Little Traverse Conservancy Spring 2024 Newsletter

Team LTC

Our members and volunteers

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Cedric A. “Rick” Richner, III, Chair

Phil Porter, Vice Chair

Jon Lyons, Treasurer

Karie Slavik, Secretary

Josh Baker

Lisa Blanchard

Richard M. Bolton

George M. Covington

Mary Faculak

Jeffrey S. Ford

Gregg K. Garver

John Griffin

Eric Hemenway

Dave Kring

Darrell Lawson

An Opportunity for Affirmation

Tom Litzner

Glen Matthews

Harriet McGraw

John Merrill

Emerson Meyer

Maureen Nicholson Consie Pierrepont

Bill Roney

Tom Rowland

Susan I. Stewart

STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Mary Faculak, Land Protection

Gregg K. Garver, Stewardship

John Merrill, Education

Phil Porter, Nominating

Jon Lyons, Investment

STEWARDSHIP

Derek Shiels, Director

Keegan Butler

Charles Dawley

Nate Dionne

Melissa Hansen

Cacia Lesh

Amy Lipson

Mike Lynch

Brad Von Blon

LAND PROTECTION

Caitlin Donnelly, Director

Joe Graham, Chief Financial Officer

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Sarah Mayhew, Director

Sarah Koetje

Taylor Sobczak

COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH

Anne Fleming, Director

DEVELOPMENT

Emily Hughes, Chief Development Officer

Lindsay Hall

ADMINISTRATION

Kieran Fleming, Executive Director

Thomas Lagerstom

Sarah Gurney

AND A TRIBUTE TO OUR FOUNDERS

John Fischer

Dave Irish

Ed Koza

Earl Larson

Seberon “Boo” Litzenburger

Frank Pierce

John Tanton

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.

Earl Larson, the last surviving founder of LTC, passed away in December. I only knew him through Emily Hughes who interacted with him frequently over the last few years. I immediately related to his sense of humor. Earl remained generous to LTC even after moving to South Carolina. He was proud of what his beloved organization has become, and we will miss him on both organizational and personal levels.

by Kieran Fleming Executive Director

If you’ve followed LTC for a while you know we take our history seriously. The story of our founding, and the seven men who made it happen, remains the backbone of our culture and the way we do business. In a recent survey, done as part of our strategic planning, many of these founding principles were specifically reaffirmed as something our communities value: being an “honest broker” of conservation, the concept of balancing development, the empowerment of landowners, staying out of politics, and so on.

This is why the story of LTC has always fascinated me. Seven men who originally formed “The Little Traverse Group” set out to file lawsuits against local developments, then changed their minds — not about what they believed was good, but rather how to get there. Collectively, in the pursuit of land conservation, they decided to change from legal proceedings to voluntary empowerment by forming LTC. I admire our founders for that simple act of changing course because it required humility above all else.

Can you imagine being a fly on the wall when these seven men debated the notion of abandoning the lawsuit? There had to be passionate dissent, argument, enlightenment, and re-affirmation of bonds. These guys were smart in different ways, and they also came from different points of view, different backgrounds. And, while I don’t know this as fact, I imagine there were different political views around the table of our founders. It’s worth noting that none of these gentlemen had a formal background in natural resources, but all had a passion for the outdoors and loved this great region. And that was the simple glue that caused LTC to happen: the love of this region.

The recipe for success that they proposed was embedded in this assumption that the love of northern Michigan reaches people from differing political viewpoints, economic capacities, and all the varied ways we each see the world through our own lens. The gamble was that if they were right, our communities could join over this common goal. That gamble paid off exponentially.

For me, Earl Larson’s passing holds deep meaning. It signifies a final “changing of the guard” opportunity, allowing us to affirm this common desire to protect what we love. We should not let it pass without notice — and we won’t. With our new strategic plan in the early stages of implementation, we have high hopes for the future. And thanks to John Fischer, Dave Irish, Ed Koza, Earl Larson, Boo Litzenburger, Frank Pierce, and John Tanton, we have the mindset and the ability to hold this organization as a beacon of purposeful work that benefits us all.

Cover

Enji-minozhiiyaamigak

OFFERS REFUGE AND PROTECTS UNDEVELOPED SHORELINE

by Jen DeMoss

In December 2023, LTC acquired one of its most significant preserves to date: Enji-minozhiiyaamigak, an Anishinaabemowin phrase that means “Place of Peacefulness.” The 56-acre parcel, purchased for $3.15 million, includes a quarter-mile of shorefront, the largest remaining unprotected swath of undeveloped shoreline between Charlevoix and the Mackinac Bridge.

“I’ve never seen woods like it,” said Jennifer Adderley, the first supporter of the project. “It feels like you’re in a cathedral of trees, surrounded by rolling hills. The parcel gets a lot of press because of the shoreline, but I think her greatest beauty is really the land itself.”

The parcel was purchased entirely with generous donations from LTC members. Long-time member Jennifer Adderley was one of the first to walk the land with Emily when Enji-minozhiiyaamigak was just a faraway dream. Months later, the parcel had lodged itself in her mind, and she offered LTC a substantial gift from the Terence and Jennifer Adderley Foundation to kick off the fundraising. The Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation, Inc., followed with a donation, along with an anonymous lead donor who thought of having the preserve’s signage written in Anishinaabemowin as well as English. LTC is partnering with long-time collaborators from the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB) to create inclusive signage.

LTC members Brynne and Bob Coletti ensured the success of this protection with LTC’s first quadruple matching gift. Their generosity inspired nearly 160 others to participate in this landmark fundraising achievement.

For the love of the land

“All we’ve ever known it as is Grandpa’s property,” said David Van de Grift. He and his wife, Marcy, have been married 47 years, and they’ve camped on the parcel that has become the Place of Peacefulness every summer since their wedding in 1976.

David’s grandparents, Basil and Hazel Hause, bought the property in 1959, when David was just seven years old. He recalled family outings on the parcel, and his grandfather planting the stand of pines that now graces the preserve’s rolling hills.

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Lake Michigan

Enji-minozhiiyaamigak

Neighbors have enjoyed the trails of Enji-minozhiiyaamigak for generations.

Enji-minozhiiyaamigak continued from previous page

The trails the Van de Grifts spent so many summers maintaining will be rerouted to make way for a little over a half-mile of universally accessible trail. A boardwalk navigating the steep ridgeline will lead to a viewing platform set above the rocky beach, with stairs for visitors to reach the shore of Lake Michigan.

“The Don & Eileen Klein Nature Trail being developed in East Jordan demonstrates the interest and need for more universal access to the beautiful scenic resources of northern Michigan. For Enji-minozhiiyaamigak to be a place of peace and unity for all, everyone must feel included,” said the preserve’s anonymous lead donor. The addition of an accessible trail will make it possible for more people to enjoy this rare, undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline.

LTC raised $3.9 million to buy the property, construct the accessible trail, and potentially to endow its maintenance for years to come. The outpouring of support for the Conservancy’s newest preserve stemmed in part from the wild, undeveloped nature of the parcel.

“I guess that preserving the land is just in our DNA,” said David. “We have letters that Basil wrote back home to Hazel when he first got the title and stayed on the property. He was over the moon and praised God for the abundance he felt the land represented. It was part of his faith.” When David’s uncle, Jerry Hause, inherited the property, he honored his father’s wishes by allowing it to remain undeveloped.

When David became Jerry’s successor trustee and finally decided to sell the property, their realtor suggested the Little Traverse Conservancy as a potential buyer. The night before ownership transferred to LTC, the couple took a walk along the trails and ran into some neighbors who were also walking the property. “They were thrilled about it becoming a preserve. And that’s how we knew we did the right thing,” said Marcy.

The first people on the land

Long before the Hauses and Van de Grifts were enjoying the lakefront property, it was home to the Bay Shore Band, one of the Little Traverse Bay’s Bands. LTBB Director of Repatriation, Archives, and Records and LTC Board Member Eric Hemenway said that the area has cultural significance as part of the Bay Shore Band’s homeland. It would have been, and still is, important for its access to water for fishing and cultural resources, and Odawa still live in the area.

“Just down the road from the new preserve is a state historic site called Big Rock,” explained Eric. “It’s a very significant place marking where Odawa who were wintering down south around Muskegon or Grand Rapids would stop and signal to those who had already arrived home, ‘Hey, we’re here, we’ve made it,’ so that preparations for feasts and ceremonies could be made.”

Eric, who’s been an LTC board member for nine years, noted that LTBB has partnered with the organization on numerous projects, such as co-managing Susan Creek Nature Preserve. Even before becoming a board member, Eric led numerous history hikes at LTC preserves, walking and teaching about tribal history and natural resources. He’s worked on text and images for LTC signage, and connected staff with Netawn Kiogima, Language Director for LTBB, the translator who provided the Anishinaabemowin name for Place of Peacefulness.

“Just recognizing the Odawa as the first people here, before this was Charlevoix County or the state of Michigan

or the Unites States, is really valuable,” said Eric. “The fact that we’re still here is an important story that often gets left out, but people will realize it when they see the sign written in our tribal nation’s language.”

Preserved for generations to come

Enji-minozhiiyaamigak will remain a sanctuary for visitors, exactly as Basil and Hazel Hause intended. And for all the non-human residents, too, as Eric pointed out: “It’s a nice place to walk, but we’re just visiting. For all the birds, animals, and insects, they’re going to have a home for the foreseeable future.”

Boardwalk and trail construction will begin in 2024. A grand opening will be announced when the preserve is ready to be fully accessible to all.

The Van de Grifts plan to visit the preserve in the years to come and want to see it well used and loved by people who appreciate unspoiled nature. “Five generations of people, including our grandchildren, have spent time on that land,” said Marcy. “And we look forward to taking them back again and again to walk the trails, knowing that it will be accessible to all.”

We have the following individuals, families, and foundations to thank for creating Enji-minozhiiyaamigak as a permanent nature preserve protected for all.

Terence and Jennifer Adderley Foundation

Anonymous

Jerry and Ruth Augustine

Kristen Baggott and Michael O’Brien

David and Robyn Barrie

Michael and Roberta Bellinger

Joseph and Emily Besel

Mr. and Mrs. William B. Bice

Sue A. Bissell

The Brehm Family

Robert and Alyssa Briggs

Amy and Scott Carbeck

Mr. David Carr

Tom and Katie Carruthers

Martin and Melina Cazaux

Charlevoix County Community Foundation

Laura Cleveland

Brynne and Bob Coletti

Beth and Christopher Cowie

Mrs. Peter Cummings

Arthur W. Curtis, III

Melvin Czechowski

Sue and Al Darold

The Devine Family

Stephanie Dickinson

Kirby and Jacqueline Dipert

Michael and Cheryl Downey

Kara Dryer

Mrs. June Dufon

Jamey Eakes

Robert and Joan English

Sheila Navarre Enos Charitable Foundation Trust

Ron and Lisa Fenech

Jibby and Ben Frantz

Cathy and David Frazee

Ms. Catherine T. Freebairn

Frey Foundation

Paul and Leslie Friedrich

John and Christine Fulford

Martha Lancaster and Doug Fuller

Frank and Elizabeth Geiser

Austin Gerding Family

Dr. and Mrs. Alan R. Gillespie

Matt and Ann Greenough

Robert and Sheridan Haack

Ms. Lynn Hall

Dave and Alyson Halvarson

Corrine and Scott Harrison

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Hassing

Bruce and Susan Herard

Debbie Hindle and Ken Ross

Huyghe Family

Dutch and Leslie Jones

Dr. and Mrs. Dennis M. Joy

Fred and Edie Kaufmann

Sarah Kay and Family

Mr. and Mrs. David M. Kemme

Mary Catherine Kenney

Ron Kerver

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Kimmell, III

Ms. Carolyn K. Klender

Susan Klinger

Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Kniat

Sandra and Chet Kowal

Mike and Cynthia Krzysiak

Mrs. Allison Kuhr and Dr. Brittanie Kuhr

Mr. and Mrs. David G. LaBarge

Mrs. Maureen LaBlance

John and Diane Lake

Vickie Laskey

Jeffrey and Susan Long

Sandra Lovell

Mrs. Sue Mabee

Valerie and Paul Markland

Michelle Masi and Kyle Exelby

Mr. and Mrs. William T. McCormick, Jr.

The McCullough Family

Ms. Mary K. McIntire

Mrs. James McIntyre

Jim and Diane McMahon

Hank Meijer and Liesel Litzenburger Meijer/Dragonfly Fund

Louisa and Robert Miller

Lisa and William Morris

Rob and Liz Mueller

Delynne Murphy

Kathrine Neils and Lisa Singer

North by Nature Landscaping

Northern Michigan Shores Homeowners Assoc.

Marta and Peter Olson

Anne and Cole Oosthuizen

Kim Pakizer

Richard Pakizer

James and Lorraine Peck

Michael and Cindy Pettibone

Lois Polatnick and Fred Geisler

Prentice Family

Carol A. Raitzer

Mr. and Mrs. James D. Ray

Kari Rekoske and David Adolphs

Mr. Melvin Rennaker

Heather Rinkel

Paul and Carol Rose

Mr. and Mrs. James M. Rudolph

Edward Russell

Mary and James Ryder

Jen and Jim Sandling

Teddy and Molly Schiff

The Schiff Foundation

Deborah Shaw and Steve Marquardt

Bill Shelton

Mr. Gary L. Sieb

Nancy and Mike Simon

James A. Sisserson

Sarah Sloan

Al and Joan Smith

Sally and Bill Soter

Soter Kay Foundation

Mr. Herbert L. Steed

Tom and Missy Stewart

Donn Stone

Sean and Chelsea Stringer

Casey and Nicole Sulak

Patricia Swope

Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation, Inc.

John Thompson

C. Phil and Janet Trotter

Bridget Tryon

Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren and Sarah Showalter Van Tongeren

Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. VanSuilichem

Ms. Carole Vial

Paul and Claire Vial

Peter and Sarah Vistakos

Mr. John Mumford Walker

Yvonne Meyer Waters

Terrie White

Paul and Sherri Wiegman

Mike Williams

Mrs. Barbara Wiseman

Barb Wolf

Sandra and Dustin Wolff-Aller

Barbara Wotila and Stephen Little

Vince and Cheryl Zuellig

‘We Treat This Place Like a Person’

40-ACRES PROTECTED WITH CONSERVATION EASEMENT

How fortunate is the family that has been able to hold a special piece of land for many generations. And how fortunate is the land when that family regards it with respect, awe, and gratitude.

Such is the way that Roger and Mary Ann Meyer feel about their 40 acres in Chippewa County, just east of Cedarville. It is why last year, when the timing was right, they fulfilled a longtime wish to permanently protect the land with a conservation easement. “This land is just a great force in our life,” Mary Ann said. “Its presence has been nourishing and healing for us. We treat this place like a person and just want it preserved.”

While both hail from Cincinnati, Ohio, it was Roger’s maternal grandmother who first bought a place in Les Cheneaux in 1952. Roger eventually bought his own parcel in 1984 and other family members followed.

As avid kayakers, the Meyers appreciate that even though they are not directly on Lake Huron, many entrances to Lake Huron are available in the area for wonderful kayaking. They also enjoy the fluctuating waters of their bog which allows kayaking when the water level cooperates. More than 1,600

A view of the Meyers’ conservation easement-protected land with Lake Huron in the background. Land protected with a conservation easement remains in private ownership, and the easement carries with the land regardless of future ownership.

feet of Beavertail Creek empty into the bog, where otter, beaver, and a multitude of water birds are common. Bitterns nested at the bog two years ago. One winter Roger watched a wolf walk across the ice, playing with a mouse, tossing it into the air. The occasional moose comes through the area, and a neighbor’s trail camera captured a mountain lion several years ago. “One of my big thrills each year is to see the Trumpeter and Tundra Swans come to the waters in the Fall, and to be able to observe the Sandhill Cranes migrating high in the air at that same time,” Roger added.

“First I was inspired by the land, then I was inspired by the Meyers’ dedication to protect it,” said Land Protection Specialist and CFO Joe Graham. “It was a pleasure to work with them to realize their long-term goal.”

Today, three generations of Roger and Mary Ann’s blended family love the land, including 10 grandkids from ages 11-22. “This special place just represents peace and relaxation for us, and we love to share it with others in our life who also appreciate the same,” Mary Ann said. “We want it to stay that way here, and the best way to do this was through Little Traverse Conservancy.”

Black Hole Preserve Grows Again!

THE ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF AN EXTRAORDINARY PRESERVE

At the end of 2023, two four-acre parcels were added to the complex of preserves that form the now 225-acre Black Hole Management Area at the channel between Crooked and Pickerel lakes. The complex protects more than a half mile along the channel. To help us appreciate the ecological aspects of what this multi-year, multi-project effort has created since 2005, LTC Conservation Specialist Amy Lipson takes us on a tour.

The Black Hole management area is one of our preserve complexes that showcases the different levels of disturbance and recovery from humans. The cedar swamps have been left in their natural state for the past 70 years or more. They act as a high quality buffer for the channel between Pickerel and Crooked lakes. The swamps transition into a marsh along the channel offering habitat for herons, frogs, and the secretive American Bittern.

Adjacent to the swamps, a wet meadow is well on its way to recovering to a natural state. While plenty of invasive plants are found, large swaths of native wildflowers such as Joe Pye weed, goldenrod, and milkweeds are habitat for the insects that support larger wildlife and songbirds. Dispersed green ash trees, some of which are mature and not yet showing signs of emerald ash borer infestation, are also found. This population is worth watching to see if any of the trees demonstrate resistance to emerald ash borer. Scientists predict that over the next 100 years this tree will be wiped out of more than 80% of its range.

The rest of the preserve is a relic of a golf course that closed in 2008. The monoculture of non-native turf grass has expanded to include invasive weeds, yet also native flora such as grass-leaved goldenrod and strawberries. Scattered invasive shrubs and trees, as well as native willows and dogwoods, are flourishing in this sunny, wet field. Even in February a bird’s nest left in an invasive scotch pine

was spotted along with a ghostly old chrysalis (pictured right) hanging from an invasive autumn olive bush. We hope to replace these plants with native trees and shrubs in the next few years. A herd of deer flourish in this disturbed habitat, but they are too numerous for the landscape, preventing full growth of dogwood and cedar.

Restoration of land that has been stripped bare and sculpted by machines is a long process. Native plants, trees, and shrubs will be added to this preserve to provide food and shelter for wildlife. Patches of priority invasive species will be treated with herbicide using best practices. Native vegetation will take several years to establish and begin to compete with the invasive plants already present, so mowing and or burning will need to be done to give them a chance to grow higher than the weeds.

In the meantime, we can appreciate what undeveloped land provides for wildlife, even in a greatly disturbed state. A family of sandhill cranes now raise their young here every year, birds of prey hunt, and opossums, skunks, and porcupines make their homes here as well.

All of this can occur because

the protection of priority!

Black Hole photo by Dan Hasty/wavebreakonline.com

Wilderness Bay Nature Preserve

(formerly known as Cube Point) Completed!

A campaign to protect two parcels of land on Marquette Island, Les Cheneaux, is now officially complete. Together these two parcels will be known as the Wilderness Bay Nature Preserve with 22 acres and nearly a half mile of Lake Huron shoreline. Thank you to the following for making this project possible!

Anonymous

Ms. Nancy Ayres

Mr. David Betts

Joe and Missy Burger

Kathy Noyes Canada

Nora Cardinal and Pauline Cardinal-Mitchell

Mrs. Taylor Chewning

Michael and Carolyn Clark

C & L Cooper-Weidner

George and Alexandra Covington

Richard C. Deming

Brenda DeRosha

Maggie Doherty and Cole Schneider

Mrs. Margaret Pittman

Michael Ekkens

Jack and Barb Favret

Ms. Diane Feldman

Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. B. Fels

Mrs. Charles Fox

Lucius and Jayne Fox

The Gillette Foundation

John and Jeri Griffin

Mrs. Frances Herdon

Mr. William O. Hunt, Jr.

Ms. Marnie Johnson

Emerson Jones

The Kasamis Family

Jay and Myra Kim

Mrs. Grace A. Koeppe

Gary and Marian Koester

Laing Family LLC

Lakeside Construction & Maintenance Inc.

David and Bette Lauer

Les Cheneaux Foundation

David and Genny Letts

Douglas and Susan Linn

Mr. Lawrence Lossing and Ms. Ann Elston

Hank Meijer and Liesel Litzenburger Meijer/Dragonfly Fund

Mr. and Mrs. Scott A. Myers

Marc and Shanley Poole

Leila Poullada

Jim and Missy Rainear

Mr. and Mrs. Eric P. Reif

Janet and Gary Roeckner

Ed and Phyllis Rusk

Lewis Sage and Katherine P. Sheppard

Anna Schirtzinger

Jim and Kate Scollin

Peter Scott

Mrs. Lois Brumleve Sedacca

Dr. Christine D. Sheppard

Robert Sheppard-Sage

Mr. Bob W. Smith

David Thompson

Michelle Walk

Jeff and Carol Whitehead

Mrs. Amy Williams

Dr. and Mrs. Henry P. Williams, III

Mr. and Mrs. Paul W. Wilson

Steve and Holly Wittmann

Sally P. Wright

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Pat Alguire

Born and raised in Flint, I met my wife Barb Mathes while I was an internal medicine resident in Ann Arbor. Most of my career was spent as professor of medicine at various academic institutions including Michigan State University, University of Florida, and Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. For nearly 25 years, I also worked for my professional society, the American College of Physicians, where I was responsible for the creation and dissemination of educational programs for practicing internists, residents, and students and was the editor of a major text and self-assessment program for internists. We returned to Michigan in 2019 and I retired in 2021, ending a fulfilling 44-year career in medicine and teaching.  My favorite place in nature is typically one of our blueribbon trout streams. I can spend an entire day walking and fly fishing. My favorite site is the Pigeon River at the Robert VanCampen/Helmer’s Dam Nature Preserve. I love the combination of sparkling and murmuring water and bright blue summer sky framed by green foliage. I am still amazed by a new hatch of insects rising from the stream in numbers that are unimaginable.

It is often hard to stop exploring the river because each new bend is likely to reveal something special that I haven’t witnessed before. This past fall I was within a stone’s throw of a bull elk wading across the river, both of us stopping to give each other a wary eye. It was quite a thrill. I’ve seen beavers, snakes, otters, deer, eagles and even DNR staff sampling the water for lamprey. Occasionally I will meet float boats with other fishermen or vacationers just floating down the river for fun. We always exchange a few friendly words and best wishes. When I come home, Barb will, more often than not, ask,

Welcome New Members!

Welcome New Members!

Joe and Muriel Alexandrowski

Dennis and Barbara Anderson

Brian and Jeri Lynn Bailey

Douglas and Linda Barrows

Peter Bensel

Fred and Jennifer Bentley

Michael and Monica Brown

Ellen Byrne and John Richert

Martha Churchill

Paul and Tracy Collins

William and Mary Corbett

Tom and Jean Cote

Dana Coyne

Kimberlee Cutler

Gail Dawson and John Asselin

Cathryn Deal

Melissa DeWick

John and Gayle Dilley

Ronald and Valerie Dudzik

Paul and Debbie Edmunds

Robert and Kate Essenberg

Ms. Judith Fabick

Mr. and Mrs. Gunby J. Garrard

Keith Gehring

Bridget Gonzales

Thomas Gratsch

Ms. Nancy Gross

Rafina Grove

Bryan and Sherill Lim Hacker

Frederick and Susan Hall

Kurt and Kathryn Hartlieb

Stephen and Susan Hassell

Edward T and Norma Hecker

Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Howe, II

Joe and Lisa Howie

Joseph and Nancy Imbs

Cary Kaufman and Mindy Hasie

“What did you see?” rather than, “How many fish?” She is attuned to what I like best about my river sojourns.

“New friendships have been made with remarkably able, dedicated, and interesting people.”

Volunteering for Little Traverse Conservancy has given me the opportunity to help preserve some of the most wonderful natural areas in Michigan. These work days at LTC get me outside and staying physically active. I have been introduced to new skills, and have gotten the chance to become acquainted with the wonderful staff at LTC and the other volunteers. I was completely disarmed by how warm and welcoming the staff and other volunteers were on my first day “on the job.” New friendships have been made with remarkably able, dedicated, and interesting people.

While far from the most experienced or technically savvy volunteer, I have learned how to identify (and remove) invasive plants, build boardwalks and trails, plant wildflowers, use a chainsaw safely, and navigate in the woods with GPS and compass. I have also learned that when carrying lumber to a new construction site, the trail always goes uphill, both coming and going. It’s a real mystery.

Membership gifts given between November 9, 2023 - February 9, 2024

Drs. Mary Jo and Andy Keller

Tom Kirvan

Gary and Marian Koester

Tim and Lisa Kriegshauser

Jennifer Kroken

Scott LaVictor

David Ligotti and Karen Quenneville

Ellen Lord and Edd Tury

Caroline and Michael Marks

William and Carol Marsh

Patrick Mauro

Mark and Debra Merrill

Raymond and Janet Meyer

Cheryl Ann Moellenbeck

Thoms and Gail Molen

Michele Montague

Dorothy A. Nelson

James and Ashley Nestell

Kenneth and Kristin Newa

Daniel and Sarah Opperman

Stephanie and Michael Peters

David and Sarah Rembiesa

Katie Remensnyder

James and Lynne Tilma Ross

Richard and Linda Saslow

Victor Sinadinoski and Svetlana Sinadinoska

Beth Squires

Ayron Stagray

Peter and Julia Swanson

David and Janet Sweet

Steven and Diane Telian

Frans and Kate Vanliere

Steven A. and Jeanine M. Voller

John and Jane Winterbottom

Beebe and Lynn Wolgast

Welcome Nate!

Welcome Nate!

Nate Dionne is LTC’s first ever Recreation Field Supervisor, a brand new position designed to direct more resources toward our existing nature preserves and trails. Nate will be making sure that all of your favorite places are in the best shape possible for you to enjoy!

Here is a little bit more about our newest team member:

Nate Dionne is LTC’s first ever Recreation Field Supervisor, a brand new position designed to direct more resources toward our existing nature preserves and trails. Nate will be making sure that all of your favorite places are in the best shape possible for you to enjoy!

“I feel so fortunate to begin the next chapter of my life working in a field that I appreciate and have reaped the benefits of for so many years. It is a privilege to help protect this area and to help make it accessible for others to enjoy for years to follow.”

Nate Dionne has a deep appreciation for northern Michigan. Growing up in Elk Rapids, he developed a passion for agriculture and working the land in the orchards. The mix of hands-on work, science, and equipment combined with the constantly evolving challenges such as weather, price fluctuations, and consumer choice instilled in him a deep appreciation for farmers. This interest helped direct him to Michigan State University where he earned a degree in Agriscience Education.

Here is a little bit more about our newest team member:

After beginning his teaching career in Saline, Michigan, Nate relocated to Gaylord where he taught a wide array of science and horticulture courses for 20 years. He finished his career in education as the principal at East Jordan Middle/High School where he was fortunate to join and work with a fantastic team from 2019-2023.

A GLIMPSE INSIDE the Staff Group Text Feed

“I feel so fortunate to begin the next chapter of my life working in a field that I appreciate and have reaped the benefits of for so many years. It is a privilege to help protect this area and to help make it accessible for others to enjoy for years to follow.”

Nate Dionne has a deep appreciation for northern Michigan. Growing up in Elk Rapids, he developed a passion for agriculture and working the land in the orchards. The mix of hands-on work, science, and equipment combined with the constantly evolving challenges such as weather, price fluctuations, and consumer choice instilled in him a deep appreciation for farmers. This interest helped direct him to Michigan State University where he earned a degree in Agriscience Education.

Amy hiding under a rock on an invasives work day break. “My favorite place to be when I am embarrassed!”

Nate lives with his family in Boyne City. His wife Ami and their children: Isaac (14), Cam (12) and Addy (10) enjoy working on their apple farm, mountain biking, downhill/XC skiing and hanging with their animals: MJ (Chocolate Lab), Tansey (cat) and Rook and Lexi (horses).

Caitlin getting Joe out in the field to inspect a new property while he is in recovery from achilles surgery. Now that is teamwork!

After beginning his teaching career in Saline, Michigan, Nate relocated to Gaylord where he taught a wide array of science and horticulture courses for 20 years. He finished his career in education as the principal at East Jordan Middle/High School where he was fortunate to join and work with a fantastic team from 2019-2023.

Brian: “The feeling you get when you go to the beach but you’re still at work.” Come on Brian... jump in!

Nate lives with his family in Boyne City. His wife Ami and their children: Isaac (14), Cam (12) and Addy (10) enjoy working on their apple farm, mountain biking, downhill/XC skiing and hanging with their animals: MJ (Chocolate Lab), Tansey (cat)

VERMILION ENDOWMENT FUND

Vermilion Point has rapidly entire service area. federally-threatened Piping Plover ride to get to the charm. And then, of stations constructed jurisdiction of the U.S. 1876 and 1935, the calls for assistance

book Life on a Lonely printing in 2001. proposed to LTC that if proceeds would go to to provide for the preserve and some of the

as well as Sally’s new index to the purchase a copy.

Long out of print, Life on a Lonely Shore has been reprinted thanks to generous funding from Ian and Sally Bund. The authors have asked that all proceeds from the sale of the books will go to the Vermilion Endowment Fund. You will soon be able to purchase a copy at several Sault Area outlets including the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point. You can also order a copy through the Conservancy’s online store at www.landtrust.org.

care to

Vermilion Point 1876 Life Saving Station is the only the four original stations still standing today. Thanks to Vermilion, this building is receiving extra

ensure its longevity. Here Grace and Steve Truman and Rob and Barbara from S.O.S. Vermilion stand in front of the building after foundation was constructed in the Summer of 2023.

IN HONOR OF

Kathleen Marsh and Kirsten Anderson

Jill L. Porter and Robert J. Marsh

Sue and Eric Anderson

Mr. Jeremy Westcott

John and Sandy Baker

David and Joan Culver

Eric Blesi

Evening Star Joinery

Tim and Cindy Brammer

White and Liebler Architects

Patricia Bray

Beth, Todd and Katie Pascoe

Bill and Tina Calhoun

White and Liebler Architects

Bob and Brynne Coletti

White and Liebler Architects

Jeff and Tamara Cutler

White and Liebler Architects

Designs by Dawn

Evening Star Joinery

Karen Strough and Michael

Donnelly

Edward and Madeliene Donnelly

The Donnelly Crew

Mary Pat Donnelly

Deborah Dorn

Evening Star Joinery

Linda Ehlendt

Cassandra Arsenault

Mr. and Mrs. James Fabiano

Evening Star Joinery

Ron and Lisa Fenech

Evening Star Joinery

Paul and Cyndy Howes

White and Liebler Architects

Emily Hughes

Andy and Ryan Donahoe

KLK Design

Evening Star Joinery

Kyle D. Knight

Michael and Naomi Behrmann

John and Judi Thelen

Lisa and Ric Loyd

Mr. and Mrs. W. Anthony Huffman

Steve and Jamie Nawrocki

Evening Star Joinery

HONORARIUM & MEMORIAL GIFTS

The following gifts were received between November 9, 2023 - February 9, 2024

Marta Olson

Mr. and Mrs. James P. Lenfestey

Richard Platte

Anonymous

Ranger Family

Mrs. Beth Ranger

Cedric Richner

Georgiana Richner and G.W. Solomon

Michael Ruhlman

Tony Ruhlman

Derek Shiels

Andy and Ryan Donahoe

Hugh and Gretchen Stelter

Gwen and Craig Fitzgerald

Tom Stringer

Evening Star Joinery

David Strong

Anonymous

Brad and Katie Toohaker

White and Liebler Architects

Jennifer Wein

Jessica and Jeremy Fettig

Nicholas White

Evening Star Joinery

Anne Williamson

Mark Mitshkun and Diane Rosenblum

Todd and Jennifer Winnell

Evening Star Joinery

George and Patricia Yellich

Brian and Lindsey Curtis

IN MEMORY OF

John Anderson

Dr. Neil Levitt

Dr. Judy Bateman

David Armour

Matthew and Anneke Myers

Marie Baker

Mr. and Mrs. G. Sheldon Veil

Rod B. Begeman

Ms. Joan Begeman

Maureen Burke

Mr. and Mrs. Philip C. Ryan

Michael Cameron

Evening Star Joinery

Jim Cassidy

Dick, Sheilah and Brady Bogart

Marilyn Cusenza

Dr. and Mrs. Clifford J. Cox

Trina Ochs

Rosemary DeCamp

The Heins Family

Christine Johnston

Ms. Linda S. Lawson

Robert and Elizabeth McBride

Kate McVicker and Eric Rasmussen

Cricket Abbott Emmel (dog)

Lynn Tryban/Our Best Friends Pet Sitting

Delia Fritz

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Campbell

Karen and Larry Corby

Fox Family

Margaret French

Tayte French-Lutz

Tom Hoster and Joan Zwiep

Emily Hughes and Joe, Ember, and Ada Graham

Jeff and Liza Leland

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Patterson

McCoy Quinones Family

Ty and Sarah Ratliff

Mrs. Albert M. Rockwood

Mr. Steward and Ms. Somer

Mrs. John Summers

Jacqueline and Russell Tyndall

David and Jean Yost

Daniel French

Tom Hoster and Joan Zwiep

Jeff and Liza Leland

Sue Gaines Gehrke

James Gehrke

John Graff

Lee and Anne Davis

Brian Granger

William and Jennifer Chope

Sandra Holben

Mr. and Mrs. David T. Miller

Mr. and Mrs. Donald H. Streett

Steve Jakeway

Mr. and Mrs. Philip C. Ryan

Nicholas Karay, Sr. Adept Group

Michaleen and Nick Karay

Charles and Bonnie Kraft

Roger and Katie Kieren

Thom Greene and Nadeen Kieren

Robert Kobs

Peter Kobs

Richard Kowalski

Thomas and Theresa Tytar

Judie Koza

Thomas Bailey and Heidi Marshall

Tracy Dulak and Dominic Bragg

Mr. and Mrs. G. Sheldon Veil

Earl Larson

Kieran and Anne Fleming

Emily Hughes and Joe, Ember, and Ada Graham

Ty and Sarah Ratliff

Harold Leach

Laura Leach

Chuck and Jutta Letts

Chip and Kathleen Letts

Sally Lott

Tracy Dulak and Dominic Bragg

Max Martin

Forest Beach Association

Charles Michael Malloy

Tim Bannon

William McElroy

Thomas and Theresa Tytar

Robert McMurtrie

Jacqueline McMurtrie

Robert Nickodemus

Brenda Archer

Don and Tully Garbers

Nick and Jan Georgian

George Heery

Sue Hirsch

Michael and Colleen LaPaglia

Mark and Lynn Legg

Jim Nolan

Sally Shoemaker

Dick Spinello

Skip White

Rit Woodside

Edward and Jane Byrne Palmer

Nora Leonard

Rebecca Nelson

Ms. Elizabeth Difanis Phillips

Mary Sue Rischar

Patrick and Kimberly Sullivan

C. David Patterson

Sharon Tipton Andringa

Thomas Bailey and Heidi Marshall

Ken and Marianne Bouldin

Barbara Crowley

Kieran and Anne Fleming

Emily Hughes and Joe, Ember, and Ada Graham

Margy Jones

John and Kathleen Jorgensen

Eleanor and Bruce McMillan

Daniel Patterson

Gary and Laurie Siemens

Lawrence and Barbara Sparks

Dr. John W. Richter and Mary Jo Richter

Lisa Dunson-Richter

Richard Ross

Mr. and Mrs. G. Alexander Ross

Michael Schirmer

Louis Hensley III

Emily Hughes and Joe, Ember, and Ada Graham

Sally Kennedy

Mr. Robert E. Kersey

Dave Schutz

Jack and Beverley Kirby

Marie Sloan

Ty and Sarah Ratliff

The LTC community lost a member of our family this past fall with the passing of Dave Patterson. Dave was an LTC board member from 20122021, with many years engaged on the Land Protection Committee. We will miss you, Dave.

Whitelaw T. Terry

Mr. and Mrs. Edwin S. Baldwin

Mr. Clarence C. Barksdale

Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Barnes

Mr. Parker B. Condie

Mrs. Carolyn B. Danforth

Carol and Walter Diggs

Marjorie Dozier

Quintus Drennan

Laura Feltes

Mr. and Mrs. Fouke

Louise Gazzoli

Irene S. Holmes

Sheila and Michael Humphreys

Mr. and Mrs. James S. McDonnell, III

Mrs. John B. McKinney

Connie McPheeters

Elizabeth Metcalfe

Cynthia and Sandy Peters

Erin and Adam Prest

Mrs. Walter L. Ross, II

Cary and John Schaperkotter

Keith and Marcia Shahan

John H. Stevenson III and Family

Mr. and Mrs. Donald H. Streett

Liz Teasdale

Mrs. Allen W. Whittemore

Michael James White, Sr.

Thomas and Kitty Lower

Alanson Students, Published Poets

In early 2023, LTC’s Education Department and students from Kathryn Millar’s English class in Alanson participated in the first ever Writing the Land: Youth Write the Land book project. While the Writing the Land project has been around since 2021, 2023 was the first time it involved students.

Writing the Land is a national project that pairs poets with land trusts. At their “adopted” land trust, each poet becomes immersed in the land, using all their senses to get to know it. From this immersion, they create written words that reflect the connections they have made.

LTC was chosen to participate in last year’s Youth Write the Land book and assigned poet Shanley Smith-Poole. Before meeting with the students, Smith-Poole traveled to northern Michigan to learn about the landscape and prepare to help students write their own poetry.

For their workshop, Smith-Poole, LTC staff, and the Alanson students visited the Agnes S. Andreae Nature Preserve on the Pigeon River. Here Smith-Poole taught them a poetic process to connect with the outdoors.

“People of all ages need a connection with Nature to be full human beings, and (this) was a chance to help them feel and think about that essential connection,” said Lis McLoughlin, PhD, DEO of NatureCulture and Writing the Land.

McLoughlin gave much credit to the teachers and poets for creating this successful publication, adding that poetry “is about authentic expression, and kids who have the opportunity and motivation to express their own feelings, in a safe space, learn how to write. The children at Alanson Middle School are lucky to have such an excellent teacher in Kathryn, and such a caring land trust nearby that welcomes them in.”

“A connection to Nature formed early in life is key.”

- Lis McLoughlin

Millar added, “Seeing their work published made everything real. They are not just middle school students — they are writers. Working with authentic texts and true experts brings writing to life like no classroom assignment can.” Millar is proud of her students for taking on this challenge and making something raw and beautiful, seeing the process through from start to finish.

The poems in Writing the Land: Youth Write the Land clearly come from a place of appreciation and sincerity for nature. McLoughlin emphasized the words of renowned author and leader of the nature-smart movement, Richard Louv, who wrote the book’s foreward: “Louv points out that children hold much more nuanced understandings of life — their own, and lives within the rest of Nature — than one might expect from youth. That in turn makes me hopeful.”

LTC Director of Education Sarah Mayhew was thrilled with the partnership, and the end results were better than she could have imagined. “When I first learned of this project I jumped

a page from the book

Writing the Land: Youth Write the Land

SEED BALLS at HATHAWAY

on the opportunity! I thought it sounded incredible but hadn’t realized the impact it would have on the outdoor education community as a whole. Having Richard Louv write the foreword is like having Michael Jordan endorse your basketball team. I’m very proud of our kids and Kathryn for their openness and vulnerability! This was a beautiful project and I’m thankful we were a part of it,” Mayhew said.

To wrap up this extraordinary experience, we asked Millar to ask her students what they remembered from their day of becoming poets in nature. Here are some of their thoughts:

“The view and the scenery was amazing.”

- Jackson

“As we approached the spot, we were all mesmerized by the view.”

- Gabby

“I remember when I went that day. It was so nice: the trees, the crisp air, everything. It just felt magical. When we got there I think everyone was mesmerized cause everybody bolted out of the door running to no return, into the cabin, the woods, looking at nature, the water, the trees. When I found out that our book was published, I was ecstatic, and I was on the first page! Amazing.” - Max

Students at Mackinaw City Public School helped plant a native wildflower meadow at Hathaway Family’s Regina Caeli Nature Preserve through the use of seed balls!

The balls were made using a blend of compost and terracotta clay, formed around a small pinch of wildflower seeds which included Monarda fistulosa, a native beebalm; Solidago canadensis, a native goldenrod; and Asclepias syriaca, common milkweed. The seeds were collected from other LTC preserves by volunteers.

A few weeks later, the students met with education and stewardship staff at the preserve to throw the balls into the prepared meadow on top of a layer of snow. It will be fun for the students to watch the fruits of their work emerge as many plants over the next two years.

WILD SHORES Initiative

CONSERVING GREAT LAKES SHORELINE

As a lover of northern Michigan, you know how essential it is to conserve the heart of what makes northern Michigan so special: Great Lakes shoreline.

A new program of the Conservancy’s, the Wild Shores Initiative, aims to acquire large, natural shoreline properties, primarily in the Upper Peninsula and on many of the islands, where there are significant conservation opportunities at affordable prices. These lands are typically robust in conservation value and are essential areas for many species, including numerous migratory birds. This initiative will fund acquisition of a revolving group of significant shoreline projects.

There are currently four properties within the Wild Shores Initiative that would protect the following:

• A combined total of 214 acres

• 1,300 feet of shoreline on the St. Mary’s River

• 1,100 feet of shoreline on Lake Huron

• 2,331 feet of shoreline on Whitney Bay (Lake Huron)

LTC is seeking $1,000,000 for the protection and care of these properties in addition to seeding the protection of future shoreline projects. If you are interested in making a potentially tax-deductible gift to Little Traverse Conservancy, contact Emily Hughes, Chief Development Officer, at emily@landtrust.org or 231.347.0991.

YOUR GIFT WILL:

• protect Great Lakes shoreline

• add to the 503 acres and more than 3.5 miles of shoreline already protected through this initiative since 2023.

How can we care for places like these forever?

Your membership gifts are the biggest part of ensuring our day-to-day work is possible. Thank you! Another key to LTC’s longevity is the funding provided by our endowment funds each year.

The following list includes our current named endowment funds that help ensure our mission sustains — and thrives.

• Andreae-Brown Family Environmental Education Endowment Fund

• Joan R. and Charles M. Taylor II Memorial Endowment Fund

• Les Cheneaux Endowment Fund

• Patricia and Thomas Jeffs Family Fund

• Vermilion Endowment Fund

OPENING THIS SPRING! MELVIN FAMILY HIKING & BIKING TRAILS

When longtime land protection advocate Mark Melvin expressed an interest in finding land where more trails could be built near Burt and Mullet lakes, the perfect place was found. Now less than two years later, the beautiful 150-acre Melvin Family Hiking & Biking Trails Working Forest Reserve includes seven miles of professionally-designed (bike-optimized) trails.

What makes this place so special? First off, location. Conveniently accessible from the I-75/Robinson Road exit or from the Topinabee Depot, this is the first trail of its kind in Cheboygan County. When the land was acquired, several old logging trails only needed slight expansion and revision for an excellent trail system. The calm and beauty of the natural world will soothe your soul as you meander the switchbacks on foot or by bike, taking in glimpses of Mullett Lake along the way.

“This reserve is also remarkable when we consider how many people joined Mark in his effort to make this dream a reality (see list below),” said Kieran Fleming, LTC Executive Director. “Rarely, does a land protection AND stewardship project happen this quickly!”

LTC plans to open the gates to this reserve in late spring, with a formal dedication on Tuesday, June 11 at 4pm that is open to the public.

Donors to the Melvin Family Hiking & Biking Trails

Mr. Eric D. Alsberg

Billy and Jennifer Andrew

Jim Bartlett

Ross and Valerie Bassett

Mr. and Mrs. Richard P. Binder, Jr.

Tim and Christina Bohnhoff

Debbie Borgmann

Stacy Bower

Jacob and Jennifer Brandau

Gregory and Patricia Bright

John and Rachel Burmeister

Bruce and Heidi Burnett

Jesse and Paul Carollo

Paul and Michelle Carrannanto

Chris and Lia Carruthers

Keith and Maggie Cheli

Evie Clare

Marimartha and Tim Clark

Elliot Couch

Dale and Anne Covy

Joe and Cheryl Daly

Dave and Jocelyn Davis

Pat and Jackie Daylor

Jeffrey and Mary Detwiler

Mr. and Mrs. Robert DeYoung

Dan and Robbe DiPietro

Mr. and Mrs. David J. Donovan

Austin Dudas

Mark and Marie Eckstein

Kevin and Therese Eichhorn

Mark and Margaret Eustis

Mr. and Mrs. Kirk W. Evans

Evil Queen, LLC

Susan Fisher

Julia and Tom Fleury

Kate and Daniel Flewelling

Gary and Carol Freismuth

Ryan and Rebecca Friske

Dan and Leah Gabrek

Michael and Catherine Galliher

Marcia Ganske

Mrs. Robert N. Garlick

Austin Gerding Family

Karen Glorio and Mike Green

Michael and Christine Grant

Great Lakes Energy People Fund

Nancy Grimm

James and Sharon Gulau

Matt and Annie Harris

Charles and Lori Holmquist

Reynold and Nelva Homan

Bill and Cathy Horn

Tom Hoster and Joan Zwiep

Huyghe Family

Dr. and Mrs. Hermann and Julie Kaebnick

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kendrick

Lindsay Klee

Maggie and Jason Kromm

Bill and Mary Kunst

Ty and Lisa LaPrairie

R. Dale and Martha C. Lefever

Jim and K.C. Leh

David and Cacia Lesh Family

Robin Jordan and Larry Liebler

Nils and Nicole Lindwall Family

Adam and Kimberly Link

Liz Polk Lynch and Richard Lynch

Kevin Matson

Brandon McIntyre

Jeff and Tracy McMath

Pat and Donna McPhee

Dan Sullivan and Anne T. Melvin

Caroline Melvin

Mark and Michelle Melvin

Andrew Mercer

The Meyers Family

Michael’s Tavern and Steakhouse

Kyle Minton

Mr. and Mrs. James F. Moloney

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Monette

Diane Morand

Reese and Owen Morin

Tim and Cindy Morley

Lisa and William Morris

Garrett Muir

Mr. Terrance Nagle

John Nyquist

Chad and Sue Okuly

Jim and Alice Padilla

Donald and Amy Palmer

Drew and Maggie Peklo

Patrick and Mary Peterson

Margie Phillips

Pielsticker/Shinn Family

Mike and Mary Ann Podelnyk

David and Kay Powell

Cody and Brooke Rajewski

Dan Roshon

Mr. and Mrs. James F. Rutledge

Steve and Mary Jo Schultz

Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Schultz

Devon Schwalm

Michael Schwedt

Dr. Dennis and Cathi Sczechowski

Jeff and Jan Simons

Mr. and Mrs. David C. Skaggs

Christopher Smith and Emily Fleury

Scott and Cheryl Smith

Bob Solt and Anne Couture

Don and Gloria Sowle

David and Linda Steenstra

Mrs. Jerry H. Steward

The Sweeney Family

Mary Pat and Rich Van Dam

Paul and Maryagnes Van Klaveren

Sara Wassenaar and Rich Frutiger

Susan Whitener

David and Jean Yost

Steve Yuroff

Mrs. Virginia Zimmerman

LEGACY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Jennifer Eis

Income for Today, a Legacy for Tomorrow

Jennifer Eis and her late husband Don Ward are the creators of Ward and Eis Gallery, their beloved shop in Petoskey. Jennifer and Don put a conservation easement on their property north of Harbor Springs in 2005 and another on adjacent property in 2017. Jennifer recently created a charitable gift annuity with LTC to continue her legacy of conservation. This is part of the story she shared in a letter with LTC.

You asked when my relationship to LTC began. I think Don and I joined about 40 years ago. We opened our business in 1978 and finished work on our log home in ’83. It was clear then that the beauty that surrounded us was also what attracted summer residents and tourists and sustained our local economy. We volunteered as monitors of several small preserves, and found ways to financially support LTC both personally and through our business.

I am very grateful that when I can no longer care for the land, there is an organization in LTC that shares my values and will carry on the obligation of protecting these 90 acres through that conservation easement. None of us really owns the land; we can only be stewards of it.

Recently, I decided to expand my relationship to LTC through a charitable gift annuity. After seven decades, you come to a certain point in life where acquisition is no longer an operating principle. I have found that my health, happiness and probably, longevity goes up every time I give. One of the most powerful gifts lies in enabling others. So I have chosen this past year to invest in two organizations that improve access and connectivity between humans and the rest of the living world. Close to home, I chose LTC to establish a charitable gift annuity. At the national level, I chose Trust for Public Land. I think money invested in these two organizations enables relationships within the natural world to thrive. Ours is not the task of fixing the world all at once, but of stretching out to mend the part of the world that is within our reach. This is the part of the world I can reach and I want to hold it gently and enable it to thrive.

My hope is that these two organizations will extend my reach and desire to help, far beyond my limited capacity. I know LTC shares my belief that places in the natural world remind us to live a good life, to remain in balance, to pray, to offer up things in gratitude, and to be gracious with one another. For me, this is why protecting natural spaces is so important; they make me a better person.

OK, it’s time to go for a walk.

Thank you, Jennifer, for creating a forever gift with us. We are honored to be your partners in extending your reach.

How does a Charitable Gift Annuity Work?

You create an annuity by transferring cash or stock to LTC.

You are eligible for an immediate tax deduction. If you donate appreciated assets, you may save on capital gains taxes as well.

You receive fixed payments for life.

The principal passes to LTC after the lifetime of the income beneficiaries.

To learn more visit landtrust.org/planned-giving or contact Emily Hughes, Chief Development Officer at emily@landtrust.org or 231.347.0991.

Jennifer with her constant companion, Aanii

GRATEFUL FOR

Michael Soczek for donating a beautiful Christmas wreath to decorate the LTC office.

Keri from the Grain Train, who donated many snacks, more than we originally asked for, because our winter solstice field trip had so many attendees!

Larry Liebler, Richard Jenkins and John Baker for their help installing the nature megaphone at Robert L. Bytwerk Reserve and for building two beautiful cedar benches for the changing station at the Melvin Family Hiking & Biking Trails Reserve.

Harbor Springs Excavating for sanding and salting our office driveway at no charge.

Village of Mackinac City for plowing the parking area at the Hathaway Family’s Regina Caeli Nature Preserve for school students to be able to join us on educational outings there.

Lisa Morris for cleaning up scrap metal at Enjiminozhiiyaamigak Nature Preserve and the other preserve enthusiasts who took the scrap to the dump!

Ty Ratliff for sharing his editing superpowers with us.

Pam and Brad Grassmick for trail camera management on Beaver Island and for helping maintain the Barney’s Lake Nature Preserve boat access.

Gary Stewart for sharing his marketing expertise.

Marty Amlin & Dianne Litzenburger for their editorial expertise.

Greenwood Sanctuary for hosting a field trip on their beautiful property and volunteers Vaughn and Harriet McGraw, Jennifer Reynolds and Dan Dueweke for helping lead the participants on the ski/snowshoe.

Preserve Perfectionists Pat Alguire, John Baker, Richard Jenkins and Stan Royalty for miscellaneous preserve tasks and monitoring remote properties.

Land Steward and Preserve Perfectionist volunteers Pat Alguire, Katie Allen, John Baker, Dan Dueweke, Doug Engler, Bill Garlinghouse, Aaron Maltby, Elaine and Chris Nesbitt, Richard Jenkins, Jennifer Reynolds, Tom and Kim Rowland, Stan Royalty, Adam and Stephanie Schubel, Jeff Stimson, and Craig Williams for clearing trails we groom for cross country skiing.

Tim Morley for ground-truthing signs at the new

Melvin Family Hiking & Biking Trails.

Sally Brown, Kelly Jo Kitchen, Bill Krause, Bill and Mary Kunst, Sheila Malleis, Glen and Diane Matthews, Peri McGuiness, Nan Prout and Carolyn Stark for making wildflower and soil seed balls for the Hathaway Family’s

Regina Caeli Nature Preserve meadow restoration project.

Membership Ambassadors Sally Bales, Barbara Bechhold, Sandy Bollinger, Nick and Michaleen Karay, Karen Knapp, and Rye Muir for helping with our winter membership mailing.

Pat Alguire, John Baker, Pat and Julie Dougherty, Kelly Kitchen, Mary and John Merrill, Jennifer Reynolds, Stan Royalty, and Mike Schwedt for helping remove invasive shrubs at Chaboiganing Nature Preserve.

Jeff Moyer for volunteer photography.

Mary Merrill for counting trail use data.

John Merrill for partnership support with Mackinaw City projects.

Pat Alguire for taking inventory of our first aid kits and making professional recommendations.

Pat Alguire, John Baker, Julie and Pat Dougherty, Richard Jenkins, Bill Kunst, Peri McGuiness and Stan Royalty for removing invasive shrubs at Bair Family Nature Preserve.

Richard Jenkins for acting as safety buddy for our trail and forestry work at Enji-minozhiiyaamigak.

Jim Bricker for reptile education materials.

Nathan Fairbanks for loaning ice fishing equipment for a program and for grooming cross country ski trails at Offield Family Working Forest Reserve.

Local Eats for a unique partnership with LTC and the Emmet County Friendship Center.

Little Traverse Conservancy

3264 Powell Road

Harbor Springs, MI 49740

www.landtrust.org

Address Service Requested

Spring 2024 Events

PLEASE NOTE: Unless otherwise noted, registration can be found at www.landtrust.org/events or by calling 231.347.0991.

SPRING BIRDING AT GREENWOOD

Saturday, May 4 9-11 am

LTC’s longtime birding expert, Mary Trout, invites you to join her at Greenwood Foundation’s newly-acquired and protected Elk Ridge property. Enjoy a beautiful spring walk while we listen for and see our fine feathered friends as they return or settle in for nesting season. Registration is limited to 20.

MOTHER’S DAY WILDFLOWER WALK

Elmer Johnston Nature Preserve

Friday, May 10 3:30-5 pm

Join Conservation Specialist Amy Lipson for a hike through the beautiful Elmer Johnston Nature Preserve near Good Hart. Along with spring wildflowers you will enjoy beautiful views of Lake Michigan.

BECOME A CITIZEN SCIENTIST - AN EARTH WEEK PLUS EVENT

Location TBD near Cheboygan

Saturday, May 11 2-4 pm

What life can you find on LTC properties? How can you contribute to conservation and biodiversity as a volunteer? LTC Staff will teach us how, through use of the iNaturalist app. We will practice using it as we explore a Conservancy nature preserve near Cheboygan.

LISTENING IN THE DARK: Soundscapes in the Night Sky

The Headlands International Dark Sky Park

Wednesday, May 15, 9-10:30 pm

Good Hart Artist Residency, the Headlands International Dark Sky Park, and Little Traverse Conservancy offer a chance to sharpen your senses with Good Hart Artist Residency Composer-in-Residence Susan Mayo. Mayo is a soundscape artist, composer, and cellist. Participants will embark on a guided hike at sunset and to silently observe the night music of nature. Afterwards, we will gather in the Waterfront Event Center to hear works guided by the muse of nature sounds and composed and played by Susan.

“The oldest task in history: to live on a piece of land without spoiling it.”

— Aldo Leopold

2024 ALDO LEOPOLD FESTIVAL

Les Cheneaux Islands region

May 29-June 2, 2024

A founding partner of this festival, LTC staff will once again be among the group of experienced guides offering a multitude of opportunities to explore this extraordinary part of our state. Registration opens April 1 and fills quickly!

Visit www.aldoleopoldfestival.org.