2016 Year in Review People • Land • Legacy
Michigan Nature Association
Virginia meadow beauty by Aaron Strouse
Building on a Track Record of Success We are excited to provide this 2016 Year in Review, a snapshot of a remarkable year and a powerful testament to the tremendous work made possible by our members, volunteers, and donors. In the pages that follow, you will find many stories to celebrate as we take a look back at a busy year. Here are just a few highlights: • We completed nine land acquisition projects adding more than 800 acres to our statewide network of nature sanctuaries. Our new acquisitions strengthen the ecological integrity of key sanctuaries and protect critical habitat for rare wildflowers, migratory songbirds, endangered butterflies and other vulnerable species across the state. For example, at Munuscong Lake along the St. Mary’s River in Chippewa County our recent acquisition expands our protection of rare Great Lakes coastal wetlands to nearly 1,000 acres. We also completed a series of transactions on Brockway Mountain in the Keweenaw Peninsula that doubles our protected area along the mountain’s ridge and valley floor. And in southern Michigan, generous donors protected their land by establishing a brand new nature sanctuary along a meandering stretch of the River Raisin in Lenawee County. • We restored critical habitat for endangered species including the eastern prairie fringed orchid, Karner blue butterfly, Blanchard’s cricket frog and the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. These and other conservationreliant species depend on active restoration and stewardship, like periodic prescribed fires and diligent invasive species removal. Without the financial support of MNA’s members and donors and the hard work of our dedicated volunteers, staff and partner organizations, the future of these vulnerable species would be in even greater jeopardy. • We worked with teachers and schools, and reached out to families and communities, to help connect children to nature. Whether hosting Kid’s Day at Coolbough Natural Area in Newaygo County, joining Wayne County Parks for their first-ever Earth Day celebration, bringing vernal pools to life on Belle Isle or providing teachers with mini-grants to take their students to natural areas, MNA helped create the kind of memorable moments that will inspire the next generation of conservation leaders. And our statewide series of family fun runs and 5K races, stretching from Belle Isle in the Detroit River to Marquette, helped introduce our message to families and communities we might not reach otherwise. Each race highlighted a different rare, threatened or endangered species in Michigan and they provided outdoor fun and information for hundreds of participants. As we look back at an exciting year, we are also preparing for new challenges in the future. In 2017, MNA celebrates 65 years, a remarkable milestone. Our founders envisioned an organization that would connect people with nature and leave a lasting legacy by protecting Michigan’s unique natural heritage. We can say with confidence that our 2016 accomplishments uphold that bold vision while preparing us for the difficult work ahead. Thank you to our members, donors, and volunteers for making 2016 a great success. Please enjoy the 2016 Year in Review and all that you made possible by your generous support. On the Cover: Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary by Marianne Glosenger
Goose Creek Grasslands Nature Sanctuary by Michael Seabrook
Protecting Michigan Nature
Saving Our Natural Treasures Preserving Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands at Munuscong Lake
MNA successfully acquired an additional 160 acres of habitat along the St. Mary’s River in Chippewa County, safeguarding Great Lakes coastal wetlands and increasing the size of our protected area along the shore of Munuscong Lake to nearly 1,000 acres.
Protecting Threatened and Endangered Species at Big Valley
We expanded the Big Valley Nature Sanctuary, a high quality 168 acre prairie fen in our southeastern Michigan focal area and one of the last four sites in Michigan still supporting populations of the federally endangered Poweshiek skipperling butterfly.
Expanding the Protected Area on Brockway Mountain
Another 40 acres was added to the John J. Helstrom Nature Sanctuary, bringing MNA’s total protected area to 317 contiguous acres on scenic Brockway Mountain in the Keweenaw Peninsula, an important migratory flyway habitat for raptors and songbirds.
Protecting 127 Acres along the Coldwater River
Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited transferred its 127 acre preserve to MNA, featuring 4,500 feet of Coldwater River frontage in Kent County and a population of Virginia bluebells, a flower species listed as endangered in Michigan.
Doubling the Size of Great Bear Swamp Nature Sanctuary
A new 40 acre purchase doubled the size of our Great Bear Swamp Nature Sanctuary, enhancing MNA’s contributions toward protection of wetlands within the Black River Watershed in Van Buren County. The sanctuary is part of a 1,800 acre conservation area in the Black River riparian corridor.
Protecting a Species-Rich Stretch of the River Raisin
Thanks to the generous contribution from Barbara McCulley and Duane Bastian, we established the new McCulley-Bastian Nature Sanctuary, 70 acres along the River Raisin featuring steep, gorgeous bluffs and a home for wild hyacinth and toadshade, both state threatened species.
Protecting Important Great Lakes Island Habitat
MNA acquired 235 acres on Bois Blanc Island in Mackinac County from The Nature Conservancy. The new parcels contain a population of dwarf lake iris, pitcher’s thistle, Houghton’s goldenrod, eastern massasauga rattlesnake, and Hine’s emerald dragonfly.
Restoration and Renewal
Being Good Stewards of the Land Protecting critical natural areas often goes well beyond just acquiring land. MNA’s stewardship team - bolstered by dedicated volunteers throughout the state - works diligently throughout the year to protect and restore natural communities and improve visitor access for enjoyment of our most popular sanctuaries. In an era of diminishing government support, continued development and fragmentation of natural lands, and threats from invasive species, MNA’s work is more important than ever. Some highlights of MNA’s stewardship work in 2016 include: • Continuing to protect and restore unique natural areas across Michigan by acquiring new land and adding 810 acres to our sanctuary system this year. • Working to restore and manage critical habitat across the state for rare, threatened and endangered species including the Karner blue butterfly and Lakeside daisy. • Connecting students to service learning projects with hands-on field experience that leads to new understanding and respect for the natural world.
3,036
hours worked by MNA volunteers in 2016, including volunteer workdays
2016 in Numbers 179
sanctuaries monitored (100%)
810
acres added to sanctuary system
114
volunteer workdays and guided hikes
11
partner research projects
67
invasive species control projects
8
prescribed burns
< Clockwise from top left: Volunteer workday at Powell Memorial Nature Sanctuary (Rachel Maranto), prescribed burn at Butternut Creek Nature Sanctuary (John Bagley), volunteers using a wicker to control narrow leaf cattail in the fen at Big Valley Nature Sanctuary (Rachel Maranto), footbridge repair at Zucker Nature Sanctuary (Rachel Maranto).
Connecting Children and Students With Nature
Inspiring the Next Generation MNA embraces its long-standing commitment to educating young people about the wonders of and need to care for our natural world. Giving children hands-on opportunities to explore and learn about nature carries on the vision of MNA co-founder Bertha Daubendiek and is a central tenant of our mission to this day. We bring these transformative experiences to students and their teachers throughout Michigan, building powerful new connections to inspire our next generation of conservation leaders. Providing Mini-Grants to Teachers
Reaching Out to Colleges and Universities
Connecting Schools with Sanctuaries
Engaging Urban Students in Conservation
MNA’s Environmental Education Fund helped connect students with nature by providing $500 mini-grants to teachers across Michigan to cover costs associated with taking a field trip to eligible natural areas including community nature centers, MNA nature sanctuaries, and other locations.
MNA partnered with schools to bring students to sanctuaries to experience nature first-hand. This year, Addison High School students visited Goose Creek Grasslands Nature Sanctuary to learn about prairie fen ecology and help remove invasive glossy buckthorn.
Hosting Kids Days and Days of Service
MNA hosted Kid’s Day at Coolbough Natural Area where elementary students learned about amphibians, bugs and butterflies, and a Day of Service for East Grand Rapids middle schoolers at Coldwater River Plant Preserve to learn about the ecology of floodplain forests and invasive species threats.
MNA partnered with small colleges (e.g., Hillsdale College) and large universities (e.g., M.S.U.) to use MNA’s nature sanctuaries as living laboratories. For example, students at the University of Michigan-Flint gained first-hand experience of cedar swamp ecology by assisting MNA with honeysuckle removal in the prairie fen at Lakeville Swamp Nature Sanctuary.
MNA joined Friends of the Detroit River on Belle Isle for the Detroit River Water Festival. MNA provided more than 300 kids from Detroit Public Schools an opportunity to learn about the incredible array of amphibians and invertebrates that can be found in vernal pools across Michigan.
Partnering with Wayne County Parks
MNA joined Wayne County Parks to co-host the first-ever Earth Day celebration at the county’s Nankin Mills Nature Center. Hundreds of children in the 3rd through 5th grades from Detroit Public Schools were able to learn first-hand about nature and Michigan’s natural heritage.
< Clockwise from top left: Kids learning about vernal pools at the Detroit River Water Festival (Garret Johnson), Kid’s Day to learn about nature at Coolbough Natural Area (John Bagley), East Grand Rapids middle schoolers out on a Day of Service at Dolan Nature Sanctuary (Patricia Pennell).
Race for Michigan Nature
Engaging Families and Communities Hundreds of people joined MNA for the Race for Michigan Nature, a statewide series of Family Fun Runs & 5Ks stretching from Belle Isle in Detroit to Marquette in the U.P. Each race spotlights one of Michigan’s rarest species and helps promote the importance of protecting Michigan’s remaining natural areas.
moose, and eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, which were represented in Grand Rapids, Roscommon, Ann Arbor, Belle Isle, Marquette, and Rochester, respectively.
The races were endorsed by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and each qualified for the Pure Michigan Challenge.
MNA plans to continue the Race for Michigan Nature series in 2017 and will add a new race in Kalamazoo! The Monarch March Family Fun Run & 5K will promote the importance of protecting habitat for monarch butterflies. Other race locations include Grand Rapids, Marquette, Rochester, Ann Arbor, and Belle Isle.
Species of special concern includes Karner blue butterflies, Kirtland’s warblers, eastern box turtles, lake sturgeon,
Visit the website and follow MNA’s Facebook page to learn when a race is scheduled near you.
Endorsed by:
Congratulations Winners! Location Grand Rapids Roscommon Ann Arbor Belle Isle Marquette Rochester
Grand Rapids
Top Male Runner Mark Rambo Owen Ackerman Zacchaeus Widner Austin Grignon Tate Sandrock Kevin Sherwood
Roscommon
Top Female Runner Kathy St. Germain Gabriella Jukkala Jennifer Blindert Svenja Kunz Kathy St. Germain Kathryn Orlando
Ann Arbor
Belle Isle, Detroit
Marquette
Rochester
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
People Making a Difference Each fall, supporters and friends of the Michigan Nature Association gather to honor the special people who make a difference in protecting Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural heritage. In 2016, MNA was pleased to honor the following: Dr. John Hartig Edward G. Voss Conservation Science Award
Harold Gleaves Volunteer of the Year
Don Reed Richard W. Holzman Award
David Mancini Volunteer of the Year
Bill McEachern Mason and Melvin Schafer Distinguished Service Award
Stephen Ross Volunteer of the Year
Dr. John Hartig is a trained limnologist with 30 years of experience in Great Lakes science and management. He serves as Refuge Manager for the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and serves on the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Board of Directors. He has authored or co-authored over 100 publications on the environment, including Bringing Conservation to Cities: Lessons from Building the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge (2014).
Don is an avid volunteer and an MNA Trustee. He started as a stewardat-large, going to many different sanctuaries, learning about different habitats, and getting familiar with nature and invasive species. Don is involved in a variety of stewardship activities at more than 30 different MNA sanctuaries. He has also been on the MNA burn crew since the very first prescribed burn conducted by MNA.
Bill has been a volunteer steward in southeast Michigan for more than a decade and is ready to take on any challenge. In addition to his work at Rose Center Wetlands Plant Preserve in Oakland County, he regularly volunteers at more than a dozen other sanctuaries, some of which are several hours from his home. He is often found working alongside stewardship staff on special projects outside of scheduled volunteer workdays.
Harold is the steward at both Trillium Ravine in Berrien County and Brewer Woods in Kalamazoo County, where he leads multiple volunteer workdays. He assists in many workdays at sanctuaries in southwest Michigan, including Dowagiac Woods, Prairie Ronde Savanna and Edwin and Margarita Palmer Memorial Nature Sanctuary. Harold is willing and ready to get his hands dirty in a variety of projects and is a great help to MNA.
In the 2015-2016 stewardship season, David logged over 250 volunteer hours! He helps with just about everything from removing invasive species to assisting in prescribed burns. He also uses his carpentry skills to improve structures, such as the steps on the Goose Creek Grasslands bridge. MNA is grateful for all of his hard work at our southeast Michigan sanctuaries.
Stephen shares his vast knowledge about the natural world as the steward of Myrtle Justeson Memorial Nature Sanctuary and cares for several other sanctuaries in the Upper Peninsula. He has offered photography workshops at the Twin Waterfalls and Echo Lake nature sanctuaries, organizes bird watching hikes, and teaches insect identification. His work and cumulative years of effort are most impressive.
< Clockwise from top left: Raegan Visker and Claire Deblanc installing new wooden ORV posts at Five Lakes Muskegon Nature Sanctuary (John Bagley), Harold Gleaves and Tim Moxham on a workday at Chen Memorial Nature Sanctuary (Natalie Kent-Norkowski), Bill McEachern and David Mancini clearing the trail at Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary (Rachel Maranto), Stephen Ross teaching a photography class at the Two Hearted River Nature Sanctuary (Patricia Pennell), Don Reed volunteering at The Adaline Kershaw Woods at Kope Kon Nature Sanctuary (Natalie Kent-Norkowski).
A Statewide Impact 1
MNA would like to thank the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, The Nature Conservancy, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, the Leuthold Family Foundation, The Pokagon Fund, other valued partners, and our hundreds of dedicated stewards and volunteers for their assistance in 2016. Without their support, many of these projects would not have been possible.
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Land Acquisition 1. Helstrom Nature Sanctuary Addition MNA added 40 acres to the John J. Helstrom Nature Sanctuary on Brockway Mountain, thanks to an anonymous donor.
3. Munuscong Lake Nature Sanctuary Addition U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Ducks Unlimited helped MNA acquire an additional 160 acres of coastal wetland and adjacent forest. The project was funded by a North American Wetlands Conservation Act Grant.
MNA teamed up with Biologist Selena Creed for a research project to track saw-whet owl migration at Lefglen Nature Sanctuary in Jackson County. Saw-whet owl migration routes are well-documented along the Great Lakes shoreline, but the routes they take through inland Michigan are less understood. This year a total of 13 saw-whet owls were captured and banded across five nights using mist nets and an audio lure. This is more than enough to prove that saw-whets are using Lefglen and the larger surrounding habitat complex as an inland migration route through Michigan!
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2. Bois Blanc Island Transfer The Nature Conservancy of Michigan transferred 235 acres in Mackinac County to MNA, including Lake Huron shoreline, coastal wetlands and rare species habitat.
Northern saw-whet owl by Patrick Wright
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4. Carlton Lake Wetlands with Easier Access An additional 120 acres of wetlands were acquired adjacent to the existing sanctuary to solve MNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most serious and longstanding sanctuary access issue. 5. Great Bear Swamp Addition Thanks to funding by a North American Wetlands Conservation Act Grant and partnerships with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Ducks Unlimited, MNA acquired an additional 40 acres of wetlands adjacent to the existing sanctuary.
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6. Big Valley Nature Sanctuary Addition MNA acquired 10 additional acres of wetlands and rare species habitat at Big Valley in Oakland County. 7. McCulley-Bastian Sanctuary Donation MNA acquired 70 acres of donated land along the River Raisin in Lenawee County. 8. Dolan Nature Sanctuary Transfer Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited transferred ownership of 127 acres of land to MNA along the Coldwater River in Kent County.
Education & Outreach
Stewardship 1. Prescribed Burns and Savanna Restoration in Newaygo County The MDNR partnered with MNA to complete two prescribed burns and the first stages of a savanna restoration project at Karner Blue Nature Sanctuary as part of a larger rare species habitat project. This project was made possible due to an MDNR Landowner Incentive Program Grant. 2. Butternut Creek Partners Project U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and MNA partnered on a prairie fen enhancement project, including removal of woody encroachment in the fen to enhance habitat for rare species. 3. Twin Waterfalls Trail Improvements Generous volunteers helped to install new boardwalks, stairs, and other improvements at one of our most visited sanctuaries. 4. New Trails at Rooks Memorial Nature Sanctuary MNA and the Copper Harbor Trails Club worked together to redesign, as well as install, trails at this Keweenaw County sanctuary. 5. Dowagiac Woods Improvements The Pokagon Fund made it possible to replace the bridge over the creek and helped to redesign the parking area. 6. Lakeside Daisy Introduction in Mackinac County MNA and the Michigan Karst Conservancy established a new population of threatened Lakeside daisy. 7. Brush Mowing at Sarah Janeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MNA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program provided funding for a woody growth removal project to enhance habitat to benefit the endangered copperbelly water snake.
8. Hydrological Restoration at Saginaw Wetlands MNA teamed up with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program for hydrological restoration, plugging the historic ditch system and enhancing the habitat for rare species.
1. Addison High School at Goose Creek Grasslands MNA partnered with Addison High School to provide students a variety of volunteer workdays and educational experiences at Goose Creek Grasslands in Lenawee County.
9. Invasive Species Management in Oakland County An MDNR Michigan Invasive Species Management Grant allowed MNA and the Oakland County CISMA* to complete spraying of black swallow-wort.
2. Snowshoe Hike at River Bend Nature Sanctuary MNA stewards led adventurous snowshoers through River Bend Nature Sanctuary in Houghton County.
10. Phragmites Management in St. Clair County MNA teamed up with Lake St. Clair CISMA* staff to complete spraying of phragmites patches at multiple MNA nature sanctuaries. 11. Genevieve Casey Nature Sanctuary Addition MNA acquired a new access easement to secure legal rights for continued usage of the trail and access to the sanctuary in Oceana County. 12. Glossy Buckthorn Removal at Martin Bay MNA and the Central Upper Peninsulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cooperative Weed Management Area partnered for a workday to control glossy buckthorn at the sanctuary along Lake Michigan. 13. Poweshiek Skipperling Conservation Team MNA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MNFI, and many others created a complex partnership to address the needs of the federally endangered Poweshiek skipperling. 14. Prescribed Burn at Sand Creek Prairie A team of volunteers helped manage habitat for rare species in Hillsdale County by conducting a prescribed burn at Sand Creek Prairie.
3. Detroit Urban Outreach Several partners teamed up to host biological surveys at Eliza Howell Park in Detroit. MNA also co-sponsored the Earth Day Extravaganza with Wayne County Parks, an event for local schools to learn about nature. 4. Chainsaw Training Class MNA hosted a chainsaw training class for 40 volunteers and partners across Michigan. 5. Mushroom Hike at Parsons Memorial Hikers joined the sanctuary steward to discover a variety of mushrooms found at Parsons Memorial and test their identification skills. 6. Vernal Pools Training MNA teamed up with MNFI to provide training about vernal pool identification and monitoring to over 50 stakeholders from southeast Michigan. E. Environmental Education Fund Mini-Grants MNA funded field trip opportunities for eight schools to bring students to natural areas. K. Race for Michigan Nature MNA hosted the Race for Michigan Nature, a statewide series of six Family Fun Runs & 5Ks.
*Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area
Thank You to Our Supporters We are so grateful for all of our generous supporters who together ensure MNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success. Gifts come from donors across Michigan and throughout the country. Dedicated volunteers, whose names may not appear on these pages, contribute thousands of hours every year to help lead MNA, provide office support, and protect and restore our statewide network of sanctuaries. Every gift makes a difference, and we thank each of our supporters for their commitment to saving Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural treasures. MNA is very appreciative of the contributions of each and every member, donor and volunteer. We have made every attempt to be accurate in our list, which includes donations made between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016; any name not included was done so unintentionally and we apologize for the omission.
$10,000 and up Annemary Meeter Trust Evert Family Genevieve M. Casey Revocable Trust Helstrom Memorial Fund of Community Foundation for Muskegon County Addison and Debby Igleheart Stephen M. Kelley, P.C. Leuthold Family Foundation MDNR - Landowner Incentive Program Barbara McCulley and Duane Bastian Terry and Patricia Murphy Larry Satkowiak Schrems West Michigan Trout Unlimited The Nature Conservancy USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service USFWS - North American Wetlands Conservation Act USFWS - Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program Anonymous
$1,000 to $9,999 Anna Paulina Foundation Doris Applebaum Leon and Linda Bakke Community Foundation of St. Clair County William Cooke Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary by Marilyn Keigley
Melvin and Mary Ann Czechowski Frank G. and Gertrude Dunlap Foundation Darcy and David Dye Family and Elder Law of Mid-Michigan Great Lakes Orchids David and Carrie Grellmann Rex Guelde Nancy Hammond The Highfield Foundation Clifford and Shirley Johnson Kurt and Maura Jung Stephen Kelley and Mary Catherine Rentz Gisela Lendle King Scott Klus Douglas and Celeste LaBar David Lindberg Robert and Marion Martin Gregory and Nancy Maze Bill McEachern Frank and Nancy Moore Noel Moore The Pokagon Fund Ward Randol, Jr. Don and Carolyn Reed Bill and Donna Remer Debbie Remer Julia Rosin Ken Ross Ruth Vail Joyce Van Ochten Janet Jung Victor
Thank You to Our Supporters
George Wickerstrom Cathleen Zepelin Anonymous (6)
David and Joanne Wood Yardeners of St. Clair Shores Anonymous (3)
$500 to $999
$100 to $499
Alec and Judy Allen Stuart Bolinger Greg and Linda Bodker Eleanor Brownell Community Foundation for Southeast MI Edward Curtis Robert and Linda DeLap Donald and Christine Diehl Aubrey and Martina Golden Charles and Nancy Goodrich Anna Holden IBM Corporation Matching Grants Program Land Trust Alliance Yu Man Lee and Jon Noyes Paul and Susan McEwen Maureen Michael Patrick and Christine Muldoon Glenn and Ellen Peterson Silicon Valley Community Foundation Paul and Aggie Steiner Martin Tatuch Kyle Troyer Glen and Edie Walter David and Joan Wendling Christian and Clare Winkel
Academic Internal Medicine Matthew Alder Angela and William Aldrich Leon and Beverly Anibal William and Sally Anderson Lisa Appel Walter and Mary Louise Arnold Mark Atma and Ruth Ten Broek Phyllis Barents James Bauer David Baur and Bernice Natoli Kim Beal and Gladys Chrostek-Beal David and Joyce Benjamins Diane Bennett Richard Berndt William and Jan Bingham Bill Bobier Stacy and Timothy Bosch Robert Bowden Jr. and Ann Fitzpatrick William and Angela Bowman The Bradtke Family Jon and Linda Brorson Linda Brown and David Dupont John Buckholz Carolyn and Kerry Bush Marilou Capo
John and Patricia Case Marilyn A. Case Phillip Chamberlain Kristi Chapman Lucy Chargot Robert Christensen Christopher Clampitt Pete and Shari Clason Combined Federal Campaign John Copley and Jan Berry Lt. Col. Stephen Danis Elizabeth Dapson Bill and Margie Darooge Lorraine Davidson Catherine Davis John Davis, Jr. and Marybeth Pritschet Claire, Julie, and Brian Deblanc Davide DeGraaf Larry and Diane Detter DeWitt Millennium Garden Club Mike Devarenne Allen and Alisa Dodson Anne Doran John Dye Mary Edgar Harry and Sara Eick L. Edward Elsholz Gary and Katie Evans Daniel and Martina Ezekiel Gene and Janet Fairchild Wayne Falda and Ann Tideman
James and Fran Falendar John and Anne Farmer Sheri Faust Ronald Fodor Robert and Ruth Fountain William and Constance Frey Liz Gannon Richard and Marianne Glosenger Frank Gottberg Mark and Lisa Graf Chris and Elaine Graham Grand Rapids Audubon Club Judith Grantz Greater Lansing Orchid Society Richard Greening Edward Groves and Heidi Grether Kim Habig Haines Philanthropic Foundation James and Shirley Harding Linda and John Harris Cole and Priscilla Hawkins John Heidtke Scott Hickman Martha Hitchiner Bill Hixson Neil and Mary Hodges Gary Hofing Doug and Marie Holem David Holzschuh Horton Family
Thank You to Our Supporters
$100 to $499 Cont. Geoffrey Hoyer Julie and Michael Hussar Keith Alan Huth Abdeen Jabara and Holly Maguigan David Jaworski Mark and Cheryl Jenness Annelise Jensen Bob and Ciari Johnson Robert Johnson Alan L. Jones Ronald and Janet Joslyn Rachel Juris Robert Kachman Bill and Linda Kail Janet Kauffman Jeanette Keim Steve Keim and Vera Kraft Jean Kegler Bob and Judy Kelly Kenneth R. Meyer Trust Michele and Larry Kerr Joellyn and Kelly Kieren Sue Ellen Kinglsey and Terry Kinzel Leah Knapp
Thomas and Judith Knox
American copper butterfly by Michele Nowak
M. Elizabeth Koehn Margaret Kohring Jane Kramer Diane Krause Joe Kravetz Kroger Community Rewards Leslie Kuhn Julius Kusey Lori and Dennis Kutz Glenn Latinen Deb Ledford Don Leduc and Susan Coley Kyle Lehrmann Bill and Nancy Leonard Mary Leys Little Traverse Bay Livingston Land Conservancy David Lixey Margaret Loffelman Jim and Teresa Long Walt and Lora Loope Richard Lorey Thomas and Elaine Lovitt David Lusk and Deborah Bodner Joann Lynch Jay and Beth Machielse Scott MacLean Merry MacRae Ralph and Marena Markel Jeanne Marsh and Steve Shevell
Kyle Martin Jane Maxted Alex Mayer and Suzanne Van Dam Henry and Laurel Maze Barbara Mead Patricia Mead Grace Menzel James Mertens Yvette Messing Barbara Metting Michigan Gateway Community Services Susan Miller Tracy Miller Patricia Molitor Dennis and Pauline Moore Margaret R. Moran Wayne and Karen Moss Craig and Nancy Mullenbrock Jill Neuville Glen Nichols Curt and Holly Nielsen Ken and Emily Nietering Quock Ng Elaine and Richard Noake Mr. and Mrs. Richard Norling Oakland Audubon Society Martha Oleski Artur and Ewa Ostrowski Ronald and Mary Jo Paler Julie Parrilli Richard and Mary Paul
Charles and Sun Ok Pearson William Peppler Joanna Pease Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts William Pflager Jim and Betsy Pifer Mark and Rosemary Pinsky Joe Pitlanish Port Huron Garden Club John Porter Ron and Helen Priest Qualcomm Matching Grant Program Carol and Stephen Rall Arlene Rampson Vicki Rapp-Gabrielson and Dave Gabrielson Blair Reamy Florence and Benjamin Rhodes Paul Rice Jeff Richards Jane Robertson Michael and Libby Robold Rochester Hills Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Farm and Garden James Rogers Fran Rosen Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Kenneth Rosenman Bruce Rossman Jim and Pam Rossman Joseph and Patricia Roti Roti
Remembering John J. Helstrom Jerry and Fran Rucker Ruth Sablich Cornelia Schaible James and Carolyn Schenden Horst Schmidt Lynn Schram Edward and Carol Schrand Phyllis Schroeder Dr. Elizabeth Schultz Marcia Schwarz Elvera Shappirio David and Jeannette Sharpe Ken Shaw Robert N. Sheap Dick and Posy Shuster Donald Smalligan and Mary Kenyon Colleen and Martin Smith Gerald and Ann Sniderman Ioana Sonea and Chris Brown Southwestern Michigan Botanical Club Patricia and James Spain Bill Spengler Jeff Stein Nancy Steiner Les and Jackie Stiner Joan and Mark Strobel Teresa Strzalkowski Elly Sullivan Caryl Taylor Andy Tenka and Ping P Kho
James Tercha Laura Bethany Thomas Paul and Alice Tomboulian Cheryl Topash Raymond and Esther Travis Paul and Catherine Tulikangas Craig Tylenda Kate Upton Phyllis Valentine Charlene Vanacker Doris Van Buskirk Jeanne Van Ochten and Wayne Adams Richard and Jo Ann Viinikainen Margaret Walter Andy and Julia Walz Kenneth Walz Tom and Nancy Washburne Lynn Weimeister and Don Gilmer Richard and Annette Weiser Sue Welch Robert and Clarice Williams James Wilton Gordon Witte Betty White Carolyn White David and Sarah Young Ted Zahrfeld Mark and Andrea Zajac Debbie Zolynski Anonymous (37)
In 2016, MNA completed the third of a series of land acquisitions near the summit of Brockway Mountain on the Keweenaw Peninsula. The three contiguous properties together total 157 acres and comprise MNAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new John J. Helstrom Nature Sanctuary. John Jacob Helstrom (1939 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2010), a native of West Michigan, grew up in a family that loved nature with an appreciation for the outdoors of Michigan. Along with his parents and sister, he enjoyed taking trips to the Upper Peninsula and seeing the beautiful landscapes along the Lake Superior shore. He had a keen interest in geology and often brought his rock hammer along to take specimens. He also had an interest in studying the plants and animals he saw in the U.P. John attended the University of Michigan graduating with a degree in chemical engineering. His career was spent as a research scientist with Standard Oil Corporation working in Dayton, Ohio and later, Naperville, Illinois. Even though he lived in urban areas, his heart was always with natural places. The Keweenaw Peninsula, especially Brockway Mountain, was a place he treasured to visit throughout his life. As a result of these experiences, John developed a lifelong desire to preserve, untouched by development, the beauty of the area. The John J. Helstrom Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County provided generous financial assistance to MNA for its efforts to protect land on Brockway Mountain. John would be pleased that funds from his estate were used to help preserve this beautiful and ecologically important location.
Thank You to Our Supporters
Guardians of the Future
Delrae M. Abbott Doris Applebaum John Assenmacher Lawrence and Christine Baer John Bagley Steve and Karen Benkert Elizabeth S. Bishop Phillip and Mary Borkowski Carl Bouton Jack Carso William Cooke Roger W. Cooney Betty Debus Dorothy Louise Fisher Richard Foster Stephen Fox Jeff Ganley and Asansaya Pondet Barb Haman John Hand Fay Hansen Neil and Mary Hodges Shannon Horne
Abdeen Jabara and Holly Maguigan Bruce and Patricia Loughry Linda Luneack Ralph and Marena Markel Fran McCauley JB McCombs and Grace Menzel Donn and Kathy Miller Betty Muller James Munro Don and Carolyn Reed Don and Susan Schmitz Mark Sellers Elly Sullivan Gerard and Lynette Szydlowski Scott and Linda Thomasma Raymond and Esther Travis Brian and Joan Wake Betty White John and Peggy Zachel Cathleen Zepelin Anonymous (5)
President’s Council ©Kelly Ramstack
Guardians of the Future are supporters, who, through estate planning, make a planned gift to MNA, allowing individuals and families to create a lasting legacy and protect even more of Michigan’s natural treasures both during and beyond a donor’s lifetime. If you have included MNA in your will or trust, please contact us to add you to the Guardians of the Future.
MNA launched the President’s Council to honor and thank a select group of donors whose members include Guardians of the Future, donors of land or conservation easements, life members, MNA awardees, and donors who make a significant financial contribution to MNA on an annual basis. President’s Council members receive special invitations to events, an annual recognition dinner, and periodic updates about MNA’s work.
For more information about special ways to give to MNA, visit our website or contact Executive Director Garret Johnson at gjohnson@michigannature.org or 866-223-2231.
Financial Summary Fiscal Year 2015-2016 This condensed financial statement for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2015 and ending September 30, 2016 is based on an audit prepared by the independent certified public accounting firm of Flegal and Melnik CPA. Copies of the audit and MNA’s Form 990 Report to the Internal Revenue Service for FYE 2016 are available upon request.
2016 Fiscal Year 2015-2016 was another strong year for MNA’s finances. Total assets, which includes MNA’s land holdings, climbed to $18,965,424 (up from $18,380,785 the previous year). Endowments and funds functioning as endowments closed the year at $6,291,985.
ASSETS
Unrestricted revenue for the fiscal year totaled $1,097,053 and operating expenses $957,278, yielding a net surplus in unrestricted funds of $139,775. In keeping with past practice a portion of the year’s unrestricted revenue was set aside in funds functioning as endowments.
Sanctuary Properties
Financial support from MNA’s members and donors remains very strong. Membership dues and contributions for the year totaled $378,499. This figure excludes donations of land, funds donated for land purchases, and donations to MNA endowment funds for long-term stewardship, all of which remain strong as well.
2015
Cash
241,598
27,878
Receivables
294,424
302,850
5,995,403
6,086,102
576,446
583,587
11,835,749
11,351,754
21,804
28,614
18,965,424
18,380,785
Accounts Payable
19,012
23,122
Payroll and Payroll Taxes
24,754
40,233
Annuity Liability
22,617
23,229
TOTAL LIABILITIES
66,383
86,584
Investments at Market Value Property and Equipment Other Assets TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES
TOTAL NET ASSETS
18,899,041
18,294,201
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
18,965,424
18,380,785
About Us Our Mission The purpose of MNA is to acquire, protect and maintain natural areas that contain examples of Michigan’s endangered and threatened flora, fauna and other components of the natural environment, including habitat for fish, wildlife and plants of the state of Michigan and to carry on a program of natural history study and conservation education. To learn more, visit www.michigannature.org.
Board of Trustees
Staff
Margaret Welsch
Garret Johnson
President
Aubrey Golden Vice President
Ruth Vail Secretary
Yu Man Lee Treasurer
Don Reed
Trustee at Large
Bill Bobier Kurt Brauer Mary Ann Czechowski Kara Haas Steve Kelley Gisela Lendle King Stan Kuchta Paul Messing David Sharpe
Executive Director
Paul Steiner
Operations Director
Andrew Bacon
Stewardship Coordinator
Jack Flakne
Land Protection Specialist
John Bagley
Regional Stewardship Organizer, W.L.P.
Adrienne Bozic
Regional Stewardship Organizer, U.P.
Natalie Kent-Norkowski
Regional Stewardship Organizer, N.L.P.
Rachel Maranto
Regional Stewardship Organizer, E.L.P.
Jess Foxen
Outreach & Communications Coordinator
Sherry Stewart
Member Services Coordinator
Karen Weingarden
Butternut Creek Nature Sanctuary by Joe Roti
Back Cover Photography: Top row (from left): Future conservationist learning about nature first-hand (Randy Butters), mushroom ecology and identification hike at Parsons Memorial Nature Sanctuary (Natalie Kent-Norkowski), kayaking in the Sloughs (Nathan Miller). Bottom row (from left): The Poweshiek skipperling partnership members visit the Big Valley fen (Rachel Maranto), white-lined sphinx moth (Mary Rasmussen). Garret Johnson’s photo on page 3 © Marianne Glosenger
All uncredited photography is taken from the MNA archives. Please direct questions about this publication to Outreach & Communications Coordinator Jess Foxen by emailing jfoxen@michigannature.org or calling (866) 223-2231. © 2017. Except where used with permission, entire contents copyright 2017 Michigan Nature Association.
“The work MNA has done is simply irreplaceable... MNA is protecting the soul of Michigan.” Dave Dempsey
award-winning author of Ruin and Recovery: Michigan’s Rise as a Conservation Leader
Russell and Miriam Grinnell Memorial Nature Sanctuary at Bare Bluff by Brooke Isaacson
Michigan Nature Association 2310 Science Parkway, Suite 100 Okemos, MI 48864 www.michigannature.org