusion fence.

▲ Trustee Don Reed assists with a prescribed burn at Lefglen Nature Sanctuary.

Thank You to Our Supporters MNA receives generous support from thousands of individuals across the country. In addition to these financial gifts, MNA is extremely grateful for the contributed services and work of its many volunteers, whose names may not appear on these pages. Every gift to MNA makes a difference, and we thank each of our supporters for their dedication to saving Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural treasures. MNA is very appreciative of the contributions of each and every member, donor and volunteer. We have made every attempt to be accurate in our list, which includes donations made between November 1, 2011 and October 31, 2012; any name not included was done so unintentionally and we apologize for the omission.

$50,000 and up Addison and Debby Igleheart Leuthold Family Foundation Joan Senghas Hildegard Wintergerst Trust An Anonymous Donor

$10,000 to $49,999 Estate of Bertha Daubendiek Stan and Betsy Dole Edna S. Newnan Revocable Trust David and Jeannette Sharpe Ted Zahrfeld An Anonymous Donor

$1,000 to $9,999

â&#x2013;˛Whiskey Harbor on Lake Huron, taken at the Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary. Photo by Jason Steel

Doris Applebaum Dr. David Baker Clannad Foundation William Cooke Frank and Gertrude Dunlap Foundation Darcy and David Dye Fred Dye Earth Share of Michigan Dorothy Louise Fisher Jerry and Becky Gray Rex Guelde Anna Holden Steve and Ruth Ann Jones

Kurt and Maura Jung Scott Klus Stan and Brenda Kuchta Lawrence and Judith Larson Bernard Link Robert and Marion Martin Bill McEachern Annemary Meeter Trust Frank and Nancy Moore Noel Moore Janet A. Morosco Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Fr. David Neven Mo Nielsen Mr. and Mrs. Richard Norling Evan and Sue Noyes Anna Paulina Foundation Don and Carolyn Reed Anne Spencer Ruth Vail Janet Jung Victor Anonymous Donors (8)

$500 to $999

David Baker Jim Bergman and Penny Hommel Greg and Linda Bodker Community Foundation for Southeast MI Melvin and Mary Ann Czechowski Robert DeLap

Thank You to Our Supporters Donald and Christine Diehl Howard and Nedra Downing Federated Campaign Stewards Fellowship for Today Global Impact Charles and Nancy Goodrich Mark and Lisa Graf Nancy Hammond Patricia Huebner Keweenaw Community Foundation Judith King Terry Kinzel and Sue Ellen Kingsley Mary Klesner, D.O. Kresge Foundation Land Trust Alliance Gisela Lendle King Bruce and Patricia Loughry Darlene Lozuaway Sarah W. Newman Michael Philip Gary Pomeroy Alan and Lauren Rackov Mike, Amy and Paige Rohda Carol Schoener Susan and Fred Schultz Dick and Posy Shuster Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy Donald and Karen Stearns Doris Sutherland Steve Tomashefsky and Rebecca Sive Volkswagen of America

George Wickstrom Walter Zarnoch Stan and Kathy Zasuwa Anonymous Donors (4)

$100 to $499

Niki and Hasseb Abdou Susan and Keith Abentrod William and Angela Aldrich Alec and Judy Allen Edith Maynard and John Allen Garry Anderson Leon and Beverly Anibal Lisa Appel Walter and Dan Arnold AT&T United Way Ronald and Judy Backus Linda Baes Phil and Robin Baither Phyllis Barents Clifford O. Bath Jr. David Baur and Bernice Natoli Kim Beal and Gladys Chrostek-Beal Pat and Ronald Beechem Bekum America Corporation Diane Bennett Dan and Peggy Bennett Mike and Diane Bennett Carolyn Bertram Mary A. Bielik

â&#x2013;˛ A dragonfly at Sharon Zahrfeld Memorial Nature Sanctuary in Genesee County. Photo by John Heck

Ted Zahrfeldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Special Gift After his wife Sharon passed away, longtime MNA member and volunteer Ted Zahrfeld made a generous contribution to MNA in her honor, and in May, the Save-It-Creek Nature Sanctuary was rededicated as the Sharon Zahrfeld Memorial Nature Sanctuary in a touching ceremony. Located in Genesee County, the sanctuary is a tribute to a woman dedicated to her family, community, and nature.

Thank You to Our Supporters William and Jan Bingham Julia Bishop Ben Blazier Roberta Bolig Jim and Kathryn Booth Phillip and Mary Borkowski Stacy and Timothy Bosch Robert Bowden Jr. and Ann Fitzpatrick William and Angela Bowman Clara Bratton Sharon Brooks Linda Brown and David Dupont Theodore Brown Eleanor Brownell Richard Brozowski Elly Bunzendahl and Chris Edlin Gerald and Rose Burke Carolyn and Kerry Bush Paul and June Bush Cathy and David Butts Cafe of Life Fenton, LLC Adam Caflisch John and Patricia Case Marilyn A. Case Joan Schumaker Chadde Philip Chamberlain Richard Chamberlain Dan Chandler Melody Charlton Vicky Ann and David Chegash Peggy and Bruce Cheney Robert Christensen

Leslie Clark Michael and Terri Clark Thomas Clark Peter and Shari Clason Daniel and Suzanne Closner Gene Colby Joseph and Sue Colucci Constance Conrad Dennis and Susan Cox Marjorie Cramer Robert and Patricia Dailey Elizabeth Dapson Bill and Margie Darooge Catherine Davis Lillian Dean Larry and Diane Detter Jeff and Jamie Diller Joseph W. Dillon Maggie Ebrite Mary Edgar Terri Edick Duane Ehresman Harry and Sara Eick Deborah Elliott Ron Emaus and Jan Sovak Aunita Erskine Sandra Everill Gene and Janet Fairchild James and Fran Falender John and Anne Farmer Ted Fasing Liz and Sam Febba

Dale and Ruth Fitch Gunther Fonken and Agnes Hughes Robert and Ruth Fountain Stephen Fox Frank Galante and Paula DeGregorio Fred Geis Janice G. Gerson Richard and Marianne Glosenger Lisa Goldstein Virginia Gordan Gerald Goth Chris and Elaine Graham Judith and John Graham Sally Graham Judith Grantz Great Lake Photo LLC Greater Lansing Orchid Society Richard Greening James Grone Gayle Gullen Diane Gunn James and Barbara Gusfa Chris and Tammy Hamilton William Hamilton and Susan Heathfield Ann and James Hancock Dan Hardie and Alice McMahon Kirk Harmon Linda and John Harris Kenneth and Cathy Hart John Hazewinkel Cindy Heck Robert and Irene Heywood

Scott Hickman Neil and Mary Hodges Doug and Marie Holem Alice and Gerald Honea Julie and Michael Hussar Indian Village Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Garden Club A. Irwin Bruce and Marilyn Jacobson Frederick Jamsen Mark Jenness Jacquelyn Kallunki Mary Karshner Jean Kegler Hal and Jeanette Keim Ken and Marlena Kirton Don Klotz, Jr. Leah Knapp, D.V.M. Thomas and Judith Knox Marjorie Kohler Kenneth Kraft Diane Krause Joe Kravetz Jon and Nancy Kreple Kroger Community Rewards Elizabeth Lacey Jack and Nancy Lapinski Glenn Latinen Larry Ledebur and Susan Whitelaw Deb Ledford Hans and Marilyn Lee Marguerite Lentz Mary Leys

Thank You to Our Supporters Margaret Loewy Kirby Barry and Karen Ludwig Joann Lynch Jay and Beth Machielse Scott MacLean Mary Macrae Ralph and Marena Markel Ronald Massie Dirk and Theresa Matson Fred Matthaei Jr. Alex Mayer and Suzanne Van Dam Caroline McCollom JB McCombs and Grace Menzel Patricia McDonald Max McKee Barbara Mead Nelson and Catherine Meade James Mertens Jill and Paul Messing Maureen Michael Michigan Farm and Garden Foundation Michigan Restaurant Services, Inc. Eleanor Moore Margaret Ann Reed Moran Clay Morgan Patrick and Christine Muldoon James Munro Scott and Barbara Myckowiak John F. Ochs and Family Fred Oeflein Martha Oleski Artur and Ewa Ostrowski

Pak N’ Ship Nigel Paneth and Ellen Pollak Lu Parsons Bob and Tina Patterson Richard and Mary Paul Charles and Sun Ok Pearson Joanna Pease David Peirce and Diane Lagaipa Peirce Constance Peltier Ralph and Rebecca Pernice Glenn and Ellen Peterson Joyce and Joe Peterson Petoskey Community Foundation Dale Petty Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Rosemary Philip Joe Pitlanish Port Huron Garden Club John Porter Michele and Louis Przybylski Rada Radebaugh Arlene Rampson Ward Randol Jr. Blair Reamy John Reed Dennis and Chris Reineke Tony and Susan Reznicek Jeff Richards David and Yolanda Richter Clarence and Sharon Rickard Michael and Libby Robold Fran Rosen

▲ (From left): Bette Jean Wogen, Bertha Daubendiek, Louis Senghas, Thelma Sonnenberg, Irene Jasper, and Joan Senghas.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy Joan Senghas passed away at the age of 100 in September, leaving MNA a generous gift. Joan and her husband Louis were two of the original 13 founders of MNA. They first met Bertha Daubendiek when they responded to a letter published in the local newspaper asking wildlife enthusiasts to attend an upcoming meeting. Joan’s legacy will endure and her special gift will benefit Michigan’s natural areas for many years to come.

Thank You to Our Supporters Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Kenneth Rosenman Ken Ross Steven Rosswurm Joseph L. and Patricia Roti Roti Mike and Lisa Rozewski Jessica Ryder

Christine Samida and Michael MacGregor Edward Scharrer Manfred and Judith Schmidt Bill Schneider Lynn Schram Megan Schrauben Dr. Elizabeth Schultz Marcia Schwarz

â&#x2013;˛ Swamp milkweed blossom. Photo by Dan Sparks-Jackson

Lee Ann Scott Jan and Jim Senneker Michelle Serreyn David and Elvera Shappirio Ken Shaw Melanie Skavang Brad Slaughter Linnea Smith Mark Smith Pamela Smith Jeff Stein Nancy Steiner Paul and Aggie Steiner Teresa Strzalkowski Alexis Sullivan George Swenson III and Mary Knight Donald Symons Adam Szymczak Elinor Taylor Bruce and Illene Thal Brenda Thomas Scott and Linda Thomasma Richard Thompson Robert Tomasik and Norman Horowitz Jaclyn Tomaszewski Paul and Barbara Trojan Tom and Laura Trudeau Craig Tylenda Thelma Ullrich United Healthcare Services Diane Vale

Phyllis Valentine Doris Van Buskirk Deborah and Ronald Van Proeyen Van Buren County Master Gardener Robert Vanderkamp Jeanne VanOchten Richard and Jo Ann Viinikainen Curt and Janet Vogel Robert Walter Andy and Julia Walz Roger and Barbara Webster Sue Welch Bradley Weller Michael and Michelle Wenisch Betty White Carolyn White William and Linda Wichers Marshal Wied Daniel and Carol Wilcox Jeff Williams Robert and Clarice Williams Hattie Wills Pat and Peggy Wolf Ellen Wolkensperg David and Joanne Wood Yard and Garden Club of Flint Andrea Zajac Jodi Zayas Anonymous Donors (45)

Financial Summary Fiscal Year 2011-2012 This summary represents MNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s revenue and expenses for the fiscal year beginning March 1, 2011 and ending February 29, 2012, based on an audit prepared by the independent certified public accounting firm of Layton & Richardson, PC. Copies of the audit and the Form 990 Report to the Internal Revenue Service for 2011 are available upon request.

Revenue Dues/Contributions Bequests

Unrestricted

Board Designated

248,017

61,885

Permanently Restricted Endowment

Permanently Restricted Land

43,423

222,600

1,022,362

Investment Income

152,465

Gains Utilized

191,534 139,036

Other

39,866

Total

1,793,280

Total 575,925 1,022,362 152,465

13,740

Restricted Funds Received Restricted Funds Used

Temporarily Restricted

(23,315)

(58,507)

146,767

90,519

(115,721)

0 39,866

52,310

(83,709)

43,423

222,600

2,027,904

Expenses* Stewardship Education

341,579

25,686

Land Protection

139,915

Membership

155,455

Fundraising

70,865

Administration

49,546

Transfers

1,000,000

(912,533)

206,567

(54,322)

(87,467)

152,245

Total

1,783,046

(912,533)

206,567

(54,322)

(87,467)

935,291

10,234

964,843

(290,276)

97,745

310,067

1,092,613

Net increase Net Assets 2011

305,532

2,161,162

826,346

2,040,673

10,007,441

15,341,154

Net Assets 2012

315,766

3,126,005

536,070

2,138,418

10,317,508

16,433,767

* A negative expense, denoted by parentheses, represents an increase in the fund.

About Us Our Mission

Board of Trustees

Staff

The purpose of MNA is to acquire, protect and maintain natural areas that contain examples of Michigan’s endangered and threatened flora, fauna and other components of the natural environment, including habitat for fish, wildlife and plants of the state of Michigan and to carry on a program of natural history study and conservation education. To learn more, visit www.michigannature.org.

Steve Kelley

Garret M. Johnson

President

Margaret Welsch Vice President

Kurt Jung Secretary

Jerry Gray Treasurer

Aubrey Golden Trustee at Large

Lisa Appel Mary Ann Czechowski Stanley Dole Debby Igleheart Gisela Lendle King Stan Kuchta William D. McNaughton Fr. David Neven Don Reed David Sharpe Karen Weingarden

▲The Michigan monkey-flower. Photo by Al Menk

Executive Director

Paul Steiner

Operations Director

Andrew Bacon

Stewardship Coordinator

David Pizzuti

Land Protection Specialist

Adrienne Bozic

Regional Stewardship Organizer, U.P.

Katherine Hollins

Regional Stewardship Organizer, E.L.P.

Matt Schultz

Regional Stewardship Organizer, W.L.P.

Allison Barszcz

Outreach & Development Specialist

Johanna Swanson

Outreach & Development Specialist

Natalie Kent-Norkowski Land Protection Technician

Joelle Humes

Accreditation Technician

Mary Jo Allen

Administrative Assistant

Back Cover Photography: Top row (from left): Blue Bead Lily (Marilyn Keigley), Summer on the Pine River (Jason Steel), Dave Wendling at Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary (Tina Patterson). Bottom row (from left): Group at Grinnell Memorial Nature Sanctuary at Bare Bluff (Peter Pietila), Meadow Beauty (Aaron Strouse), Roots at Estivant Pines (Marilyn Keigley), Poweshiek Skipperling (David Cuthrell). All uncredited photography is taken from the MNA archives. Please direct questions about this publication to Outreach & Development Specialist Allison Barszcz by emailing abarszcz@michigannature.org or calling (866) 223-2231.

“MNA is protecting the soul of Michigan. You have a lot to be proud of and a lot to build on. We’re going to need you more and more each year.” Dave Dempsey, author

Ruin and Recovery: Michigan’s Rise as a Conservation Leader

Bare Bluff at Grinnell Memorial Nature Sanctuary. Photo by Kelly Ramstack