Little Traverse Conversancy Fall 2022 Newsletter

STEWARDSHIP: part of

As we continue to celebrate our 50th anniversary, it’s time to highlight our stewardship program. Inside these pages you will learn more about the history and evolution of our work to care for the land under our protective wing. I’ll point out that this is the future for LTC – taking care of an ever increasing portfolio of property. And while we do that, we want to make sure we are benefiting you, our community, by providing enhanced access when and where it is needed.

With over 100 miles of trails, much of our land has always been inviting. On the heels of our first mountain bike enhanced trail (check out the Tanton Family Working Forest Reserve just 10 miles east of Petoskey), we are planning another. We are also building a labyrinth complemented by a barrier free trail system at the Offield Family Viewlands. We have been working with partners to increase access for disabled hunters. Our staff has even more amazing plans in various stages of development: universally accessible trails and structures, a “leash free” preserve for dog owners, possibly even a dog park. We strive to continue with our philosophical approach of protecting land for people, not from people, all while increasing our commitment to preserving the resources that make this place so special. For decades we would joke that someday “we will all be in stewardship,” recognizing that our emphasis will tilt that way as our success in land protection continues to mount. This is a good place to point out the importance of a strong stewardship endowment, which we have, but which we also need to grow. The future is here, and with your continued support we are poised for what lies beyond. Thank you!

Mary

Josh

by

LOOKING BACK TO LOOK FORWARD Under Our Care

by Derek Shiels Director of Stewardship

Stewardship contains the root word “steward” from the Old English word “stigweard,” which breaks down to “stig,” which means “part of a house,” and “weard,” which means “to watch out for.” Put those together and a steward is a “house guardian.” Expand the concept of a “house” to the entire planet and all its inhabitants, add in the root word ending, “-ship,” which means, “quality and condition of being,” and “stewardship” describes LTC’s land care philosophy splendidly. The head of a household makes sure all beings and materials are cared for in that house (ideally) and that their state of being is safe, healthy, and positive and ensures they are in good condition. So too, our stewardship department strives to keep trails and infrastructure in good order, and we aim to “watch out for” and ensure all the lands under our care and the creatures utilizing those lands are in good

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evolution in the growth of the stewardship department to get to this point. The first land ownership responsibility of the newly formed Conservancy was to monitor and maintain the integrity of property boundaries. Of course this was handled by volunteers in the beginning, and while staff was brought on to protect land in the ‘80s, we needed to continue to rely on volunteers in that decade to monitor those protected lands, which had grown to 22 preserves and four conservation easements as the 1990s approached. By 1989 we had nine preserves with trails, constructed and maintained by volunteers. All of this was accomplished in large part thanks to the championing efforts of Marge May, who had chaired the Stewardship Committee and coordinated volunteers as a volunteer herself. (Continued on next page)

Above: Volunteers Jane Damschroder (left) and Marge May (right) led monitoring and Stewardship Committee efforts.

Below: Volunteers constructing the original Round Lake Nature Preserve viewing platform on Round Lake.

The capacity and need for a paid stewardship position came in 1991. Staff Patty O’Donnell, Pam Hogoboom and Chuck Robbins led stewardship work that year. Chuck was an environmental educator and much of the early stewardship work supported the educational aims of the Conservancy. The dedicated environmental education volunteers, such as Jane Damschroder, also took on monitoring and trail clearing roles. The 1990s would see a doubling in the number of preserves with trails and by 1995 Melissa Hansen was hired as the first person fully dedicated to stewardship - the department was initiated! This allowed for one of the first tree planting projects at the MacDonald Nature Preserve. Stewardship was still largely a hands-off approach back then, with most of Melissa’s time spent marking boundaries, monitoring preserves and easements, writing baseline reports and management plans, installing logo signs, and maintaining trails. At first Melissa worked from the back of her car, somehow fitting in shovels and 4x4s!

In the 2000s, stewardship assistants Kieran Fleming and Vic Lane were hired. Kieran eventually switched to land protection to accommodate the booming land protection efforts and Vic went to work for the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. LTC’s rate of acquiring land in this decade would greatly expand, but the responsibilities amassed up to that point did not go away! More staff were needed and Cindy Mom and Charles Dawley were hired. Charles’ technological skills greatly increased our GIS, GPS, and mapping capabilities.

In 2007 Doug Fuller was hired to be the Director of the Stewardship department when Melissa moved into

Above: Melissa Hansen (now Director of Conservation Easements) was hired in 1995 as the Conservancy’s first fulltime stewardship staff person.

Below left: Reb Ratliff, Cindy Mom, and Doug Fuller visiting new properties to create management plans.

Below middle: Vic Lane, Stewardship Technician, 2001-2003.

Below right: Conservation easement monitoring is a largely “unseen” stewardship responsibility that is mission centric. Jay Neff took on this role from 2011-2013.

the environmental education department. Reb Ratliff was a stewardship specialist for two years and seasonal staffing became a regular department need. James Dawley worked four consecutive summers as a technician. As staff grew so did the need for tools, power tools, a tractor, and a second truck. The number of conservation easements more than doubled by the end of this decade and the priority for the department remained on monitoring and maintenance with increased capacity for longer trail systems, such as the trails at the Offield Family Working Forest Reserve. The first invasive species management projects were initiated in this decade including removing spotted knapweed at the Kalman and Vermilion Point Nature Preserves to improve the habitats of these Great Lakes shorelines.

By 2010, with 29,150 acres to look after, the department needed to grow once again. Jay Neff took on stewardship roles and Cacia Lesh moved fully into the stewardship department as the first staff member dedicated to volunteer coordinatingour foundation was built by volunteers and volunteers have continued to be instrumental to our success through the decades. Mike Lynch was hired in 2012 and Derek Shiels in 2014.

A couple substantial shifts in the Conservancy’s stewardship activities occurred in this decade thanks to the increased staff capacity and continued volunteer support. One was the attention given to the ecological threats to the health of LTC lands, and the other was the active management of some of LTC’s forests. Our staff collaborated with other regional partners to establish the Charlevoix, Antrim, Kalkaska, and Emmet county (CAKE) Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) and we continue to partner with that entity as well as other CISMAs in our service area today. Way back in 1986, LTC acquired a property (the Sims-Moffat Nature Preserve) enrolled in the state of Michigan’s Commercial Forest Program (CFP) that mandates commercial timber harvests. Two additional preserves, Schulz and Offield Family, were also CFP lands, and after the acquisition of additional CFP lands in 2015, the stewardship department, under the guidance of the board of trustees and Executive Director Tom Bailey, launched the Working Forest Reserve program. Lands put into this management category could expect to have commercial timber harvests. These would be implemented for forest health and wildlife habitat goals, while also being able to participate in a long-standing part of our service area’s local economy. Again, our ability to excel in this arena was assisted by considerable volunteer support. One outstanding example is Glen Matthews, a retired wildlife biologist who consults with staff, reviews forest management plans, and has provided invaluable advice in the establishment of the forest management program. Towards the end of that decade, our foray into active management went further.

Above: Mike Lynch, hired in 2012, is still a core member of the stewardship crew.

Below: Cacia Lesh was hired in 2010 as LTC’s Administrative Coordinator and moved into her current role as LTC’s first Volunteer Coordinator in 2012.

The Jack and Tucker Harris Reserve, acquired in 2016, had a wide diversity of habitats that needed some tender loving care. This presented a new and complex stewardship challenge because natural systems are complex themselves, but the solution involved various ways of adding diversity (native trees, shrubs and wildflowers), removing threats (invasive species), and in some cases, altering the trajectory of a habitat (logging and fencing oak saplings to favor species that may do better in a hotter, drier, future landscape). When Nancy Waldron donated the Waldron Fen Nature Preserve in 2014, we inherited a native short-grass prairie planting. While “prairies” are not native, they do provide habitat for grassland-dependent birds. These habitats require regular maintenance to maintain their health and productivity. Which brings us to the present day!

In 2021, Amy Lipson became the first stewardship staff dedicated primarily to the ecological care and forestry programs of our department. Brad Von Blon has been a seasonal technician for four consecutive seasons bringing considerable taxonomic expertise to the team. Last year we conducted our first prescribed burn, and at the Offield Family Viewlands Working Forest Reserve we are embarking on returning natural areas to land that had been a golf course by planting thousands of trees and fields of native grasses and wildflowers. The increased staff capacity and support from our members is opening up new

opportunities to steward LTC owned lands. And with each new opportunity, we remain committed to our existing responsibilities. We continue to keep monitoring our boundaries and providing safe and enjoyable public access as top priorities. Our trail projects continue to expand in new ways, too. Have you been to the extensive boardwalk at the Duncan Bay Nature Preserve or visited the nature megaphone at the Boyd B. Banwell Nature Preserve? This year we are putting in a trail system at the Viewlands that will be more friendly to wheelchairs, strollers and those of us with mobility challenges. After 50 years of accumulating responsibility for the lands we have been entrusted with, the challenge is large, but we are in a good position to continue this exciting and rewarding work as stewardswhich may best be defined as wise, humble caretakers.

Below left: LTC’s first prescribed burn at the Jack and Tucker Harris Working Forest Reserve in Cheboygan County.

Below right: Charles Dawley, hired in 2004 to the stewardship crew, sits within the Nature Megaphone at the Boyd B. Banwell Nature Preserve. Brought to life by Charles, this was the first nature megaphone ever built in the United States.

Right above: Amy Lipson and volunteers planting trees at the Charles L. Wilson, Jr. Working Forest Reserve.

Right below: Brad Von Blon and Derek Shiels construct new trails at the Charles L. Wilson, Jr. Working Forest Reserve.

Above: LTC’s first ever mountain bike enhanced trails constructed in 2020 at the Tanton Family Working Forest Reserve.

Below: The extensive boardwalk trail system and lake overview platform at the Duncan Bay Nature Preserve in Cheboygan.

For Love of Land

RICHARD AND SADIE BARTOSIK NATURE PRESERVE

It is hard to imagine a deeper love than one grown from spending decades together on the same beautiful piece of land, living the life they dreamed of. Such was the case for Sadie and Richard Bartosik, who moved near Charlevoix in 1967, changing careers and homes, to invest in a special piece of land. And after first protecting 80 acres of that land in 2002 with a conservation easement, Sadie recently donated 107 acres surrounding their homestead to create the Richard and Sadie Bartosik Nature Preserve.

“I decided to donate it because I didn’t want to see it all turn to cement,” explained Sadie.

The young couple married in 1954, and it was during a vacation nearly 10 years later that a seed was planted: they wanted to live up north. Both Sadie and Richard had grown up with farming backgrounds and they felt the call to return to the land. While Richard worked seven days a week at General Motors, Sadie would take periodic camping trips to the area to see what was for sale. She recalls a local real estate agent taking her under her wing, explaining what would be needed to purchase the farm land they were seeking, and they started saving for this goal. One day Sadie let Richard know that she had found “IT” – the place she

thought was perfect for them. At first Richard was hesitant to take the plunge, but he finally relented and quit his job to move north and pursue their dream.

For 17 years, Sadie found employment at the Big Rock Nuclear Power Plant, while also attending school and eventually getting her degrees in Programming and Business Administration.

The old homestead on the property needed a lot of work before they could live there, and the couple dug in with help from friends and neighbors. Sadie did most of the work to create a huge fieldstone fireplace that later housed a stove insert from which they often cooked their meals. Richard eventually built his Angus steer herd to more than 50 head, and other farm animals were raised over the years. He was known locally for the large garden that he grew, giving most of the produce away to friends and neighbors. Sadie also raised Abyssinian cats for many years.

Sadly, an electrical fire in the 1990s destroyed the house after the couple had lived there for more than 20 years. When they rebuilt, they chose a site with a Lake Michigan view, and while Richard passed in 2020, Sadie continues to live there.

Friends, family, and neighbors gathered in early July to celebrate the new 107-acre Richard and Sadie Bartosik Nature Preserve in Norwood Township, Charlevoix County.

The new preserve lies within the beautiful rolling drumlin country just south of Charlevoix and north of Atwood. (A drumlin is a distinct land feature created by the glaciers more than 10,000 years ago.) Historically referred to as “Norwood Corners” the region is rich with historic farmland and adjacent to the fruit belt corridor of farms between Atwood and Traverse City. Small ponds are found on the preserve, along with low-lying wetlands that provide excellent deer habitat. Though not directly along US-31, the hills of the preserve are clearly visible to travelers, and Lake Michigan can be observed from atop one of the fields.

“It was a pleasure assisting Sadie with the protection of this property,” said Joe Graham, LTC Land Protection Specialist. “She and Richard have done a special thing for the land and the community. The new preserve joins a large group of preserves and conservation easements along US-31 that protect scenic beauty and quality farmland.”

Future plans for the new preserve are to continue an agricultural lease for the foreseeable future. Per Sadie’s request, hunting will not be allowed at this preserve.

“This land is our legacy,” Sadie states. “I have always wanted to protect farm land. There are so many kids today who have no idea where their food comes from!” Norwood Rd

Richard and Sadie Bartosik

Leveraging Land Management for Land Protection

A195-acre addition to Cheboygan County’s Reed’s Alverno Nature Preserve was recently made possible through a combination of donor gifts and funds generated by LTC’s forest management. The new addition includes large areas of open water as well as frontage along Myers Creek. The land also surrounds the southern 40 acres of the original preserve which was donated in 2008 through a gift from Lois Ann Reed.

“Thanks to our donors, Don and Karen Stearns and Joey Arbaugh, we were able to make a run at acquiring this sensitive wetland habitat,” said Kieran Fleming, LTC’s Executive Director. “And because we have been doing sustainable forest management improvements on less sensitive Working Forest Reserves, we had a ready source for the remaining funds needed. We have referred to this as a ‘green endowment’ and here you see it in action.”

While access to this preserve, including the new addition, is limited due to seasonal flooding, this land serves as outstanding habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Reed’s Alverno Nature Preserve

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

In a unique partnership between seller and buyer, 58 acres of land in Nunda Township, Cheboygan County, are now permanently protected with a conservation easement.

Purchased by John and Susan Barst in the early 1990s, the land was a beautiful getaway for the couple and their daughters Julie and Jennifer. The family frequently walked their three pet llamas, and also enjoyed deer hunting and viewing a tremendous diversity of wildlife over the years. When it became time to sell, they wondered how they could ensure it would be left natural for all time, and reached out to the Conservancy to learn more about the conservation easement tool. “Our parents had received offers in the past to buy the land, but we worried that a new buyer could potentially destroy its important ecosystems by clear-cutting trees or severely damaging the wetlands,” Julie said.

What was unique about this transaction was that instead of putting the conservation easement on the property and then searching for a buyer, the family sought out a buyer who would be willing to work with them on the final terms of the easement. “Our hope was that by being part of the easement decision-making process, they would feel more invested in the land and excited about the easement,” Julie added.

After several months of looking, the right family came along. The Barsts then worked with their real estate agent and with LTC staff to complete the conservation easement details. After several rounds of negotiations and drafts, the easement was finalized just before the sale was closed.

“I hope other families considering selling their land will keep this option in mind,” said Joe Graham, Land Protection Specialist. “By bringing the buyers into the conversation of the easement terms, the marketability of the land remains high and the easement can be a benefit to all. It was a pleasure working with both parties to create an easement that protects the important natural features and allows for use that fits the new owner’s vision for the property.”

73 ACRES PROTECTED IN CHARLEVOIX COUNTY

Through the Conservation Investment Program, a 73acre property in Wilson Township, Charlevoix County, was purchased by the Conservancy, protected with a conservation easement, and then sold to a conservationminded buyer. About half of this land includes open agricultural fields historically farmed for corn, beets, and hay. The other half of the property contains mixed conifer hardwoods that transition to a cedar swamp, including a small amount of frontage on Deer Creek. Last May, a buyer who had roots in the East Jordan area purchased the property with the intent to build a home and farm the land.

What is the Conservation Investment Program?

Through this program, the Conservancy purchases priority land that meets our land protection criteria and places a conservation easement on it. The land is then re-sold to a conservation-minded buyer. This is a highly cost effective way to protect land and provides an additional method of protecting property in private ownership.

A variety of wildlife can be seen on the newly protected land including pileated woodpeckers, elk, deer, and coyote. Photo by Dennis Church.

Knowing What Matters Most

THE ELIZABETH J. GARVER NATURE PRESERVE

It is difficult to imagine a better way to honor land and a beloved matriarch than to permanently protect land in her name as a nature preserve. Through a partnership with Little Traverse Conservancy, that is exactly what Susan Lightfoot and Ken Garver have done with the land they inherited from their mother. Once part of the family’s larger homestead, the new preserve will be known as the Elizabeth J. Garver Nature Preserve. Elizabeth and her siblings were born in the family home which once sat on 40 acres of land. Ken was also born in that house, as well as three of his cousins.

As a family who has been settled in the area for more than 120 years, the land has held treasured memories for Ken, Susan, their late father Ken Sr. and their extended families. Decades after Elizabeth and her siblings attended the schoolhouse down the road, this land was where the family gathered for holidays, where they hunted, and was the origin of many stories shared over the years. One of the stories Ken remembers hearing was the family’s involvement in collecting bags and bags of milkweed pods to be used for life jackets during World War II. During the years that Elizabeth grew up on the farm and for many years after, a thriving community existed near the intersection of M-119 and Five Mile Creek Road. This included a general store, the Five Mile Creek Standard School and a sawmill with a large upper room which was used for many social gatherings.

The new preserve adds to a growing complex of nature preserves that now includes nearly 200 acres, and protects almost a mile of Five Mile Creek (see map). The 10-acre addition includes a steep bank leading to the creek, as well as cleared and wooded regions at the high points.

“In the future, we may extend the trail from the Seberon ‘Boo’ Litzenburger Preserve next door onto the Garver Preserve, following some of the same paths that Elizabeth and her siblings may have taken on their way to school,” said LTC Director of Stewardship Derek Shiels.

In addition to the new preserve, six acres were recently added to the Five Mile Creek Nature Preserve as a result of local donor contributions. This high priority addition is surrounded by the preserve on three sides and adds 300 feet of M-119 frontage on the fourth side (see map).

ProtectionExpanding on Beaver Island & Lake Michigan

Abargain sale and funds donated by 59 families enabled the Conservancy to purchase a 26-acre addition to the Conn’s Cove Nature Preserve on the east side of Beaver Island. Not only did this bring the existing preserve to a total of 226 acres, it also added 660 feet of adjacent Lake Michigan frontage to its protective fold.

“We were very pleased to help expand the existing Conn’s Cove Nature Preserve with contiguous easement-protected land,” said Tim Barrett who, with his wife Jodie, sold the land well below appraised value. “Our contribution was made in memory of Laurence and Ruth Barrett, who originally put conservation easements in place on this and adjoining parcels in 1993.”

In recent years, much of that easement land has been converted to permanent nature preserves, amplifying the long-term protection by moving the land into single ownership by the Conservancy.

Lead supporters of the project, Anne and Paul Glendon, provided a generous challenge grant to boost the fundraising and make the land acquisition possible. “Paul and I have been happy to be part of the Conn’s Cove story from the beginning and we’re very grateful to other Beaver Island friends who joined in making the Preserve a reality,” Anne said. “Emily (Hughes, LTC CFO) brought us the idea and shepherded it through, and it has been a delight to work with her.”

Currently there are no plans to provide a trail on this preserve. It is located just over a mile south of NatureLittlepublicly-accessibletheSandBayPreserve which offers access to Lake Michigan. This addition NatureofhabitatshorelineincreasesandwildlifeprotectiontheConn’sCovePreserve.

solong, SUMMER!

That’s a wrap! Another successful summer of education programs is in the books. After a two-year break, we welcomed back our Knee High Naturalist programs (ages 3-5) this year with seasonal staff member Izzy DeBord. We also continued with a second summer of our Youth Explorer Series (ages 6-12), and Education Specialist Sarah Koetje led various other partnership programs around the community. We collaborated with the Friendship Centers of Emmet County, YMCA Petoskey, Challenge Mountain Spirit Camp, City of Petoskey Kids Camp, Indian River Library, and other entities to offer free education programs on our preserves. Our buckets are full, our spirits are brightened, and we’re ready to dive into the school year!

WORKING FOR WILDLIFE ACROSS GENERATIONS

Last spring, Marcy Duran and her father Mike Kostal came into the Conservancy office with a proposal: if we could find homes for them, Mike would build and donate bluebird boxes. Having recently moved to northern Michigan with his wife Jane after a 42year career as a pipe fitter in Illinois and 20 years living in southern Michigan, 82-year-old Mike has a new workshop for his woodworking hobby. “I need something to keep me off of the street,” he shrugged.

Earlier this summer, volunteer coordinator Cacia Lesh was contacted by high schooler Emmett Sisson (pictured here) who wanted to volunteer for the Conservancy and learn more about wildlife. Emmett has placed 10 of Mike’s boxes at the Charles A. Ransom Nature Preserve in Charlevoix County. He will be monitoring them throughout the breeding season next year.

If you are interested in helping with this rewarding project, please contact Cacia at cacia@landtrust.org or 231.347.0991.

Volunteer Spotlight

JOHN BAKER:

Annual member, volunteer preserve perfectionist, land steward, board member, conservation easement monitor, friend.

LTC Volunteer John Baker recently received the Abby Mahan Gartland award for going above and beyond to protect and steward the places we love. This award is given by Heart of the Lakes, a statewide organization which strengthens the collective efforts of organizations dedicated to the conservation of Michigan’s environmentally and economically significant land and water.

LTC’s Volunteer Coordinator Cacia Lesh said it well, “John’s selfless, servant leadership is above and beyond, from being available and committed week after week, to taking projects home with him, to working in the cold, deep snow that few would seek to venture out in, to being an ever present regular at committee and board meetings, workdays, and Conservancy celebrations. He is someone we can trust to take a project from the idea phase to completion, all with minimal staff guidance, and by recruiting a solid team of other volunteers to assist on the project. Quietly and steadily, John’s leadership enables people to work together with respect and encouragement. He is compassionate and patient with children, selfless, and truly enjoys teaching others about the things he loves,” she said.

“My motivation to volunteer is encouraged by my interest in LTC as well as my knowing that their obligations are greater than paid staff can accomplish,” John said. “I’m on several LTC committees that determine priorities, and I’m pleased that there are so many volunteers to help accomplish them,” John reflects.

We celebrate John's dedication to our mission and congratulate him on receiving this award. Thank you, John, for being the steady, thoughtful person you are. You hold a special place in LTC’s family.

Save the Trees & Rock the Forest

Over 300 people joined us on July 22 for the 33rd annual Save the Trees event, raising more money than ever before! Unique this year was the added Rock the Forest concert held later that evening. With proceeds raised from both events, 18,870 trees will be planted over the next year at various preserves and reserves. A tremendous thank you to all who so generously showed their love and support for the land on this special night.

What is Rock the Forest?

Two people who love LTC had an idea: have a concert at the Offield Family Viewlands and give a portion of ticket sales to Little Traverse Conservancy. That idea became a reality right after Save the Trees this year. Caroline Garrard and her dad Gardiner were the masterminds who created the concert and donated nearly $16,000 from the concert ticket sales to the mission of LTC. Thanks to all who attended and made this first concert a great success!

2022 TREES SUPPORTERS

Save the Committee Chairs: Consie and Seth Pierrepont

CEDAR - $20,000 Anonymous

BLACK CHERRY - $10,000 Baiardi Family Foundation, Inc. Gayle and Chip Everest James and Laura Hunt Amy and George Joseph Mr. and Mrs. Seth L. Pierrepont* Mr. and Mrs. Alex Taylor Dr. and Mrs. John A. Woollam

RED OAK - $5,000

Mr. and Mrs. Reed H. Eberly* Sarah and Dan Kay Lisa and Peter Schiff* Anne Wallace

WHITE PINE - $2,500

Mr. and Mrs. P.J. Astolfi Paul and Olga Friedman Peter and Terry Gamble Boyer Wick and Gardiner Garrard Rick and Kristen Holton* Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Holton* Mr. and Mrs. John B. McCoy Kelsey Lee Offield and Cole Mr.Sternberg*andMrs.Michael VanLokeren

EASTERN HEMLOCK - $1,000 David and Robyn Barrie Mr. and Mrs. John G. Beam, Jr. Martha and Andrew Bowman* Rob and Janet Carr Dr. Phil Carrott, Jr. Jack and Donna Carruthers Mrs. Thomas H. Carruthers, IV* Robert and Brynne Coletti Anne and Aaron Copeland Steve and Teri Chaffee Edmund and Julia Denapoli Christy and Jim Everest Emily Everest*

Fischer Insurance Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. FitzSimons Robert and Pat Hemingway Hall Amie and Tony James James and Elizabeth Kenan Mr. and Mrs. Martin A. Krall Mr. and Mrs. Brian D. Newton Ms. Audie Otto

The Jay L. Owen, Jr. Family Mr. and Mrs. William A. Petzold Linda Rakolta and Joel Raven Randel Richner and Eric Russell Bill Roney and Joanne Kelley

Rogan and Dunne Saal Teddy and Molly Schiff*

Mrs. Jeanette E. Schouweiler Mr. and Mrs. W. James Sprow Deborah Shaw and Steve Marquardt The Warner Family Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Wilson, III

BALSAM FIR - $500

Chris Abood

Maureen Abood and Dan Shaheen* Peggy Abood* Terry and Lyndi Balven Streeter Berry William and Jennifer Chope Michael and Karen Donnelly Walter and Jane Enterline* Ms. Catherine T. Freebairn Elise EmiliaFisherFisher and John Riordan

Lauren and Greg Fisher

Mr. and Mrs. Colin Fitzsimons Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner W. Garrard, Jr. Bonnie and Beeb Graham Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Greene, III Jeff and Cindy Hall

Mrs. Ann K. Irish Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Kimmell, II Mrs. Polk Laffoon and Family K. C. and Louise McAlpin

John and Mary Merrill Nub’s Nob Ski Area Jill and Dave Patterson Mr. and Mrs. John B. Quay Karen Samis Mr. and Mrs. Peter Simons Susan and Gary Stewart Rob Suess and Sharon Mathison

NinaSuessSwift

Don and Mary Trout Gill Whitman*

TAMARACK - $250

Peter and Maribeth Allegrina Dan and Mary Pat Armistead Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Baun Ellen Beatty David and Vedya Boikess Ms. Kitty Bollinger Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Bolton Whitney and Lee Brown Howard and Jeannie Canada Charles and Mary Beth Clark Mr. and Mrs. J. David Cummings Mr. and Mrs. Andrew DeWitt Robert and Sarah Dodge Bert and Tina Donovan Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Eide, Jr. Mr. Andrew E. Farley

Dr. David and Heidi Finley Peter and Sarah Ford* Chris Ford and Ali Hill Paul and Claire Forney Courtney and Alexander Gardiner Patti and Balky Grannis Mr. and Mrs. George Halter Robert Harold and Nannie Turrell Stewart Hayes Ms. Margo M Hields Dr. William and Tira Hightower William and Tracy Holt Rick and Lotsie Holton

Mark and Mary Hramiec Hoffman* Marcee and Grant James Brooks and Peter Kennedy

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Kost* Jim and K.C. Leh Stephen and Karen Lett Anna and John McCoy Molly and Geof Meyers

Christopher and Kate Mitchell

Daniel and Julie Murphy Deb and Joe Nachtrab Ellie and Matt Nader Jennifer and Mike Nolan Cole and Alexandra Ollinger

Steven P. and Anthy Paddock

Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Parker Thomas and Sarah Post* Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Recchia Ben and Joanne Robinson

Mr. and Mrs. John B. Ryan Mrs. William D. Saal Mike and Sara Schmidt

Jill and Scott Sellers

Constantinos and Robin Skiadas Don and Gloria Sowle

Virginia L. Speed Summers Foundation

Steve and Pam Surhigh

Deborah R. Taggart

Mr. and Mrs. Leighton Tegland, Jr.* Place Tegland

Mary and Mark Thut

Michelle and Chris Tracy Jean and Steve Van Dam

Mr. and Mrs. James R. Waterston Mr. and Mrs. Joseph L. Werner, II

IN KIND DONORS

Drost Landscape

Elsilu Event Planning and Design

Gurney’s Harbor Bottle Shop

MAWBY Sparkling Wines

Memorials & Honorariums

The following gifts were given between May 16 and August 16, 2022.

IN HONOR OF

Jane and Brian Adamcyzk Mitchell and Karen Pandos

Thomas Bailey and the 50th anniversary of LTC Ms. Sandi Riggs

Steven Baker Citizens National Bank, Cheboygan

Emily Davis and Chris Cassella Chris Fitzgerald and Elizabeth Asbury, and Susan Stavenhagen

Christian and Pamela Colby Mary and Ken Musselman

Maskym Edwin-Anthony Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Maddin

Jeffrey Ford Rick and Maryanne, Linda and Tom, Jo and Fred

Delia Fritz Anne and Mark Campbell

Gregg and Debra Garver LeRoy and Barb Finch

Tom and Edna Gattle Chris Fitzgerald and Elizabeth Asbury

Keegan and Anne Hitz Catherine Bennett

Robert and Susan Huntington

The Busemeyer Family Mr. and Mrs. William C. Hartwig

Beth Leuck

Jim Ludden Jim, Dale and the Biology 1200 students at College of DuPage

Mr. and Mrs. Eric Petro Thomas and Ellen Swengel

Lisa Schiff Katsy and Gordie Johnston

Derek Shiels Petoskey Area Garden Club

Diane Strzelinski John and Susan Vrondran

IN RECOGNITION OF

John Tanton, David Irish, Seberon Litzenburger, Frank Pierce, Ed Koza and John Fischer, LTC founders Earl Larson, LTC founder

IN MEMORY OF

Kimberly Ackerson Bruck TimothyRachelFamilyByrdComello

Brenda DeRosha Rose Enger Ruth MirrenFreeburyandJeannette Hill

Caroline Hoefferie William and Patricia Jordan Jim Klewicki

The Romano Family Ms. Bernice Rutecki

Julianne Ager Mr. Frederick Ager

Cory Allen Jack and Meghan Todd

Charles Asbury Mrs. Charles Asbury

Chris Asbury Mrs. Charles Asbury

Tracy Bieser John and Sharon Neighbours

James Booth Patricia Rushlow and Jeri Sherman

Gerald Breen James and Lou Anne Dale Denise and Lyle Tyler

Kathy Bricker

Susan Chatlos-Susor Shelly Culbertson

Alan and Karen Herbert Emily Hughes and Joe, Ember, and Ada Graham

Greg and Sally John Patrick Linton and Jean Brown Al and Jean Moberly Tracy JeannetteSchallSusor

Jeff Susor and Erin Nealon Raymond and Kathleen Susor Mary Lou Tanton

Catherine Maxson Bright Mr. and Mrs. William J. Howell, III

Kevin Arthur Currier Colleen Coughlin and Lon McClure

David and Alyce Dick and Margaret Mackey Dick Robert B. Dick, PhD

Sharon Dillion

Susan Guerra

Gloria Dworman

Neil and Joni Satovsky Kathy and Gary Scholnick

Barbara Flemming

Marguerite Peg Demmer

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Glass

Mr. and Mrs. Byron L. West

Mark Frank Len Beil and Stella Ley

Betty Germain

Ms. Kathy Germain

Jackie John and Chris Nelson

Lori MarkPoweand

Wendy Smith Pachla

Robert (Bobby) Green

Mr. and Mrs. J. David Cummings James and Elizabeth Kenan Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Parker

Nicholas Kling Frank and Connie Hagelshaw

Richard Kowalski Mrs. Loretta Kowalski

Tim and Brian Kuebler

Mr. and Mrs. Quinton L. Kuebler Seberon “Boo” Litzenburger Ms. Donna R. Bender

Jim Mabee

Jessica Whitley Bertinelli

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hanna Anne and Cole Oosthuizen Ed and Terri Thompson

George Notarianni John and Peggy Lewis Clark and Sally Smith Patrick Wolff and Angela Neff William and Amy Wolff

"The Old Farts" Mr. William F. Bradford

Jill Palmer

Lynette and Chris Palmer

Jillian Parker Mark and Sarah Parker Brenda Schloff

June Parrish James and Elizabeth Kenan

Margretta Patterson-Kauffman

Mr. and Mrs. David H. Hoster, II

Lavada Pritchard

Detroit Historical Society

Kim NancyGebbieandDerek Kerr

Frank Merlino

Sarah CynthiaMurphyM.Russell

Jeanne Schaberg

Robert and Elizabeth McBride

Elizabeth Maxson Shier

Mr. and Mrs. William J. Howell, III

Carol Wierenga Ms. Darlene Dawood

PHOTO BY JEFF MOYER

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Welcome to the following new members who joined between May 16 and August 16, 2022.

Vera Abar

Brit and Dakota Averill Caroline Sharfman Bacon

Laura CharlieBalinksiBarnett

Jeffery and Ann Bartel

Roger Beckman

John and Kathleen Beilein

Ryan Belanger and Jessica Sheets

Lee Berry and Susanne Kocsis

Kevin E. Biglin

Teresa CharlesBoisvertandJulie Bookwalter

Dennis and Jackie Bradley Kathryn Breech

Nathan and Kelly Browe

Cahill Family

James and Cynthia Carmody Ruth Chen and Kent Syverud Laura Cleveland

Nick BruceCluleyandKathleen Conn

Annette MatthewCoxCross and Margaret Happy

Ethan Dankert

Rich and Mary Fichter

Scott and Ellen Franzen

Robert ChristopherFreemanand Ann

PaulMcCarthy-GarlandandLynnGreve

Robert and Jennifer Haase

Ms. Sara Haley

Tom and Cheryl Hankins Larry and Maureen Hansz

Rebecca Hoch Andrew and Dana Hollenbeck

David and Tracy Hood Suzanne and Dennis Hug Sally Hunt

Mark AnthonyJennessandTresa Johnson

Pat Johnston

Daniel Keebler

Bjorn K. Kirkland

Reed and Cheryl Kittredge

Chris and Tracy Klage

Meg Kline and Ben Brussee

Cheryl Krehbiel

Kevin LigitaRobertKrugerL.LandisLapins

Jamie Lutzo

Susan MacLeod

Jessie Madden

James and Marilyn Maddox

Raymond and Mary Ann Maida Dr. Judith L. Meyer

Sue ColleenMieskeSherburne and Ed Miner Eric KristinMinkMonan

Judy and Jeff Moyer Dustin and Julia Mueller Karen Mundus Jean and David Nassif

Paul and Annmarie Nibbio

Tom MikeChristineNorthOlsonParish

Dale Parsons

Joyce Paton

Cyndi Peters

Dr. and Mrs. Mark Richmond David and Linda Roeser

Kasey Caye Ross

Katie Roudi and Steve Burggraaf

Holly AnneWalterRussellSandercottEwingScheele

David and Nancy Schmitz

Mary Sienkiewicz

Shawn Sinacola

Julie Ann Smith

Mark and Christine Smith

Jeffrey Stimson

Peter Stockemer

Jeffrey Stover

Scott and Jayne Ann Stratmeyer

Kermit and Jenny Sutton

James and Susan Taylor

Rosalie Hooper Thomas Ben Thoune

Ed and Trudy Timm

Patricia Tischbein

Travis Toner

Brent and Sara Truscott

Natalie Weber Lee

KatieCharlesWeisbachWielandWolfandMichael Beaulac

Mr. William Zousmer

Daryl and Ginny Davis gathered with all of their kids and grandkids to celebrate the dedication of the new Davis Family Nature Preserve in Cheboygan County this summer.

Thank you!

Gurney’s Harbor Bottle Shop for donating a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle bourbon for Save the Trees.

MAWBY Sparkling Wines for providing drinks at Save the Trees.

Anne Melvin for hosting a 5-star dinner to help support a major local land project.

Ian and Sally Bund for hosting our Friends, Benefactors, and Legacy Members Gathering at their Angell Farm property.

Elsilu Event Planning and Design for providing beautiful linens for our events.

3 Sips for hosting Rock the Forest and donating a portion of tickets sales back to Little Traverse Conservancy.

Don App for constructing and donating bridges for the Susan Creek Nature Preserve/Taimi Hoag Natural Area trail improvement

Photographersproject.

Jeff Moyer and Todd Petersen for sharing their wonderful pictures of preserves.

Mary Trout for assisting with the Knee High Naturalist and Youth Explorer Series summer educational programs.

Mike Banyai from the Northern Michigan Mycological Society for leading mushroom foray events with LTC this summer.

Doug Fuller for sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm on our Pedal to Preserves field trip.

Hessel School House for hosting our annual Les Cheneaux gathering.

Drost Landscaping for donating beautiful landscaping arrangements for Save the MailingTrees.

volunteers Sally Bales, Barb Bechhold, Michaleen and Nick Karay, Karen Knapp, Renee McDuffee, Rye

Muir, Peggy Swenor, Beth Wilson, Mary Merrill, JoAnn Astolfi, and Ellen Waller for assisting with our summer mailings.

Little Traverse Bay Bands Youth Conservation Corps and Lake Louise Christian Summer Camp families for hauling lumber for the Susan Creek Nature Preserve trail project.

Lake Louise Christian Camp families for removing invasives from the Carpenter Family Nature Preserve.

Narcotics Anonymous for completing maintenance tasks at the Agnes S. Andreae Nature Preserve cabin.

Trail Blazers: Bill Courtois, Julie and Pat Dougherty, Dan Dueweke, Jerri LaCount, Mike McNamara, and Stan and Karen Royalty for keeping our trails passable.

Ed and Beth Leuck and Jacque LaFreniere for help with Barney’s Lake Nature Preserve management.

Eric Hemenway and Cynthia Pryor for consulting on Beaver Island Native American history.

Julie and Emmett Sisson for installing bluebird houses at Charles A. Ransom Nature Preserve.

The Lyric Theater for hosting our annual meeting.

Mary Jane Clayton and Richard Jenkins for counting endless trail camera photos.

St. Helena Lighthouse Keepers for hosting our stewardship staff for an overnight trip.

Jib Liska for donating cookies for events this Friendssummer.ofViewlands

volunteers Erin Burns, Patty Campbell, Beth Cowie, Judy Harvey, Jeff Pagel, Linda Rehor, Carolyn Stark, Cheryl Shanahan, and Sharon

Whitehead-van Loben Sels for taking care of the Viewlands trails, landscaping and removing invasive plants.

Dan Wassman for mowing trails at the Elizabeth B. Hoffmann Nature Preserve.

Paul Zardus for mowing at Nathan “Barry” Driggers Memorial Nature Preserve.

Miller Van Winkle Chapter of Trout Unlimited for co-hosting our fly fishing YES summer program.

Paddle Antrim and CAKE CISMA for coleading a kayak paddle with us to provide education about aquatic invasive species.

Debbie Hindle and Ken Ross for hosting a forest bathing community field trip on their property, and Caitlin Ludlow for leading the field trip.

Chris Tracy for hosting and leading a tour of his conservation easement property, and Joyanne Mittig and Michael Paling for sharing their expertise and involvement in the projects on the property.

Glen Matthews for ecological consulting.

Hessel School House for hosting our annual Les Cheneaux gathering.

Preserve Perfectionists John Baker, Bruce Booth, Julie and Pat Dougherty, Dan Dueweke, Mary Dye, Theresa Flange, Chris Ford, Richard Jenkins, Kelly Kitchen, Richard Lord, Peri McGuiness, Tom Rowland, Stan Royalty, Richard Seibert, Mark and Henry Seymour, and Kathy and Dan Wassman for pulling invasives, building bridges, repairing fences, hauling lumber, and more!

Mary Maloney for trail clearing help on the Aldo Leopold Nature Preserve.

Dave and Robyn Barrie for independently hosting a gathering at L’Arbre Croche for LTC!

MEET ‘THE INTERNS’

We were lucky to be joined by Izzy Debord, Mia Wang, Emily Johnson, and Bella Lara this summer for seasonal positions in our education and stewardship departments. Over the course of the summer, these four women became lovingly referred to as “the interns” simply beacuse it was an easy way to refer to all four at once. They quickly became a powerhouse group, close friends, and a joy to have around. You know the name stuck when they even signed themselves out on our company car sign-out board as “the interns.” We are so grateful for their time spent with us!

“Hello all! My name is Isabella Debord (left), but everyone calls me Izzy. I am a local from Harbor Springs and currently a junior at Northern Michigan University. I am majoring in Environmental Studies and Sustainability with a minor in Art and Design. LTC hired me as an education specialist to lead the Knee High Naturalist program this summer. Before this opportunity I had recently considered education as a path for my future. As the summer has drawn to a close, I am happy to say that this opportunity with LTC has confirmed for me that I am on the right path. As a young adult it is hard to place yourself on a single path forever, but after working for LTC I’m not scared anymore. I am happy I found myself bringing joy to children while igniting a passion for the outdoors. To end my time here for now I would like to say one last thank you to LTC for everything!”

“Hello! My name is Mia Wang (second from left) and I’m from Lanzhou, China. I’m a rising senior majoring in Environmental Studies and Psychology at Austin College, Texas. I’m planning on pursuing my master’s degree in environmental management after I graduate. Hopefully, in the future, I can get to work at a nonprofit organization as amazing as LTC. Fun facts about me: I’m a certified 16-meter free diver and 40-meter scuba diver and I love snowboarding and photography! My favorite memory at LTC must be the time all staff went kayaking at the Black Hole Nature Preserve. I enjoyed every moment I shared with each staff member. There’s always a great, warming, encouraging atmosphere in the field and the office. I can’t imagine a better place to intern than LTC!”

“Hi, I’m Emily Johnson (second from right)! I’m from Flushing, Michigan, and just graduated this August from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Science. I’m hoping to pursue a graduate degree next fall, likely also in environmental sciences. I hope to continue doing nonprofit work in conservation and later on pursue a career in academia. In my free time I love kayaking, rock hunting, hiking, and listening to music. My favorite memory at LTC was when a group of us got to spend a couple days at Sugar Island to monitor preserves. I’ve loved interning with LTC this summer and am glad to have worked with such awesome people in beautiful northern Michigan!”

“Hello! My name is Bella Lara (right) and I’m from San Antonio, Texas. I’m a first generation college student trying to navigate myself through the college experience! I’m a student at Austin College in Sherman, Texas, and majoring in Environmental Studies. I was fortunate enough to intern for LTC where I met so many wonderful, kind, and smart people. My favorite part of my internship experience was monitoring bats with Emily Johnson, Brad, Mia, and Amy. I also really enjoyed meeting members and volunteers at events.”

Fall Field Trips

Events are offered at no charge (unless otherwise noted), but registration is required by calling 231.347.0991 or online at www.landtrust.org/events.

WOMEN’S FLY FISHING CLINIC

Saturday, October 1 / 9:00am - 3:00pm

Greenwood Foundation

This basic clinic is designed to give an overview of fly fishing and offer an opportunity to try it in a safe and fun environment. Skill level is not important; it is for women who know very little or those who would simply like a refresher. We will learn about gear and casting techniques from women with diverse backgrounds in fly fishing. The Greenwood Foundation is a 2000-acre private wildlife sanctuary near Wolverine. The clinic will be held on a small private lake, therefore a Michigan fishing license is NOT required. Cost is $25; all equipment and lunch will be provided. You’ll be sent home hooked with new knowledge, friends, and a box of your very own flies!

FORESTRY FOR MICHIGAN BIRDS

Wednesday, October 5 / 3:00 - 5:00pm

LTC Office and Offield Family Working Forest Reserve

Join Joy Mittig, Forester for American Bird Conservancy, for a presentation and field trip highlighting the new Forestry for Michigan Birds guide. This guide helps landowners and foresters manage forests holistically, with bird habitat at the forefront. We will start at the LTC office with a presentation, then drive to the Offield Family Working Forest Reserve for a hike and further discussion about managing forests for bird habitat, timber, wildlife, and forest health. Refreshments will be provided.

TODDLING THROUGH THE FALL

Friday, October 7 / 4:00 - 5:00pm

Offield Family Working Forest Reserve, Quick Rd. entrance

Children are the world’s best explorers. They adventure with delight and a curiosity unparalleled. We welcome young ones into the woods to explore and play. This program is led by LTC’s Emily Hughes and her two daughters (Ada, 2, and Ember, 4). We look forward to adventuring with you! Ages 2-5 years old.

FALL HIKE AT ANDREAE/BANWELL PRESERVE COMPLEX

Saturday, October 8 / 4:00 - 5:30pm

Agnes S. Andreae/Boyd B. Banwell Nature Preserves

Join LTC staff as we hike along the gorgeous high banks of the Pigeon River, looking and listening for migratory birds and other wildlife. The hike will include rolling and uneven terrain. Please park at the Agnes S. Andreae Nature Preserve parking area off of Big Sky Trail.

HIKE & HOPS WITH BIER’S INWOOD BREWERY

Sunday, October 9 / 4:00 - 5:30pm

Elizabeth B. Hoffmann Nature Preserve

Join us for round three of Hike & Hops with LTC staff and Bier’s Inwood Brewery. The 1.5-mile preserve trail traverses through a mix of old apple orchards, rolling hardwoods, and farm fields, and follows a section of the beautiful Inwood Creek. After the hike, we’ll gather at the brewery for drinks and pizza! Please park at the brewery. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed at all times.

HISTORY, CULTURE, AND ART ALONG LAKE MICHIGAN Wednesday, October 12 / 4:30 - 6:00pm Woollam Family Nature Preserve

Join Goodhart Artist Residency artist Jana Harper and Eric Hemenway, Director of Repatriation, Archives, and Records for the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians, for an early evening autumn walk exploring different ways to view this gorgeous nature preserve just south of Cross Village along M-119. Eric will share Native American historical information, and Jana will share a few drawing exercises that highlight the five senses. All ages welcome. Stay longer to enjoy the sunset if you desire!

OWL NETTING WITH MSRW Thursday, October 13 / Begins at dusk Point La Barbe, St. Ignace

This is a special opportunity to see Northern Saw-whet owls up close with the Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch. The owl banding starts at dusk and goes on throughout the night. Although there are no guarantees, several owls are typically netted most nights. Measurements and details are documented for research, and then the owls are released. Weather permitting, we will have a campfire and snacks to pass the time between hourly net checks (owls are captured in mist nets that are checked on the hour). Suitable for bird enthusiasts of any age.

PLANTING A HAUNTED FOREST

Saturday, October 29 / 10:00am - 12:00pm

Goodhart Farms Nature Preserve, Lone Rock Rd. parking area

Wear costumes or dress spooky to plant a haunted forest with LTC’s own conservation bog witch! We will plant 75 white pine trees and then enjoy cider and doughnuts. All ages welcome.

Little Traverse Conservancy 3264 Powell Road Harbor Springs, MI 49740 www.landtrust.org

Conservation is forever. Your legacy can be too.

The mission of the Little Traverse Conservancy is to protect the natural diversity and beauty of northern Michigan by preserving significant land and scenic areas, and fostering appreciation and understanding of the environment. If the Conservancy’s work resonates with you, consider a planned gift. With a multitude of options, the planned giving tool you choose will be a reflection of your goals for yourself, your family and your overall estate plans. Most importantly, a planned gift can be an expression of your desire to make a difference — and leave a legacy that lasts forever.

There are many ways to leave a legacy gift to the Conservancy. For more information about planned giving please contact Ty Ratliff, Associate Director, at 231.347.0991 or