2013 Year in Review
Michigan Nature Association
“MNA has grown in numbers and in influence steadily since its beginning. I’m particularly excited about the changes I’ve seen in the last year.” Alice Tomboulian, MNA member since 1965
Building and Nurturing a Lasting Legacy This year was the 40th anniversary of the founding of MNA’s Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary, perhaps the most iconic sanctuary among MNA’s statewide network of more than 170 protected areas. Four decades ago, people across Michigan rallied behind MNA’s effort to protect one of Michigan’s largest remaining stands of old growth white pine forest. Their historic efforts continue to inspire people today, and the 40th anniversary drew warm praise from many, including local Keweenaw residents, visitors from across the country, and the Governor of Michigan. Garret Johnson Executive Director
As Charlie Eshbach pointed out at this year’s Volunteer and Donor Recognition Dinner, the pioneering effort to protect Estivant Pines was a watershed moment for the conservation movement in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Today a number of groups are working to protect lands throughout the Keweenaw, and MNA’s role has evolved from pioneer to partner. Our efforts to protect Brockway Mountain are a perfect example. In southern Michigan, the Brewer family’s remarkably generous donation of land and stewardship funds was another highlight this year. Such generosity always merits special recognition, but given that Dr. Richard Brewer is the nationally recognized author of Conservancy: The Land Trust Movement in America, the Brewer family’s confidence in entrusting MNA with their family legacy is a very special honor indeed. These are just a few of the stories you will find in our 2013 Year in Review. There are many others that could have been included. MNA is making exciting progress, but, as always, there are challenges ahead. The continued support of our members, donors and volunteers is what makes it all possible. Thank you for all you do for MNA, and for Michigan.
< Reflections at Lost Lake Nature Sanctuary. Photo by John Behnke.
“The Michigan Nature Association’s effort to protect the old growth forest at Estivant Pines is one of the storied chapters in our state’s environmental history.” Gov. Rick Snyder
Saving Michigan’s Natural Treasures
Celebrating 40 Years of Protecting Estivant Pines Forty years ago, MNA answered the call to save Michigan’s largest remaining old-growth white pine forest. The first public outcry against the logging of the 300-year-old trees at the sanctuary was in April of 1970, when Copper Country native Lauri Leskinen composed an article in Houghton’s Daily Mining Gazette to inform the public about the issue. Local citizens and MNA banded together to save the pines. A “Save the Estivant Pines” committee was formed, co-chaired by Charlie Eshbach and Jim Rooks. In 1970, MNA launched a three-year fundraising campaign in hopes of purchasing 200 acres of Estivant Pines. Concerned citizens from around the state of Michigan helped MNA generate the funds to acquire the land. On August 17, 1973, after many negotiation attempts, MNA received the deed to the land, marking the founding of Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary. In the 40 years that followed this initial acquisition, MNA has expanded the sanctuary to 510 acres. Today, dedicated staff and volunteers work regularly at the sanctuary to continue to protect the old growth forest attributes in this everchanging landscape. People from around the country travel to the Keweenaw Peninsula to see this living museum.
< Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary. Photo by Gary E. Hattis.
“I traveled 1,200 miles to experience many of MNA’s wonderful sanctuaries in the Keweenaw Peninsula to celebrate my 70th birthday. No present could have been more enjoyed or awe-inspiring than the Estivant Pines.” MNA member email September 17, 2013
“The work MNA has done is simply irreplaceable.” Dave Dempsey, author Ruin and Recovery: Michigan’s Rise as a Conservation Leader
Creating a Geography of Hope
Strengthening MNA’s Sanctuaries
Brewer Woods Nature Sanctuary Located in Kalamazoo County, Brewer Woods Nature Sanctuary consists of 41 acres of high-quality southern mesic forest. The land was purchased by Dr. Richard Brewer 41 years ago specifically for protection and study. He and his wife Kay T. Takahashi have ensured that Brewer Woods will be protected in perpetuity by donating both the land and the funds necessary for its stewardship to MNA.
Hidden Oaks Nature Sanctuary Also protected with the help of a federal grant through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act, Hidden Oaks Nature Sanctuary is almost entirely wetlands. It provides important natural services to the environment, including protecting the area’s water quality, providing floodwater storage during periods of high water, and is an important source of wildlife habitat.
< Lakeville Swamp Nature Sanctuary. Photo by John Behnke.
© Al Menk
Great Bear Swamp Nature Sanctuary MNA protected Great Bear Swamp Nature Sanctuary with the help of a federal grant through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. This 40-acre protected area in Van Buren County is composed of forested wetlands, where seasonal flooding provides habitat for amphibians and the swamp forest provides habitat for songbirds, woodpeckers, and wood ducks.
© Matt Schultz
Karner Blue Nature Sanctuary In Newaygo County, MNA acquired an addition to Karner Blue Nature Sanctuary. The 15-acre addition along the southwest corner of the sanctuary will help to further protect the Karner blue butterfly, cedar swamp wetlands, and many other plant and animal species.
© MNA Archives
Brockway Mountain In 2013, MNA finalized an option to purchase 77 acres of land adjacent to the 160-acre James H. Klipfel Memorial Nature Sanctuary along the Keweenaw Peninsula’s famed Brockway Mountain Drive. If MNA is able to complete the option, it would bring the combined total protected area around Brockway Mountain’s summit to 557 acres. In order to exercise the purchase option, MNA needs to raise sufficient funds by December 24, 2014 to purchase and protect the land forever.
2013 in Numbers
168
completed volunteer work days
67
hikes, kayak trips, ski trips, photo tours, and wildflower walkabouts
13
controlled burns conducted at 11 sanctuaries
63
sanctuaries with invasive species control projects
8
completed stewardship grants
8
partners conducting research within MNA sanctuaries
Restoration and Renewal
Being Good Stewards of the Land Michigan’s landscapes are constantly threatened by development and fragmentation. As these areas are increasingly threatened, MNA continues to protect and restore environmentally sensitive natural areas in order to protect Michigan’s unique natural heritage. Some highlights of MNA’s stewardship work in 2013 include: • Burning three prescribed fire units, totaling 45 acres, at MNA’s Karner Blue Nature Sanctuary and Newaygo Prairie Nature Sanctuary, both in Newaygo County. • Removing more than a dozen acres of autumn olive and planting native tree seedlings to expand the southern hardwood forest for reptiles and migratory birds at Sarah Jane’s Nature Sanctuary in Hillsdale County. • Conducting rare species surveys across Michigan, discovering or confirming a number of rare, threatened and endangered species present at MNA sanctuaries.
< Burning the Newaygo Prairie. Photo by Patricia Pennell.
3,858
hours worked by MNA volunteers in 2013, including volunteer workdays
â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Michigan Nature Association is not well known outside of Michigan but ought to be. A case can be made that it is the purest land trust of them all....It [seeks out] rare, threatened and endangered species and communities. Then it buys the land that holds them.â&#x20AC;? Dr. Richard Brewer, author Conservancy: The Land Trust Movement in America
Protecting Michigan for Future Generations
Focusing on the Mission Twenty years before Congress passed the Endangered Species Act, the founders of MNA recognized the need to protect Michigan’s rarest and most vulnerable species and natural communities. Today, the foresight of MNA’s founding generation is recognized by all. More than six decades later, MNA continues to focus on that important mission. Earlier this year, MNA members gathered for the 2013 Annual Meeting heard Bill Rapai, author of The Kirtland’s Warbler: The Story of a Bird’s Fight Against Extinction and the People Who Saved It, describe the remarkable recovery of the Kirtland’s warbler, North America’s rarest warbler. The protections of the Endangered Species Act and the work of the Kirtland’s Warbler Recovery Team were instrumental in the species’ success today. Unfortunately, far more species are being added to the list of those endangered than those recovered enough to be removed. That is why the work MNA does protecting critical habitat for rare, threatened and endangered species is so important. And with dwindling public funds available for land protection, MNA’s mission and methods are more relevant than ever before.
< Trillium Ravine Nature Sanctuary. Photo by Alan L. Jones.
The Kirtland’s warbler. Photo by Cindy Mead.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Making a Real Difference Each fall, supporters and friends of the Michigan Nature Association gather to honor the special people who make a difference in protecting Michigan’s natural heritage. This year, MNA was pleased to honor Charlie Eshbach, recipient of the Mason and Melvin Schafer Distinguished Service Award. Charlie was instrumental in helping MNA save the Estivant Pines, serving as co-chair of the “Save the Estivant Pines” committee in 1970 and helping coordinate a three-year fundraising campaign to purchase 200 acres of the pines. Charlie and other members of the committee faced setback after setback during negotiations to save these 300-year-old pines, but they never backed down. Dedicated MNA supporters like Charlie will leave a lasting legacy on the landscape of Michigan. Charlie Eshbach
2013 Volunteer Award Winners Volunteer of the Year Awards Bill McEachern Barbara Mead Peter and Jill Pietila Michael Roys
Mason and Melvin Schafer Distinguished Service Award Charles Eshbach
Richard W. Holzman Awards Stephen M. Kelley Stanley Hugh Kuchta
< Clockwise from top left: Participants on the 2013 Fall Adventure including service dog Bo (Marianne Glosenger); Katherine Hollins leads a young nature enthusiast (Angie Adamec); Building a boardwalk at Estivant Pines (Marianne Glosenger); MTU’s chapter of Delta Sigma Phi makes a difference at Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary (Nancy Leonard).
A Statewide Impact 20 21
MNA would like to thank the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, the J.A. Woollam Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, the Leuthold Family Foundation, and our hundreds of dedicated stewards and volunteers for their assistance in 2013. Without their support, many of these projects would not have been possible.
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25
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1. Butternut Creek Fen Management
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Invasive species and woody encroachment were managed within the prairie fen to benefit rare plants, reptiles and insects found in the sanctuary. Funding was provided by a DNR grant.
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2. Phillips Family Nature Sanctuary
MNA rededicated the Hamilton Township Coastal Plain Marsh Nature Sanctuary in honor of Jerry Phillips. Jerry was a longtime MNA member who passed away in 2013, leaving a remarkably generous gift to MNA.
3. Great Bear Swamp Nature Sanctuary
MNA acquired this new 40-acre sanctuary in Van Buren County composed of forested wetlands and a bog-like lake margin, providing habitat for songbirds, woodpeckers, and wood ducks. Blue-eyed Mary. Photo by Alan L. Jones.
4. Paw Paw Wetland Mitigation
MNA completed a wetland mitigation project in partnership with DEQ to protect a 17-acre tract of southern hardwood swamp.
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1
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3 2
4 5
11
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5. Hidden Oaks Nature Sanctuary
This spring, MNA acquired this new 42acre property in St. Joseph County. The sanctuary helps protect the water quality of the Flowerfield Creek and protects important wildlife habitat.
6. Five Lakes Muskegon Addition
MNA acquired a 25-acre addition to Five Lakes Muskegon Nature Sanctuary.
7. Newaygo Prairie Management
A prescribed burn was conducted during the summer and woody growth encroaching into the prairie was managed. Youth education in partnership with Summer Journeys was incorporated into management efforts.
8. Karner Blue Sanctuary Addition
Through partnerships, MNA added a 15-acre addition to Karner Blue Nature Sanctuary, further protecting the Karner blue butterfly and wetlands along the Muskegon River. Funding also assisted with a 25-acre prescribed burn and removal of woody plants encroaching into the prairie.
9. Sand Creek Prairie Burn
A prescribed burn was conducted in the sanctuary in the spring and a Wildflower Walkabout hike observed the resulting flora in August. Research on the Hill’s thistle population and genetics continues.
10. Sarah Jane’s Reforestation
Through a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grant, 14 acres of autumn olive were removed and followed up with the planting of tree seedlings to establish a southern hardwood forest for reptiles and migratory birds.
11. Goose Creek Grasslands Management
Invasive species management and two prescribed burns were conducted at the sanctuary with funding provided by the DNR.
12. Dauner Martin Outreach Programs
This fall, MNA launched the Friends of Dauner Martin program, appointing volunteer ambassadors to help monitor the sanctuary and assist with management projects. An eagle scout also completed a new boardwalk at the sanctuary.
13. Big Valley Nature Sanctuary Burn
A prescribed burn was conducted in the oak barrens and prairie fen, and followed up with additional invasive species management. Funding was provided by the DNR.
14. Timberland Swamp Phragmites Management
MNA completed phragmites management in the swamp in partnership with Huron Clinton Metroparks.
15. Newnan Tree Planting Efforts
Staff, volunteers and youths spent a fall day planting trees at the Edna S. Newnan Nature Sanctuary over the course of four hours. Over 40 acres of invasive brush removal was also completed at the sanctuary.
16. Saginaw Wetlands Management
MNA continued efforts to prevent phragmites from invading the lakeplain prairie, including prescribed burns.
17. Lost Lake Adventure Hike
Steward Paul Messing led an exciting off-trail hike to see spring wildflowers in the cedar swamp, a quaking mat, and a streamside marsh. Hikers enjoyed a unique display of wildflowers.
18. Mystery Valley Karst Preserve and Nature Sanctuary
MNA partnered with the Michigan Karst Conservancy to host several volunteer workdays at the sanctuary.
19. Robert T. Brown Bryophyte Hike
This fall, more than 60 people participated in a hike led by researcher Dr. Janice Glime. The group learned about mosses, epiphytes, and leafy liverworts and had the opportunity to study species at the sanctuary.
20. Brockway Mountain Cell Phone Tower
MNA was part of a community partnership effort to prevent the construction of a cell phone tower on Brockway Mountain. This effort will help protect migratory raptors and other birds funneled into this corridor annually.
21. Protecting Brockway Mountain
MNA secured a two year option to purchase a 77-acre parcel at Brockway Mountain, adjacent to James H. Klipfel Memorial Nature Sanctuary.
22. Echo Lake Fall Fest
MNA, The Nature Conservancy, and Moosewood Nature Center joined together to host a family-friendly fall celebration at Echo Lake. Hikes, nature-themed games, and activities were offered for guests of all ages.
23. Swamp Lakes Fire Ecology Hike
MNA led hikes through Swamp Lakes Moose Refuge to survey areas affected by the 2012 Duck Lake Wildfire and witness the forest’s recovery a year later.
24. Lakeside Daisy Efforts
MNA continued efforts to establish the reserve population of the lakeside daisy in the eastern Upper Peninsula. The reserve population appears to have the potential to be self-sustaining, having established survival year-to-year and exhibited selfpropagation.
25. Roach Point BioBlitz
In June, MNA hosted the first BioBlitz at the Schafer Family Nature Sanctuary at Roach Point, MNA’s largest sanctuary. A team of naturalists, scientists and volunteers spent 24 hours in the sanctuary, documenting as many different species of organisms as possible.
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, 2012 and October 31, 2013; any name not included was done so unintentionally and we apologize for the omission.
Small white ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s slipper. Photo by Aaron Strouse.
$10,000 and up
Dr. Richard Brewer and Kay T. Takahashi Genevieve Casey Stan and Betsy Dole Frank Holly Addison and Debby Igleheart Hildegard Wintergerst Trust Anonymous Donors (4)
$1,000 to $9,999 Doris Applebaum Jean Burnett Clannad Foundation Joseph and Sue Colucci Arnold Boezaart William Cooke Elizabeth Dapson Darcy and David Dye Fred Dye Federated Campaign Stewards Dr. James H. LoPrete Darlene Getz Jerry and Becky Gray Rex Guelde Heart of the Lakes Highfield Foundation Anna Holden Clifford and Shirley Johnson Jerry Jung Kurt and Maura Jung
Stephen Kelley and Mary Catherine Rentz Scott Klus Anna Paulina Foundation Douglas and Celeste LaBar Land Trust Alliance Lawrence and Judith Larson Bruce and Patricia Loughry Robert and Marion Martin Bill McEachern Annemary Meeter Trust Paul and Jill Messing Frank and Nancy Moore Noel Moore Janet A. Morosco Evan and Sue Noyes Drew and Karen Peslar Gary Pomeroy Don and Carolyn Reed Marie Remer Ken Ross Judith Royer RRES Wixom Village Susan and Fred Schultz Chip and Nancy Sestok David and Jeannette Sharpe Stuart Smith Martin Tatuch James Timmons Paul and Alice Tomboulian Ruth Vail Janet Jung Victor
Thank You to Our Supporters Shannon Weigant Marshall and Karen Weingarden Ted Zahrfeld Cathleen Zepelin Anonymous Donors (4)
$500 to $999
Kathie Albright and Mike Berst Alec and Judy Allen Dr. David Baker Lisa Bartlett Kim Beal and Gladys Chrostek-Beal Jim Bergman and Penny Hommel Greg and Linda Bodker David and Sharon Brooks Carolyn and Kerry Bush John and Patricia Case Judith Kay Chase David and Judith Clark Community Foundation for Southeast MI George Covington Melvin and Mary Ann Czechowski Robert and Linda DeLap Eckhart and Helen Dersch Donald and Christine Diehl Timothy and Irene Eiseman Edward and Zuni Elsner and Family Dorothy Louise Fisher Susan Frazier Global Impact
Richard and Marianne Glosenger Mark and Lisa Graf Susan Gronemeier Kenneth and Cathy Hart Bonita and Jim Hay Doug and Marie Holem IBM International Foundation Nora Iversen and John Talbot Jean Kegler Ginger Kettelson Keweenaw Family Foundation Ken and Marlena Kirton Mary Klesner Laura J. Trudeau David Lanigan Steven Lanigan Gisela Lendle King Marguerite Lentz David Lindberg Bernard Link Barry and Karen Ludwig Scott MacLean Colleen Matula Paul and Susan McEwen James Mihelcic & Karen Curry Moran Patrick and Christine Muldoon Sarah W. Newman Charles and Sun Ok Pearson Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Michael Philip Alan and Lauren Rackov
Tony and Susan Reznicek Mike, Amy, and Paige Rohda Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Ken Shaw Robert N. Sheap Dick and Posy Shuster Steve Tomashefsky and Rebecca Sive Donald and Karen Stearns Teresa Strzalkowski Doris Sutherland Richard Thompson Kyle Troyer Robert and Helen Van Eck Brian and Joan Wake George Wickstrom Chris Wise David and Joanne Wood Stan and Kathy Zasuwa Anonymous Donors (6)
$100 to $499
Niki and Hasseb Abdou Susan and Keith Abentrod Robert Alexander Leon and Beverly Anibal Lisa Appel Walter and Mary Louise Arnold AT&T United Way Thomas and Linda Baes Thomas Bailey
Phil and Robin Baither Beverly Baker Steve and Sue Baker Gary Barber and Penelope Greiling Phyllis Barents James and Corrine Bartel Clifford and Isabel Bath James Bauer David Baur and Bernice Natoli Pat and Ronald Beechem Jonathon Beeton Diane Bennett Dan and Peggy Bennett Mike and Diane Bennett John and Rebecca Bercini Richard Berndt Janie Berner Mary A. Bielik William and Jan Bingham Julia Bishop Joan Bolt Rosemary and Jerry Borgen Stacy and Timothy Bosch Kristine Bradof Clara Bratton Betsy Briere Gerald and Marceline Bright Linda Brown and David Dupont Theodore and Audrey Brown Eleanor Brownell Elly Bunzendahl and Chris Edlin
Thank You to Our Supporters Barbara Burke and Martha Montgomery Jerome and Erin Burns Tony and Jane Burton James Buschmann and Shirley Sampier Cathy and David Butts Marilyn A. Case Susan Case and Blair Miller Joan Schumaker Chadde Philip Chamberlain Richard Chamberlain Christopher Chamberlin and Joanna Pease Dan Chandler Lucy Chargot Robert Christensen Michael and Terri Clark Thomas Clark Peter and Shari Clason Daniel and Suzanne Closner Lauren & Michael Clune Gene Colby Donna and Tom Cole Paulette Cole-Cooper Connable Constance Conrad John Copley and Jan Berry Copper Harbor Trails Club Patricia Cornett Gary Course and Jennifer Course Marjorie Cramer Cross Country Sports David Crossett Bill and Margie Darooge
Russ and Lorraine Davidson Catherine Davis Lillian Dean Wayne and Marjorie Dennis James and Yevgenya Derian Larry and Diane Detter Jeff and Jamie Diller Scott and Susan Donegan Nancy Duffy Mary Edgar Duane Ehresman Harry and Sara Eick Einerlei Harry and Irene Elkins Deborah Elliott George Ellis Ron Emaus and Jan Sovak Roger and Dagmar Eriksson Aunita Erskine Gene and Janet Fairchild James and Fran Falender Ted Fasing Karen Feaster and Jeffrey Goudie Liz and Sam Febba Finnish American Cultural Corporation Janet Cohen Fisher Dale and Ruth Fitch Lisa and Mark Fitzpatrick Michael Fitzpatrick and Sue Fortuna Gunther Fonken and Agnes Hughes Robert and Ruth Fountain Ray and Arlene Frodey
Frank Galante and Paula DeGregorio Fred Geis Janice G. Gerson Rachel Glick M.S.W., C.B.T. Lisa Goldstein and Stewart Prog Charles and Nancy Goodrich James Gother Judith and John Graham Ralph and Jeanne Graham Judith Grantz Greater Lansing Orchid Society Richard Greening Sue Greenlee and Geoff Hoyer Edward Groves and Heidi Grether David Gruenawald Susan Gumpper Diane Gunn James and Barbara Gusfa Chris and Tammy Hamilton William Hamilton and Susan Heathfield Nancy Hammond Kirk Harmon Linda and John Harris Virginia Hathorne John Hazewinkel John Heidtke Bruce Heleniak Hillsdale College Gretchen Hirsch Neil and Mary Hodges Alice and Gerald Honea David Howell
James and Jane Hoyle Olivia Hudson Luke and Laura Huelskamp Julie and Michael Hussar Keith Alan Huth Abdeen Jabara and Holly Maguigan Ken and Stephanie Jacobsen Frederick Jamsen David Jaworski Mark and Cheryl Jenness Bob and Ciari Johnson Robert Kachman Jacquelyn Kallunki Mary Karshner C.W. and Carol Kauffman Janet Kauffman Hal and Jeanette Keim Barbara Kelley Melville Kennedy Charles and Katie Kenney Terry Kinzel and Sue Ellen Kingsley Margaret Kirby John and Joanne Kleis Don Klotz, Jr. Leah Knapp John R. Knott Thomas and Judith Knox Marjorie Kohler Diane Krause Joe Kravetz Kroger Community Rewards Stan and Brenda Kuchta
Thank You to Our Supporters Ponon Kumar Julius Kusey Lori and Dennis Kutz Mark Lambert Evelyn Larson Glenn Latinen Larry Ledebur and Susan Whitelaw Don Leduc and Susan Coley Hans and Marilyn Lee Bill and Nancy Leonard Drs. Mark Leventer and Kathleen Anzicek Jesse Lincoln Thomas and Elaine Lovitt Jay and Beth Machielse Merry MacRae Erwin Madorsky Ralph and Marena Markel Karen Marsack Dirk and Theresa Matson Fred Matthaei Jr. Jane Maxted Edith Maynard and John Allen George and Nancy Maze Caroline McCollom JB McCombs and Grace Menzel James McEwan Barbara Mead Nelson and Catherine Meade James Mertens Barbara Metting Kenneth and Julia Meyer Michigan Farm and Garden
Susan Miller Tracy Miller John Mills David and Laureen Moody Michael and Eleonor Moore Margaret Ann Reed Moran Clay Morgan Robert and Mary Ellen Morrison James Munro Wayne Murphy Scott and Barbara Myckowiak Joe and June Nelson Jill Neuville Hal Newnan Gina Nicholas Glen Nichols Penny Nickle Mo Nielsen Catherine Niessink Ken and Emily Nietering Northwind Books Fred Oeflein Martha Oleski Myrtle and Charles Olien Shawn Opplinger Marian and Vincent Orihel Charles Otis Don and Nancy Pais Ronald and Mary Jo Paler Jeannine Palms and Dale Petty Nigel Paneth and Ellen Pollak Richard and Mary Paul
Jerry Phillips’ Lasting Legacy Longtime MNA member Jerry Phillips passed away in 2013. Wishing to ensure that natural areas remained protected for future generations, Jerry joined MNA’s Guardians of the Future society and included a remarkably generous gift to MNA as part of his estate planning. MNA has renamed the Hamilton Township Coastal Plain Marsh Nature Sanctuary to the Phillips Family Nature Sanctuary to honor his family’s commitment to the area. Jerry’s remarkable commitment to conservation will live on through his generosity.
Thank You to Our Supporters Constance Peltier Ralph and Rebecca Pernice Glenn and Ellen Peterson Rosemary Philip Peter and Jill Pietila Joe Pitlanish John Porter Martha Porter Stephen and Suzanne Price Ron and Helen Priest Michele and Louis Przybylski Rada Radebaugh Ward Randol, Jr. Vicki Rapp-Gabrielson and Dave Gabrielson Michael and Susan Raymond Blair Reamy Sandra and John Reed Dennis and Chris Reineke Clarence and Sharon Rickard Fran Rosen Bruce Rossman Jim and Pam Rossman Steven Rosswurm Joseph and Patricia Roti Roti Michael Roys and Barbara Hart Jessica Ryder Ruth Sablich Christine Samida and Michael MacGregor Kathy Schafer Edward Scharrer John Schlansker
Marcia Schlinger Manfred and Judith Schmidt Mark and Barb Schmidt Jessica Schoeffler Grayce Scholt Lynn Schram Edward and Carol Schrand Phyllis Schroeder Dr. Elizabeth Schultz Matthias Schultz and Anne Royer Marcia Schwarz Dennis and Patricia Schwerzler Lee Ann Scott Janice Selberg Jan and Jim Senneker Michael and Cynthia Sevilla David and Elvera Shappirio James Smith and Andrea Deagostino Eleanor Snyder Bill Spengler St. Clair County Earth Fair Jeff Stein Nancy Steiner Eric Stimpson Kay Stremler and Ron Sell Matt Swanson Scott Swinton and Sylvia Morse Donald Symons Ted and Laura Symons John and Mary Tanton Jim Tercha
Bruce and Illene Thal Scott and Linda Thomasma William and Lenora Thurston Robert Tomasik and Norman Horowitz Raymond and Esther Travis Paul and Barbara Trojan Tom and Laura Trudeau Paul and Catherine Tulikangas Craig Tylenda Thelma Ullrich Phyllis Valentine Jeanne Van Ochten Deborah and Ronald Van Proeyen Charles Vanacker Robert Vanderkamp Ken and Carol VanPatten Richard and Jo Ann Viinikainen Curt and Janet Vogel Robert Walter David Walters Andy and Julia Walz Scott Weaver Roger and Barbara Webster Jean Weirich Michael and Michelle Wenisch Paul and Janet Wenstrom Betty White Carolyn White Marshal Wied Wildtype Design, Native Plants & Seeds, LTD. Leslie Wilkey
David Williams Robert and Clarice Williams Hattie Wills Pat and Peggy Wolf Miriam Wright Andrea Zajac Walter Zarnoch Robert Ziel Joann Zobel Anonymous Donors (39)
Financial Summary Fiscal Year 2012-2013 This summary represents MNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s revenue and expenses for the fiscal year beginning March 1, 2012 and ending February 28, 2013, 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 FYE 2013 are available upon request.
Revenue Dues/Contributions
Unrestricted
Board Designated
Temporarily Restricted
400
3,050
422,874
Permanently Restricted Endowment
Permanently Restricted Land
Total 426,342
Bequests
190,000
Investment Income
103,497
88,882
192,379
15,000
229,357
244,357
(284,199)
(287,085)
24,698
34,204
Restricted Funds Received Designated/Restricted Funds Used
456,000
Other
52,160
Total
931,034
190,000
115,284
0
115,284
1,105,220
52,160 0
Expenses* Stewardship Education
328,762
328,762
35,731
35,713
Land Protection
199,838
199,838
Membership
217,647
217,467
Fundraising
67,160
67,160
Administration
81,182
81,182
Transfers
15,000
(266,283)
(252,681)
(11,234)
(33,201)
(548,399)
Total
945,320
(266,283)
(252,681)
(11,234)
(33,201)
381,921
Net increase
(14,286)
290,981
286,885
11,234
148,485
723,299
Net Assets 2012
315,766
3,126,005
536,070
2,138,418
10,317,508
16,433,767
Net Assets 2013
301,480
3,416,986
822,955
2,149,652
10,465,993
17,157,066
* 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 Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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.
Margaret Welsch President
Garret Johnson Executive Director
Aubrey Golden Vice President Steve Kelley Secretary Jerry Gray Treasurer Stan Kuchta Trustee at Large Lisa Appel Mary Ann Czechowski
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.
Stanley Dole
Allison Barszcz Outreach & Development Specialist
Debby Igleheart
Danielle Cooke Outreach & Development Specialist
Gisela Lendle King William D. McNaughton Paul Messing Don Reed David Sharpe
Natalie Kent-Norkowski Land Protection Technician Joelle Humes Accreditation Technician Cassie Stepanski Administrative Assistant
Ruth Vail Twin Waterfalls Memorial Plant Preserve. Photo by Jason Steel.
Back Cover Photography: Top row (from left): Volunteers pull spotted knapweed (Nancy Leonard); Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary (Jason Steel); Common yellowthorat warbler (Cindy Mead). Bottom row (from left): Silver bordered fritillary (Angie Adamec); Pale purple coneflower (Marilyn Keigley); Jackpine growth (Cindy Mead); Hikers at Robert T. Brown Plant Preserve (Nancy Leonard).
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. On the cover: Red Trillium (Jason Steel). Š 2013. Except where used with permission, entire contents copyright 2013 Michigan Nature Association.
“People care. That gives me hope for the future.” Charlie Eshbach, 2013 Mason and Melvin Schafer Distinguished Service Award recipient
© Cindy Mead
Michigan Nature Association 326 East Grand River Avenue Williamston, MI 48895 www.michigannature.org