Significant Addition Proposed for Brown Bridge Quiet Area
Meet the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders
Restoration Progress in the Mitchell Creek Watershed
PHOTO: NATE RICHARDSON
The summer of 2023 has been one for the record books!
This year’s Preservation Celebration marked the official grand opening of Mitchell Creek Meadows: The Don and Jerry Oleson Nature Preserve. We had an awesome day welcoming friends into the McMullen Family Conservation Center, the Bob and Pauline Young Family Stewardship Workshop and the native plant greenhouse. From the Looyenga Family Trail, we had fun observing our herd of invasive species-eating goats hard at work. So many incredible things are happening here already! Be sure to read the letter from Kevin Russell, Chair of our Board of Directors, on page 41 to hear more.
We are celebrating a few really significant victories for everyone who loves the land! I’m thrilled to announce that the Turtle Cove property on Arbutus Lake is fully funded, thanks to incredible generosity from families around the lake and throughout the region and a grant from the Clean Michigan Initiative. The Turtle Cove Nature Preserve will open later this year, and you simply must get out and enjoy the incredible trail. Read about other successes and exciting new opportunities on pages 14-23. And do note that 20 years after launching the Coastal Campaign, we now have the opportunity to protect a vital inholding to our Betsie Dunes Nature
Sanctuary, which was first protected as part of that epic campaign. Rest assured, we remain relentlessly focused on preserving our Lake Michigan dunes, one of the Earth’s most unique geological and ecological features.
The opportunity to add 528 acres to the treasured Brown Bridge Quiet Area is absolutely thrilling, as the ecologically significant property has been at the top of our priority list for decades. Learn more about this incredible opportunity on pages 8-13.
The highlight of what was truly an amazing summer on all fronts, however, was having the chance to work with the next generation of conservation leaders who dedicated their time and talents to
further our mission. The Conservancy provides a place—fertile ground, if you will—to nurture these emerging leaders' talent, training and passion. I was fortunate to have that opportunity in my early twenties with an internship at the Michigan Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, which set me on the path to becoming the first executive director of GTRLC. I feel strongly about the responsibility to “pay it forward.” I know you’ll enjoy reading about the Conservancy’s “class of ‘23,” beginning on the next page. Our future is in good hands!
As we head into autumn and start to see the leaves turn color, I want to thank you for everything you have done to make this summer one to remember. It is your support—your encouraging words, your shared wisdom, your volunteerism, your generous donations and your love of the land that fuels our inspiration as we work to protect our region’s natural beauty.
Glen Chown, Executive Director
PHOTO: NATE RICHARDSON
Each year, we have the privilege of working alongside interns, AmeriCorps members and seasonal workers who share our passion for fulfilling our mission. We're proud to say that many of them have gone on to work for our partner organizations, and some have become full-time staff members of our team. Continuing a tradition of visionary leadership, we are excited to introduce the talented group of future conservation leaders who joined us in 2023. Read on to learn more about these exceptional individuals.
If you had asked Tyler Fielstra twenty years ago what he would be doing today, interning with his hometown’s regional land trust likely wouldn’t have crossed his mind.
Back then, Fielstra owned a successful construction management and remodeling company in Connecticut and was married with two children. He always enjoyed outdoor activities and had a heart for nonprofit work, from building houses for orphans in South Africa to volunteering with his local church. Yet his concerns for the environment were, in his own words, “at best hovering in my peripheral view, but at worst muddied with deniability claims and anti-science agendas.”
After enduring one major life challenge after another, his desired vocational trajectory remained elusive. "For well over ten years, I went into survival mode to keep myself and my kids afloat," he said, thinking back on a number of hardships.
Eventually, Fielstra and his wife were able to save just enough for the down payment on a 42-acre property, where they hosted woodland retreats, laid the groundwork for a sustainable farm and raised their children. As he reimagined his life, he became more acquainted with the challenges facing the planet, and in particular, he questioned his previously held beliefs about climate change. Through this reflection, he became more drawn to non-profit work.
“I had been ignorant of the many people around the world living in distress. And choosing to contribute to the remedies of their human condition would be the most rewarding way to live,” he said.
Things were looking up until 2017, when Fielstra was setting up a tree stand and fell 25 feet to the ground. The accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. “I was told it was unlikely I would ever walk again,” he recalled. “I’m humbled by everything that could have gone right for my recovery, went right. My nearly full recovery was nothing short of a miracle.”
His accident fed his resolve to become a better steward of the Earth. With his wife’s encouragement, Fielstra enrolled as a non-traditional Eli Whitney student at Yale College, where he is earning a bachelor of arts degree in environmental studies with a concentration on biodiversity and conservation. As a recipient of
Tyler Fielstra plants the dune garden outside the McMullen Family Conservation Center. PHOTO: ERIN SCHUGseveral Yale fellowships, he wanted to work with a conservation organization with a community focus that was also involved in environmental justice and ecosystem restoration.
His search ended when he found GTRLC. “To see the Conservancy was doing all the things I’m interested in, or expanding into the areas that I’m passionate about, it made perfect sense,” he said.
Spending the summer hiking through northern Michigan’s tall grasses, wetlands and coastal dunes has reassured Fielstra that he is in the right place. “It’s a better fit than I could have imagined—the community aspect feels like a family,” he said. “I have felt valued and appreciated for my contributions. I am energized by the work. And I have a lot that I can give, even if it’s small stuff.”
Believe us—his contributions have been anything but small. In addition to inventorying listed species and conducting habitat assessments, Tyler has played a significant role in restoration efforts at Mitchell Creek Meadows: The Don and Jerry Oleson Nature Preserve. He led the implementation of the native dune garden at the McMullen Family Conservation Center and has helped install landscaping at the preserve. He has also been closely working with the stewardship staff to propagate and care for thousands of seedlings growing in the Conservancy’s native plant greenhouse.
“Climate change can be so depressing,” he said. “But being out there and seeing rare plants and pristine spaces reminds us that nature can heal itself if we give it a little nurturing hand. We can be stewards and shepherd these natural spaces through the degradations we’ve caused.”
In the future, Fielstra will continue to design his course load to reflect a maturing of his climate change understanding and hopes he will be an ambassador for those willing to change their opinions as he did. “Nature can heal if we come together and give it the opportunity,” he said. “It’s a matter of how much time and what will be lost, but it’s not game over— climate change isn’t the end. It's an opportunity to unite people to address these environmental issues.”
Fielstra’s story is just one example of the talented and unique individuals who have dedicated their summer to stewarding northern Michigan’s significant landscapes. These bright, young people have not only impressed us with their work ethic, positivity and whip smart intellect but have assured us that the future of conservation is in good hands.
Izzy Wejrowski joined GTRLC through Huron Pines Americorps after earning a bachelor of science in environmental science and sustainability from Michigan State University. As a community conservation coordinator, she has worked closely with volunteers to grow native plants and remove invasive species, build trails and perform other essential restoration tasks. She shared how she has found inspiration through their commitment to making a positive impact on the environment.
“I have grown incredibly attached to our volunteers’ initiative and passion for the work that they do. It reflects so many aspects of what GTRLC is about and gives me a lot of hope for the future,” she said. Her time at GTRLC has also influenced her own future, in which she plans to enroll in graduate school to study ecology and environmental science.
After completing her degree in mechanical engineering from the California Institute of Technology, Saskia van Niewstadt was also looking to spend the summer outdoors helping the environment. “I wanted to learn something new and do something meaningful. When I heard of the Conservancy’s work, I was very excited to get involved,” she said.
She has gained new skills throughout her volunteer service, from identifying ferns to learning about conservation easements and how to use new tools. “It is really inspiring how everyone is continually willing to teach and learn,” she reflected.
This fall, she started a master’s program in sustainable energy technology, and no matter what she decides to do, she intends to continue stewarding the environment. “I hope to share what I've learned and the passion I've witnessed while volunteering at the Conservancy with others,” she explained. “I want to make sure we use the land for renewable energy generation and energy storage efficiently so that we can still conserve important ecosystems.”
Leading the seasonal crew is Travis Gelinas, a northern Michigan native thrilled to protect the landscapes that
inspired him to pursue conservation. “I knew instantly that this is a place to foster my growth,” he said. “I have three seasons under my belt and have never once thought about being anywhere else.”
Gelinas’s love of nature shines through his outstanding workmanship and through his photography—a talent he hopes will spark others' interest in their natural surroundings. “If people can see my passion for the natural world through my creative work—seeing what crazy things nature has conjured up—that may inspire viewers to go outside and experience nature themselves,” he explained. (Travis' photography can be seen on page 42 and the back cover.)
While he is fascinated by the opportunities to observe rare wildlife, Gelinas is most energized by the people he works with, particularly GTRLC’s volunteers. “Meeting people from all walks of life who share a love for the land and are devoted to helping it has enhanced my own passion and hard work,” he said.
Before joining the stewardship team, Catie Compson was among those 300 active volunteers who make GTRLC’s mission a reality. Upon moving to the area, she had heard many
From left, seasonal crew and volunteer land stewards Petra Foote, Catie Compson, Saskia van Niewstadt, Travis Gelinas, Chris Douglas and Riley Sullivan.
PHOTO: TRAVIS GELINASgood things about the Conservancy from locals, which led her to sign up for several volunteer workdays. “I enjoyed those volunteer days and often wished they were longer!” she recalled.
Like Gelinas, she finds inspiration from GTRLC’s committed volunteers, staff and donors and enjoys a variety of creative pursuits, from illustration to sculpture and organic gardening. She too hopes to combine her artistic talents with a career in conservation.
“I would love to find some way to continue this type of fieldwork while also integrating my artistic skills to help others appreciate, learn about, reconnect with and protect the natural world,” she said.
Compson and Gelinas work alongside Chris Douglas, a recent graduate of Grand Valley State University’s (GVSU) ecology and evolutionary biology program. Growing up along Torch Lake’s north shore, Douglas was initially drawn to GTRLC for its location. However, throughout the season has found motivation from the community.
“I find it fascinating how quickly the sounds of birds or the rustling of leaves can bring people together and really take in the beauty of our area,” he said. “The most inspiring thing has been connecting with our community and providing a place for people passionate about the health and beauty of our natural areas—and to work together to see that vision come to reality.”
Rounding out the seasonal crew are Petra Foote and Riley Sullivan, who each learned of the Conservancy’s work through their fathers, GTRLC’s Director of Facilities and Insured Risk David Foote, and Director of Land Protection Chris Sullivan.
From a young age, Petra had heard about land protection and stewardship work. But after spending a season in the field, she was surprised to learn how much behind-the-scenes work goes into making those efforts possible. “Everyone manages to work very well together to rise to challenges,” she explained. “And the payoff is felt by anyone enjoying the beautiful Michigan landscapes protected by the Conservancy.” This fall, Foote is studying social work at Northern Michigan University, yet believes she will continue her conservation efforts as a volunteer many times over.
Since joining the team, Sullivan too has appreciated seeing the results of the work he had heard so much about growing up. He is currently earning an anthropology degree from GVSU, and in the future, hopes to work with the National Park or National Forest Services. “I hope to keep making a positive impact in conservation and help to keep our environment healthy and sustainable,” he said.
Finally, Leonard Chown—a last name that may also sound familiar—spent much of his summer volunteering with the Conservancy’s communications team. The youngest son of longtime Executive Director Glen Chown, he had heard tales about conservation heroes and land protection deals throughout his life. Yet while he knew very well about GTRLC’s mission and values, he wanted to fully immerse himself in different parts of the organization.
“The culture caught my attention. I have noticed how much teams engage in stewardship—they all work together. Everyone helps toward the mission,” he said. “And with the new facility, it’s easier to see the collaboration.”
A rising sophomore at his father’s alma mater, the University of Michigan, Leonard is studying business sustainability and is a member of Students for Clean Energy, a student organization committed to promoting clean energy. While still early in his college career, he knows that with whatever he does, he wants to make a difference.
“I’m still figuring it out, but I want to do something that makes me feel fulfilled,” he said. “And something that makes a positive impact on the Earth.”
Looking to make a difference for the future of conservation? Be sure to keep an eye on GTRLC.org and our social media pages for seasonal employment opportunities and internships in 2024.
POTENTIAL 528-ACRE ADDITION INCLUDES CRITICAL HABITAT AND MAJORITY OF SPRING-FED LAKE
The Brown Bridge Quiet Area (BBQA) is a beloved community asset, with thousands of annual visitors using the park for a range of recreational activities, including hiking, birding, cross-country skiing and fishing.
While located in East Bay Township, the land was acquired by the City of Traverse City, initially to supply residents with electricity using a hydroelectric dam on the property.
Around thirty years ago, Traverse City voters supported the purchase of the Grasshopper Creek addition, identified as one of only two “critical additions” in the BBQA’s original management plan, the other being the Spring Lake property. That acquisition brought the park to its current size of 1,310 acres of natural habitat and open space for quiet recreation.
This November, voters will again decide whether to support the acquisition of the second critical addition, a 228-acre parcel surrounding Spring Lake, as well as a 300-acre forested parcel, to bring the BBQA to an impressive 1,838 acres.
“You just can’t find this anymore…It’s so untouched and unspoiled,” said Jacqueline Andres, who with her husband, Mark, is one of the few homeowners around the lake. She explained that for over fifty years, the neighboring Spring Lake parcel had been owned and cared for by avid outdoor enthusiast and conservationist Elmer J. Mueller, until his death in 2020.
PHOTO: ANGIE BOUMA
“It’s because of him that the lake is still like this today,” Andres said. “Our love for the land—we shared that with E.J. We bonded over the land, the lake and sharing it with him.”
Andres began visiting Spring Lake with her family as a young girl. She became so attached to the area that she left her life in Chicago to live there year-round. She has since taken a particular interest in looking after the Trumpeter swans that nest there—even assisting in the rehabilitation of an injured swan and reuniting him with his family.
“This lake is unlike any other lake. It supports such an abundance of beautiful plants and flowers. You can throw out the name of an animal, and it’s been here,” she said, marveling at a bevy of swans gliding across the lake. “Our emotional investment is in this property and in this lake.”
Though plans are preliminary, a viewing platform could potentially be installed for future visitors to observe the lake’s scenic beauty, too. Much of the shallow lake is ringed by a patchwork of wetland types, including floating bog mat, wet meadow, rich conifer swamp, poor conifer swamp and emergent marsh. In addition to the swans, loons have nested on the property, and bald eagles and other raptors are routinely seen there. The American marten has also reportedly been observed and is documented in the watershed.
When Andres learned Mueller’s property had been listed for sale, she contacted the Conservancy right away. “That was his one wish in life,” she said, speaking of his desire to keep the land in its natural state.
GTRLC had already had eyes on the property. In addition to providing critical wildlife habitat, the parcel sits in the heart of the Boardman/Ottaway River watershed and almost completely surrounds Spring Lake—making it significant for water quality.
“It’s pretty spectacular,” said Chris Sullivan, GTRLC’s director of land protection. “The whole lake is just wild, and there’s a great mix of wetland habitat. And north of the lake, there are these big rolling hills and the thickest blueberry patches you’ve ever seen.”
While conducting habitat assessments of properties nearby, Sullivan caught glimpses of Spring Lake when the leaves were down. “My entrée into conservation was fishing, ever since I was a toddler. So that property always had a hold on me—I always wanted to see what the lake was like,” he explained. “It was everything I thought it would be. And it was one of those nice reminders that most of the time, our data gets it right.”
While significant on its own, the property is adjacent to the northern boundary of the BBQA and borders state land to the east. It also connects to two private properties protected with conservation easements, Camp Arbutus and the former Camp Greilick, which sit adjacent to its northeast and northwest corners.
The Conservancy is assisting the City in acquiring the Spring Lake property, as well as a 300-acre wooded parcel that was the southern part of the former Camp Greilick presently owned by Rotary Charities. Combined, the 528-acre addition to the BBQA would increase the park’s acreage by over 40% and create an impressive, more than 2,100-acre contiguous block of critical habitat within the heart of the watershed.
Since 1992, the Grand Traverse Conservation District has managed the BBQA for Traverse City, with Conservation Team Coordinator Steve Largent at the helm of numerous land management and watershed restoration activities. Largent mentioned that the Spring Lake property had in particular been called out as a priority for protection due to its size and proximity to other public and protected private lands.
“The property could be developed to maximum density,” he explained. In East Bay Township, where the property is located, zoning allows for one building site per acre, meaning that
the property could potentially be developed into as many as 200 home sites. “It’s a blessing that the Conservancy is helping make it possible for the city to acquire the property."
Largent also noted that the former boy scout camp, though heavily used, contains upland habitat that was previously oakpine barren—a fire-dependent habitat type that is increasingly rare in Michigan. Though the Rotary Charities property is currently protected with a conservation easement, the easement does not obligate current or future landowners to provide public access.
“Acquiring it provides a buffer against development, and gives us more control over what goes on there,” Largent explained.
Meanwhile, the southern portion of the property contains a steep ridge that slopes into rich conifer swamp habitat, where groundwater pours into multiple locations, extending all the way to the Boardman/Ottaway River. This feature, in combination with the addition of Spring Lake and its surrounding wetlands, builds on a major, ongoing effort to restore the Boardman/Ottaway River system.
Beginning with the Brown Bridge Dam’s removal, this long-term initiative included removing three hydroelectric dams from the river that were impeding fish passage and
PHOTO: STONE HUT STUDIOS
The proposed 528-acre addition to the Brown Bridge Quiet Area, which can be seen in the distance, encompasses almost all of Spring Lake and protects a significant, contiguous tract of high-quality habitat for various wildlife.
disrupting the stream’s natural flow. With the fourth and final dam modification planned in the near future, one of the most crucial next steps in the river’s restoration is the protection of significant neighboring lands.
“It’s the gateway to the Boardman/Ottaway River Valley,” Largent explained. By preserving these critical nearby wetlands, which filter sediment and pollutants before they enter the water, the proposed addition provides the river a significant buffer from future development.
While no plans are set in stone, the proposed addition allows for the possibility to expand the BBQA’s existing six-mile trail system by protecting the trail corridor that links the Boardman/Ottaway River Trail to the BBQA, the Muncie Lakes Pathway and the North Country Trail.
Speaking of potential recreational opportunities, Largent explained that any future plans will move slowly. “We want to take our time and make sure what we do with the property is in harmony with everything else there,” he said.
Shortly after the park had been designated as a quiet area, the Brown Bridge Advisory Committee was established to provide recommendations to restore, preserve and protect the integrity of the Brown Bridge property under the City’s management.
Beverly Cuthbert, former committee chair who served on the steering group for approximately ten years, recalled the property’s transformation when it was designated as a Quiet Area. “In the early 1970s, the property didn’t have a plan, and it was abused. Off-road vehicles used the land to climb hills…It was becoming very devastating in terms of what we would want that area to be,” she said.
If the addition is not incorporated into the Quiet Area and managed in the same way, under the Advisory Committee’s guidance and expert care of the Conservation District, she expressed concern that the same issues could arise again.
“We live in an area that attracts people interested in the outdoors—not only fishing and hunting but who appreciate the natural beauty—the flora and the fauna,” she said, noting that there is no other place quite like the BBQA. “If you didn’t have the Quiet Area, where would you go?”
The Conservancy and the City have already completed much of the legwork needed to secure the property, including backand-forth negotiations with the landowner, working with a conservation-minded individual to purchase and temporarily hold the property and applying for a $2.3 million MNRTF grant to fund its acquisition. Now, the land’s future depends on Traverse City voters.
To access the $2.3 million from the MNRTF, Traverse City must provide $746,245 in local matching funds. The Brown Bridge Trust Fund, established using proceeds from oil discovered on the property, now has a balance of more than $11 million. A portion of these funds could be used for the required match, at no cost to Traverse City residents, providing voters approve two ballot measures in the upcoming November election.
First, voters must approve a measure removing a provision that limits the dollar amount that can be used as a single expenditure for parkland additions or improvements. They must also approve a second measure, which authorizes a portion of the Brown Bridge Trust Fund (not to exceed $746,245) to be used to purchase adjacent parkland to the BBQA.
Should both measures pass, the project is expected to be highly competitive among other MNRTF grant proposals due to its myriad benefits.
To share your support for this project, visit our active projects page at GTRLC.org or contact senior charitable giving specialist, Erin Whiting, at ewhiting@gtrlc.org.
The map below shows the proposed addition in the heart of the Boardman/ Ottaway River watershed, which is part of the larger Grand Traverse Bay watershed. For more information about a collaborative effort to restore our watersheds’ health and improve our region’s water quality, please refer to page 25.
Northern Michigan’s incredible natural beauty is recognized time and again. From bountiful farmlands to stunning natural habitats, charming coastal dunes to crystal clear waterways this region leaves a lasting impression on all who experience it.
With more people flocking to the area to live, work and play, we are experiencing a dramatic increase in development pressure that threatens to destroy our beloved natural lands. Without swift action and vigilance, we stand to lose the very things that make this area so special.
To counter these challenges, GTRLC has continued protecting our region’s most significant lands at a breakneck pace. And thanks to our incredible network of supporters, volunteers, landowners and friends, we are able to make a difference in saving incredible places every day.
Below you will find information about several projects across the region. As always, head over to GTRLC.ORG to learn more about this critical work and how you can become involved. Together, we can ensure that this beautiful land we hold so dear is protected for generations to come.
We are immensely proud to share that fundraising is complete for the Turtle Cove Nature Preserve! Safeguarding sensitive wetland habitat for scores of fish, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrate species, this much-anticipated preserve is bursting with ecological value. The 117-acre property contains over 4,000 feet of undeveloped frontage on Arbutus Lake and encompasses the majority of a shallow-water bay, making it critical for water quality within the Boardman/Ottaway River watershed.
Its protection is a true testament to our community’s commitment to saving our region’s most significant lands and waters. The effort to preserve this property involved the help of a generous conservation buyer, who gave the Conservancy the gift of time to fundraise for its acquisition and is selling the land to GTRLC at a deep discount, as well as the support of generous donors around Arbutus Lake and beyond.
Thanks to the perseverance of everyone involved, this gorgeous property will forever remain as ecologically significant as it is today, and it will be permanently cared for as a nature preserve.
Well ahead of a typical project’s schedule, the fundraising success of this project can be celebrated at the same time as the trail’s completion. With the help of GTRLC’s volunteers and seasonal stewardship staff, a crew from SEEDS finalized the construction of the two-mile Beverly and Spencer Silk Nature Trail this past summer, and our staff from the field have reported that it looks amazing!
We can’t wait to share this trail and beautiful preserve with you when the property opens to the public, which is anticipated before the end of this year. Stay tuned!
PHOTO: RICK KANE
The Turtle Cove Nature Preserve protects the majority of a shallow-water bay that provides critical habitat for fish, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrate species.
The High Bluff Dunes Nature Sanctuary represents a highquality example of a perched Great Lakes dune system. It contains 22 acres of coastal moraine bluff and boreal forest habitats, as well as 563 feet of frontage along Lake Michigan. By adding a 10-acre parcel into the sanctuary, the Conservancy has an opportunity to further protect this ecologically significant habitat.
The proposed addition is situated to the north of the current sanctuary, between Lake Michigan and M-22. The state designates the majority of the property as Critical Dune, which regulates certain activities but does not strictly prohibit development.
Like the existing sanctuary, the property is home to a variety of endemic plants that exclusively grow on Great Lakes dunes, including Pitcher’s thistle, a state and federally-threatened species, and the state-threatened Lake Huron locust.
In addition to the protection of these sensitive species, the property’s preservation would safeguard critical feeding and resting habitat for many bird species that use Lake Michigan’s coast as a migration corridor. Numerous rare bird species, including the state-threatened Caspian tern and merlin, and the state-endangered peregrine falcon, have been documented along this stretch of shoreline.
In terms of water quality, the property’s protection would safeguard an additional 300 feet of Lake Michigan’s shoreline and protect the moraine bluff, which is currently experiencing significant erosion due to its steep slopes and recent, historically high Lake Michigan levels. The property also
contains a unique spring that emerges from the bluff face and flows into the lake.
Additionally, the protection of Lake Michigan coastal dune systems is a priority under numerous federal programs, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program, the US Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal Program and the Department of Interior Joint Venture Program. Fundraising complete.
Following a busy summer at the Old Mission Peninsula park, fundraising efforts are moving ahead to protect a potential future addition to the Pelizzari Natural Area. The proposed addition would preserve 15 acres of gorgeous hardwood forest and provide a peaceful refuge in an area facing rapid development.
The Conservancy is assisting Peninsula Township in acquiring the parcel, with hopes that it will become a beloved addition to the already supremely popular natural area. The community has expressed a keen interest in expanding the park to provide more recreational opportunities and preserve the natural beauty of the area.
The long-range vision for the property is to connect it with the existing Natural Area, which is located only a short distance away. If neighboring landowners choose to protect their land in the future, the acquisitions could double the property’s acreage and expand upon the well-loved, three-mile network of trails. Regardless, GTRLC plans to protect the land with a conservation easement to ensure that development is prohibited and its natural features are permanently preserved.
The proposed addition to the Pelizzari Natural Area.
The proposed addition to the High Bluff Dunes Nature Sanctuary.
PHOTO: CHRIS SULLIVAN
The landowner generously made the first gift to the project by agreeing to sell the property for less than its market value. The fund reserve for the Natural Area from the 2008 millage, which can only be spent at Pelizzari Natural Area, will provide another $200,000 towards the project. The Conservancy has until June 30, 2024 to raise the balance of the remaining cost.
Remaining Need: $228,939*
*Anonymous Friends of the Pelizzari Natural Area have offered a challenge, matching all gifts received by December 31 dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000
GTRLC is poised to further protect the headwaters of the north branch of the Manistee River and substantially augment the Upper Manistee Headwaters Preserve’s conservation values by adding 342 incredible acres (and another entire lake!) to this property, bringing the preserve’s total size to an expansive 1,700 acres.
The proposed “Excelsior” the Perch Lake Addition sits directly west of the existing preserve, sharing more than a half-mile of boundary and providing the only practical access to the preserve’s remote and rugged northwest corner. It includes the entirety of Perch Lake along with several ecologically rich bogs. The property is a mix of mesic northern hardwood forest, early-successional forest, various wetlands and a well-managed, mature pine plantation—with the potential to convert the plantation areas to natural forests over time.
Preventing future development of this parcel will also provide a wider buffer of natural habitat for the hundreds of species that call this remarkable place home. Though no plans are
finalized, GTRLC expects this addition to provide the opportunity for a substantial amount of new high-quality trails.
Remaining Need: $1,162,045
GTRLC recently received a gift that, along with support from many others, completed fundraising for this incredible property that protects a critical migration corridor and rare wildlife habitat within the Platte River watershed.
Adjacent to the rugged, southern corner of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the property connects fragmented, high-quality habitats between the lakeshore and other nearby protected lands.
Additionally, the preservation of this ecologically significant property safeguards water quality within the watershed and extends the protection of a globally rare coastal ecosystem. Part of the 2,600-acre dune and swale complex found near Lake Michigan’s Platte Bay, this biodiverse natural community only occurs around the Great Lakes shorelines. It is characterized by a mix of wetlands interspersed with ridges of dry-mesic forest and is critical for plants, animals and insects that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
Thanks to the generous support of Conservancy donors, including a $100,000 dollar-for-dollar matching challenge that inspired numerous gifts, this incredible Benzie County property will be protected forever.
The 114-acre Birch Point Nature Preserve is anticipated to open to the public in 2024. At that time, a short, sensitively designed trail is also expected to be built.
Fundraising complete.
A proposed 342-acre addition to the Upper Manistee Headwaters Preserve includes the entirety of Perch Lake. PHOTO: RICK KANE PHOTO: NATE RICHARDSONWe are making headway in our fundraising efforts to include a 28-acre addition to the Golden Days Loon Nature Sanctuary. If protected, this addition would connect the sanctuary to a large swath of protected private land and create a contiguous 350-acre tract of high-quality habitat that boasts around 1.75 miles of shoreline.
Once home to at least six pairs of loons, the intrusion of docks, boat traffic and other shoreline development have disrupted Lake Bellaire’s habitat, and by the 1990s, only one pair of loons was documented in the entire lake. Thanks to decades-long conservation efforts by a collection of organizations and volunteers, four nesting pairs of loons have now found a haven in Lake Bellaire’s north arm.
The Conservancy initially protected the Golden Days Loon Nature Sanctuary and the nearby Loon Nursery Natural Area. Over time, GTRLC has also worked with private landowners to safeguard hundreds of acres of land and thousands of feet
of undisturbed shoreline through conservation easements.
This proposed addition comprises over 13 acres of undeveloped wetlands and 650 feet of shoreline that provide critical habitat for waterfowl species and nesting loons. Moreover, it plays a vital role in filtering runoff and protecting water quality in Lake Bellaire. As a nature sanctuary, the property will be left wild and undisturbed forever.
Properties on Lake Bellaire are increasingly rare and much of the waterfront has already been developed. If it is not protected soon, residential homes will almost certainly impact the proposed addition’s wetlands, fragment its wildlife habitat and disturb the shoreline that is so critical for Lake Bellaire’s loons.
Remaining Need: $252,505
Situated between Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake, the Betsie Dunes Nature Sanctuary boasts nearly 1,600 feet
of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline and over 80 acres of healthy, forested dunes. Part of the largest freshwater dune system in the world, it encompasses a globally rare community where several species endemic to the Great Lakes region thrive.
One of the many unique species protected within this sanctuary is Pitcher’s thistle, a federally and state-listed plant that takes several years to bloom and produce seeds— and is particularly sensitive to disturbance. The property also safeguards a significant migration corridor for numerous bird species, including warblers and other migratory birds who use the forested habitat along the lakeshore for food, shelter and nesting.
We have an opportunity to expand on this incredible property’s protection and preserve critical habitat for the flora and fauna that call this area home. A proposed addition could soon incorporate a nearly 2.5-acre inholding into the sanctuary, connecting a fragmented parcel that could otherwise be developed. The land’s protection would safeguard over 100 feet of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline and permanently preserve important habitats like northern mesic forest, open dunes and a globally rare wooded dune and swale complex—a freshwater dune system only found along the Great Lakes.
Preserving contiguous blocks of unfragmented forest is vital in maintaining biological and genetic diversity, as habitat loss and fragmentation can lead to population declines in plants and animals. Protecting large parcels of land, along with habitat corridors that connect these parcels, is crucial to sustaining viable populations of native species. By incorporating this land into the sanctuary, we can safeguard this critical dune community, prevent habitat fragmentation and enhance the permanent ecological protection of this special place.
Remaining Need: $177,650
It seems nearly impossible to be more excited about the Mitchell Creek Meadows Preserve, which officially opened to the public earlier this year and is quickly becoming a center point for regional conservation. However, building on a series of additions that have already doubled the property’s acreage, we are ecstatic to share that GTRLC has expanded the preserve with another parcel of land, bringing the total size of the preserve to over 240 acres.
The addition is an almost 18-acre parcel containing highquality wetland habitat, including 900 feet of frontage on Vanderlip Creek and a rich conifer swamp. Protecting such natural stream corridors and wetlands within the
Mitchell Creek watershed, which is under threat from increasing residential development, is a critical step in maintaining the watershed’s filtration system and safeguarding its sensitive habitats.
The western portion of this property contains a degraded hardwood conifer swamp that has lost its black ash canopy due to the emerald ash borer, and now primarily consists of lower-lying species like tag alder and cattail. As a result, the area presents an opportunity for TART to extend the planned Three Mile Trail through a more open and visible part of the preserve. Not only will this provide trail users with a safer location—including children on their way to and from school—the rerouted trail would be located further from the preserve’s most delicate habitats.
We are extremely grateful for the generosity of a Traverse Citybased family and other supporters, who helped us complete fundraising for this addition and have made the swift protection of this remarkable land possible. Fundraising complete.
We are thrilled to announce the protection of a brand-new sanctuary in the Acme Creek watershed, made possible by the generosity of an anonymous donor.
The Mnaadendan Shkaakimiike Nature Sanctuary, which translates to “respect for Mother Earth and everything in creation” in Anishinaabemowin, was thoughtfully named to honor the Anishinaabek’s deep and abiding commitment to protecting the region’s waters.
Located in East Bay Township, an area surrounded by rapid development, the 26-acre property provides far-reaching benefits for water quality. The sanctuary boasts 1,400 feet of frontage on an unnamed creek that flows into East Grand Traverse Bay, which serves as the source of Traverse City’s drinking water. Meanwhile, the property’s high-quality wetlands and forests serve the crucial role of filtering runoff before it can enter the region’s waterways.
The sanctuary also safeguards habitats that are listed as vulnerable by the State of Michigan and are critical to the survival of many sensitive species. The vast majority of the land consists of rich conifer swamp habitat, with portions of mesic northern forest.
This new sanctuary complements previous land protection efforts within the greater Grand Traverse Bay watershed and is a valuable asset to the protection of our waters and lands, and all the life they sustain.
Fundraising complete.
1
AS OF SEPTEMBER 1st
PLEASE NOTE
• The projects indicated with red circles are “in-progress”, so the numbers, while always based on the latest and most accurate information, are subject to change as negotiations, surveys and other official documents are completed.
• All “easement” properties are privately owned and not open to the public.
• “Total Project Cost” may not represent GTRLC’s total fundraising need for a variety of reasons including public funding, property bargain sales, etc.
• symbol indicates projects where some public funding is involved. $
Not shown here are more than 17 high-priority projects encompassing over 1,200 acres and 3 miles of shoreline in various stages of our process leading up to board approval.
ARCADIA MARSH NATURE PRESERVE ADDITION
3.21 acres 0.00 mi shoreline
2
Total Project Cost
$ 49,362
This property includes a mix of hardwood swamp, northern shrub thicket, early-successional forest, and a small fallow field with it’s primary value being a linkage between two disjunct portions of the Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve.
BETSIE DUNES NATURE SANCTUARY ADDITION
2 acres 0.02 mi shoreline
3
$177,650
By incorporating this nearly 2.5-acre inholding into the preserve, this property’s protection will safeguard over 100 feet of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline and permanently preserve important habitats like northern mesic forest, open dunes, and a globally rare wooded dune and swale complex.
BIRCH POINT NATURE PRESERVE
114 acres 0.00 mi shoreline
4
$ 717,392
The property shares a half-mile boundary with Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and provides a link to two isolated parcels of state-owned land and the Rush Lake Conservation Easement, all of which improve wildlife corridors. Property includes rare dune-swale complex habitats.
BROWN BRIDGE QUIET AREA - SPRING LAKE ADDITION
528 acres 1.23 mi shoreline
5
$ 3,098,445
This City of Traverse City assist protects nearly all of 43-acre Spring Lake and expands contiguous protected land by connecting the Brown Bridge Quiet Area to the Camp Arbutus conservation easement, and further connects the Brown Bridge Quiet Area to the adjacent Camp Greilick CE.
GOLDEN DAYS LOON NATURE SANCTUARY ADDITION
28 acres 0.09 mi shoreline
6
$
ARCADIA MARSH AREA 1
$622,020
This critical piece will connect large areas of protected land, creating a contiguous 350-acre tract of high quality habitat. It also boasts 650 feet of frontage, which would bring the total protected shoreline in the North Arm of Lake Bellaire to just over two miles.
HOOSIER VALLEY EASEMENT
80.10 acres 0.53 mi shoreline
$245,705
This property consists of forested uplands and a riparian wetland corridor of rich-conifer swamp along 2,400 feet of an unnamed branch of Beitner Creek, a tributary of the lower Boardman/ Ottaway River. The property’s steep slopes and wetlands make it unsuitable for development.
LEELANAU COUNTY
serviced by Leelanau Conservancy
Since 1991 GTRLC has protected:
46,875 153
total acres
total miles of shoreline (rivers, lakes & streams)
But it’s not enough. As development pressure and other factors, such as climate change, put increased pressure on our natural resources and signature landscapes, we must accelerate the pace and scope with which we respond.
Other Public Land Protected and/or Managed by GTRLC
Privately Owned GTRLC Protected Lands, including Farmland (not open to the public)
Other Protected Land
Natural & Forest Land Protection
We have identified properties that simply must be protected. Much is under immediate threat of development.
Farmland Protection
Our goal is that the region maintains a large land base of protected farmland and provides opportunities for viable farms and the next generation of farmers.
Community Conservation and Universal Access
Municipalities in all five counties have requested our support and expertise to leverage natural resources and provide access to nature to enhance the economic viability of, and draw to, their community.
Discussions with community partners and an inventory of our own preserves has established a vision of placing universally accessible infrastructure in several locations so that people of all abilities may enjoy nature.
7
HIGH BLUFF DUNES NATURE SANCTUARY ADDITION
10 acres 0.70 mi shoreline
8
$ 280,165
The property represents a high-quality example of a perched Great Lakes dune system that adds to the existing protected habitat of the High Bluff Dunes Sanctuary. It is also home to a wide array of endemic plants that grow only on Great Lakes dunes and is used by many birds during migration.
KIESSEL RIDGE FARM EASEMENT
385 acres 0.00 mi shoreline
$1,458,505
$
At 385 acres, it’s one of the largest unprotected parcels near Torch Lake. While significant due to size alone, it also contains prime agricultural soils and critical viewsheds of both Torch Lake and Grand Traverse Bay, all of which make it a top priority for land protection.
MAPLE BAY HABITAT ENHANCEMENT
$147,000
9 0 acres 0.00 mi shoreline $
The habitat enhancement project will convert 90 acres of agricultural land to native habitat in key areas to improve the balance of agriculture and other uses on the property. The overall design of the new habitat areas will both support agriculture and enhance the natural area and its inhabitants.
MITCHELL CREEK MEADOWS - ADDITION III
10
1.58 acres 0.00 mi shoreline
11
$12,729
This entirely wetland property provides a necessary link to connect the existing portion of the TART trail system that ends just south of Three Mile Rd. through the preserve to the Hammond/Three Mile intersection, and several schools located around that intersection.
MITCHELL CREEK MEADOWS - ADDITION IV
17.68 acres 0.17 mi shoreline
$55,940
By acquiring this 17.68-acre addition, we can preserve vital habitat, including 900 feet of frontage on Vanderlip Creek, and provide TART the opportunity to extend the Three Mile Trail through the property.
MITCHELL CREEK MEADOWS - RESTORATION & UA ACCESS
12 0 acres 0.00 mi shoreline
13
$1,162,342
This project will add approximately 0.60 miles of Universally Accessible trail to the preserve and resources for ongoing restoration efforts, including autumn olive removal, native plant and seed mixes, greenhouse materials, and a new goat herd.
PELIZZARI NATURAL AREA ADDITION
15 acres 0.00 mi shoreline
14
$ 746,193
$
This property, situated amongst concentrated development, consists entirely of northern hardwood forest that provides excellent wildlife habitat. Should adjacent properties to the south be protected in the future, they could connect this parcel to the beloved Pelizzari Natural Area.
ST. CLAIR LAKE - SIX MILE LAKE ADDITION
7 acres 0.09 mi shoreline
15
$62,681
This property is located directly adjacent to the existing preserve’s western border and adds 416 feet of protected shoreline along St. Clair Lake. It also safeguards a significant area of high-quality riparian wetlands, which provide crucial habitat for aquatic invertebrates, fish, waterfowl and mammals.
TURTLE COVE NATURE PRESERVE
120.52 acres 0.77 mi shoreline
16
$2,473,007
This primarily mesic forest property encompasses a shallow water bay of Arbutus Lake called Turtle Cove and frontage on the main body of the lake, amounting to 4,048 feet of contiguous undeveloped frontage. Turtle Cove and associated upland provide habitat for numerous aquatic and other species.
UPPER MANISTEE HEADWATERS - ADDITION II
70 acres .15 mi shoreline
$199,344
This property, situated directly west of Upper Manistee Headwaters: The Milock Family Preserve, has high-quality habitats dominated by dry-mesic northern forest and forested bog. It also has 770 feet of frontage along the North Branch of the Manistee River that support northern shrub swamp habitat.
342 acres 0.7 mi shoreline
This acreage includes the only practical access to the NW portion of existing preserve and includes the entirety of Perch Lake. The property is a mix of mesic northern hardwood forest, early-successional forest, and mature pine plantation to be converted to more natural forest over time.
11 acres 0.00 mi
This addition has exceptional ecological quality, with healthy mesic northern forest and northern hardwood swamp. Protecting it will help safeguard water quality, scenic views and wildlife habitat. A preliminarily Floristic Quality Index (FQI) taken of this parcel scored a 43.5 (state average is 20).
acres 0.00
This ten-acre addition to a beloved and storied preserve along Lake Michigan is the site of the former Elk Rapids Sportsman’s Club. The property’s lead contamination issues from prior land use are completely cleaned up and the property is now ready to be restored to full ecological health.
$ 1 73 acres 0.00 mi shoreline
CRYSTAL LAKE OUTLET INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
$ 2 0.00 acres 0.00 mi shoreline
0 acres 0.00 mi shoreline
This project will provide an expanded trail system and other infrastructure at the beautiful and ecologically important Lower Woodcock Lake preserve, a 230-acre jewel in the Platte River watershed. The goal is to provide a loop around the lake and allow users to experience multiple critical habitat types.
26.68 acres 0.19 mi shoreline
TOTALS
GRAND TOTALS
1,851.39 acres 4.3 miles shoreline
$2,013,803
The property builds on critical land protection efforts in the Grand Traverse Bay watershed. It contains nearly 1,400 feet of frontage on an unnamed creek that flows into East Grand Traverse Bay and has high-quality wetlands which filter runoff before it enters waterways. $14,568,811
Connected by a vast network of waterways, each of the Great Lakes forms a sub-basin, and within each subbasin are multiple watersheds, or areas of land where all surrounding rivers, streams and precipitation drain into a single body of water. Everyone lives in a watershed.
“The condition of our watersheds directly impacts our quality of life,” said Chris Garrock, GTRLC’s director of stewardship. “When watersheds are healthy, they nurture diverse life and ecosystems, supporting everything from critical wildlife habitats and outdoor recreation to the water we drink and the food we eat.”
Unhealthy watersheds, however, can lead to numerous problems; invasive species can outcompete and displace our native plants and animals—often at the expense of biodiversity; toxic substances can cause beaches to close, fish populations to dwindle and harm human health; and contaminants can damage our crops, forests and wildlife.
Garrock continued, “In our region, which lies almost perfectly in the center of the Great Lakes Basin, what happens on the land ultimately affects our local watersheds, the Great Lakes and all the life they support.”
The Boardman/Ottaway River, a subwatershed of the Grand Traverse Bay watershed, is significant to the ecological health of the bay and its surrounding lands.
In northern Michigan, we are surrounded by the largest freshwater system in the world, with the Great Lakes supplying about 21 percent of the globe’s surface freshwater. As nearly 1.5 billion people live in areas of high water vulnerability—and as climate change worsens water security—the Great Lakes are increasingly among the planet’s most significant natural resources.
Great Lakes Watersheds
Lake Erie Watershed
Lake Huron Watershed
Lake Michigan Watershed
Lake Ontario Watershed
Lake Superior Watershed
GTRLC’s service area is in the heart of the Great Lakes Basin, making the work we do collectively with our partners to protect water quality essential on a worldwide scale.
As a subwatershed of the larger Lake Michigan watershed, the Grand Traverse Bay watershed drains 604 million gallons of water into Grand Traverse Bay daily- which is the drinking water source for many in the region including Traverse City area residents and visitors. Safeguarding this watershed is imperative for maintaining a clean water supply and our quality of life.
The Mitchell Creek watershed, within the larger Grand Traverse Bay watershed, is a quickly urbanizing area. Mitchell Creek, which flows directly into Grand Traverse Bay, is listed on the State of Michigan’s Impaired Waters List, making water quality protection and restoration critical.
AAS Sites
Mitchell Creek is the third largest tributary watershed that empties into Grand Traverse Bay, spanning 16 square miles and covering parts of Garfield, East Bay and Blair Townships and Traverse City. The watershed has long been threatened by human activities, with surface runoff posing the greatest threat. The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay (TWC), the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB), the Grand Traverse Conservation District (GTCD), Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA) and GTRLC formed the Mitchell Creek Conservation Partner Group to coordinate water quality protection and restoration efforts and share their expertise. Below are locations of on-going and future work.
Future West Branch Mitchell Creek Stream Crossing Replacement (CRA & GTB) 1
Future East Branch Mitchell Creek Stream Crossing Replacement (CRA & GTB) 2
Future East Branch Mitchell Creek Flow Restoration (CRA & GTB)
Future Vanderlip Creek Buffer, Instream Habitat, & Stream Crossing Removals (CRA, GTB, GTRLC) 4
Tribe Monitoring Sites
5
Future West Branch Four Mile Creek Buffer, Instream Habitat, & Stream Crossing Removals (CRA & GTB)
Future West Branch Four Mile Creek Stream Crossing Replacement (CRA & GTB)
Ongoing Adopt-A-Stream Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Sites (TWC)
Ongoing Pollution Source Monitoring Sites (TWC)
Future Stream Flow, Temperature and Conductivity Monitoring Sites (GTB)
PLEASE NOTE
GTRLC aims to protect several additional critical properties within the watershed not shown on the map.
Boasting clean, deep blue water, 132 miles of stunning shoreline and arguably the highest water quality of Lake Michigan’s larger bays, Grand Traverse Bay is as unique as it is beautiful.
“The bay is part of Lake Michigan, but as a natural embayment, it reacts differently than the larger, open water,” said Christine Crissman, executive director of The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay (TWC). “As a community, what we do impacts this smaller body of water, and the harder we work to protect it, the better it can be.”
Around 150,000 people reside within the Grand Traverse Bay watershed, and that figure multiplies during the summer. Because the bay is a source of drinking water for many households, including those in Traverse City, safeguarding its surrounding watershed is imperative for maintaining a clean water supply.
The watershed drains about 604 million gallons of water into the bay every day. This water largely derives from rivers, creeks and streams, which provide thousands of miles of mostly groundwater-fed, coldwater habitat for aquatic wildlife, while the surrounding lands support a wide range of flora and fauna.
Mitchell Creek is the third largest tributary watershed that empties into Grand Traverse Bay, spanning 16 square miles and covering parts of Garfield, East Bay and Blair Townships and Traverse City.
Located in a mostly urban area, the watershed has long been threatened by human activities, with surface runoff posing the greatest threat. Surface runoff is called non-point source pollution to differentiate it from the pollution that comes from a
Volunteers conduct macroinvertebrate sampling at the Mitchell Creek Meadows Preserve.
PHOTO: RICK KANE
single source, like a waste pipe or spill. Unfortunately, because this type of runoff derives from many sources, it has proven to be a much harder problem to tackle. Activities like lawn fertilization, erosion and development introduce contaminants like phosphorus, nitrogen and sediments that can cause substantial harm to the watershed.
To make matters worse, these activities have also led to the removal and modification of wetlands, open fields and other natural systems that serve the important role of filtering surface runoff. They have also increased the number of impervious surfaces that can’t absorb rainfall. In the Mitchell Creek watershed, wetland cover has been reduced by 45% since pre-settlement levels, while the proportion of impervious surfaces, including roads, sidewalks, parking lots and rooftops, continues to grow.
The Mitchell Creek watershed is highlighted as a crucial component in the Coastal Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Plan. The plan, led by TWC, offers a comprehensive strategy for safeguarding and restoring a group of sub-watersheds that flow into Grand Traverse Bay, as well as the bay itself.
Crissman noted that local agencies were already conducting work within the watershed when they formed the Mitchell Creek Conservation Partner Group.
“We were already doing this work in our own spaces. But we realized we could accomplish more and not duplicate our efforts by looking at the watershed as a whole,” she said of the collaboration, which also includes GTRLC, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB), the Grand Traverse Conservation District (GTCD) and Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA).
In 2015, Mitchell Creek landed on the State of Michigan’s Impaired Waters list for bacterial contamination after elevated levels of E. Coli were detected during TWC’s bacteria monitoring. Since then, TWC has been working to identify the source of bacterial contamination—a crucial step toward developing strategies to protect the watershed.
“You have to know your watershed and your sources, and how they work. And then you can start your management measures,” said TWC’s Program Director Sarah U’Ren, who leads the organization’s source tracking efforts. In addition to sampling for E.coli, she explained that the group has also begun testing for viruses. “When you find E.coli present in high levels, it indicates fecal contamination is present, and we are very concerned about the viruses and other bacteria that may be found there as well. These other viruses can be quite harmful to human health.”
U’Ren pointed out that their findings have been preliminary thus far, and they are collecting more data before determining the next steps. “Once we get all the information, we’ll meet with the health department and townships and see if there is anything we can do,” she said.
TWC also monitors water quality in various locations throughout the watershed, often using volunteer help to identify risks, measure restoration progress and keep track of changes in water quality over time. Likewise, GTB’s environmental program conducts tests for important water quality indicators, monitors streamflow, and in the summer, they collect samples of macroinvertebrates, mercury and sediment and conduct a habitat assessment.
Land protection not only prevents future pollution and disturbances but also mitigates negative human impacts by allowing natural systems to function as they should—making it one of the best tools we have to limit the amount of surface runoff pollution that enters the watershed.
“Since 1991, GTRLC has prioritized protecting lands within the Mitchell Creek watershed, particularly wetland habitats, which have a unique role in preserving water quality,” said GTRLC’s executive director, Glen Chown.
Wetlands not only filter surface runoff, sediment, nutrients and other pollutants before they can degrade water quality, but also reduce the impacts of flooding and help control erosion by stabilizing soil near the water’s edge.
“We have protected about 450 acres within the watershed, with the majority of that acreage in the George and Ada Reffitt Nature Preserve and Mitchell Creek Meadows: The Don and Jerry Oleson Nature Preserve,” Chown continued. “And we aren’t stopping there. We are actively pursuing quality lands within the watershed, including those that connect crucial habitats, which allow wildlife to move freely to access food, water, shelter and areas to breed.”
Conserving the land doesn’t end with its protection. Healthy ecosystems are made up of diverse, native wildlife that provide essential ecosystem services, like pollination and air and water purification. Without natural predators, invasive species can quickly multiply and displace—or even eradicate—native species, posing a significant threat to the watershed.
“The best way to control invasives is to remove and replace them with native species, which is what we’re doing at Mitchell Creek Meadows, and what we’ve done in the past at many of our other preserves,” Garrock explained. “We are creating viable habitat, both instream and terrestrial, because they are interlinked. We can not just care about one or the other.”
To address the impact of historical alterations on several waterways within the preserve, the Conservancy has enlisted the stream restoration experts, CRA and GTB. The group is working to re-meander a 1,500 linear foot section on the west branch of Four-Mile Creek and subsequently install large woody debris, which will provide essential habitat for fish and aquatic organisms.
“We have access to nearly a mile of stream frontage on this property, which is facing issues with a disconnected floodplain and fish passage barriers,” Garrock said. “Because we are the landowners, we have the ability to protect and restore these waters.”
The group is also collecting baseline data to support the restoration of a downstream stretch of Mitchell Creek, which was historically altered and directed into a straight-line ditch along Three-Mile Road. As a result, water flows too fast for species like brook trout and white suckers, whereas the natural stream channel that flows through the Reffitt Preserve has lost much of its water and runs dry seasonally. The project aims to provide about two miles of suitable habitat for various fish and aquatic species and return water to the Reffitt Preserve’s cedar-forested stream corridor.
Land protection is one of the best tools available in safeguarding water quality.
In addition, the Grand Traverse Conservation District, CRA and GTB have addressed erosion issues and barriers to fish passage in locations throughout the watershed. Currently, fundraising efforts are underway to address road-stream crossings that fragment aquatic habitats and disrupt the stream’s natural flow—in some cases completely obstructing fish passage for species like brook trout. These types of undersized culverts can also increase the risk of flooding for homes and businesses, especially as storms and high-water events become more frequent with our changing climate.
As the primary tools for regulating local land use, master plans and zoning ordinances are crucial for managing watersheds and protecting water quality. For twenty years, TWC has worked with the City of Traverse City and Garfield and East Bay Townships to shape land use policies and strengthen environmental zoning protections.
“We are trying to make sure that the decision-makers for development projects on public properties are taking into consideration the potential impact they may have on Mitchell Creek,” Crissman said. Using East Bay Township as an example, which contains the majority of the Mitchell Creek watershed, she explained the importance of advocating for water quality at the local level.
“East Bay Township has an overlay district that covers Mitchell Creek with stricter protections and restrictions in place,” she said, noting that TWC has provided valuable resources as the Township works to update those regulations. “The Township also recently redid their master plan. If those things are in your master plan, that’s your guiding document, and there was a lot of discussion about protecting the watershed, wetlands and natural features.”
In addition to the collaborative, watershed-wide restoration effort, the Conservancy has been working to restore a 242-acre property within the heart of the Mitchell Creek watershed.
After years in operation as a golf course, and before that, as a cattle pasture, the Mitchell Creek Meadows property had been significantly altered to accommodate the course’s fairways, greens and other man-made elements. While the land still provides important habitat for various wildlife, its previous usage has allowed invasive plants like autumn olive, reed canary grass, canada thistle and glossy buckthorn to take hold and threaten to outcompete native species.
“The hydrology has been impacted and manipulated by the fairways,” said Angie Bouma, GTRLC’s senior conservation ecologist, who has been working closely with volunteers to restore the property’s biodiversity and ecological health. “But you can see some of the tougher native wetland plants coming through—so there is hope.”
Staff and volunteers have been working tirelessly to eradicate invasive plants from the preserve. This past summer, a small herd of goats began to assist in the process, grazing on the most stubborn invasive plants and reducing their biomass to make them easier to remove. Volunteers have also played a significant role in collecting native seeds that were then sown in the property’s onsite greenhouse. In 2023 alone, volunteers helped cultivate close to 14,000 native seedlings in the native plant greenhouse, the majority of which will be planted throughout degraded habitats on the preserve this fall— when cooler temperatures and heavier rainfall can enhance their success.
“Plants are the foundation of the food web. And everything relies on interactions,” explained Bouma. “By choosing to use native plants, we are incorporating species that are adapted to the needs of our local fauna, including declining insect species, like bees and butterflies.”
Bouma and a team of volunteers have been plugging away as weather conditions allow and will continue planting until November. She described how the plantings are launching a self-sustaining seed source that can be used for other projects, and said, “We are mainly focusing on a five-acre area around
the amenities at Mitchell Creek Meadows, where we’ll have a system of seed collection, growing and planting. When those plants mature, we can begin collecting again.”
She emphasized that the Conservancy has intentionally chosen species that are not only native to northern Michigan but are well-adapted to our specific eco-region. “It will take some time for these plants to mature, but in three to five years, visitors will be able to see the results of our efforts,” she said.
Enlisting the help of volunteers, who are planting native trees, shrubs and other perennials throughout the property, not only makes restoration goals achievable but offers the community a chance to play a role in stewarding our region’s most critical habitats.
Garrock, who oversees the restoration efforts on the property, envisions the nature preserve as a showcase for native landscaping and hopefully, influencing the community to plant
natives on their own land. “We have an opportunity to restore this property and create beautiful native habitats,” he said. “And we can also show off those plants and demonstrate what’s possible. It will be great to show the changes that are taking place here.”
Looking to see the effort’s progress for yourself? The Looyenga Family Universal Access Trail is now open at the Mitchell Creek Meadows Preserve and offers visitors a chance to observe the restoration process first hand as the property heals.
This fall, GTRLC is hosting several workdays at the Mitchell Creek Meadows Preserve. Volunteers are needed to collect native seeds from the preserve and plant native seedlings cultivated in our on-site greenhouse. Visit GTRLC.org/volunteer/calendar/ or call (231) 929.7911 for more information.
Nestled between Kohl’s and the YMCA, the property was once home to the largest buffalo herd east of the Mississippi River. In 2002, the Oleson family worked with GTRLC to protect 13 acres of the pasture with a conservation easement before transferring ownership to Garfield Township for use as a public park. The property is a prime example of how private landowners play a critical role in the stewardship of our region’s significant natural, scenic and agricultural lands.
“Without the protections put in place by the Olesons, it would not be possible for this property to be a future forest within Traverse City for folks to hike and enjoy,” said Mike Okma, GTRLC’s manager of easement stewardship.
Okma, who has been working with the Conservancy for nearly 20 years, leads a team responsible for monitoring more than 300 unique conservation easements, including this one, totaling more than 22,000 acres throughout GTRLC’s five-county service area.
Conservation easements are voluntary legal agreements that protect a property’s conservation values by permanently limiting certain uses and activities—and they run with the land regardless of its future ownership. GTRLC works in concert with landowners to create these agreements, taking into account both the landowner's wishes and the Conservancy's conservation goals. But the Conservancy’s role extends beyond doing the deal.
During a particularly unseasonable spring snowstorm, a group of volunteers and local conservation staffers gathered along “Buffalo Ridge” at Kids Creek Park to celebrate a significant milestone—in just four years, more than 100,000 native trees and shrubs were planted across northern Michigan.
The event involved planting several hundred more seedlings as part of a large-scale reforestation effort called Wild Roots, spearheaded by Conservation Resource Alliance.
“We are the natural resource professionals and partners for the landowners,” explained Okma. “Easement stewardship provides the landowner support for protecting and taking care of their property, and we have all the tools to ensure that protection lasts forever.”
Regular monitoring is a crucial aspect of this arrangement to ensure that the easement terms are carefully followed. This monitoring is required by both the Conservancy's bylaws and the Land Trust Alliance (LTA), which accredits GTRLC and hundreds of other conservancies nationwide. Additionally, the Internal Revenue Service mandates regular monitoring due to the tax benefits linked to easements.
Most properties protected with an easement are privately owned and not open to public use. Still, their preservation benefits everyone. Protected lands, whether they are public or private, help protect water quality, preserve wildlife habitat and biodiversity, maintain scenic beauty, save quality agricultural land and help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Yet for Okma and his team, easement stewardship involves more than just monitoring. They prioritize building genuine and high-quality relationships to achieve the goals of both the land owner and the Conservancy.
“Rather than simply enforcing rules, we prioritize building relationships with landowners and helping them achieve their objectives while adhering to the easement’s goals,” Okma said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an open dialogue. “We are communicating with landowners all the time.”
The program’s high standards and leadership have gained national recognition. Okma was recently appointed to serve a four-year term on the LTA’s Conservation Defense Advisory Council, which comprises 16 members, including executive directors, attorneys and other experts with extensive experience in land trusts. The Council constantly monitors legal aspects of land protection and develops strategies to ensure permanent protection of the land.
“GTRLC’s goal is to meet the requirements and to also go beyond them,” Okma said. “We want to set the national standard for easement stewardship and provide optimal protection for each conservation easement.”
To optimize their time and expertise, his team seeks to add value with their skills during monitoring visits. Jenna Scheub, a trained biologist and field botanist, joined GTRLC's
easement stewardship team in 2023 and quickly recognized the opportunity to augment her monitoring visits with her expertise. While walking lands that appear botanically interesting, she takes note of the plant species and records baseline observations.
“It’s partly because I can’t help myself—I have a background in inventory work, so it’s always on,” she said. Scheub hopes to build on the data over time and use those observations to provide valuable information on protected private lands. This knowledge can reinforce the reason for protecting the land, and help to inform future land management decisions and conservation efforts.
In recent years, Okma’s team has found new ways to help landowners steward their land. In addition to planting trees at the Buffalo Ridge property, they have assisted private easement owners with planting more mature trees and shrubs along the Manistee River's shoreline and removing invasive garlic mustard along Lake Michigan's dune ridges.
By working closely with each landowner and understanding their goals, GTRLC serves as an active partner in land preservation. And in doing so, the Conservancy can leverage its resources and talents to support landowners in caring for critical habitats.
“Most of the land in our region is privately owned—including some of the most ecologically valuable land,” said Okma, noting the power of easements as a land protection tool. “Private landowners can make a significant and lasting impact on conservation.”
If you would like to learn more about private land protection, visit GTRLC.org and check out the Landowner Information page. Or, contact GTRLC’s director of land protection, Chris Sullivan at (231) 929-7911 or csullivan@gtrlc.org.
Scan for a video about our Private Land Protection and Easement Stewardship
PHOTO: NATE RICHARDSON GTRLC volunteers and staff remove invasive species on a critical dune along Lake Michigan at a property permanently protected by a conservation easement.Thanks to a monumental reforestation effort led by our friends at Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA), more than 115,000 trees and shrubs have been planted across northern Michigan. The program dubbed ‘Wild Roots’ exceeded the pilot project’s five-year goal, and will work to improve the quality of our air and water, promote biodiversity within our forests, and better prepare our communities to face increasingly severe storms due to climate change.
With the help of more than 200 volunteers, nearly 5,000 of those trees were planted on GTRLC-protected properties, like Upper Manistee Headwaters: The Milock Family Preserve and the Maplehurst Natural Area. Over time, these seedlings will mature into full-fledged
forests and provide crucial ecosystem services that benefit people and wildlife, such as filtering pollutants, sequestering carbon and reducing stormwater runoff. Simultaneously, while planting seedlings is a strategy for the future, protecting standing forests on public and private lands is essential for now.
We are grateful to have played a role in this remarkable achievement. This initiative would not have been possible without the support of dedicated volunteers, a wide range of public and private funders, and the collaboration of local organizations committed to building more resilient natural ecosystems. Congratulations to CRA and all involved—you are making a difference for generations to come!
4 GTRLC-PROTECTED PROPERTIES
15 SPECIES
29.5 ACRES
4,790 TREES PLANTED 304 VOLUNTEER HOURS
LONG-TIME SUPPORTER “SOULFULLY” INVESTS IN COLLABORATIVE LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION
Conservationist, philanthropist, artist, visionary—these are just a few words that describe John Frey. He was raised in Grand Rapids and is the son of Edward and Frances Frey, who in 1974 established the Frey Foundation in West Michigan.
Through their foundation, three generations of the Frey family have supported projects throughout northern and western Michigan that have strengthened communities, protected the natural environment, enhanced the arts and transformed the lives of individuals and families.
On a personal level, John Frey embodies many of the foundation’s core principles: he is deeply connected to the northern and western Michigan communities; he is both a thespian and a naturalist; he is generous, kind and compassionate; and
he holds people accountable for their actions, including the mistreatment of our natural resources.
“He has a knowledge of water, rivers, streams, fish and habitat that is unmatched,” said GTRLC’s executive director, Glen Chown. “I don’t know many people who not only have the knowledge and the passion but see the beauty, the science and the art, and the spiritual dimensions as well.”
At the heart of Frey's philanthropic work is his love for the natural world. He is profoundly moved by Michigan's rivers, lakes and lands, believing that the “rhythm and pulse of life is our love for our lands and waters.” His support for conservation is an investment from his soul.
“It comes from genetics—chemically, of which you have no knowledge, it finds its own expression,” he explained. “Where does it come from? I don’t know. But I know how satisfying it is.”
Frey was raised on a farm and, from a young age, developed a love for more traditionally masculine pursuits like hunting and angling. However, he credits his desire to nurture and protect the places he loves to a more sensitive side that developed later in life.
According to Frey, this sensitivity was born out of a transformative experience that came from within. He recalled a similar experience that took place while watching the actor Richard Kiley perform the role of Don Quixote in the musical production Man of La Mancha. As he witnessed Kiley transform into the character he had created, Frey was moved to tears.
“I started to weep. I couldn’t describe the tenderness of what it was, to watch him do that production number, and his character fall into the aged makeup he had created. It was absolutely wonderful,” he recalled, adding, “Weeping never implies the strength that it beholds.”
For Frey, this transformation was a powerful catalyst for his philanthropic work. “Wealth is a hugely complicated issue. It’s thought to be like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but it’s not at all,” he explained. “With that understanding…you get an overwhelming desire to give back, and then you have to find an area, aligning with your values, in which to do that."
Among his most meaningful endeavors has been supporting hands-on conservation work in northern Michigan, from protecting critical wetlands in the Chain of Lakes watershed to restoring free-flowing streams.
“No one can ever say ‘thank you’ enough for the rivers, lakes and lands,” he said. “I get all choked up when I think of Lake Superior. I cannot tell you what energy is within me to get choked up, but it is magnificent.”
On a late summer afternoon, Chown and Amy Beyer, long-standing director of Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA), met with Frey at his family’s farm near Charlevoix. The trio filled the kitchen with laughter, swapping stories about family, fashion and fishing.
Their visit was to provide an update on the progress their organizations had made thanks to a recent $1 million gift from Frey and his wife, Hilde. The generous funding, which is shared by GTRLC and CRA, was intended to stimulate land and water conservation work within watersheds of mutual interest.
“When you protect the land, you protect the water,” Frey explained. “I thought, if we could combine the two disciplines into one, it would be a multiplier of how attractive it would be to invest financially.”
While CRA and GTRLC have a long history of working together, the Freys’ gift provided them an impetus to work together more intentionally to enhance their impact. It also gave the organizations more freedom to prioritize conservation work where it’s needed most.
The grant provides support for collaborative efforts across northern Michigan, including projects in the Mitchell Creek and Jordan River watersheds, where most of the funds are expected to be used, and also the Manistee, Betsie, Platte and Boardman/Ottaway River watersheds.
In less than a year, the funding has already been used to leverage the protection of additional acreage in Mitchell Creek Meadows: The Don and Jerry Oleson Nature Preserve. Simultaneously, the groups are working together to revitalize the waters that flow through the property, which have been altered by previous usage over time. The funds are also being applied toward the acquisition of more than 342 acres of land in the Manistee River watershed at the Upper Manistee Headwaters: The Milock Family Preserve.
Meanwhile, CRA has used the Frey gift to leverage significant funding for stream habitat projects across the “shared” watersheds. According to Beyer, they are preparing projects that are “shovel ready” and designed to heal the Jordan River by replacing stream crossings that impede fish passage, artificially warm the water and alter natural flow—"with a future goal of restoring Michigan’s first designated Natural River from stem to stern." She says the gift has already helped to complete surveys, engineering designs and restoration projects that benefit fish, wildlife and communities throughout northern Michigan.
“What’s great about this gift is, we are able to move quickly, roll up our sleeves and do the work,” said Chown. “It’s enabling us to protect more land and water, and position these watersheds for future matching gifts and grants.”
While keenly aware of his unique circumstances, having been raised in a family of means and a strong tradition of philanthropy, Frey hopes to create a “multiplier effect” with his gift. By showing it’s possible to create the change you want to see by joining hands with like-minded individuals, Frey aims to nurture the same transformation he experienced long ago.
“I thought there might exist a chemistry that would intrigue others to do the same,“ he explained. “I wanted the response to be, ‘Look what’s been done, look what has been responsibly done, and I could do the same thing.'”
GTRLC's supporters are making a difference for our region’s lands and waters every day. Join us in preserving and stewarding the lands you love most by making a gift at GTRLC.org or by contacting director of development, Marissa Duque, at mduque@gtrlc.org.
July 15th was a special day, as the Conservancy’s staff and board welcomed hundreds of friends to our Preservation Celebration and the grand opening of Mitchell Creek Meadows: The Don and Jerry Oleson Nature Preserve.
While we set aside one day each year to officially celebrate past successes and share what’s on the horizon, there is great reason to celebrate every day at the Conservation Center.
We had big dreams as we planned the Conservation Center—dreams that the facilities would enable us to engage and educate the community, collaborate with like-minded organizations, and fulfill our mission of protecting and stewarding the region’s treasured lands in new and innovative ways.
I’m pleased to share just a few highlights as to how we are realizing those dreams.
The GTRLC native plant greenhouse is up and running. We raised native flower and grass species this season, and we’re now planting a total of 14,229 plugs at Mitchell Creek Meadows in connection with our efforts to restore that critical watershed.
We’ve created a dune garden at the Conservation Center to showcase plant species critical to maintaining the health of the globally unique landforms. Although these plants can be difficult to view on the dunes themselves, the dune garden displays them for all to see. In addition to serving this educational purpose, the garden will live on, as the seed collected from these plants will be raised in the greenhouse for restoration projects on other protected lands.
Operating more efficiently from our centralized workshop and volunteer hub at Mitchell Creek Meadows, we continue to engage hundreds of volunteers in stewardship activities with us. In addition to maintaining trails and rooting out invasive species during weekly events throughout the region, our volunteers are already performing valuable services for us at Mitchell Creek Meadows and in the Conservation Center itself.
Finally, we’re utilizing our new facilities to engage more deeply and meaningfully with our partners. Although we officially opened our doors barely two months ago, we’ve already hosted numerous events and training programs with SEEDS, TART, The Watershed Center, Conservation Resource Alliance, the Leelanau Conservancy, Little Traverse Conservancy, Six Rivers Land Conservancy, the University of Michigan SEAS program, the Botanic Gardens and many others. These collaborative efforts will pay special dividends as we focus on implementing nature-based solutions to climate change.
All the while, we’re protecting natural, scenic, and farmlands at a breakneck pace, as you’ve read throughout this issue of Landscript.
Your support, generosity, and encouragement makes all of this possible, and I thank you for your commitment to the Conservancy’s mission. Let’s plan to raise a glass at next year’s Preservation Celebration, which will be held on Saturday, August 3rd. Details to follow!
Kevin A. RussellGRAND TRAVERSE REGIONAL LAND CONSERVANCY
The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has protected and cared for the region's natural, scenic, farm and forest lands since 1991. With the help of our supporters, volunteers and friends, nearly 47,000 acres of land and 153 miles of shoreline have been protected 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 by-laws, policies, board, budget, and staff.
GTRLC's Directors support our mission through giving hundreds of hours of their time, sharing their considerable talents, and generously dedicating their contributions. Learn more at gtrlc.org/about/board/
Kevin Russell, Chair
Kathleen Guy, Vice-Chair
Linda Cline, Treasurer
John Bercini, Secretary
Perry Adams
Alena Bowman
Don Coe
John Collins
JoAnne Cook
Cortney Danbrook
Clifford G. Fox
Koffi Kpachavi
Chip May
Paul Moyer
Barbara Nelson-Jameson
Annie Olds
Susan Palmer
Evan Smith
Maureen Smyth
Terrie Taylor
Lower Woodcock Lake Nature Preserve as captured by seasonal crew lead, Travis Gelinas.
The work of the Conservancy simply could not happen without passionate advocates for our natural world, like you. Your generous support is what makes this work possible. Your 2023 contributions will be gratefully acknowledged with a listing in our annual report which will be published in early 2024.
Opportunities to give:
• Support the Conservancy Fund
• Support land protection and stewardship projects
• Gifts in memorial or honorarium
• Become a Land Champion with a monthly gift
• Join the Vanguard Society by making an estate gift
• Donate stocks and securities
• Make a gift of land
• Unlock a matching gift from your employer
• Donate from your retirement accounts
• Create a Charitable Gift Annuity; right now you can take up to $50,000 from your IRA as a qualified charitable distribution to start a CGA with the Conservancy
• Volunteer your time and talents
The accreditation seal AFFIRMS national quality standards are met.
Sound Finances
Strong Transactions
Excellent Land and Easement Stewardship
Effective Governance
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.
