2020 Summer Landscript

landscript SUMMER 2020

Volume 73

New Preserves Protected and Open Exciting Embayment Lakes Project in Benzie County Urban Forest Protection Opportunity PHOTO BY DREW SMITH

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Protecting significant natural, scenic and farm lands — and advancing stewardship — now and for future generations.

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A Letter from Glen Chown DEAR FRIENDS, My, what a journey it’s been. Here we are, in the

We are focused on completing the Campaign

home stretch of the Campaign for Generations,

for Generations on a strong note and are looking

the monumental effort we started together back

ahead to projects that are beginning to come into

in 2015. With your help, encouragement, and

focus out on the horizon. There is much work left

support, the Conservancy has thus far completed

to be done. The land is still calling, and we are still answering.

48 projects that protect nearly 4,300 acres – what

We designed this

an amazing and inspiring

campaign with a robust

achievement!

$10 million “Quick Strike

Little did we know when

Fund” knowing that we

this effort began that all

couldn’t predict all of the

of our lives would change

properties that would

drastically with the

need to be protected

onset of the COVID-19

in the six years of the

pandemic. And while this

campaign, properties

global crisis has provided

like Upper Manistee

a great deal of hardship,

Headwaters: The Milock

it has also brought the

Family Preserve, Mitchell

importance of our work

Creek Meadows, the

into even sharper focus.

Maplehurst Natural Area, and more. The urgent

Protected lands provide solace in troubling times.

They are a source of healing, with countless benefits to our mental, physical, and spiritual health. Since the pandemic gripped the country in March, we have heard from so many of you about the peace you’ve found on our many preserves and natural areas. We are humbled to do this work, and your messages provide us with an even

projects keep coming.

By June 30, 2021, we will complete at least 28 more projects, and there are up to 20 more in the pipeline. Thanks to your generous support, even with so much at stake, we estimate our remaining fundraising need to be between $1 and $2 million by the time the campaign concludes in June of 2021.

greater resolve to continue protecting critical lands

On the following pages, you will read about the

throughout our five-county service area.

lands your support has protected and opened

to the public along with those we are still diligently working to protect. You will learn how countless volunteers have stepped in to help with everything from clearing downed trees to building trails to growing fresh vegetables on our Maple Bay Farm to provide for those in need. And you’ll see a long, long list of the names – including

Qualified Charitable Distributions: A Win-Win

yours – of those who are making this all possible.

If you are 70.5 years or older, and you have

Thank you for your continued support of our

you to protect the iconic lands and shores of

work. As always, none of it would be possible without you.

a traditional IRA, there’s a smarter way for Michigan. Making a gift from your IRA, known as a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is a tax-free way to support the Grand Traverse

Sincerely,

Regional Land Conservancy, even if you don’t itemize deductions on your tax return.

Use our free and intuitive online tool to make a

Glen Chown, GTRLC Executive Director

gift to the Conservancy and save on your taxes at FreeWill.com/QCD/GTRLC.

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Lower Woodcock Lake 4

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Campaign for Generations Update The Conservancy is now in the home stretch of the Campaign for Generations! This six-year effort will conclude in June of 2021, with at least 76 projects comprising more than 7,000 acres of land and over 25 miles of shoreline forever protected across our five-county service area.

Read on for updates on some new or notable Campaign for Generations projects. As always, for more information on these or other projects (or to donate) visit www.gtrlc.org

Lower Woodcock Lake Nature Preserve This stunning property within the Platte River watershed in Benzie County is now open. It’s 230 beautiful acres and contains the entirety of undeveloped and picturesque Lower Woodcock Lake, along with more than a half mile of frontage on the Platte River itself.

GTRLC’s stewardship team was hard at work planning trails, completing biological surveys and installing infrastructure to meet our goal of opening the property this summer. For more information on biological surveys at Lower Woodcock, see the story on page 26.

Embayment Lakes Nature Preserve

PHOTO BY NOAH JURIK

This proposed preserve packs a water quality punch.

It sits between Long Lake and Rush Lake, themselves situated between Crystal and Platte Lakes. It has more than 1,500 feet of frontage on Long Lake, more than 500 feet of frontage on Rush Lake and nearly 4,000 feet of frontage on an unnamed stream that flows into Rush Lake, making for an impressive tally of more than 6,000 feet of water frontage within the ecologically significant Platte River watershed.

For more on this project, see the full story on page 12.

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PHOTO BY DEKE LUDWIG

Upper Manistee Headwaters: The Milock Family Preserve.

Upper Manistee Headwaters: The Milock Family Preserve This centerpiece property of the Campaign for Generations was officially opened to the public in July. More than six miles of trail and a full suite of interpretive signs that examine the property’s history, natural features and more greet visitors who wander around this nearly 1,300 acre preserve.

Though GTRLC’s spring and summer events were cancelled this year due to COVID-19, we look forward to scheduling hikes and other programming at this property as soon as we are able. In the meantime, get out there and explore!

wetland. The property is zoned for commercial use, but there is currently just a single-family residence on the property. Protection will remove the threat of commercial development and expand the scenic vista across the Marsh from M-22.

Additionally, since this parcel lies adjacent to the existing undersized M-22 parking lot, it is the perfect location to more safely accommodate the current and expected future demand for parking at the site. The site may also allow for the inclusion of recreational amenities like a permanent bathroom facility and/or open-air pavilion.

Mitchell Creek Meadows Preserve Arcadia Marsh Addition The Conservancy is actively fundraising for an important addition to Arcadia Marsh.

This 4-acre property is an inholding surrounded on three sides by GTRLC property and by M-22 on the fourth side. It includes 550 feet of frontage on Bowens Creek, along with areas of riparian

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More exciting happenings are unfolding at this special property in Grand Traverse County’s East Bay Township. We remain immensely grateful to longtime supporters Don and Jerry Oleson for providing a lead gift toward protection of the initial 166-acre portion of this preserve in 2019. Now, we are adding 38 critical acres to this preserve by acquiring a parcel that sits along its

northern boundary, bringing the total size of the preserve to more than 200 acres.

The parcel consists almost entirely of rich conifer swamp and contains portions of three Mitchell Creek tributaries, with more than a half a mile of total stream frontage. Protecting this property would therefore provide a huge boost to overall protection and rehabilitation of the Mitchell Creek watershed, one of Grand Traverse County’s most significant – and also most impaired – watersheds.

This property is also the lynchpin in TART and Norte’s plan to connect the TART trail with the many schools that sit just south of the Mitchell Creek Meadow Preserve. Although an exact path

has yet to be finalized, this connection cannot happen without use of this addition and the initial 166-acre parcel. TART has hired an engineer to provide a conceptual plan for this connector trail.

The property will also serve as a hub for work to restore the Mitchell Creek watershed. GTRLC is partnering with the Conservation Resource Alliance, Watershed Center, Grand Traverse Conservation District, FLOW, the Cerulean Center, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, and other organizations to discuss joint efforts for watershed restoration.

The proposed Mitchell Creek Meadow Preserve.

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PHOTO BY NOAH JURIK

GTRLC continues proactive farmland protection efforts across our five-county service area.

Holiday Woods Natural Area This community-driven effort to permanently protect (and expand) a beloved natural area is close to being finalized and fully open to the public.

Last year, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund approved a grant to purchase an existing 80-acre preserve acquired by a citizens group along with an adjacent 65-acre parcel. The combined 145-acre property, which sits just south of the Mt. Holiday Ski Area, will be called the Holiday Woods Natural Area. Aside from its recreation potential, this natural area has about 1,800 feet of frontage on Bakers Creek, a coldwater tributary of East Grand Traverse Bay, and contains vital wetlands that connect a much larger wetland complex on the south end of East Bay.

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Right now, only the 80-acre portion remains open to the public while the MNRTF process unfolds.

The remaining acreage should be open by the end of the year once it is formally acquired by East Bay Township. GTRLC continues to fundraise for the local match, with roughly $70,000 still needed.

Farmland Protection As always, GTRLC is aggressively pursuing opportunities to protect quality farmland throughout our service area. Highlights of current and recent projects include: • GTRLC closed on a conservation easement for the 152-acre Interwater Farm in Acme Township.

Other than being a beautiful and historic farm,

simultaneously sell them to next generation farmers. A young, fifth-generation OMP farmer plans to purchase one farm; the second farm will be purchased by the family who has managed the land for years. In both cases, the purchase of the land at development value would not have been possible—so the willingness of the landowner to protect the properties with conservation easements and sell the farms at agricultural value is key.

Coy Mountain Addition This project will allow Helena Township to acquire three small parcels that will greatly enhance access to a beloved community nature preserve.

PHOTO BY NOAH JURIK

this marks the first farm in our service area closed with money from the federal Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). More will follow in the coming months.

•O n scenic Old Mission Peninsula, the 20-acre Lighthouse Farm, locally referred to as the North Farm, was recently purchased by an OMP resident who owns an adjacent protected farm. This resident is now working with GTRLC to protect the North Farm. It’s surrounded on two sides by the state park, therefore its protection would safeguard viewsheds from the park’s trails.

•A lso on Old Mission, the 16-acre Coulter Farm North and 21-acre Coulter Farm South have been farmed for years, and the Coulter family is now working to protect both properties and

The 17-acre Coy Mountain Preserve on the outskirts of Alden contains a gorgeous hardwood forest and beautiful topography. It has been a public preserve for more than 30 years, with locals retreating to its peaceful forest confines for relaxation and recreation. What the preserve has long lacked, however, is a suitable parking area and adequate trailhead.

Enhancing public access by providing these improvements has long been a goal of Helena Township. Now, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has the opportunity to acquire two parcels perfect for these items and ensure that those enjoying this preserve have safe and efficient access to its natural wonders. Acquisition of a third parcel will prevent residential development of a key inholding.

Acquiring these parcels would also protect a significant investment GTRLC has already made in this property. During the spring of 2018, GTRLC and volunteers constructed a 1.17-mile sustainable trail system that provides quality access to the property’s historical features, climax mesic northern forest and high bluff views of Torch Lake.

The new trails are sustainably designed with gentle slopes and smooth walking surfaces, making them far more user friendly than the old trail system.

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Finch Creek Nature Sanctuary Fundraising is ongoing for this spectacular 56-acre parcel that safeguards critical wildlife habitat, builds on previously protected land and is extremely important from a water quality standpoint.

It features 1,400 feet of frontage on Finch Creek and 1,100 feet of frontage on Crow Creek, along with significant amounts of riparian wetlands and multiple groundwater springs that serve as headwaters of Crow Creek. It also contains high quality mesic northern forest and rich conifer swamp, habitats that are of critical importance to a wide variety of flora and fauna species. Both of these habitat types are listed as vulnerable by the state of Michigan.

Protection of these two forest types and unique headwater features benefit beloved interior forest bird species found on the property, including Scarlet Tanager, Ovenbird and Red-eyed Vireo, as well as dozens of other bird species that use this wildlife corridor as a passageway to adjacent or nearby natural lands within this ecological hotspot of Antrim County. More than 15 species of ferns, mature cedars and many other plants and animals also are present.

Acquisition of the Finch Creek Nature Sanctuary builds on protection achieved by the Crow Creek Conservation Easement, which sits on its eastern border. That 130-acre easement property features 2,500 feet of undeveloped frontage on Crow Creek.

Protection of this sanctuary will also help safeguard water quality within the beloved Grass River Natural Area, a 1,492-acre natural area that sits just over a mile downstream from this parcel. Finch Creek flows from this property down to the GRNA, so protection of its upper reaches helps protect GRNA and the larger Chain of Lakes.

Railroad Point Natural Area Addition GTRLC has an exciting opportunity to protect a critical 9.34-acre inholding to this beloved community natural area, a move that would protect natural resources and enhance recreation.

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This inholding has been long desired primarily because it currently creates two disconnected portions of the natural area. Acquiring it and adding it to the natural area would tie these sections together and protect wildlife corridors, simplify property management and preserve scenic views.

Protection of this addition would safeguard against other harms associated with the potential residential development of the inholding, including

PHOTO BY NOAH JURIK

The addition to Railroad Point can be seen here where the Betsie Valley Trail jogs away from the shoreline.

The Charlie Kehr Memorial Trail Connector stairway can also be seen to the right.

construction of a home between Crystal Lake and the popular Betsie Valley Trail (BVT). The trail passes through this property, but jogs south because when the property owners granted an easement for the trail, they wanted to preserve space to build a home on the lake.

GTRLC helped Benzie County apply to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to cover a portion of the project cost. If the project is approved (the

MNRTF will make a decision in December 2020), GTRLC must raise money to cover the required local match for the grant along with stewardship costs.Â

For maps of each of these properties, or to learn about other projects or the Campaign for Generations, please visit www.gtrlc.org

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PHOTO BY JAKE BOURNAY

This beautiful property contains healthy forest in between two lakes.

Beautiful Land, Multiple Benefits PROPOSED EMBAYMENT LAKES NATURE PRESERVE WORTHY OF PROTECTION ON MANY LEVELS Water quality, scenic views, wildlife habitat, recreation…as you go down the list and keep checking boxes, it’s clear that GTRLC’s latest proposed preserve really will have it all.

This gorgeous 166-acre parcel sits between Long Lake (not that Long Lake) and Rush Lake, themselves situated between Crystal and Platte Lakes in Benzie County. If protected by GTRLC, the western 100 acres would become the Embayment Lakes Nature Preserve. The remaining acreage will most likely be purchased by the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (which has long eyed the property for a trail corridor) creating a unique opportunity for GTRLC and the National Park Service to partner.

“This is a really fantastic property for a lot of different reasons,” GTRLC Land Protection Director Chris Sullivan said. “It will be wonderful to add a beautiful new nature preserve that protects water quality and important habitat while also helping 12

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Sleeping Bear Dunes grow their footprint and boost their recreational opportunities.”

The property has more than 1,500 feet of frontage on Long Lake, more than 500 feet of frontage on Rush Lake and nearly 4,000 feet of frontage on an unnamed stream that flows into Rush Lake, making for an impressive tally of more than 6,000 feet of water frontage within the ecologically significant Platte River watershed. Many cold, clean groundwater streams emerge, disappear and re-emerge throughout this magical property.

“This property is within an area that’s designated as the highest priority for permanent protection in the Platte River Watershed Management Plan,” Sullivan said.

Along with obvious water quality benefits, this property contains an excellent variety of habitats including high quality mesic northern hardwood

forest, hardwood swamp and northern shrub thicket. This mosaic of habitat types combined with significant water frontage makes the property important for wildlife habitat. There is at least one active bald eagle nest here, nesting loons on both Long and Rush lakes and potential habitat for the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, a federally threatened species.

Similar to state and national forests, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has a legislative boundary that is bigger than the park in its current form, giving the park leeway to purchase or otherwise acquire land to add to the park. The legislative boundary explicitly contains a strip of land through the Embayment Lakes property that is specifically designated for a multi-use trail.

Sleeping Bear Dunes Deputy Superintendent Tom Ulrich said officials there are very excited to acquire the property.

What is an Embayment Lake?

As with many lakes in close proximity to Lake Michigan, Rush and Long lakes are examples of “embayment lakes” – smaller lakes that remained after Great Lakes water levels, which were much higher thousands of years ago, retreated and formed the Great Lakes as we know them today.

Looking from the property toward the Sleeping Bear Dunes and Lake Michigan.

PHOTO BY NATHAN LANDICK

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“Congress included this property in the park boundary, envisioning a grand scenic entrance route off of US 31 connecting to M-22 at the southern end of the National Lakeshore. The parcel the Conservancy will acquire fills in a missing piece at the north end of this corridor, and also protects important native plant and animal communities bordering both Long Lake and Rush Lake; both inside and adjacent to the park boundary,” he said.

“The National Lakeshore is thankful to have such a proactive and effective partner in the GTRLC, and this region is fortunate to have this area added to the significant acreage the Conservancy protects for us all.”

“He said to me that they had this place up in Michigan and it’s really gorgeous, and I said ‘Yeah right!’” Norma said with a chuckle. “But I came up here, and I was flabbergasted. It was just beautiful.

And since that time I’ve really enjoyed being up here. It’s just lovely. And of course I share all of Cliff’s interests and concerns regarding the area.”

Cliff and Norma Fox provided a lead gift to help GTRLC kick off fundraising for Embayment Lakes.

They live full time in Connecticut, but have been coming for decades to a cottage that Cliff’s family built on nearby Platte Lake in the mid-1940s.

“The population density is certainly lower up here, and that’s one of the reasons to get out there and save land while we can. As they say, God isn’t making any more of it,” Cliff said. “Whenever you’ve got a piece of river or lake frontage, eventually somebody it’s going to want to build on it.”

Cliff grew up in Maryland; Norma in New Hampshire. Not long after they met while both working in Connecticut, Cliff told Norma about this magical family vacation spot in...Michigan?

For the Foxes, those concerns stem from a desire to keep northern Michigan as pristine as possible.

Coming from far more populated areas, they see Northern Michigan’s beauty as something that needs to be actively protected from over development.

Repeated incidents in the 1980s and 1990s of pollution from the Platte River state fish hatchery that led to aggressive algae blooms in Platte Lake

Many coldwater creeks rise from (and sink back into) the ground at Embayment Lakes Nature Preserve.

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PHOTO BY NATHAN LANDICK

also hammered home the fact that water quality is not something to be taken for granted.

The concept of a new Sleeping Bear Dunes trail at some point in the future was also attractive.

“That made us very sensitive to environmental protection and the importance of keeping the watershed as clean as possible,” Cliff said.

“We love the hiking trails around here, and we’re eager to have more of them. With the trail corridor there for the park, it will really open up more opportunities for hiking, and of course in the winter cross country skiing and snowshoeing, too,” Cliff said. “A multi-use trail would get people out there, get them exercising, get them in touch with nature.”

The Foxes were familiar with the Embayment Lakes property, which isn’t far from their cottage on Platte Lake’s undeveloped east end, and were happy to play a role in protecting it.

“Anytime we see something here in our area that has environmental or conservation value, but that one day might be developed, we’re glad to see if there’s some way we can help,” Cliff said.

“The more frontage you can keep pristine and not built on, the better things are going to be for wildlife, especially shy species like loons.”

GTRLC has an option on the property. If fundraising is successful, the property would open to the public at some point in 2021.

To contribute, contact Development Director Marissa Duque at mduque@gtrlc.org

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A Forest with Authority HICKORY FOREST COULD BECOME THE LATEST REC AUTHORITY PROPERTY It’s the largest unprotected piece of beautiful, undeveloped forest in the immediate vicinity of Traverse City. Its rolling hills, thickly covered in mature hardwoods, are the lasting legacy of a man whose deep and lifelong love for trees was the thing of local legend.

This November, voters in Garfield Township and the city of Traverse City will decide whether or not to support the transformation of this special piece of property from private to public, possibly adding another pearl to the string of outdoor recreational opportunities in the Traverse City Area.

“This is the kind of very special and unique open space that doesn’t come along very often,” said Matt Cowall, executive director of the Traverse City-Garfield Township Joint Recreational Authority. “To even have the opportunity to consider it is rare and special, and I’m glad that the voters of Garfield and Traverse City are going to have the chance.”

Until his death at age 95 in 2019, Clarence Kroupa owned and tended to the 76-acre parcel, which sits just west of the city-owned Hickory Hills. He always wanted to land to be forever preserved, but repeatedly said that the decision was his children’s to make. After his death, his family approached the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy to see if his wishes could be honored.

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PHOTO BY NATHAN LANDICK

Looking east toward Grand Traverse Bay over the stunning Hickory Forest property.

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PHOTO BY NATE RICHARDSON

The Hickory Forest property has beautiful, healthy woods and high botanical diversity.

After discussion with representatives from the city, Garfield Township and the Rec Authority, a plan was formed to have the property ultimately acquired and operated by the Rec Authority, which owns and operates Hickory Meadows and the historic barns property at the Commons. The property would be named Hickory Forest and managed in close association with nearby public spaces.

GTRLC obtained a purchase option on the land to secure it and plans to assist the Rec Authority with an application to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (see page 36) to cover the bulk of the purchase cost. Voters in Garfield Township and the city will come into play because the MNRTF requires a 25 percent local match to the property’s purchase cost. A vote to increase and extend the Rec Authority’s current levy (set to expire in 2023) will provide millage funding that will cover that local match, among other things.

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“The millage would cover that local match and help finalize the Hickory Forest project, but it would also provide operating expenses for all Rec Authority properties and extend the life of the Rec Authority itself,” Cowall said.

GTRLC was instrumental in the formation of the Rec Authority, which arose from a desire nearly 20 years ago to protect Hickory Meadows, the Barns and a small slice of the Open Space along Grand Traverse Bay. The Conservancy helped Traverse City and Garfield Township take advantage of what was then a brand new Michigan law: The Recreational Authorities Act. This act allows two or more municipalities to establish a joint authority for the acquisition, operation and maintenance of parks and a host of other recreational assets. The GTRLC was involved in all early exploratory discussions.

Voters in 2004 approved the Rec Authority, thus protecting what have become treasured public spaces and authorizing a very small levy to fund ongoing maintenance. A staff member from GTRLC (currently Land Protection Director Chris Sullivan) sits on the Rec Authority board.

“It’s been two decades, and I’m still extremely proud our organization took a leadership role in that process,” GTRLC Executive Director Glen Chown said. “It was an innovative and effective way to save three parcels that might not otherwise have been protected for public use and enjoyment.”

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Doing it for ‘Ace’ FAMILY GIVES IN HONOR OF BELOVED MOTHER, GRANDMOTHER Alice Hinkamp.

For Margie White Teall, the “cravings” would normally begin around February or March – sometimes sooner.

She was a young girl in school, carrying on with her life in Detroit suburb of Birmingham. And before the snow even melted, her thoughts would drift to the northern paradise where she spent large chunks of her summer each year. She counted down the days when she and her siblings – Harvey, Larry and Carolyn – would pile in the car and make the journey north.

“We would drive up M-115 to U.S. 31, and as we drove over the crest in Benzonia, we would all look to see who saw the lake first – it was a big ritual – who saw the blue first,” she said. “And then to see the leaning pine tree at our property was always special.”

Margie and her siblings, like their children after them and parents and grandparents before them, treasured every minute at Pinecrest, the summer community shared by their extended family on the north shore of Crystal Lake. Its history dates to 1903, when Margie’s great-grandfather and his brother purchased about 50 acres there after traveling from Kansas City to visit a friend and falling in love with the lake’s beauty.

For several decades until her death at age 90 in 2016, the matriarch of this special place on the shores of Crystal Lake was Margie’s mother, Alice Hinkamp. Affectionately known as “Ace,” Alice had a deep and unwavering love for Pinecrest. But this love was about more than natural beauty – it was about time spent with her loved ones.

Some say scent is the strongest sense tied to memory, and to Margie, it’s still the scent of the place that brings out the most intensely fond feelings.

“We always got the feeling that it was definitely about family,” said her granddaughter, Gillian Teall.

“Her ties to family, her children and grandkids, that was more important than anything else.”

“Then to get out, and smell the pine in the woods,” she said. “It was just so invigorating every time.”

Now, those kids and grandkids are donating to the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy

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in Hinkamp’s honor. Alice was a founding GTRLC board member in the early 1990s, and land protection in our region became tremendously important to her.

But she was also a strong and well respected voice for the Conservancy in the public realm, even helping to secure GTRLC’s first-ever planned gift from fellow seasonal Crystal Lake resident Betty Mitchell.

“I think Ace would have been extremely proud that her children and grandchildren chose the land conservancy as a way to memorialize her life, because it was something for which she had great passion,” Larry said. “She passed that passion on to not only my generation, but on to the next generation as well.”

“Our supporters really trusted her because not only was she a person of great integrity, but she had a knack for distilling down and explaining rather complex subjects in ways that people could understand,” Chown said. “And not only did she get people to understand, but she got people to truly care about important issues like environmental protection. She was such an incredible advocate for our work.”

Harvey generously offered to match each of his relatives’ gifts to GTRLC dollar-for-dollar, a way to help encourage the entire family to participate.

“To get everybody involved would have been right up (Ace’s) alley, though she would have probably strong-armed people a little bit more than I did,” Harvey said, chuckling. “The concept really is consistent with her ethos and what she found meaningful in life, especially knowing that all of the grandchildren are involved.”

Hinkamp had a long and notable career as a financial advisor in a field that was even more dominated by men in her time than it is today.

Her knowledge in financial planning was “immensely valuable” to GTRLC as an early board member, founding and current executive director Glen Chown said.

Alice with her grandkids in 2003.

Her passion was genuine. Because to Alice Hinkamp, there simply was no place in the world more important than Crystal Lake and its environs. It meant family. It meant a sense of peace. It meant tradition.

“It meant everything,” Harvey said. “It was central to her life, a bellwether place that she would always come back to. And because of that, she defended it like a she-wolf. She was very, very instrumental in ensuring that this amazing environment was preserved, and if you knew her, you knew she was dogged and very hard-working in matters she was passionate about.”

Her children and grandchildren are, of course, brimming with passion about that same place for many of the same reasons. Each has their own

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her spread her wings in the broader northern Michigan area and take an interest in saving properties that were much further out than the Crystal Lake we all knew,” Larry said. “In some ways she helped us all broaden our own scope about what is important about the environment in general, and northern Michigan for sure.

Carolyn, who works for a parks conservancy in the Houston area, said GTRLC’s strong reputation means she knows her donation will be put to good use.

Harvey, Larry, Margie and Alice at Pinecrest in 1959.

histories and experiences, from seasonal jobs at Crystal Mountain and the Cherry Hut to camping at Camp Lookout and eating ice cream on the pier at Frankfort. But the highlight for them, as it was with Hinkamp, is often the deep blue beauty of Crystal Lake itself.

“The lake itself is just beyond words – It’s been a respite for me my whole life,” said Carolyn, who now lives in Texas. “To go out in the middle of the lake and look back on the pine bluffs is just magical.”

There’s also the fact that the family is spread far and wide, places like New Mexico, Texas, Virginia, Canada, the list goes on. This makes the concept of a home away from home – a place that was there for prior generations and will be there for generations to come – immensely meaningful.

“All of us, we’re very mobile people. Some of us are living in places where we don’t have a lot of attachments because we haven’t been here a very long time,” said Larry’s son Eric, who now lives in Montreal. “But with Pinecrest and Crystal Lake, our family is deeply attached to that land in a way that’s not very common. The land is part of a way of life that was very important to (Alice) and to us as a family.”

“Hands down, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy is the most respected land conservancy in the country. I’ve heard it from everyone I’ve ever talked to in that regard,” she said. “So I feel all the confidence in donating to that organization, and I also think the region absolutely requires that kind of effort to conserve the landscape.”

Chown is filled with gratitude for the family’s thoughtful tribute to their beloved Ace. “Ace would be so proud that her kids and grandkids are furthering her legacy by supporting the Conservancy’s Campaign for Generations,” he said.

“There is no more of a fitting memorial tribute to her, and we can’t thank them enough for their support.”

For more information about supporting GTRLC’s work, contact Development Director (Interim) Marissa Duque at mduque@gtrlc.org

All agree that the landscape they value must be protected. And not just Crystal Lake, but the Grand Traverse region as a whole. That was something that Hinkamp embraced strongly beginning with her time as a GTRLC board member.

“As children and grandchildren, we got to witness Alice at Beulah Beach in 1944.

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Samantha Griffin and Samantha Wolfe preparing to place a platform.

A Safe Place to Nest MAN-MADE PLATFORMS IMPROVE BREEDING ODDS FOR A HOST OF SPECIES AT ARCADIA MARSH Arcadia Marsh and birds. These things go together like peanut butter and jelly. Romeo and Juliet. Peas and a pod. It’s almost hard to think of one without thinking of the other.

Now, some of those partners have joined forces again in a special initiative to further enhance the attractiveness of this amazing preserve for our feathered friends.

And that’s for good reason. The marsh was always a good spot to see a variety of birds that prefer that sort of habitat, even though the habitat had long been in decline. After more than a decade of diligent restoration work by GTRLC and its partners, Arcadia Marsh has earned a reputation as one of the best birding sites in the state, if not the Midwest.

GTRLC, along with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, recently installed two open-water nesting platforms at the marsh. Though these open-water platforms are most commonly intended for loons, those at the marsh will likely be used by many species that are impacted by historic water levels.

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“As Lake Michigan water levels have risen, shorebirds and waterfowl lack some of the habitat which once existed,” said Dan Mays, lead fish and wildlife biologist with the Grand Traverse Band.

“Our efforts will hopefully provide a consistency and encourage these native birds to remain active and healthy at the marsh.”

The platforms are roughly four feet square, made of PVC pipe buoyed up with foam. The entire structure is wrapped with burlap fabric and anchored in an undisturbed area. Both of the new platforms, installed in June, were placed on the south side of the boardwalk. Brian Allen of the Manistee Audubon Club, who has closely observed the marsh for years, suggested the platforms and helped pick the locations.

“This spring it was distressing to see many shorebirds circling the marsh hoping to find a place to roost and feed, but then seeing the flooding and departing,” Allen said. “I am hopeful the platforms will help some of these birds in providing a much needed place to rest.”

Even with high water levels, there is still a sufficient amount of natural nesting habitat at the marsh for some species, GTRLC Senior Preserve Steward Angie Lucas said. The problem is high water levels have reduced the total amount available, and what remains of open water nesting habitat in particular is often claimed by aggressive (and non-native) mute swans.

Lucas is hopeful that the platforms will be used for both nesting and resting by a variety of migratory birds that pass through the marsh. GTRLC staff and volunteers will keep a close eye on the situation.

“These two platforms are a good test run to see if more would be helpful next year or in future years,” Lucas said.

Among other partners, both the Grand Traverse and Little River bands have been deeply involved with restoration efforts at Arcadia Marsh since GTLRC acquired it more than a decade ago. Those efforts have included restoring Bowens Creek to its original, winding footprint (lowering its temperature nearly 10 degrees and adding more 24

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than a half mile of riverine shoreline habitat) and removing many invasive species.

Mays said the Grand Traverse Band is thrilled to continue working toward improving the vitality of this amazing ecosystem.

“Drowned river mouths are highly productive and historically were utilized by tribes for hunting, fishing and gathering activities,” Mays said. “The health and integrity of Arcadia Marsh is in all of our best interests, both to preserve ecosystem health and continue to provide and support tribal hunting, fishing and gathering opportunities.”

Bob Sanders, wildlife division manager for the

Raising the Boardwalk Did you know the new boardwalk at Arcadia Marsh was designed to be raised and lowered to deal with fluctuating Lake Michigan water levels?

GTRLC temporarily closed the boardwalk this summer while crews raised a section of it about 10 inches. Further adjustments will be made as necessary to keep this beautiful new infrastructure secure and accessible.

PHOTO BY JAN-MICHAEL STUMP/TRAVERSE CITY RECORD-EAGLE .

Little River Band, personally built the platforms.

His department at the Little River Band is designed to preserve, protect and enhance natural resources, he said. Special focus is also given to culturally significant species like loons and species that were historically relied upon for subsistence in years past.

“We want to assure that these species and populations are healthy and sustainable for future generations,” he said. We believe that proactive management efforts, habitat restoration and ongoing scientific management will ensure biologically sound harvest opportunities while strengthening the ecological integrity of the lands and waters (in our region).”

GTRLC is grateful for the continued partnership with the Little River and Grand Traverse bands.

“Since day one, both Bands have been extraordinary partners out at the marsh,” GTRLC Executive Director Glen Chown said.

“I am so glad to see this latest step in our collective efforts to improve the health and habitat of this unique resource.”

For more information about Arcadia Marsh, including maps, directions, photos and more, visit the Arcadia Marsh preserve page at www.grtlc.org

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PHOTO BY ART BUKOWSKI

Who Lives Here?

BIOLOGICAL INVENTORIES IMPORTANT AS GTRLC PROTECTS LAND Joe Rathbun and AmeriCorps members study mussels pulled from the Lower Woodcock Lake outlet.

Kyler Moran sunk deep into the muck as he crossed the outlet where Lower Woodcock Lake flows out into the Platte River. His advice to those behind him as he slogged ahead?

“Think light thoughts,” he said. “Light thoughts.”

Moran, a second-year AmeriCorps member serving with GTRLC, was with a top notch team of biologists, GTRLC stewardship technicians and fellow AmeriCorps members in July for preliminary survey of Lower Woodcock Lake. The team split up in search of mussels, snails and aquatic vegetation, carefully taking samples for documentation.

Like other stewardship tasks, this type of work can be dirty, exhausting and time consuming. But it’s critically important, and therefore something GTRLC has always taken very seriously.

“Inventories really help guide our decisions on a

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number of fronts, especially when we’re making management plans for a property before we open it to the public,” Senior Preserve Steward Angie Lucas said. “We want to allow people to enjoy these places while at the same time taking steps to protect the sensitive species that live there.”

Even on properties where no trails or infrastructure are built (sanctuaries, for instance) inventories give GTRLC and its conservation partners valuable information about species whereabouts, breeding habits and more. Read on for a roundup of recent surveying activity and other biological tidbits.

Lower Woodcock Lake Multiple samples have shown this preserve to be as biologically rich as it is beautiful. Preliminary

searches have shown it to be mostly devoid of some of the most troubling invasive species and rich in a variety of plants and animals.

In terms of plant life, more than 200 species have been identified, with nearly 85 percent (172) being native. The property has a Floristic Quality Index score of 58, nearly triple the statewide average score of 20. This score, based on detailed botanical inventories, is a way to quantify the rarity and quality of the plants at a given site, and by extension the quality of the habitat. Anything over 35 is considered significant.

Joe Rathbun, a retired Michigan Department of Environmental Quality aquatic biologist and the state’s most preeminent expert on freshwater mussels, was part of the July survey. He’s surveyed hundreds of lakes, rivers and streams in his career called the Lower Woodcock property “a real gem.”

“It’s rare to be able to protect the entire perimeter of a lake, and protecting headwater lakes, streams and wetlands is vital to maintaining the ecological quality of larger rivers further downstream,” he said. “The Lower Woodcock Lake ecosystem appears to be very healthy, with few or no invasive species, good fish and aquatic plant populations, high quality riparian plant communities, and presumably good water quality.”

Upper Manistee Headwaters: The Milock Family Preserve GTRLC received the final report of David Mifsud, a professional herpetologist who runs Ann Arbor-based Herpetological Resource and Management. Herpetology is the study of reptiles and amphibians, and Mifsud found plenty during multiple-day surveys at Upper Manistee Headwaters in 2018 and 2019.

Mifsud and his team directly observed 20 species (12 amphibians and 8 reptiles) during the surveys.

What’s more, based on habitat observations, current conditions and other evidence, he said there is a strong likelihood an additional 17 species could be found on the property.

Many amphibians and reptiles are key bioindicator species, meaning their presence or absence can tell scientists a great deal about habitat quality.

This is largely because they are highly sensitive to pollution, habitat disruption and other factors.

Mifsud’s report repeatedly praised the quality of the preserve.

“The Upper Manistee Headwaters Preserve contains mosaics of exceptionally high quality habitat capable of supporting a diverse assemblage of herpetofauna, including rare and imperiled species,” the report reads.

PHOTO BY ART BUKOWSKI

Healthy mussels from the Lower Woodcock Lake outlet.

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PHOTO BY ART BUKOWSKI

Joe Rathbun and Americorps members survey the Lower Woodcock Lake.

For a full story (with photos) on Mifsud’s work at Upper Manistee Headwaters, head to www.gtrlc. org and check the summer 2019 Landscript.

PHOTO BY ART BUKOWSKI

Petobego State Game Area Addition Mifsud also completed a survey and ran two public “Herpethon” events at a critical 50-acre addition to the Petobego State Game Area that GTRLC proected in 2016. The nearly 700-acre state game area contains large portions of a Great Lakes Coastal Marsh – a rare and declining habitat across Lake Michigan and the other Great Lakes – but previous biological surveys were relatively lacking.

High Lake Michigan water levels have greatly changed the landscape at this property, likely chasing out some species and hampering survey efforts. Nearly a dozen species were still directly observed, with 27 more ranging from possible to likely.

“This data is provided to the state with recommendations for protecting or improving habitat for these species,” GTRLC Land Stewardship Specialist Chris Garrock said.

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Joe Rathbun and Americorps members survey the shores of Lower Woodcock Lake.

Getting Batty Bats have come a long way from their once maligned reputation, steeped in folklore and misconceptions.

These furry creatures are now recognized as critical components of ecosystems – and they also happen to eat tens of thousands of pesky mosquitos a year.

Data is now available for the most recent year of the Michigan Bat Monitoring Program, a citizen-science based initiative to monitor bats in summer and fall via bioacoustic recordings. Specially-designed devices to record bats are attached to the roofs of vehicles, and volunteers across the state drove through suspected bat-heavy areas to see what they could pick up.

Overall, volunteers across the state recorded 860 confirmed calls, representing six of Michigan’s nine species of bats.

“It’s important for GTRLC to assist in the data collection for the Michigan Bat Working Group because the Conservancy owns and manages such a treasure trove of high quality and ecologically significant habitat,” said AmeriCorps member Kyler Moran, who participated in the monitoring.

“Quantifying the species present throughout these diverse landscapes allows us to better understand and manage them, and to better demonstrate the value of land protection.”

GTRLC’s stewardship team, led by its AmeriCorps members, participated for the second year in 2019.

They surveyed the Arcadia area once in July and once in August. Their August survey collected 119 confirmed bat calls, the most of any survey conducted by all volunteers that year.

AmeriCorps member Kyle Moran prepares to survey for bats last year.

The acoustic monitoring screen.

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PHOTO BY BETH MILLIGAN

Having a sign technician has helped GTRLC create and place hundreds of exciting signs at Conservancy preserves and natural areas.

Sign of the Times SIGN TECHNICIAN HIRE ALLOWS GTRLC TO RAMP UP SIGNING EFFORTS THROUGHOUT SERVICE AREA. For nearly 30 years, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has worked tirelessly to protect special places in our region. Many of these are open to the public, giving local residents and visitors thousands of beautiful and ecologically critical acres to explore.

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And while protecting the land is certainly the biggest and most important step, GTRLC has always prided itself on making sure these properties are maximized for the wildlife and people who use them. For wildlife, this often means invasive species removal and other

restoration efforts to keep natural habitats as healthy and productive as possible. For people, it means trails, parking lots and other infrastructure.

Oh, and one other thing: Signs. Lots and lots of useful signs. Directional signs, informational signs, interpretive signs, boundary signs, rules signs...the list goes on.

“We want visitors to have the best possible experience on our preserves, and quality signs are a big part of that experience,” GTRLC Communications Director Jennifer Jay said.

“Signs keep people from getting lost and help direct them to the best things to do or see at a preserve, but they also help visitors understand and appreciate the natural features, history and importance of these amazing properties.”

Like other stewardship tasks, it's a constant work in progress. The communications team and volunteer Paula Dreeszen first created a sign plan in 2011, with the first branded, complete signs being installed that year. When the Campaign for Generations began in 2015, GTRLC was already faced with a backlog of hundreds of signs that either needed to be created, replaced or improved at preserves and natural areas across five counties. As the campaign charged ahead and an unprecedented surge of additional projects needed to be signed, something had to change.

“We needed help. It was just beyond the capacity of our team as structured to produce the quantity of signs we knew we needed, especially for all of these incredible new properties,” Jay said.

“We had to find a boost.”

Enter Erin Schug, hired last year for an 18-month temporary position as Sign Technician. With input and information from the rest of GTRLC’s team, Erin got right to work designing and ordering signs through GTRLC’s longtime partner, Image360 in Traverse City. Since starting in August 2019, Erin has produced about 850 signs across 26 properties new and old – just the boost GTRLC needed.

“We’ve been able to put our best foot forward during a very critical time,” Jay said. “These signs speak to the quality of our organization, which is tremendously important when you’re trying to raise tens of millions of dollars.”

Erin, who studied graphic design at NMC and worked as a designer for the Dennos Museum Center and Cherry Republic, loves the work and is glad to play a role in saving wonderful landscapes for future generations.

“I love that my job is the intersection of my passions: being in the woods, design, and protecting our natural places,” she said. “And I like being a part of the planning process that dictates how a user interacts with our preserves,” she said. “It really boils down to the hope that, by playing my little part in the greater story of the work GTRLC does, I can inspire people to get outside, respect our natural spaces, and do their part to contribute tothe continued conservation and care for the land.”

Sign up for our Emails!

Have you seen the wonderful and informative series of virtual wildflower hikes with Volunteer Preserve Steward Paula Dreeszen? If not, it may be because we don’t have your email!

In addition to videos, field guides and other content, our emails keep you informed of preserve openings, important Conservancy news and other critical updates.

Head over to www.gtrlc.org and sign up at the bottom of any page.

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Getting Her Hands Dirty

PHOTO BY ART BUKOWSKI

VOLUNTEER ERIN PAXSON HELPS GTRLC IN MANY WAYS If you’re paying attention to environmental matters, it’s hard to escape the ominous news.

Pollution. Climate impacts. Rapidly declining species populations. The list goes on. Erin Paxson knows she can’t solve these issues by herself. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing she can do.

“You get really stressed, you feel really upset.

And If I don’t do something, that stress is going to grow,” she said. “I really wanted to get involved.”

For Paxson, she’s found deep fulfillment in volunteering for the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. By doing this, she’s making a difference right in her own backyard.

“The Conservancy’s work really contributes to the atmosphere up here,” she said. “They help preserve what we have and what we all love about this very special place. And they want this to last forever – this is something for the future, for my children and all the other children around here.”

Paxson, 39, is originally from the Detroit area. After stints living in Dallas, Buffalo and elsewhere, she and her husband and two children traveled around the U.S. living in a camper before finally selecting Elk Rapids to settle down a few years ago. They run a product design business and could live essentially anywhere, but they were strongly drawn to the Grand Traverse region, where Paxson has family.

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Erin Paxson at the Maple Bay Garden.

“I love all of the natural areas, and that was really important when we were choosing a place to live. We needed someplace where there was an opportunity to spend a lot of time outdoors. So this place is perfect in that regard,” she said. “And our community is incredible. I have never lived anywhere where people were so kind and generous.”

She soon discovered local GTRLC preserves and natural areas – Maplehurst and Maple Bay among them – and decided to get involved. Her first direct experience was helping out at a Maple Bay sugaring event, followed by fish sampling in Grand Traverse Bay as part of the Great Lakes Naturalist Initiative.

Paxson was thrilled with how hands-on both events were. She also loved getting a “free education” on the tasks at hand – why they need to be done, why they’re important and how to do them.

“They immediately give you the training and everything you need to know, and you just get right in and do it,” she said. “It’s just so great to be able to jump in an actually do something.”

As she volunteered more and more, she loved how much of an input she and other volunteers had when it came to GTRLC’s stewardship of its preserves and natural areas.

“It’s very democratic, the way the volunteer programs work, volunteers get to make a lot of decisions, and it really makes you feel valued,” she said. “It’s just a really wonderful experience.”

Paxson is an avid gardener with a longstanding interest in sustainable farming methods and permaculture. To know that the food she’s helping to grow is going toward people in need is a wonderful and rewarding bonus.

“It’s such an honor to be able to contribute to the community in this way,” she said. “We are helping to make sure that people in need in our area have access to clean, fresh, wholesome, local food.”

She thoroughly enjoys working with her fellow volunteers at Maple Bay and elsewhere throughout the GTRLC network. Just as she’s learned a lot from the Conservancy, each of her fellow volunteers seems to have something to impart as well.

“The other volunteers are incredible,” Paxson said.

“They are just such amazing people of all different backgrounds and skillsets, and I’ve learned a lot from them as well.”

Jon Throop, GTRLC’s volunteer and events program manager, is thrilled to have Paxson on board.

“Erin is truly one of a kind - her knowledge, warm personality and passion for the environment has made her an inspiring leader for other volunteers, and an absolute joy to work with,” he said. “She’s made a big impact already, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”

If you’re interested in volunteering for GTRLC, visit www.gtrlc.org/volunteer or contact Throop at jthroop@gtrlc.org

After more than a year of helping out, Paxson became the lead volunteer at Maple Bay’s volunteer garden. This garden, which sits in front of the historic farmhouse, is perhaps best known for delivering at least 50 percent of its bounty – in practice, closer to 70 or 80 percent – to local food pantries.

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A volunteer pulls invasive species at the Petobego State Game Area in July.

PHOTO BY VOLUNTEER RICK KANE

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Volunteers help build trail at Maplehurst Natural Area in July.

The Maple Bay garden plots begin to take shape this sp

pring.

PHOTO BY VOLUNTEER RICK KANE

Volunteers Continue to Boost GTRLC To say that 2020 has been a challenging year would be an understatement. GTRLC staff has been working at a breakneck pace to open new nature preserves, implement several new programs and habitat restoration projects, carry out critical biological surveys and work to repair infrastructure flooded by record high water levels across our service area.

While access to nature is always essential for health and wellness, outdoor recreation was officially deemed essential during this COVID-19 outbreak.

Our preserves consequently saw record high visitation numbers, adding to the laundry list of tasks for our small stewardship staff.

PHOTO BY VOLUNTEER RICK KANE

Enter our volunteer preserve stewards. These incredible folks have flipped the script on how the Conservancy cares for its preserves and trails.

With priorities and projects largely set by staff, our volunteers are now leading the charge to care for these incredible places on their own and reach out to our stewardship team when an expert opinion is needed.

Volunteers are working together in one of several regional cohorts to keep our 90 miles of trail and over 10,000 acres of land that we directly manage in pristine condition for everyone to enjoy.

Beyond preserve stewardship, volunteers are integral to nearly everything we do. Volunteers have been submitting citizen science data used in our management planning, building trails, removing invasive species, installing waterfowl platforms, submitting photography, and‌ well, you get the picture.

The next time you see a volunteer out on a preserve, consider thanking them for their hard work. Or, better yet, ask how you can help! As always, you can sign up to volunteer with us on our website: www.gtrlc.org/volunteer

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PHOTO BY NATHAN LANDICK

An Amazing Resource MICHIGAN NATURAL RESOURCES TRUST FUND HAS INJECTED $1.2 BILLION INTO NATURAL RESOURCE PROTECTION AND OUTDOOR RECREATION THROUGHOUT STATE Maple Bay Natural Area.

Maple Bay. Antrim Creek. Acme Bayfront Park.

Timbers. Elberta Dunes. Glacial Hills. Maplehurst.

Seven Bridges.

from state owned mineral rights would be put into a trust fund designed to provide more and better public outdoor recreational opportunities to Michiganders.

Do you know those places? Do you love them?

If you’re reading this, chances are high that you answered yes to both questions. And why wouldn’t you? These are some of our region’s most beautiful and popular natural and recreational assets.

Since that inception, the MNRTF has granted roughly $1.2 billion to dozens and dozens of counties, townships, cities and other municipalities across the state to both acquire lands for public recreation and provide recreational improvements to those lands.

And while GTRLC in fact protected each of those community treasures, none of them would have been possible without a wonderful entity known as Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

“The MNRTF is unique, and there truly is no better natural resource protection funding mechanism in the entire nation. Everyone who loves our outdoor heritage in our Great Lakes state should be thankful that the MNRTF exists,” said GTRLC Executive Director Glen Chown. “Michigan’s quality of life has been immeasurably enhanced by this fund.”

The MNRTF was established in 1976 after a battle over oil and gas exploration in the beloved Pigeon River State Game Area. After much back and forth, a fortuitous compromise was reached: A portion of the proceeds the state earns from the sale or lease

PHOTO COURTESY ART BUKOWSKI

Timbers Recreation Area.

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Since its founding in 1991, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has helped more than a dozen local municipalities within its five-county service area secure more than $67 million in trust fund grant money for the projects listed above and many, many more. And even before GTRLC existed, the MNRTF was already profoundly impacting our region. The city of Traverse City, for instance, used a series of trust fund grants in the 1980s to secure most of its current public Grand Traverse Bay shoreline.

“The impacts can be seen almost everywhere you look throughout the state, and that’s definitely the case in our region,” Chown said. “Can you imagine Traverse City’s shoreline being covered in buildings instead of open and accessible?”

Grants are reviewed by the MNRTF board (made up of members appointed by the governor) and issued once per year. In most cases, the municipality receiving the grant is responsible for a minimum 25 percent match, and GTRLC has helped raise that money in projects it has been involved with.

This fall, in the November general election, Michigan voters will have a chance to amend the trust fund in three critical ways. The first is by formally removing a

$500 million cap on the fund and allowing it to grow.

The second is by altering the balance of how much can be spent on acquisition projects (buying land) verus so-called development or recreational enhancement projects (providing amenities and improvements to land that is already publicly owned).

Currently a maximum of 25 percent of each year’s grants can go toward development, a limit that leaves many worthy development projects unfunded each year. If approved, development grants will now make up a minimum of 25 percent.

Examples of recent development grants secured for local municipalities by GTRLC include those for a universally accessible trail at the Timbers Recreation Authority, and improvements and amenities at the Bayside Park in Acme Township.

A third element of the ballot initiative is to allow money to be spent on renovation – things like trail resurfacing or replacing worn-out boat launches.

As it stands now, money can be granted for the creation of those things, but not their inevitably needed replacements.

“What this would mean is a lot more flexibility and the ability of the trust fund board to allocate dollars where they are really needed,” Chown said.

PHOTO COURTESY GREG MACMASTER

Maplehurtst Natural Area.

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PHOTO BY ART BUKOWSKI

Glen Chown and Christine Crissman along Grand Traverse Bay.

Water Warriors GTRLC, WATERSHED CENTER WORK TOGETHER TO PROTECT OUR REGION’S GREATEST ASSET There simply is no feature that more greatly defines our region than Grand Traverse Bay. This deep blue body of water literally and figuratively shapes our corner of Michigan, touching the lives of everyone who lives and visits here in countless ways.

The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay is at the forefront of protecting, restoring and preserving the bay and its 976-square mile watershed. GTRLC Executive Director Glen Chown was a part of the team that founded the Watershed Center in 1994, and the Conservancy has maintained a close working relationship ever since.

“To have an organization that is focused solely on the bay and its watershed is important, and it’s tremendously valuable to our region as a whole,” Chown said. “And there’s no question that the work of our two organizations is very

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complimentary – you can’t protect the water without protecting the land around it.”

The vast majority of the Watershed Center’s work focuses on preventing harmful substances (manmade and organic) from entering the bay. Its projects are intended to minimize the risk from stormwater, sewage, agricultural runoff and more.

For example, recent work included installation of green infrastructure (infiltration trenches, vegetative buffer strips and other measures) to greatly reduce stormwater runoff in the heavily developed Kids Creek corridor in Traverse City.

By its own estimates, The Watershed Center’s projects have prevented 20,130 tons of sediment, 13,100 pounds of phosphorus and 37,350 pounds of Nitrogen from entering Grand Traverse Bay.

“Because we have Grand Traverse Bay in our name, everyone assumes that’s where our work is, when 98.5 percent of what we do is on the land surrounding the bay,” Watershed Center Executive Director Christine Crissman said. “To protect the bay you have to protect the watershed.”

All of the Watershed Center’s work is guided by a periodically updated watershed management plan.

This plan, approved by state and federal authorities, thoroughly describes the watershed, outlines its problems (and potential problems) and describes the plan to fix these problems.

For the Watershed Center, this means a clear roadmap. For GTRLC, it has meant having the ability to secure needed state and federal grants, primarily for the purchase of conservation easements that can be clearly demonstrated to safeguard water quality.

“The management plan the Watershed Center wrote is key to these state and federal grants we’ve been getting for years now,” GTRLC Land Protection Specialist Todd Vigland said. “Having that plan – and they did a fantastic job on it – has really opened the door for important funding for properties that play a critical role in safeguarding water quality.”

Most recently, GTRLC secured a $550,000 nonpoint source grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) that helped fund the purchase of the Schuler Farm conservation easement in Antrim County.

“We couldn’t have even applied for that money without the watershed management plan,” Vigland said. “That’s how key it is to have that plan in place.”

Sarah U’Ren, program director at the Watershed Center, wrote the management plan and administers its many grant related programs. She said state and federal authorities require a watershed plan because they want to know their grant money will actually have an impact.

Both GTRLC and the Watershed Center take strong steps each year to prevent pollution from entering the bay. The difference, U’Ren said, is that GTRLC has the power to prevent pollution by ever happening by permanently protecting forests, wetlands and other features that nature has used for millennia to protect water quality.

“When GTRLC does a project, most of the time it’s preventing pollution from ever happening. When the Watershed Center does a project, we’re stopping it from actively happening and making sure it doesn’t happen again,” U’Ren said. “There’s not a ton of overlap in the tasks we’re doing, but the overall work compliments itself very well.”

Land protection work by GTRLC and the neighboring Leelanau Conservancy has played a big role in keeping the bay and its watershed clean, U’Ren said.

“It’s really nice that we can count on the land conservancies within our watershed to do what they can to protect land,” U’Ren said. “I know it can be very expensive to buy land or purchase conservation easements, but it can also be very expensive to restore land. Once you take a piece of forest or grassland property and convert it to residential or urban use, it’s really hard to ever get it back.”

Crissman echoed U’Ren’s sentiments.

“Source water protection is a big deal for conservation groups these days, and there are a lot of watershed groups that are now having to dive into land protection efforts on their own because they don’t have groups like the conservancies we get to work with,” she said. “Land protection is such an important part of any watershed, and it’s something we don’t even have to think about, because we know it’s in good hands.”

For more information about the Watershed Center, visit www.gtbay.org

“They want to make sure you know what you’re doing and not just asking for money for something you think might be a problem,” U’Ren said. “They want to know in detail what the problems are, where they are, and your plans and priorities for fixing them.”

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A Letter from the Board Chair DEAR FRIENDS, For many years, the GTRLC’s board of directors has

that come in waves, and these pressing issues

had a wonderful tradition I’d like to share with you.

seem even more plentiful when we’re engaged

At the beginning of every board meeting, we have

with a momentous effort like the Campaign for

an opportunity for board members or guests to

Generations. But we firmly believe it’s important

share what we call a “mission moment.”

to never, ever lose sight of the actual, tangible

What exactly is a mission moment? In essence, it’s an experience that reminds us why we at the Conservancy do what we do. This could come in many different forms. It might be a feeling or realization we have while hiking a GTRLC preserve or property. Perhaps it’s a meaningful conversation with friends, family or Conservancy supporters about how our work impacts their lives. Maybe it’s something as simple as a protected scenic view we see every day on our morning commute.

impacts of our work. These mission moments are the perfect way to do that.

While we’ve heard plenty of wonderful and often poignant mission moments shared in our board room over the years, we’ve never formally asked you, our dedicated supporters, to weigh in with yours. Please send us a note at missionmoments@ gtrlc.org and let us know how our work impacts your life and the lives of those around you.

As always, thank you for your support!

Just like managing a busy household or business, running a successful nonprofit organization isn’t

John Collins

easy. There are countless decisions and tasks

Chair, GTRLC Board of Directors

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Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy Board of Directors For nearly three decades, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has protected and cared for the region’s natural, scenic, farm and forest lands.

With the support of individual donors, foundations and volunteers, and the partnership of local, state, and federal agencies, we have protected nearly 44,000 acres of land and more than 140 miles of shoreline along the region’s exceptional rivers, lakes and streams.

Fully accredited by the Land Trust Alliance, the Conservancy is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with our own by-laws, policies, board, budget and staff.

Conservancy Directors give hundreds of hours of their time, lend considerable life experiences to our efforts, and dedicate theircontributions to the Conservancy. Learn more about the Board of Directors at www.gtrlc.org/about/board

John Collins, Chair

Jim Huckle

Cortney Danbrook, Vice Chair

Chip May

Greg Seman, Treasurer

Barbara Nelson-Jameson

Paul Brink, Secretary

Susan Palmer

Perry Adams

Kevin Russell

John Bercini

Evan Smith

Betsy Calcutt

Maureen Smyth

Linda Cline

Allen Taylor

Don Coe

Terrie Taylor

Kathleen Guy

Conservancy Directors give hundreds of hours of their time, lend considerable life experiences to our efforts, and dedicate their contributions to the Conservancy. Learn more about the Board of Directors at www.gtrlc.org/about/board

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Donations Your donations to the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy help protect significant scenic, natural, and farm lands from development, ensuring that the most critical lands will continue to provide local food, open space, clean water, and healthy habitat, now and for future generations. You can donate with confidence, knowing that you are contributing to an accredited, effective and fiscally responsible organization.

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PHOTO BY NOAH JURIK

◊ Matching gift

A CAMPAIGN FOR GENERATIONS JANUARY 1 – JUNE 30, 2020 The following donors made gifts to the Campaign for Generations in the first half of 2020. Please know that your decision to share your donation at this time—as we all work to adjust to the reality of a global pandemic — is deeply meaningful to our communities and our quality of life. Thanks to you, the campaign is protecting some of the finest remaining land in our area, helping to safeguard our region’s water quality and facilitating valuable access to the healing power of nature for people of all ages and abilities.

Gifts of $25,000 or more Tripp and Chia Huei Amdur

Martin and Valerie Cotanche

Barry Hibben

Robert and Joyce Mims

Anonymous (3)

Dick and Carol Crout

Jim and Diana Huckle

Oleson Foundation

Brookby Foundation

James and Fran Falender

William R. Burleigh Family Foundation

Community Foundation Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy Endowment

Jim and Diana Huckle Family Foundation

Thomas Piraino and Barbara McWilliams

Roger and Ann Looyenga

John and Barbara Rothhaar

Estate of T. Grace Macdonald

Cliff Sorrell

Carls Foundation

Gifts of $10,000-$24,999 American Farmland Trust

Mariel Foundation

Morrissey Equip Corp

Susan and Michael Rontal

Cherry Republic

John and Nancy Meade

Morrissey Family Foundation

US Fish & Wildlife Service

Myrna Hitchman

Milton Township

Christine Petersen

John Hamill and Pat Temple

Harold and Pamela Lassers

Tom and Diane Rensberry

Harvey J. White MD

Tracy Hickman and Chad Munger

Monnie Peters

Scott and Jennifer Rodes

David and Ellen Petrick Foundation

William C. Scharf Charitable Fund

John Robert Williams and Terrie Taylor

Scott and Christine Blackhurst

Brian and Paula Lohss

Timothy and Margaret Price

Roy and Lou Anna Simon

Dr. David and Valerie Canter

Robert and Nancy Marshall Gary Pomeroy

Gary Richardson and Cheryl Gross

Trout Unlimited Adams Chapter #676

Dan and Pam Prevo Family Fund

Kevin and Lisa Russell

Dori Turner

Shaw Family Fund

John and Rebecca Bercini

Barbara Danly

James and Lauri Gartner

Kathleen and Mark Guy

Builders Exchange of Northwest Michigan, Inc.

Paolo and Patty DeMaria

GE Foundation

Don Harbold

Norm and Mary Anne Frey

Edward Graft

Louise and Larry Haskett ◊

Gifts of $5,000-$9,999

Jennifer and Brian Jaffe

Gifts of $2,500-$4,999

William and Edith Christoph Charitable Trust Mary and Robert Hurley

Gifts of $1,000-$2,499

Chris and Julie Conger

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Gifts of $1,000-$2,499 — Continued Hayes Family Fund Sharon and George Hermach Beth Hubbell Dennis and Janice Hudson Al and Julie Hurd June 8th Foundation W. K. Kellogg Foundation Kresge Foundation Bruce and Libby Krone Karen Kuehlhorn Cynthia Lattin Lou Anne and Don Lindemann Community Foundation LouAnn’s Endowment for Women’s Leadership

Gerald Linn and LuAnn Orbeck

Jeffrey Puryear and Myriam Waiser

Margie White Teall

Peggy and Graham Martin

Ricki Ravitts

Michael and Karen McMahon

Dan Remahl

Sylvia and Jim Walworth

Timothy and Nancy Mead

Dan and Martha Rogalny

George Warrington and Drew Gores

Margaret Moran

Pug Rundio

Mac and Marilyn Whisner

Nels and Lynda Nichols

Tom Sampson and Nancy Wonch

Laurence, Eric and Alexander White

Barclay Shultz and Lori Amsterdam, Eren and Zoey

David and Roberta Williams

Paul Stimson

Michael and Gloria Wolf

Carol Niemi NMEAC Lisbeth Oana Melba and Paul Panhorst Gail Parry and Norman Bell John D. and Susan K. Paul Family Endowment

Sharna Sutherin Peter Swartz and Lori Franz Nancy Swift

Thomas and Kathleen Volle

Dan and Julie Wolf Timothy Wolf Mark F. Woodward R.M. Young Company

Anne and Joseph Purpura

Jim Taup

Baha'is of Elmwood Township

Sandra and Mike Becker

David and Roberta Bolig

Lois Bahle and Larry Mawby

Nancy and Timothy Beeler

Nena Bonadarenko

Lori Beer

Joan and Alfred Bonney

Ernie Behnke

Andre and Jamie Borello

Dan and Nancy Behring

Estate of Naomi Borwell

Reverend Ted Beiderwieden

John Bowers

Robert and Carol Beidler

Gilbert Bowly

Jeffrey and Kathleen Bell

Jeff and Barbara Bowlby

Sally Bell

Gloria and Jerry Boyd

Travis and Joan Bell

Jeanne Boyd

Gifts of $1-$999 Ross and Emily Abrahamson James Acker Jeff Ackerman Jay Adams Kirk and Cathy Agerson Thomas and Judy Aja Bernadette and Peter Albers Catherine Alfred James and Mary Allender

R G Baidas and W K Reeves Charitable Fund Foy and Joel Baillie Walter and Marilyn Baird Julie Baker Tom and Lori Baker

James and Jane Alstrom

Dianne Baker-Hale and Calvin Baker

Amazon Smile Foundation

Mark Baleja

Marcia Bellinger

Rupert and Marcia Boynton

Kris Ammons

James Ball

William and Sharon Bellinger

Bruce and Cheryl Anderson

Steven and Constance Benz

Chris and Diane Anderson

Nicolaas and Rhonda Ballintyn

Laura Worst and Dr. Robert Bracey

Joe and Kathryn Anderson

Carl and Nancy Ballou

Eugene Berg

John and Kristin Anderson

Bank of America Matching Gift

Ralph and Lynda Bergsma

Mark and Elizabeth Barker

Dodie and Dennis Berry

Julie Anderson Richard and Linda Anderson Janine Andrew Phil and Carolyn Angel Anonymous (5) Jon and Mary Armstrong Judy and Paul Arnold Gail Ashley John and Marion Auld Richard and Patricia Austin Jeremiah and Kristi Avery William and Judith Avitts Faye Backie and Stephen Szilvagyi Robert and Nancy Baglan William and Jeniffer Baguley

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SUMMER ‘20 | VOL 73

Colleen and Robert Barker Robert and Gail Barnes

Rosemary Beradi

Cathy Berlin Scott Bertschy

Tom and Mary Barnes

Dennis and Marlene Bienkwoski

Shirley Barnett

Audra and Nathan Bildeaux

Cindy and Gary Barta

Ron and Stacey Bing

Mark and Renee Bartell

James and Doris Bischoff

Cheryl Bartholic

Cynthia Blasses

James Bauer

Peter and Eleanor Blitzer

Donna Bauman

Kathleen Bloomfield

Mark and Kathleen Baumhardt

Steve and Margaret Blouw

Anthony and Susan Baynard

Clare and Connor Boals

Dan and Holly Beachum Ken Beck Ken and Pat Beck

Sandy and Maxine Blumenfeld John Boals Gilbert and Anne Bogley Colin and Margaret Bohash

Curtis and Donna Braden Ed and Jennifer Bradford Patrick and Carole Brady Marilyn and Arthur Branco Anne Brasie Constantine and Linda Bratsis Dr. Dan and Dr. Jeri Lynn Braunlin Eric Braverman Dianne Braybrook and Robert Venner Julie Brazaski Vivian Breining Tim Brick Ralph and Lorraine Brickman Bruce and Marilyn Bridges James and Bonnie Brinks Ron Broering Joe and Elise Brooks William Brown

Gifts of $1-$999 — Continued Cindy Browne and Neil Lau Eleanor Brownell Dawn and Daniel Bruce Sean and Darlene Brunetti Robert Buckner Michael and Sandra Buhrt Allie and Art Bukowski David and Ruth Bump Arthur and Susan Burghes Michael and Karen Burke Doug and Susan Burns Moira Burns Jill Burnside Lucinda and John Burton Bruce and Rhoda Bush Eric and Carolyn Buzzell Ellen Calkins and Joseph Cipparone Tim Calkins and Carol Saltoun Bruce Campbell Edwin and Rose Campbell Maureen Campbell Robert Campbell Candle Factory Ellie Canfield Dr. David and Valerie Canter Barb and Mike Carey Carol Carlson Paul and Jean Carlson Robbie and Archie Carmichael Margaret Carmody David and Marcia Carney Melia Carter William and Sandy Cartwright Lori Caruso Felix Casillas Robert Cassell Julie and Albert Catallo Kevin and Shannon Celarek Century 21 Northland Linda and David Chesterfield Carol and Fred Chidester Marty and Carole Chirgwin Glen and Rebecca Chown Norman and Laura Christopher Lou Ann and Robert Churchill Mary Anne and Richard Civiok Pete and Shari Clason Roger Clason

◊ Matching gift David and Nancy Daugherty

Jim and Cathy Dye

Ken and Cheryl Clawson

Betsy Davidson and Sheryl Coston

David and Dianne Dykstra

Richard and Jill Claybour

John and Edith Davies

Gertrude and Sperry Claypool

Christopher and Patricia Davis

Sybil Markey Eady

Kevin and Janell Clayton

John and Josie Davis

Julie Clynes

Michael and Dixie Davis

Marilyn Cobb

Paul and Kay Davis

Max and Reatha Cochran

Sharon Dean

Avern Cohn

Lois DeBacker ◊

Coldwell Banker Schmidt, Realtors

Ann and Richard DeBoer

Dale Claudepierre and Melynda Bagley

Herbert Cole

G. Michael and Barbara DeGraeve

Cynthia Collins

Colleen DeKay

Elizabeth Collins

Rick and Lisa Delaney ◊

Stella Collins

Margaret Delorme

Lois and Fernando Colon

Karen Denolf and K.T. Hayes

Peg and Thomas Comfort

Kent and Victoria Des Jardins

Kathleen Connell and Dave Peters

Rich and Mary Devon

Birgit and Keith Conway

Harold and Edna DeYoung

Joseph and Leslie Cook Robert and Karin Cooney James and Darlene Cooper James Cooper

Roger and Helen Dewey Marsha Dicenzo William and Roberta Dickie Phillip and Sally Dieck

Theresa and David Dysarz Chris and Donna Earle Colin and Theressa Earles Norman and Kelli Earles Phil Edwards and Laura Reid Ted, Andy and Dianna Ehlert Kathy and Don Ehrenberger Barry and Carole Eisfeldt Charles Ellinwood Frank Ellis Nancy Elwood Robert Ely Dorothea and Bill El-Yasir Tom and Diane Emling Endoman Promotions, LLC Envision Development John and Gina Erb Erdmann Family Fund Bill and Gail Ericson Cathy Eubanks Chad and Monica Evans

William and Kaye Cooper

Virginia Dike and Ijeoma Dike-Young

Don and Dolores Corning

Carole and Richard Dills

John Fahey and Kelly Kin

Michele Counsell

John Dillworth

Thomas Cowell

Robert and Donna Dinkmeyer

Charles Fahlgren and Kay Harley

Evan Craig

Jean Donaldson

Jerry and Ann Craig

Dick and Guyla Doumanian

William and Romona Crain

Michael and Stephanie Dow

Thomas Crampton

Lester and Natalie Dragstedt

Charles and Susan Crawford

Claudia and Ken Drake

Robert and Gail Crompton

Duane and Patricia Drake

Tom and Jeanne Crosby

Jim Cunningham

Community Foundation Evelyn A. and Charles H. Drummond Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area Education Endowment

Ruth Cunningham

Jack and Janice Ducsay

Janice and Jed Curtis

Sue and Tad Duemler

Susan Curtis

Robert Dumont

Arthur Curtis, III

Sylvia and Thomas Duncan

Garry and Marlene Curtiss

John and Anna Dunn

Elizabeth Cutrona Daniel and Gail Dall’Olmo

Steven Carey and Diane Dupuis

Ray and Julie Daly Family Fund

Marissa and Manny Duque David Durham

Cortney and Chris Danbrook

Frank and Shirley Durham

Lucia Danes

William Dvorak

Elizabeth Crowdus Tom and Judy Croxton

Laura and Thomas Evans

Cynthia and Kent Fairless Fred A. Farage Jr. and Carl J. Strebel Saeed and Dorothy Farhat Tom and Linda Farrell Richard and Lori Fasi Gregory and Nancy Fazzoni Roche and Leslie Featherstone Walter and Susan Feiger Mary Ferens Joan Ferrari Brett Fessell Charles Finley Jack and Joyce Fischer Jane and Steve Fish Kenneth and Betty Fitzhugh Dennis and Barbara Fitzpatrick Anita Flassig David Fleisher David Foley and Margaret Willman

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Gifts of $1–$999 — Continued Michael and Mary Foley ◊ George and Mary Ford Ruth Forrest Robert and Sandra Forsman Scott Forthofer Richard Forwood Don and Nancy Fraser Richard and Margaret Frederick

Google Matching Gifts Program

Ron Heverly

Michael and Jean Johns

Elizabeth Gotsch

Sean Hickey

John and Joanne Johnsen

Doug and Martee Hickman

Barbara Johnson

Paul and Ruth Anne Hickman

Kim and Margaret Johnson

Jim Highsaw and Linda Prentice

Paula Johnson and Steve Parks

Cheryl and Richard Hiipakka

Ronald and Sharon Johnson

Mollie Hilliard

Jill and Ron Johnston

Benjamin Hills

Greg and Jennifer Johnstone

Bruce Hilty

Paula Jonas

George and Mary Hobig

Jefferson Jones

William and Suzanne Hoff

Margaret Jones

Carol Hoffman

Ronald and Janet Joslyn

Alison and Rick Hoffman

Raymond Jusick

Robin and Patrick Hogan

Edward and Ann Kalat

Steve and Annie Hogler

Marilyn Kamp

Charles and Susan Holmes

David Kane

Karen Holstad

Linda Kehr

Julia and Paul Holtgreive

Charles and Margaret Keil

Anne Honhart

Dean Keiser

Daniel and Susan Hornkohl

Bill and Nancy Lou Kelly

Donald and Carolyn Hoss

Joe and Donna Kelly

David and Sandra Howard

Ann Kennedy

Lynn Howard

Cassie Kent

Gail Halliday and Tim Laney

Robert and Suzette Hoxie

John and Connie Kerns

Stan Halpin and Meg Harding

Richard and Sally Hug

Ron and Bonnie Kershner

Jim and Leslie Hamp

Dennis and Tina Hughes

Margaret Ketchum

Geraldine Hansen

Kathy and Rich Huseltine

Peter and Christine Kiewit

Mary Ann and Gary Hansen

Illinois Tool Works Foundation

Janet Killian

Heather Irvine

Diane and Donald King

Gourdie-Fraser, Inc. Chuck Grabiel and Connie Armstrong Michael and Donnel Grahl Guy and Kimberly Gramzow Grand Traverse Audubon Club

John Freeman and Mary Rose Farrington

Barb and Chris Granner

Suzanne Freshour

Bob and Michelle Grassa

Patricia Frey

John and Kathryn Gray

Madelyn and James Frick

Rose and Mary Green

William and Nancy Fronk

Martha and Joe Griggs

Erin Fry

Norman Groner

Stephen and Susan Fry

Michael Grusenmeyer

Edward and Rita Furdak

Kenneth Gum

Christopher and Mary Gaffield

Hans and Linda Gundersen

Douglas Gage and Cheryl Sisk

Ronald Gurdak and Susan Mohr

Paul Gambka Philip and Lois Gannon Karen Garber and John DesMarais Julia Garcia Sallie Gardner Dawn Garrock Brian Gartland Donald Gatz Douglas and Shirley Gembis Mark and Mary Beth Gentry John and Ann Gerhardt John and May Gerstle Marcia Gest Jeremy Gibson and Carolyn McDonald Kathryn and Patrick Gibson David and Helene Gidley Michael Gillman Mark Gilmore William Gittlen and Sarah Campbell Patricia and James Glossi Richard and Shirley Gobba Barbara Godleski Kenneth Goebel Richard Goerke Lois Goldstein and John Heiam Ron and Sandy Goodale Doug and Karen Goodkin

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SUMMER ‘20 | VOL 73

Bob and Donna Grassa

Peter and Margaret Haddix Kathleen Hagan Susan Hall and Donald Buchbinder

Barry and Evelyn Harper Mark and Cathy Harrell Jack and Ruth Harris Fay and Stephen Harris Family Fund Clara Hasenick William Hayes James Heddins and Donna Bartholomew-Heddins

Bob Ivinskas Abdeen Jabara and Holly Maguigan John and Kathy Jahoda James Jackson Phred and Elaine Jackson T. Michael and Joan Jackson

Will Heelan

Tom Jackson

Robert and Barbara Heflin

Rosalind Jaffe and Pat Balmer

Paul and Cathy Heidel

Lee Jameson and Barbara Nelson-Jameson

Laura and Scott Heintzelman Gregory Hekel Sandra and Mark Henschell Penny Hergenroeder and David Weiss C. Richard and Susan Herrold Carol Hess Phil Hess and Stephanie Blatchley

Mary Janik Lee and Shirley Janssen Jennifer Jay and Evan Johnstone David and Christine Jaymes Hollis and Karen Jencks Diane and Greg Jenks Donald and Liela Jennette David Jeschke

Dennis Kinder Donald and Barbara King Andrew Kinnear and Jennifer Powell Paul and Dorita Kint Lewis and Char Kirchner Joyce Kirshner Donna and Jerry Klinefelter Tami Knight Jerry and Sharon Knoppow Yvonne and Richard Koblinski Dan and Linda Kolhagen Charles and Susan Konieczny Richard Kooyman and Melanie Parke Mark and Sandy Koslen Mark and Debra Kosowski Helen Kovalcik James and Karen Kowalski Ted and Jeanne Kraimer

◊ Matching gift Walter Kraimer

Gary and Sharon Lloyd

John and Havala McCall

Ann Murphy

Beryl Krasner and David Bradley

Valerie Locicero

John and Jan McCann

Dennis and Judy Murphy

Charles and Judy Kraus

Matthew Lohrentz

Dennis and Megan McCarthy

Catherine Look

John and Susan McConnel

Sharon Murphy and Sharon Montonye

David and Beverly Lotz

Janice and Tom McCraner

Rene Louchart

Michael and Sandra McDonald

Katie Lowran

Matt and Ann McDonough

Angie Lucas and Scott Bouma

Chloe McGehee

Doug and Lynne Luciani

Ann and Doug McInnis

Barbara Lukasiewicz

Jim and Louann McKimmy

Judith and Arne Lundmark

Sharon McKinley

Bruce Luoma and Tammy Hagerty

Jane McKune

Tonya Lutz

Rosalie McLenithan

Walter and Karen Kreger Eileen Kreiner Jean and Walt Kretzmann Amy Krigbaum and Phillip Conroy Gretchen Kronk Richard and Galen Krupka Dennis and June Krus William Kubat Shuggie Kubiac Lamkin Carl and Carolyn Kucsera David and Teri Kuffner Jerry and Judy Kulka Jeff and Kelly Kurburski

Donald and Norma Lynch Will and Barbara Lynch Margaret and Mark Lyons

Walter and Janet Mclellan

Joan Murray Rich and Elizabeth Murrell Shari and Merle Muszynski Yvonne Myers James Mynsberge Judith and George Mynsberge John Nelson and Lynne Moon Thomas and Scott Nelson Mike and Nancy Nerbonne Michele and Joe Nerone

Elizabeth McNicholas

Patrick and Jennifer Nestor

Meach Family Charitable Trust

Network for Good Gerald and Jan Neumann

Rodney and Christine Kurtz

Dan Mach and Kathy Flynn Mach

Mary Jane Meier

Mary Ellen Newport

Lackey and Treml Family

David and Lorah MacIntosh

Lisa Meleski

Jill Niemi

Sharon and Tim Laduca

Robin and James MacKenzie

Rita Melotti and Andrew Bishop

Mary Nolan and Bob Bronson

Gail and Al LaDuke

Ellen MacKinnon

Ralph and Marylin Merchant

Pierre and Loretta Lafoille

Gordon Macowan and Carolyn Meyer

Margaret Mertz

Mike and Michele Norling

Lillian and Daniel Mahaney

Microsoft Corporation Matching Gifts

Stephen and Carole Mahoney

Bridget and Michael Millar

Keith and Bernice Lamkin

Jean Maiville

Mary and Emmett Miller

Mary Jo and Timothy Lampton

John Makinen Roger and Aimee Mali

Donald and Elizabeth Millington

Becky Lancaster

Rosemary Malocsay

Gregory and Audrey Landsfeld

Francia Mann

Amy and Victor Lane, Sr.

Michael and Mary Manning

Laura Lange

Karen and David Manthei

Michael and Becky Lanham

James and Evelyn Marchio

Theodore and Natalie Lanham

Margaret Mudd Fletcher Charitable Foundation

Bruce and Andi Laidlaw Lois Lamb Robert Lambert

Richard and Sondra Nordin Ann Norris Ellen Northway Gary Noteware David and Pat Nothstine Andrew Nyce Laura and Timothy Nyquist

Jennifer and Jay Mills

Theresa O’Brien

Michelle Mirasola

Dawn and Kean Oh

Lisbeth Mitchell

John O’Hair

Mark Mitshkun and Diane Rosenblum

Megan and Andrew Olds

MLC Realty, INC

Lisa Oleson and Buckley Johnson

Harold Modeen

Michael and Katherine Olsson

Douglas and Mary Sue Mohnke

J. Thomas O’Reilly

Mildred Moore

Gary and Kristi Osga

Bob Morningstar

David and Renee Osgood

Dr. and Mrs. Paul L. Morris

Lauren Osuch

Barbara and Gregory Morrison

Judith Oswald

Peggy Martin

J. Elliot and Florence Morrison

Thomas and Bonny Ottney

Megan Martin

Douglas and Chandra Morse

Porter and Carren Martin

Barb and Gregory Mort

Kipp Owen

Porter and Sherrie Martin

John and Victoria Moseley

Charlotte Marx

Tom Mountz

Bob Masta

Timothy Moynihan

Lisa Lightfoot and Marshall Rugg

John Matz and Terry Griffin Mike and Linda Mayer

Anne Mudgett and Scott Furgueson

Lance and Mary Lindwall

Curt Mayes

Richard and Marilyn Mumaw

Dency Lippert

Jeffrey and Mary Mazure

Cassidy Munger

Russell and Deborah Larimer Lynn Larson and Paul Christ Joey and Marilyn latterman Ann Laurimore Katherine Lee John and Darlyne Leete Joseph and Betty Lepak Marilyn Leppek Connie Leutloff Robert and Margaret Levine Cynthia Lewis John and Carolyn Lewis Richard and Sally Lewis

Sharon Markey Beth and Tom Markowski Kenneth and Jo Marks Richard and Lori Marl Josephine Marquis George and Carol Marsh

Thomas and Connie O’Rourke

Judy Owen Robert and Christine Pacer Amy Packard Wayne Pahssen Philip and Heidi Pandolfi Caren Panizzo Cynthia and Scott Paradise Kathy Partin

GTRLC.ORG

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Gifts of $1–$999 — Continued Leo and Patricia Paveglio

Dean and Bonnie Rhoads

Jan Schmidt

Karl Pearson

Michael and Alice Rhyner

Randy and Maryann Schmidt

Kate Pearson and Steve Cruzen

Julie Richards

Thomas and Beverly Schmitt

Victoria Peck and Brendan Hunter

Clark Richardson

Barbara Schneider

Kara Richardson

Davina and Virgil Schneider

Nate Richardson

Jane and Fred Schneider

Lou and Kathy Ricord

John and Elizabeth Schneider

Helene and Dan Rimer

Brent and Laurie Schnell

John and Kathleen Rinck

Greg and Joanne Schnesk

Robert Riney and Sandra Bowman-Riney

Aaron and Margaret Scholnik

Heather Rinkel

Jonathan Schroeder

Diane and Thomas Pederson Henry and Sally Peet Dennis and Mary Penney Steve Perdue, Grand Traverse Industries Jo Peregrine Elmer and Ruth Peterman Rebecca and Michael Peterson Seth and Carolyn Phillips Stephen Phillips Marie Plester Nancy Podurgiel Steve and Lucy Polemitis Brenda Pontious Walter and Judy Popyk Deb and Mark Posthumus

Richard and Janet Robb James Robberts Jack Robbins Sue Ann Robert Alexander Robinson Patricia and Edward Robinson Michael and Libby Robold Elizabeth Rodgers Sally Rodgers

Russell and Joanne Schopieray Sandy Schroeter Erin, Alan and Rowan Schug Thomas and Nancy Schulte Ann and Max Schwandt David Scott Anita and Chris Scussel William and Laurie Sears John and Lesa Seefeld Gary and Eiko Seevers

Suzanne Smitley and Keith Sparrow Patrick Smolinski Shirley Snare David and Kathryn Snell John Snodgrass and Janet Fleshman Margaret Soderberg Gerald Solanics Jeff and Judy Spencer Mark and Kathy Spencer Jim and Dottie Spousta Stephen Spurr Michele and Tom Squires Bernard St. Pierre Nick and Rachel Stagman John Stamm Gary and Jane Stauffer Lynn Steben Yvonne Stephens Catherine Stephenson

Semco Energy

William and Kathleen Stevenson

Marcia and Keith Shahan

David and Linda Stimpson

Kristine Shahmirza

R. Troy and Carrilyn Stobert

Mike and Sharon Root

George and Roberta Shambaugh

Mr. Chuck and Shelley Stockwell

V.T. Price Charitable Fund

Keith Ross and Louise Doud

Patricia Sharpnack

Steve and Mary Storms

Judith Primak

Community Foundation Rotary Endowment

Scribner and Patricia Sheafor

Eleanor Stottlemyer

Diana and Basil Rowe

Shell Matching Gifts Program

Sue and James Strabel

Clare Shipstead

John and Marilyn Strader

Robert and Dana Sholten

Joseph and Carol Strauss

Steve and Carol Shuckra

Chris and Ali Sullivan

Heather and Rick Shumaker

William and Cheryl Sullivan

Susan Shurin

Shirley Summers

Jane and Francis Sievert

Robert and Cheryl Sunday

David and Tami Simonelli

Jerry Sura

David Simpson and Anne Pawlak-Simpson

Joel and Ann Swanson

Nancy Potter F. Verne Powell Terry and Anita Pratt Tim Prescott and Linda Wessels

Kathleen Primo Janet Prote and Marilyn Schumaker

Kristen and Paul Roell Angela Roeters Ann Rogers David and Elizabeth Rollert

John and Kathleen Rowley

Frank Proulx

Bernie and Donna Rubin

Emerson and Elizabeth Pugh

Donald and Judith Rumelhart

Robert and Elaine Rabideau

Jeff and Jen Rundio

John and Linda Racine

Anthony and Natalie Rupard

Samuel and Jo Rahaim

Matthew and Adrienne Russell

Eric and Joni Rammelkamp James and Lisa Randall Michael Raphelson and Carla Langerveld

Elizabeth Rutila Frank and Kay Ryde Dick Sadler

Arnold and Joan Ratkowski

Madelyn Safronoff

Bill Rauschert and Carolyn Agosta

David and Carol Sagaser

Patricia Raven

Diane Samarasinghe

Bradley and Marilyn Raymond

John and Suzette Sanborn

Polly Rea

Connie Sargent

Jeffery and Linda Reau

Donald and Margaret Sarna

Thomas Reeber

Richard and Norma Sarns

Jim and Barb Reed

Gretchen Sauvage

Greg and Terri Reisig

Mike and Nancy Sauve

Kent and Mary Ann Reynolds

Theresa Schleede

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SUMMER ‘20 | VOL 73

Donald Sagaser

Patricia Skifstad

Jeffrey Swesky and Bridget Callahan

Denise Skipinski

Kathryn Swingle

Marilyn Slabaugh

Sakura Takano ◊

Stacy Slater

Philip and Susan Tarczon

Joan Sleder

Clara Teall

Paul and Margaret Sloan

Gillian Teall

Catherine and Mark Smith

Sam Tesaker

Gail Smith H. and Autumn Smith

William Thacker and Anne Cavanaugh

Jean and Brook Smith

Homer Thiel

Kathleen and Patrick Smith

Bruce and Jacquelyn Thomas

Mark and Ann Smith

Jacqueline Thomas Robert and Janice Thomas

â—Š Matching gift Bruce and Maurine Thompson

Lois Verbrugge

Dale and Barbara Wentzloff

Carolyn and Clif Thompson

Stanley and Judy Verheul

Carol and Mark Werts

Dennis and Sheri Thompson

Richard and Mary Vervisch

Thomas Wertz

Thomson Reuters

Barbara Vincent

Michael and Jessica West

Dennis Thorpe

John and Judy Vincent

Leigh Whelpton

Matthew Tiemann

Tom and Maggie Vinette

Whistling Frog Tile

Timberlee Property Owners

Helen Vogel

Alexander E. White

Thomas and Diane Todd

Robert, Candy, Sasha, Parisa Voigt and Kids

Carolyn White, Jasper and Corinna Snow

Phil and Barb Von Voigtlander

Haley W. White

David and Pat Vranesich

Martha P. White

Karen Wachs

Tom White

Harry and Sharon Wagner

Erin and Ben Whiting

Rep. Howard and Dianne Walker

Steve and Amy Whitlatch

Ken and Joanne Walrad

Harry and Susan Wiberg

William and Christine Toole Harriet Townsend Linda and Stuart Travis Dan and Joanne Tubbs Kathy Tuckerman Bernice Turner Paul and Ingrid Turner Thomas Twigg Lynne Twining and Alan Mass Joseph Tylutki United Way of Washtenaw County Molly Updike Michiel and Lin Van Nieuwstadt Amy and Matt Vance Phillip Vandenberge Merry Vander Linden Joan Osborn VanGunten William and Elizabeth Vanwesten Christine Varner and Peter Romeo Beth Varty

Nancy and Kent Walton Doug and Ann Ward Margaret Ward James and Sharon Wawrzyniak Kennard and Judith Weaver Joshua Weber Dave and Janice Webster Richard and Lucinda Weiermiller Jane Weisbrodt Charles and Ann Weitz Thomas and Marcy Welburn Donna and Bill Weltyk Robert and Michelle Wentworth

Marilyn Whittaker Matthew Wiberg Luann Wieber Rick and Raj Wiener Carol and Rick Wiggers Charles Wilbur and Caroline Blaum Diane Wilbur and Jim Szalay Lora Wildenthal David Wilkins

Kenneth and Marguerite Winter Alfred and Barbara Wishart Karla and Stan Woell Dwight and Georgie Woessner Wendy Wolfe and Paul Wawrzynek Andrew and Noelle Wolff Jesse and Molly Wolff Randi and Mark Woodworth Wayne and Sharon Workman Kathy and Mike Wright Scott Wright Frances Wyatt Jan Wyckoff Steven and Margot Wynkoop Richard Zaebst Amy Zesbaugh and Tim Tibbetts Jessica Ziecina Thomas Zieziul and Natalie Killingstad Sandra Palmer Zilincik Richard and Monica Zillich Nelson and Dolores Zuchetto

Phyllis and Ron Wilkinson Jeanie Williams Karen and Jack Williams Kemp Wilson Julie Winkler Nathan Winkler and Jenna Scheub

GTRLC.ORG 49 LANDICK PHOTO BY NATHAN

LAND PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION PROJECTS JANUARY 1 – JUNE 30, 2020 Your gifts directed to the specific projects below help protect the most significant places in our region. You are strengthening and enhancing our communities as we work with landowners to preserve land privately, acquire high-quality natural lands to create Conservancy-owned preserves and assist local governments in creating or expanding public parks and natural areas that result in enhanced access to nature and improved recreational opportunities.

Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve and Additions

Chain of Lakes Fund

Farmland Protection

Dick and Carol Crout

Brookby Foundation

Tripp and Chia Huei Amdur

Donna and Jerry Klinefelter

Cherry Republic

David Kane

Robert and Joyce Mims

John Dillworth

Coy Mountain Preserve Addition

Gorge Nature Preserve

Robert and Nancy Marshall Melba and Paul Panhorst

Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve Universally Accessible Trail Tom and Linda Farrell Grand Traverse Audubon Club

Benzie County Land Protection Cathy Eubanks Will and Barbara Lynch

Evan Craig Tracy Hickman and Chad Munger

Hickory Forest Natural Area Embayment Lakes Nature Preserve Brian and Paula Lohss John and Barbara Rothhaar

Falender Family Endowed Fund James and Fran Falender

PHOTO BY50 RICK KANE SUMMER ‘20 | VOL 73

Paul and Ingrid Turner

John Nelson and Lynne Moon NMEAC

High Bluff Dunes Sanctuary Steve and Mary Storms Matthew Tiemann

Land Preservation and Protection Projects — Continued

Land Acquisition Fund

Mitchell Creek Meadow Preserve

Torch Ridge Farm Easement

Hayes Family Fund Joan Murray

Michael and Mary Foley

Lee Jameson and Barbara Nelson-Jameson

Ann Kennedy

Lower Woodcock Lake Preserve Michael Grusenmeyer Myrna Hitchman Marilyn Kamp Gregory and Audrey Landsfeld

Connie Leutloff Oleson Foundation

Jack and Janice Ducsay

Janet Killian Sue Ann Robert

Dan Remahl Matthew and Adrienne Russell

Torch River Nature Preserve

Shell Matching Gifts Program

Anonymous (2)

Denise Skipinski

Martin and Valerie Cotanche Cassidy Munger

Mike and Nancy Nerbonne

Whistling Frog Tile

Dan Remahl

Old Mission Peninsula Land Protection

Mark and Kathy Spencer

Century 21 Northland

Bruce and Maurine Thompson

Marcia Gest

Upper Manistee Headwaters: the Milock Family Preserve

Nathan Winkler and Jenna Scheub

Monnie Peters

Brookby Foundation

Maplehurst Natural Area

Railroad Point Natural Area Addition

Ricki Ravitts

Jerry and Ann Craig Milton Township Morrissey Equip Corp

Anonymous

Carls Foundation Mark and Mary Beth Gentry Beth Hubbell Samuel and Jo Rahaim Dick Sadler Trout Unlimited Adams Chapter #676

Morrissey Family Foundation

Skegemog Wildlife Area

Susan and Michael Rontal

Community Foundation Evelyn A. and Charles H. Drummond Skegemog Lake Wildlife Area Education Endowment

Joshua Weber

Stewardship Endowment Fund

Microsoft Corporation Matching Gifts

Mary Behrens Sorrell Trail at St. Clair Lake-Six Mile Lake Natural Area Cliff Sorrell

Wilson Orchards Conservation Easement

Kathleen and Mark Guy Linda Kehr

Misty Acres: The Borwell Preserve Naomi Borwell Trust

Robert and Nancy Marshall Diane Wilbur and Jim Szalay John Robert Williams and Terrie Taylor

Torch Lake Nature Preserve Tonya Lutz

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LAND CHAMPIONS JANUARY 1 – JUNE 30, 2020 Monthly gifts from Land Champions support the very foundation of our mission and allow us to plan and sustain our work more effectively. We are grateful for your commitment and generosity. It is evident that you care deeply about protecting and stewarding northern Michigan’s natural resources in order to preserve these precious resources for future generations to enjoy.

Jeff Ackerman

Tom and Diane Emling

Katie Lowran

John and Suzette Sanborn

Joe and Kathryn Anderson

Chad and Monica Evans

Angie Lucas and Scott Bouma

Randy and Maryann Schmidt

Jeremiah and Kristi Avery

Fred A. Farage Jr. and Carl J. Strebel

Josephine Marquis

Erin, Alan and Rowan Schug William and Laurie Sears

Nicolaas and Rhonda Ballintyn

Brett Fessell

Matt and Ann McDonough John and Nancy Meade

Robert and Dana Sholten

Carl and Nancy Ballou

David Foley and Margaret Willman

Rita Melotti and Andrew Bishop

Catherine and Mark Smith

Barb and Gregory Mort

Michele and Tom Squires

Robert and Nancy Baglan

Dan and Holly Beachum Travis and Joan Bell Marcia Bellinger Audra and Nathan Bildeaux Ed and Jennifer Bradford Anne Brasie Allie and Art Bukowski Doug and Susan Burns Tim Calkins and Carol Saltoun Melia Carter Marty and Carole Chirgwin Glen and Rebecca Chown Norman and Laura Christopher Richard and Jill Claybour Julie Clynes Elizabeth Collins Birgit and Keith Conway Joseph and Leslie Cook Robert and Karin Cooney Thomas Crampton Charles and Susan Crawford

Jane and Steve Fish

George and Mary Ford Madelyn and James Frick Stephen and Susan Fry

Timothy Moynihan Anne Mudgett and Scott Furgueson

Karen Garber and John DesMarais

Richard and Marilyn Mumaw

Dawn Garrock

Mary Ellen Newport

Mark and Mary Beth Gentry John and Ann Gerhardt Jeremy Gibson and Carolyn McDonald Mark Gilmore John and Kathryn Gray Gail Halliday and Tim Laney Jack and Ruth Harris Will Heelan Robert and Barbara Heflin Laura and Scott Heintzelman Sean Hickey Mollie Hilliard Jennifer and Brian Jaffe Lee Jameson and Barbara Nelson-Jameson

Michele and Joe Nerone Mary Nolan and Bob Bronson Megan and Andrew Olds Gary and Kristi Osga Lauren Osuch Gail Parry and Norman Bell Kathy Partin Kate Pearson and Steve Cruzen Victoria Peck and Brendan Hunter

Jeff and Judy Spencer Nick and Rachel Stagman Gary and Jane Stauffer Lynn Steben R. Troy and Carrilyn Stobert Chris and Ali Sullivan Linda and Stuart Travis Kathy Tuckerman Molly Updike Tom and Maggie Vinette Rep. Howard and Dianne Walker Charles and Ann Weitz Carol and Mark Werts Leigh Whelpton Erin and Ben Whiting

Steve Perdue, Grand Traverse Industries

Rick and Raj Wiener

Tim Prescott and Linda Wessels

Lora Wildenthal

Eric and Joni Rammelkamp Polly Rea

John Robert Williams and Terrie Taylor

Diane Wilbur and Jim Szalay Jeanie Williams

Jennifer Jay and Evan Johnstone

Kara Richardson

Elizabeth Crowdus

Julie Winkler

Nate Richardson

Arthur Curtis, III

Jill and Ron Johnston

Heather Rinkel

Nathan Winkler and Jenna Scheub

Colleen DeKay

Linda Kehr

Michael and Libby Robold

Virginia Dike and Ijeoma Dike-Young

Donald and Barbara King

Sally Rodgers

Jean and Walt Kretzmann

Kristen and Paul Roell

Becky Lancaster

Diana and Basil Rowe

Gregory and Audrey Landsfeld

Anthony and Natalie Rupard

Sylvia and Thomas Duncan Marissa and Manny Duque David Durham

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SUMMER ‘20 | VOL 73

Diane Samarasinghe

Wendy Wolfe and Paul Wawrzynek Andrew and Noelle Wolff Jesse and Molly Wolff Randi and Mark Woodworth

‡ Deceased

VANGUARD SOCIETY JANUARY 1 – JUNE 30, 2020 Vanguard Society members help to ensure that the places we protect today will be cared for far into the future, for all generations to enjoy. Your thoughtful legacy gift is an investment in the long-term sustainability of the Conservancy.

Martha Aemisegger ‡

Graydon and Sherri DeCamp

Jennifer Jay

Dan Remahl

Carl Anderson

Jock ‡ and Sue Denio

Jerry and Pat ‡ Jehle

Patricia D. Robinson ‡

Anonymous (8)

Michael and Barbara Dennos ‡

Walter H. Johnson

Tom Robinson ‡

Alice J. Detzler

Joyce Keillor ‡

Elizabeth B. Rodgers

Karen G. Kerrigan

Daniel and Martha Rogalny

The Rev. Dr. Kathleen L. Kircher

Edward and Elyse Rogers

Wayne and Ruthanne Kladder

Don Schuster

Anonymous ‡ (3) Hal and Kathryn Armstrong Marjorie E. Arney ‡

Betsy and Stan Dole

Judy and Paul Arnold

Diane L. Dupuis

Christine Arvidson and Henry Doss

Dan Edson Debbie Edson

Robert and Nancy Baglan

Phil and Laura Edwards

George and Martha Bailey

David and Linda Egeler

Jannine Baker and Craig Locke

Arthur Elliott ‡

George and Merry Ball

Ruth Luse Myers ‡

Daniel P. Baumhardt

Rich and Susan Erwin

Oscar H. Kraft ‡ Kima M. Kraimer Edith Krause ‡ Robert Charles and Patricia Cosner Kubic

Eda June (Novak) Scott ‡ Gregory D. Seman Chris and Michele Shafer George E. Shambaugh, Jr. ‡ Marilyn Slabaugh

Richard and Marlene Loughmiller ‡

Colette Stanish

Wendy MacGaw

Erik Takayama ‡ Ann and Allen Taylor William and Mary Todt

Rosemary Benedetti

Fred A. Farage Jr. and Carl J. Strebel

Carl and Sally ‡ Benner

Jeannette M. Fehner ‡

John and Rebecca Bercini

Jamie and Beverly Finlayson

The Joseph Magliochetti Family

Barbara Arnold Bigalke

John H. Fisher

Rosemary Malocsay

Naomi Borwell ‡

Kent ‡ and Barbara Manning

Nancy Eshelman Brickman

Karen Garber and John DesMarais, In Memory of Dr. Frank W. Garber and Ellen A. Garber

Grace and Eric Bries

Michael J. Gillman

Diane McDonald ‡

Jill C. Byron Kathleen Carpenter

Lois Goldstein and John Heiam

Christie McGue and Robert Calt

Ruth W. Catton

Tom Greensmith

Donald McIntyre, Jr. ‡

Glen and Rebecca Chown

Anthony Grybok ‡

Dick and Shirley McNally ‡

Bob and Cindy Clement

Jessica A. Hatch

Deb Menninga

Richard and Marilyn Cobb

Victor C. Hayes ‡

Harriet Miller-Brown

Sara Cockrell

Mr. and Mrs. John R. Hicks

Robert and Joyce Mims

Rob and Diane Collier

Tom ‡ and Myrna Hitchman

Elizabeth S. Mitchell ‡

Jane R. Comings

John and Nancy Morrison ‡

Birgit and Keith Conway

Tom Hitchman and Keith Hewitt

Bonnie Craig and Dan Sylvester

Anne M. Hoffa William Holland

Elaine Oeflein ‡

Karen and Ronald Culp

Jim and Diana Huckle

Marcia and Ted ‡ Curran

Donald E. Hunt

Kate and Rick Dahlstrom

William A. Hyslop

Robert and Arlene Dean

Brian and Jennifer Jaffe

Lois R. DeBacker

Harry ‡ and June Janis

Kenneth and Jennifer Bosma

John Ross

Josephine “Jody” Marquis Bob and Nancy Marshall

Ray and Paula Nichols Julie Pearson Kate Pearson Robert W. and Ann H. Pike

D.W. and Joyce ‡ Stibbs

Herbert H. Tedder ‡ Andrew M. Vander Molen ‡ Dana Vannoy Chip Visci and Marty Claus Suzanne J. Voltz Phil and Barb Von Voigtlander Ralph A. ‡ and Margaret von Walthausen--our first annuitants Lorenzo E. and Beverly F. Wagner ‡ M. Sue Waltz Anne W. Warren Donna M. Weitz and Bill O. Smith Gloria Whelan Frank and Judith Wilhelme Terrie E. Taylor, D.O.

Mary J. Pitcher

John Wunsch and Laura Wigfield

Eula Pray ‡

Ron and Marty Yocum

David and “Weezie” Reese

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HONORARIUMS JANUARY 1 – JUNE 30, 2020 Honorarium gifts provide an enduring tribute to someone significant in your life. Your gifts show how much you care for the beauty and natural resources of northern Michigan. Gifts were made in honor of the names shown in bold.

Brian Allen Patricia and James Glossi

Roger Gerstle John and May Gerstle

Jim and Dona Sutherin Sharna Sutherin

Scott Blackhurst Mary and Emmett Miller

Jim Huckle Nancy and Kent Walton

Cynthia and Ron Tschudy Stephen Phillips

Timothy Boals Clare and Connor Boals

Kima Kraimer Ted and Jeanne Kraimer

Dorothy Twining Lynne Twining and Alan Mass

Ellen Breining Coldwell Banker Schmidt, Realtors

Joyce Mims Anonymous

Max and Brook Winkler Nathan Winkler and Jenna Scheub

Harry Brumer III Gail Ashley

Rick Nyce Andrew Nyce

George Zuidema Robert and Joyce Mims

Andrea Frost Robert and Gail Crompton

Chris and Anita Scussel Jill Niemi

Carlton Fry Erin Fry

Kyle and Amanda Smith Coldwell Banker Schmidt, Realtors

PHOTO BY54 NOAH SUMMER JURIK ‘20 | VOL 73

MEMORIALS JANUARY 1 – JUNE 30, 2020 Gifts were made in memory of the names shown in bold. Your thoughtful memorial gift is a gift of hope for the future, an investment in forever and a lasting tribute to honor lives well lived. These gifts are a part of the Campaign for Generations and will preserve landscapes that offer joy, recreation and solace while ensuring clean water and securing local food sources—what a legacy!

Jack Batdorff Pete and Shari Clason

Greg and Jennifer Johnstone

Susan Breuer Jon and Mary Armstrong

Andrew Kinnear and Jennifer Powell

Peter and Christine Kiewit

Barbara Schneider

Tami Knight

Steven and Margot Wynkoop

Dan and Linda Kolhagen

Bill Buchbinder Phil and Carolyn Angel

Lackey and Treml Family

Baha’is of Elmwood Township

Mary Jo and Timothy Lampton

Lois Bahle and Larry Mawby Foy and Joel Baillie Shirley Barnett Dennis and Marlene Bienkowski Cynthia Blasses Sandy and Maxine Blumenfeld

Shuggie Kubiac Lamkin

Margaret and Mark Lyons Sharon Markey John Matz and Terry Griffin Walter and Janet Mclellan Elizabeth McNicholas Margaret Mertz Bridget and Michael Millar

Constantine and Linda Bratsis

Mildred Moore

Arthur and Susan Burghes

Dawn and Kean Oh

Steven Carey and Diane Dupuis

Robert and Christine Pacer

Thomas Cowell

F. Verne Powell

Paul and Kay Davis Marsha Dicenzo Michael and Stephanie Dow

Patrick and Jennifer Nestor

Brenda Pontious John and Linda Racine Julie Richards

Jim and Cathy Dye

Matthew and Adrienne Russell

David and Dianne Dykstra

Gretchen Sauvage

Colin and Theressa Earles

Kristine Shahmirza

Norman and Kelli Earles

Timberlee Property Owners

Patricia Frey

William and Elizabeth Vanwesten

Julia Garcia Kathryn and Patrick Gibson Bob and Donna Grassa Bob and Michelle Grassa Susan Hall and Donald Buchbinder Lynn Howard

Robert, Candy, Sasha, Parisa Voigt and Kids Chester M. Bullard Beth Hubbell Don Carlson William and Christine Toole Marilyn Whittaker

Richard and Shirley Clawson Ken and Cheryl Clawson

Rick Jones Tom Mountz

Bob Masta

Nancy Kasperzak Barbara Schneider

Tom Crampton Cynthia Lewis

John L. “Jack” Kessler, Sr. Herbert Cole

George Daisy Heather and Rick Shumaker

Elizabeth Cutrona

Mary Jordan Ehlert Ted, Andy and Dianna Ehlert

Richard and Shirley Gobba

Walter and Susan Feiger

Abby Gartland Brian Gartland

Kathleen Hagan

Don Hasenick Clara Hasenick

James Mynsberge

James and Jane Highsaw Jim Highsaw and Linda Prentice Steve Hills Benjamin Hills Alice E. Hinkamp Harvey J. White MD

Martha P. White

Haley W. White

Laurence E. White

Eric White

Alexander E. White

Margie White Teall

Clara Teall

Gillian Teall

Carolyn White

Jasper Snow

Corinna Snow

Sharon and Tim Laduca Judith and George Mynsberge Semco Energy Inge Kraimer Walter Kraimer Thomas Littlefield William and Sandy Cartwright David C. Lohss Brian and Paula Lohss Barbara Keiser MacInnis Dean Keiser Sam Mazzer Pete and Shari Clason John and Jeri Mccutcheon Will and Barbara Lynch Richard McElroy Charles and Judy Kraus

Louis and Florence Honhart Anne Honhart

Julie Mountz

Kal A. Jabara Abdeen Jabara and Holly Maguigan

Heather and Rick Shumaker

Liz Jamo Lee Jameson and Barbara Nelson-Jameson

Tom Mountz Karen Mudgett Mason and Ellen Palmer Sandra Palmer Zilincik Rick Pringle Kemp Wilson

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Memorials — Continued Edward, Viola and Kenneth Ratkowski

Jo Rundio

Dr. John Spencer

Mark Williamson

Pug Rundio

Mark and Kathy Spencer

Arnold and Joan Ratkowski

Faith Sanders

Richard Vanopynen

Mark Mitshkun and Diane Rosenblum

Diane and Greg Jenks

David and Nancy Daugherty

John and Darlyne Leete

Arno Von Walthausen

Chuck Retallick Robert Lambert

Marie Plester Robert Reusch

Pam and Ted Schultz

Donald and Carolyn Hoss

Barclay Shultz and Lori Amsterdam, Eren and Zoey

Robert Warren

Marilyn Smith

Mary Weygandt

Warren Rittinger Carol and Rick Wiggers Jim and Mollie Rogers

Bernice Turner

Marvin Wolf Dan and Julie Wolf Michael and Gloria Wolf Timothy Wolf

Cathy Berlin Laura Lange

David and Kathryn Snell

BUSINESS SUPPORTERS The ongoing support of our business community shows a commitment to northern Michigan’s farmland heritage, the protection of natural lands and the preservation of clean air and water. As you make charitable gifts to the Conservancy through your business, you communicate to your customers how deeply you value and care for northern Michigan’s natural resources and the role they play in attracting and retaining talent.

Builders Exchange of Northwest Michigan, Inc.

Gourdie-Fraser, Inc.

Candle Factory

MLC Realty, INC

Century 21 Northland

Morrissey Equip Corp

Cherry Republic

Semco Energy

Coldwell Banker Schmidt, Realtors

Timberlee Property Owners

Endoman Promotions, LLC

Whistling Frog Tile

Envision Development

R.M. Young Company

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SUMMER ‘20 | VOL 73

Steve Perdue, Grand Traverse Industries

MATCHING GIFT PROGRAMS Many companies offer matching gift programs to encourage employees to contribute to charitable organizations like the Conservancy. Most of these programs match contributions dollar for dollar, and some will even triple the amount of your gift. These companies made donations to match their employees’ gifts to the Conservancy.

Bank of America Matching Gifts

Kresge Foundation

GE Foundation

Microsoft Corporation Matching Gifts

Google Matching Gifts Program

Shell Matching Gifts Program

Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation Rotary Endowment

Thomson Reuters W. K. Kellogg Foundation

Illinois Tool Works Foundation

GTRLC.ORG PHOTO BY RICK57 KANE

PRIVATE LAND PROTECTION More than 240 landowners have worked with the Conservancy to preserve their cherished natural lands and farms through voluntary conservation easements that restrict development in perpetuity. We monitor these properties annually, often side-by-side with the owners, to ensure that conservation values are maintained forever. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to you.

Acme Township

Pat Capps

E Company, LLC.

Charlene Heim

Alan Adams

Archibald Carey

Martin Easling

Jerry and Jamie Heim

Dorance and Julia Amos

David and Nancy Carey

Jed and Dawn Hemming

Roland and Marilyn Andreasson

John Carey and Vicki Arroyo

Laurie Eberhardt and Peter Martin Phil Edwards and Laura Reid

Todd Herber

Anonymous (2) Antrim County Antrim County Conservation District Anway Farms LLC Bret Bachert Trust Edward Bagley Trust Baillio Company Mark and Elizabeth Banker Mark and Karen Barbera Bash Enterprises Ardis Bauer Bay Harbor Club Association Bayshore Real Estate Associates #1 Dennis and Jacquelyn Beal Leon and Shirley Beal Bill and Marti Beals Margaret Beck Michael and Leah Bell Robert and Barbara Below Linda and Craig Bethke Roland Bielert Boardman Township

Andrew and Andrea Carolus Shirley Carris Marlene and Terry Caszatt Cedar River Group, LLC. Mike Champion Charles and Jeanie Chapin David and Jody Charlton Chartwell Properties, LLC. Glen and Rebecca Chown Tom and Janice Cook Richard Cooper and Jan Tennant Vince Cooper Bonnie Copeland Spencer and Amy Couturier Croft, LLC Crystal Highlands Owners’ Association Richard and Linda Cushman James Dalley and Lois Brennan Alice and Jerry Deck DEER Development Engineering

Dave and Jackie Bos

G. Michael and Barbara DeGraeve

Mary Ellen Boucher

Michael and Claudia Delp

Matthew and Joni Brengman

Michael and Ann DeVries

Lee and Richmond Brown

Charles and Lorie DeYoung

James and Justine Buck

Russell A. and Pat Ehler Phil and Rita Ellington

David and Barbara Henton Carol Highsaw

Jeff and Marilyn Elliott

Jim Highsaw and Linda Prentice

Evans Brothers Fruit Company

Frances Housman

Jim and Kari Fisher

Russell and Kay Hughes

Laura Fisher

Mark and Sharon Hullman

The Estate of Mary C. Francis

Inn at Watervale, Inc.

Alison Fredericksen

Dean Iverson

Chip and Terrie Frey

Vicki Jacobs

Cameron and Dawn Fuller

William and Susie Janis

G.D.O. Investments LLC

Jeffers Family Trust

Charter Township of Garfield

Village of Kalkaska

John Gehring and Lisa Leininger

Julie Kavner and David Davis

Gene Gerring Brian and Lisa Getty Jeremy Gibson and Carolyn McDonald Gordon Gienow Judy Gienow Ron and Diane Gillison Matthew Godlewski and Jacob Whitman Gloria Goodale and Dan Wood Margo Goodale Nick Goodale and Wendy Asselin

David Kelley David and Katy Kern Kingsley Area Schools Tom Kladzyk Anthony Kramer and Barbara Bailey Brent and Tami Kroll Bruce and Libby Krone Margery and Laurence Kroupa Louise Ladd Cliff Larkins Leelanau Conservancy William Lentz

James and Sharon Goodheart

Joe and Kathy Lessard

Harold and Edna DeYoung

Charles and Bethany Goodman

James and Judy Leto

Andy and Beth Buelow

Lance and Allyson Docken

Ann and Harold Gurian

Gary Burns

Kay and Frederic Dohm

Donald and Heidi Hamilton

Keith Burns

Martha and Ed Hammer

Bruce and Rhoda Bush

J. Bennett and Tauna Donaldson

Jon Bylsma and Jennifer Johnston

Deborah Doyle Roger and Angelica Dunlap

Thomas Hanna

Kathryn Bytwerk

Earl and Susan Dutton

Robert and Cathy Campbell

Julie and Jim Dutton

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SUMMER ‘20 | VOL 73

Anne Hammond

Timothy and Jessica Lindstrom Little River Band Of Ottawa Indians Long Lake Township Anna Love

Alan and Carol Hart

Charles Lyon

Thomas and Annette Hart Trust

Bob and Kris Mampe

Susie Mackay

PHOTO BY NATHAN LANDICK

Robert and Lois Manigold

Alan Petrie

Michael and Melissa Scanlon

Laura and Chuck Stanek

Francia Mann

Shirley J. Petrie Trust Wesley Petrie

The Robert L. Schiewe Living Trust

Anne Starr and Kristin Hall

Kirk Marckwald and Chris Desser Robert Marriott

James and Anne Porritt

Gary Pomeroy

Dirk and Mary Martin

Steve Pray

McCool Joint Trust

Brian and Dodie Putney

Robert and Joni Metiva

Charlotte Putney

Amy and Dan Meyer Philip and Connie Micklin

Sarah E. Schin Trust Nathan Schultz and Stephanie Woodfin

David Steffey David and Sara Taft Barbara Taylor

Mark Seasholes

Barry and Arreta Thompson

Nancy Seasholes

Terry and Constance Timm

Loy Putney

Send Brothers Properties L.L.C.

Jennifer Tobias and Tom McCracken

Kelly and Debra Miller

Putney Real Estate Holdings, LLC.

Rick and Diane Shaffer

Tosebo Clubhouse, LLC.

Philip E. Miner Revocable Trust

Edith Elliott Queeny and Warner Guild Queeny

Shaffer Family Partnership

City of Traverse City

David and Ingrid Shambaugh

Sally Van Vleck

Susan Montei

Marvin and Jodi Radtke

Kenneth Vanhouten

Neahtawanta Resort Association

Rammelkamp Family Cottage Trust

George and Roberta Shambaugh

Steve and Kathleen Newman

Ranke Family Partnership

Scott Nugent

Michael Raphelson and Carla Langerveld

Wendy O’Brien Leonardo and Carmelita Ocanas OCS Watervale, Ltd.

Ray Ravary RF Reiley Family Partners, LTD

Gary Shanker Michael and Shanna Shea Hebe and Jim Shipp Stephen J. and Carol B. Shuckra Trust Robert Sigler Peggy and Kimberly Simpson

Riverview Rod & Gun Club

Richard and Diane Simpson

Jack B Robbins Revocable Trust

Loring Sims

Phyllis Robinson

Dale and Carolyn Smith

Robert and Penelope Rosi

Julie and John Smith

Oleson Foundation

Rotary Camps & Services of TC

Snyder Farm, LLC

Dustin and Kim Ordway

Wayne and Joan Rowe

Paradise Township

Royal Farms Properties LLC

Glenna E. Southwell Trust

Patrick and Kaitlyn Pasik

Samuel and Anna Runkel

Paul Pelica

John and Margaret Sargent

John O’Hair OHK-SEK Peter Ohrnberger Brad Oleson DJ and Lisa Oleson

Nicklaus Slocum

Steve and Nikki Sobkowski Reg Sprik The Trust Agreement of Patty L. Springstead

Village Ridge Homeowners Association Roy and Pamela Volkening Randall Vyverberg Melinda Wagner 2014 Revocable Living Trust Wayne and Joan Webber Wellington Real Estate Holdings, LLC. Greg White John Wilkinson and Robin Silva-Wilkinson Windward Partnership John and Charlotte Wuepper Isaiah Wunsch State YMCA of Michigan Shelby Ziegler

GTRLC.ORG

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CONSERVATION EASEMENT AND LAND DONATIONS Over 36,000 acres of land have been permanently protected by landowners. You have placed permanent, deed-restricted easements on your property in order to ensure that its conservation values—the health and wealth of these precious lands—are maintained forever.

Land Donations Mark W. Dietrich Living Trust

GRANTS FROM STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS AND PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS Public grants help to leverage and maximize the value of your private investment. The Conservancy is either a direct recipient or a sub-awardee of grant funding from these agencies and organizations.

American Farmland Trust US Fish & Wildlife Service-Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act

US Fish & Wildlife Service-Great Lakes Restoration Initiative - Coastal Program

GIFTS-IN-KIND We are deeply grateful to these supporters for the generous contributions of their products, goods and services.

Ken Barber Effect Size Consulting LLC Lake Effect Next I.T. LLC

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SUMMER ‘20 | VOL 73

VOLUNTEERS Every year volunteers play a crucial role in the Conservancy’s mission, helping to protect and steward our region’s incredible natural resources. We know many of our volunteer colleagues were excited to spend time volunteering to advance our mission this Spring, but were unable due to COVID-19. We want to once again share our appreciation for those who served with us throughout 2019 and look forward to seeing you all again in the near future.

Perry Adams

Eric Chatterson

Kelly Dillan

Mike Gill

Bernadette Albers

Daniel Choike

Kathy Dixon

William Gittlen

Peter Albers

Lou Ann Churchill

Cavanaugh Doud

Sharon Goble

Brian Allen

Richard Cicone

Bryce Dreeszen

Michael Grahl

Karen Alphenaar

Lucinda Clement

Paula Dreeszen

Richard Gray

Renee Archambo

Robert Clement

Corey DuCharme

Claire Gregory

Amy Attee

Linda Cline

Sylvia Duncan

John Greyzck

Thomas Auer

Marilyn Cobb

Larry Dyer

Tina Groleau

Emma Baird

Don Coe

Susan Easlick

Cheryl Gross

Jannine Baker

Pam Coleman

Jill Egan

Kathleen Guy

Steve Balentine

John Collins

Katharine Eiferle

Sheridan Haack

Richard Barclay

Carey Colliver

Erwin “Duke” Elsner

Sophie Haas

Norman Bell

Lela Colliver

Cara Eule

Patricia Hager

Rick Bellingham

Mike Conway

Jason Eule

Richard Hager

John Bercini

Doug Cook

Nathan Eule

Frederick Hambly

Janice Beyer

Emily Cook

Noah Eule

Diane Hanson

Audra Bildeaux

Sally Cook

Bill Fairgrieve

Matt Hayes

Mary Binder

Dean Crandall

Mary Fairgrieve

Dave Heeres

Tim Binder

Nate Crane

Judy Feldmann

Robert Heflin

Chuck Blake

Sheila Crowley

Mary Ferens

Pam Hendrick

Brad Boals

Jim Cunningham

Dennis Fitzpatrick

Nick Hensler

Richard Bobian

Dan Curnayn

Justin Florkowski

Cheryl Hiipakka

Paul Brink

Barbara Czarnecki

Alan Flory

Richard Hiipakka

Larry Brownell

Rick Dahlstrom

Michael Foley

Mollie Hilliard

Vaughn Burden

Crystal Dailey

Kyla Foley

Don Hirt

Jesse Burt

Jeff Dalton

Steven Foley

Tracy Hobbs

Sky Button

Molly Dalton

Linda Forster

Mark Hoffman

Betsy Calcutt

Cortney Danbrook

Carl Freeman

Alison Hoffmann

Sarah Campbell

Robert Davidson

Carl Fry

Cherie Hogan

Amiela Canin

Kim de Bruin

Rondi Fry

Bill Holden

Ethan Canin

Logan Deluca

Dan Galbraith

Jessica Hollon

Chris Cargill

Mason Deluca

Peter Galloup

Bob Holtzmann

Marcia Carney

Mary Devon

Janet Garvey

Sue Holtzmann

Dan Casey

Rich Devon

Linda Gawel

Paige Howard

Sally Catanese

Charles Dickerson

Peter Gawel

Beth Hubbell

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Volunteers — Continued

Jim Huckle

Walter Lijewski-Lee

Dan Mixer

Greg Riley

Dennis Hudson

Don Livingston

Val Morris

Michael Roberts

Marcia Inman

Jean Livingston

Douglas Morse

Sawyer Robinson

David Jackson

Craig Locke

Edwin Morse

Daniel Roketenetz

Deb Jackson

Kathryn Lovings

Kerry Mosko

Steven Ruby

Michelle Jacokes

Mike Lubert

Tom Mountz

Signe Ruddy

Jennifer Jaffe

Jane Lund

Megan Moyer

Kevin Russell

Lynda Jarrold

Ben Lundquist

Paula Moyer

Missi Sano

Philip Jarvi

Sally Lundquist

Paul Moyer

Erika Schick

Janice Johnson

Deborah Lunsford

Dirk Nelson

Maryann Schmidt

Joshua Jones

David Lyon

Barbara Nelson-Jameson

Randy Schmidt

Terri Jones

Robert Lyon

Michele Nerone

Mary Scholz

Peggy Kane

Shane Lyons

Mary Ellen Newport

Monica Schultz

Rick Kane

Dan Mach

Marilyn Niebel

Don Schuster

Brian Keas

Kathy Flynn Mach

John Noonan

Gregory Seman

Chuck Kendall

Tricia Mack

John Noonan

William Sharp

Karen Kennedy

Jack Maddox

Homer Nye

Susan Sheldon

John Kerns

Mark Maddox

Alex O’Brien

Dana Sholten

Randy Kiessel

Dave Mahan

Spencer Olson

Mason Showalter

Diane King

Kerry Maloney

Gary Osterfeld

Frank Simkins

Donald King

Rebecca Mang

Lauren Osuch

Kimberly Simpson

Gary Kneale

Patrick Manke

Jerry Ozanne

Michael Sipkoski

Ken Kohlman

Sally Manke

Linda Ozanne

Bill Skaff

Steve Kraft

Carol Marsh

Deona Paine

Evan Smith

Charles Kraus

George Marsh

Susan Palmer

Molly Smith

Sam Krause

Ken Masck

Gail Parry

Maureen Smyth

Gretchen Kronk

Marcella Massa

Erin Paxson

Gerald Solanics

Mark Krupowicz

Dave Mathews

Renee Penny

Bill Spiers

Debbie Kwaiser

John Maxson

Lyn Petty

Mary Spiers

Michael Kwaiser

Chip May

William Pioszak

Don Stauffer

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