2018 Year in Review People • Land • Legacy
Michigan Nature Association
Northern Saw-whet Owl by Patrick Wright
A Year of Milestones Two major anniversaries distinguish a busy and exciting 2018. The first, of course, is the 45th anniversary of the Michigan Nature Association’s campaign that prevented logging of the largest stand of old growth white pine left in Michigan and established our Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary in 1973. The drive to raise needed funds to secure Estivant galvanized individuals, organizations and service clubs from all over the state and still stands as one of MNA’s crowning achievements. In that spirit, we were delighted to receive a $90,000 challenge grant in honor of the Estivant Pines anniversary, and this new campaign is underway as this Year in Review goes to print. With your generous support, we will add 60 more acres to this iconic nature sanctuary and direct $90,000 in challenge dollars to stewardship needs in our nature sanctuary network. 2018 is also the 45th anniversary of the federal Endangered Species Act. The Endangered Species Act is an essential, national framework for protecting rare, threatened and endangered species but it has been under assault since its passage in 1973. 2018 was no different and we made our voice heard by stepping up to formally oppose rule changes that could have a devastating impact on the statute. We will continue to monitor and act on threats to this critical environmental law. One of the major limitations of the Endangered Species Act, however, is the lack of funding for protecting critical habitat. Remarkably, twenty years before Congress passed this landmark legislation, MNA’s founders recognized the need for action to protect Michigan’s rarest and most vulnerable species and natural communities, and pioneered the strategy of protecting land in Michigan to do so. We pursue that mission every day thanks to their foresight and our members and donors who continually rally to the cause. Celebrating these two major milestones bookend a year’s worth of notable activities that you will read about in this Year in Review. None of our work is possible without the commitment of our members, donors, and volunteers, and I hope you are as proud as I am of what we have accomplished together. Be it saving old growth white pines in the Keweenaw, protecting imperiled natural communities across our great state, or defending critical policies for threatened and endangered species, we are truly all in this together. Thank you for all you do—I look forward to another year of working with you to protect Michigan’s incredible natural heritage.
Menomonee River Sunrise by Joy Ziemnick
Bare Bluff by Nathan Miller
Building a Geography of Hope
Protecting Michigan’s Natural Treasures Expanding the Iconic Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary A successful challenge campaign to raise $90,000 by the end of 2018 will secure $90,000 from a generous donor to purchase 60 additional acres at the 510 acre Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary, protecting more old growth white pines, Montreal River frontage, and important buffer to emergent wetlands important to the American bittern, a species of concern. Creating a New Sanctuary on the Shores of Lake Huron MNA acquired the 50 acre Spitler Shore Nature Sanctuary near Presque Isle in late 2017 thanks to a landowner’s generous donation. Featuring mesic northern forest with a cobble lakeshore and sand/gravel beach, the new sanctuary safeguards over 1,500 feet of Lake Huron shoreline and a population of federally threatened dwarf lake iris. Expanding the Brockway Mountain Conservation Area MNA acquired another 120 acres on Brockway Mountain in the Keweenaw Peninsula, protecting more of this important migratory flyway, as well as state critically imperiled volcanic cliff and northern bald natural communities with five plants identified as state endangered, threatened or of special concern. MNA now protects over 400 contiguous acres in our Brockway Mountain Conservation Area. Protecting Morgan Porritt Nature Sanctuary The donated parcels to this sanctuary are in close proximity to Orion Oaks County Park and protect a hardwood-conifer swamp containing white cedar and various sedges and ferns from nearby development in populous Oakland County. Preserving a New Nature Sanctuary in Mason County A generous donation of 80 acres created MNA’s newest nature sanctuary featuring quality forested and shrub wetlands, as well as upland forests. Scattered large trees and vernal pools contribute to abundant wildlife habitat, and onsite wetlands are part of a larger wetland complex that drains toward Hamlin Lake.
Green frog by Roberta Colwell
Restoration and Renewal
Being Good Stewards of the Land Acquiring nature sanctuaries is only the first step needed to protect habitat for rare, threatened and endangered species; imperiled natural communities; and unique geologic features. Ongoing stewardship maintains their important conservation values over time and enables visitor access to our popular sanctuaries. It is because of the dedication of our sanctuary Stewards, interns, and hundreds of volunteers that we are able to manage over 175 nature sanctuaries across our large state. 2018 highlights include: • Began stewardship activities at our newest sanctuary, Spitler Shore, including boundary marking and trail maintenance. • Conducted prescribed burns at five nature sanctuaries to help sustain populations of rare plants and animals such as the eastern prairie fringed orchid and the eastern massasauga rattlesnake.
3,000+
hours worked by MNA volunteers in 2018
• Initiated the transformation of conventional office park landscaping to one that is bird, butterfly and pollinator friendly at our headquarters in Okemos.
2018 in Numbers 179
sanctuaries monitored (100%)
119 volunteer workdays
19 guided hikes
59
invasive species control projects
11
partner research projects
5
prescribed burns
Buchanan Elementary Field Trip by Jennifer Medellin
Inspiring the Next Generation
Connecting Children with Nature MNA strives to engage students of all ages. School to Sanctuary partnerships link schools to nearby nature sanctuaries for service learning and collaboration with colleges and universities provide research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. MNA also offers field trip grants to help teachers get students outside to natural areas to learn about nature, some with service components. 18 field trip grants were made in 2018 with inspiring results.
It gives students a sense of pride to know that they have been a part of planning and nurturing a project that is beneficial to the surrounding community.
–Tracy Ortiz, Teacher, Clippert Multicultural Honors Academy
We had previously looked at still slides of several organisms but they actually got the opportunity to pull live samples of different organisms, correctly place them under the microscope, and identify what there were. They loved it!
–Kimberly Stevenson, Teacher, East English Village Prep Academy
Students engaging and being able to recall everything I had taught about ecology without me prompting them was an amazing feeling . . . our students had an experience of discovering an ecosystem that they had never experienced before.
–Angela Bowen, Teacher, Joy Preparatory Academy
What has been nice about these experiences are that we are doing real science and community service with real professionals who help my kids realize they are doing important work.
–Deb Iwema, Teacher, Newaygo Middle School
Karner Blue Butterfly Family Fun Run & 5K by Rahul Gogia
Race for Michigan Nature
Engaging Families and Communities The Race for Michigan Nature, a statewide series of Family Fun Runs & 5Ks, hosted nearly 1,000 runners and volunteers at our six locations in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor, Rochester, Detroit, and Marquette. We had a record year of sponsors and partners as well. Each race spotlights one of Michigan’s rarest species and helps to promote the importance of protecting Michigan’s remaining natural areas. The special species highlighted are Karner blue butterflies, monarch butterflies, turtles, rattlesnakes, lake sturgeon, and moose.
The runs are endorsed by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and each qualifies for the Pure Michigan Challenge, where runners and volunteers accumulate points to win special prizes. Help protect rare, threatened and endangered species throughout Michigan by registering for a race near you. Races are open to families and are stroller and pet friendly! Find more information about the 2019 race schedule on our website and Facebook page.
Endorsed by:
Congratulations 2018 Winners! Location Grand Rapids Kalamazoo Rochester Detroit Marquette Ann Arbor
Grand Rapids
Top Male Runner Pete Van Conant Rained Out Isaiah Winters Darrell Lahey Nikolas Thomas Nicholas Budzyn
Kalamazoo
Top Female Runner Sheila Huseby Rained Out Rachel Ryan Rachel Ryan Kathy St. Germain Rachel Ryan
Rochester
Detroit
Marquette
Ann Arbor
Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary by Marianne Glosenger
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
People Making a Difference Members and friends gathered together in the Keweenaw and in East Lansing this fall to honor special people who make significant contributions to the protection of Michigan’s natural heritage as educators, scientists, and MNA volunteers. Read more about these outstanding volunteers at www.michigannature.org.
2018 Award Recipients Edward G. Voss Conservation Science Award Dr. Dave Ewert Frederick W. Case, Jr. Environmental Educator Award Aaron Wesche Richard W. Holzman Award Ruth Vail Mason and Melvin Schafer Distinguished Service Award Ted and Alice Soldan
Volunteer of the Year Award Tom Jones Brad and Jan Foxen Liz Gannon Sarah Pregizter and Randy Butters Youth Volunteer of the Year Caitlyn Noyes Youth Service Award Tyler Leverenz Good Neighbor Award Barb McCulley and Duane Bastian Rose Township
A Statewide Impact MNA makes a statewide impact because of hundreds of dedicated Stewards and volunteers who care for and maintain our nature sanctuaries—we thank them for their invaluable work. We also thank our many partners that make these projects possible, including: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, The Conservation Fund, U.S. Forest Service, Michigan Audubon, Leuthold Foundation, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Eastern Michigan University, Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Michigan Karst Conservancy, Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area partners, Brooks Township, and The Nature Conservancy.
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Land Acquisition 1. Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary Addition The campaign to raise funds needed to secure 60 additional acres along the southern border of Estivant Pines began in November 2018. The new addition would protect more old growth white pines, wetlands, and frontage on either side of the Montreal River.
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4. Morgan Porritt Nature Sanctuary Expansion Additional parcels were donated to expand this cedar swamp refuge tucked away in populous Orion Township, Oakland County.
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2. Spitler Shore Nature Sanctuary MNA acquired this beautiful nature sanctuary in December of 2018 thanks to a generous donation. The property features Lake Huron shoreline, a population of dwarf lake iris, and a shipwreck just offshore, part of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. 3. Brockway Mountain Addition MNA added 120 acres to our growing portfolio of protected lands on Brockway Mountain in the Keweenaw Peninsula, bringing our total to over 400 contiguous acres.
Bee on Black-eyed Susan by Pamela Moran
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5. New Mason County Nature Sanctuary The generous donation of 80 acres of high quality, forested and shrub wetlands at the end of 2018 will create a new nature sanctuary and a haven for wildlife near Hamlin Lake in Mason County.
Stewardship 1. Estivant Pines Boardwalk Completion Stewards Ted and Alice Soldan and other volunteers completed an 84 foot bridge and boardwalk, as well as other trail improvements. 2. Lakeside Daisy Introduction to Mackinac County MNA continues to monitor and expand a successful reserve population of this rare wildlflower in partnership with the Michigan Karst Conservancy. 3. Butternut Creek Fen Project MNA conducted a prescribed burn and removed woody invasives in the final year of this multi-year project in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 4. Saginaw Wetlands Management A prescribed burn, mowing, tree girdling and other actions were taken to remove woody plant encroachment into the rare lakeplain prairie at Saginaw Wetlands. 5. Coolbough Natural Area As a member of the Coolbough Natural Areas Environmental Commission, MNA provided stewardship assistance to the natural area owner, Brooks Township, including interpretive sign replacement, bridge repair, nectar wildflower enhancement and overall management guidance. 6. Prescribed Burns to Manage Rare Prairies and Fens In addition to Saginaw Wetlands, prescribed burns were conducted at Sauk Indian Trail, Big Valley, Goose Creek, and Lefglen Nature Sanctuaries.
7. Timberland Swamp Phragmites Removal MNA staff and volunteers tackled the eradication of phragmites and other invasives in partnership with Huron-Clinton Metro Parks. 8. Landscaping for Birds, Bees and Pollinators In partnership with Michigan Audubon, Hartscapes LLC, and District IIB of the Michigan Garden Club, MNA began the first phase of transforming the landscaping at our Okemos headquarters to a native plant education space. 9. Eagle Scout Project Tyler Leverenz completed his Eagle Scout project by building boardwalks at Wilcox Warnes Nature Sanctuary with the help of volunteers.
Education & Outreach 1. Eastern Michigan University Partnership at Lefglen Students at EMU conducted transect surveys to determine plant biodiversity and species richness at Lefglen Nature Sanctuary and undertook tree “frilling� to curb the spread of invasive black locust. 2. Night Singing Insect Survey at Butternut Creek Scientists conducted a night survey, identifying 14 species of singing insects mostly by ear but not the targeted Tamarack tree cricket, a species of special concern. This is just one of nearly a dozen research projects that got underway at MNA sanctuaries this year.
3. Addison High School at Goose Creek Grasslands As part of a School to Sanctuary partnership, biology students learned about the prairie fen at Goose Creek in the classroom and then participated in a service learning workday at the sanctuary to help remove invasive glossy buckthorn. 4. Newaygo Middle School at Karner Blue Nature Sanctuary After learning about the sanctuary in the classroom, students pulled invasive spotted knapweed and planted appropriate native species at the nature sanctuary as part of an MNA School to Sanctuary partnership. 5. Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership MNA provided organizational and communications support to this statewide partnership of agencies, organizations, and individuals working to identify, map and promote vernal pools throughout the state. 6. Eliza Howell Park Partnership MNA is working with partners to promote conservation and nature education at this City of Detroit park in the Brightmoor neighborhood. E. Environmental Education Fund Mini-Grants MNA funded field trip opportunities for 18 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.
Thank You to Our Supporters Thousands of individuals across the country generously support MNA with their membership dues and other financial gifts. We are also extremely grateful for the contributed services and work of our many volunteers, whose names may not appear on these pages. Every gift to MNA makes a difference, be it time or treasure, and we thank each of our supporters for their dedication to protecting Michigan’s natural heritage. MNA is very appreciative of the contributions by each and every member, donor and volunteer. We have made every attempt to be accurate in our donor list, which includes donations made between November 1, 2017 and October 31, 2018; any name not included was done so unintentionally and we apologize for the omission. Names with a (*) next to them denotes our Guardians of the Future, supporters who, through estate planning, make a planned gift to MNA. These individuals and families create a lasting legacy and protect even more of Michigan’s natural heritage both during and beyond a donor’s lifetime.
Pine siskins by Greg Bodker
$10,000 and up Harry Elkins Helstrom Memorial Fund of Community Foundation for Muskegon County Frank Holly* David Lindberg Kenneth R. Meyer Trust John and Cyndi Woollam Anonymous (3)
$1,000 to $9,999 Alec and Judy Allen* Christiane Anderson Doris Applebaum* David Baur and Bernice Natoli Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Mary Chen William Cooke* Donald and Christine Diehl Drew and Karen Peslar Foundation Ducks Unlimited Frank G. and Gertrude Dunlap Foundation Rex Guelde Ann and James Hancock IBM Corporation Matching Grants Program Clifford and Shirley Johnson Mary Karshner Stephen Kelley and Mary Catherine Rentz
Margaret Kirby Scott and Toni Klus Douglas and Celeste LaBar Ann Larimore Leuthold Family Foundation Bruce and Patricia Loughry* Robert and Marion Martin Gregory and Nancy Maze Frank H. Moore and Nancy Moore Foundation Henry and Laurel Maze Bill McEachern Janet A. Morosco Robert Morrison Gerald A. Phillips Don and Carolyn Reed* Bill and Donna Remer Michael and Libby Robold* Ken Ross John Schlansker Donald and Karen Stearns Paul and Aggie Steiner The Taheri Foundation Ruth Vail Robert and Helen Van Eck John and Mary Vranesich Wild Shores Foundation James and Marva Williams Cathleen Zepelin* Anonymous (7)
Thank You to Our Supporters
Academic Internal Medicine Associates Kim Beal and Gladys Chrostek-Beal William and Jan Bingham Bill Bobier Greg and Linda Bodker Stuart Bolinger Jennifer Breitmoser Marilou and Thomas Capo Christopher Chamberlin and Joanna Pease Melvin and Mary Ann Czechowski Robert and Linda DeLap Harry and Sara Eick Erie Shores Birding Association Aubrey and Martina Golden Charles and Nancy Goodrich Jerry and Becky Gray David and Carrie Grellmann Susan Gumpper Keto Gyekis Robert and Elizabeth Herbst Neil and Mary Hodges* Anna Holden Joy Jackson
Kurt and Maura Jung Yu Man Lee and Jon Noyes Gisela Lendle King Scott MacLean William and Mary Martin Maureen Michael and Roger De Roo Jim and Betsy Pifer Tony and Susan Reznicek Lynn Schram Rebecca Sive and Steve Tomashefsky William Sullivan Martin Tatuch Kyle Troyer Craig Tylenda Joyce Van Ochten Brian and Joan Wake* Glen and Edie Walter Andy and Julia Walz Kenneth Walz George Wickstrom David and Joanne Wood Yardeners of St. Clair Shores Ted Zahrfeld Stan and Kathy Zasuwa Ray Ziarno Anonymous (6)
$100 to $499 Susan and Keith Abentrod* Angela and William Aldrich Robert Alexander Barbara Anderson Carrie Andrews Leon and Beverly Anibal Mel Annis Mark Atma and Ruth Ten Broek Susanna Ausema Ronald and Judy Backus Larry and Pat Bacon Thomas and Linda Baes Phyllis Barents Clifford and Isabel Bath James Bauer Pat and Ronald Beechem Jonathon Beeton David and Joyce Benjamins Michael and Diane Bennett Jim Bergman and Penny Hommel Sasha Bialock Stacy and Timothy Bosch Robert Bowden Jr. and Ann Fitzpatrick William and Angela Bowman Kristine Bradof
We Remember Goldfinch © Deb Traxinger
$500 to $999
We pay special tribute to the following individuals who passed away in 2018. They were true champions for nature expressed, in part, by making significant contributions to MNA. Sharon Johnson—a lifelong naturalist, biology teacher and Dean at Mott Community College who loved birds, butterflies and native plants, especially orchids, ferns, and wildflowers. Sharon voluntarily conducted annual butterfly counts in Gogebic County and at Dauner Martin Nature Sanctuary in Fenton. Richard Stevenson—an outdoors man who valued conservation, animals and their habitats, and finding the beauty in simple things. Richard held many jobs in conservation, ultimately becoming a Forester with the Michigan DNR until his retirement. He served as a volunteer Steward of Carlton Lake Nature Sanctuary. Karen Weingarden—a stalwart MNA volunteer, ultimately serving as President of the Board of Trustees for nearly a decade. Remembered fondly for her focus, tenaciousness, passion for habitat protection, and capable leadership, she stepped up when needed and guided MNA through significant change.
Thank You to Our Supporters
$100 to $499 Cont. John and Patricia Bradtke Carol Branch and Deb Ledford Clara Bratton Kathy Brehm Betsy Briere Rebecca Brock David and Sharon Brooks Linda Brown and David Dupont Eleanor Brownell Gerald and Rose Burke Daniel and Stacy Burton Lee Burton and Roberta Shaw-Reeves James Buschmann and Shirley Sampier Carolyn and Kerry Bush Joanne Cantoni Catherine Carter Philip Chamberlain Kristi Chapman Lucy Chargot Robert Christensen Christopher Clampitt
Tamarack tree cricket by Dave Cuthrell
Thomas Clark Michael and Terri Clark Leslie Clark Dottie Clune and Jill Henemyer Allison and Michael Cofone Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan Marilyn Cooper Dorotha Cooper George Corliss Patricia Cornett Lt. Col. Stephen Danis Beth Dannenberger Elizabeth Dapson Catherine Davis William and Kathy Davis William and Mary Davis Lillian Dean Bill Deephouse and Marcia Goodrich David DeGraaf Wayne and Marj Dennis James and Yevgenya Derian Larry and Diane Detter Judy Dircks Scott and Susan Donegan Joseph and Vera Donohoe Anne Doran Stephen and Jayne Dunseith Mary Edgar James Edwards Duane Ehresman Deborah Elliot L. Edward Elsholz Annajean Elvey
Ron Emaus and Jan Sovak Jeremy Emmi and Karen Meagher Toni Enright Roger and Dagmar Eriksson Daniel and Martina Ezekiel James and Fran Falender Arthur Falk Joanne Falk John and Anne Farmer Liz and Sam Febba Jo Foley May and Terry Foltz Robert and Ruth Fountain Susan Frazier Frank Galante and Paula DeGregorio Paul Gambka Liz Gannon Janet Garrett Fred Geis Linda Gill Hillary Glaser Rachel Glick Richard and Marianne Glosenger Malcolm and Rita Goodwin Michael Gordon and Scott McClive James Gother Chris and Elaine Graham Judith and John Graham Judith Grantz Great Lakes Adventure Club Greater Lansing Orchid Society Richard Greening Susanne Greenlee and Geoffrey Hoyer Edward Groves and Heidi Grether
Suzanne Grywalski Steven Habbel Beach and Marianne Hall Dan Hardie Kirk Harmon Linda and John Harris James Harris Virginia Hathorne William Hamilton and Susan Heathfield John Heidtke Lisa Helm Larry and Mary Hennessey Jim Hewitt adn Louise Westcott Scott Hickman Bill Hixson MaryAnn and Barry Hoffman Doug and Marie Holem Margaret Holtschlag David Howell Julie and Michael Hussar Keith Alan Huth Addison and Debby Igleheart Kerry and Mary Irons Nora Iversen and John Talbot Abdeen Jabara and Holly Maguigan* Linda Jackson Mark and Cheryl Jenness David and Gretchen Jewison Doug and Katharine Johnson Robert Johnson Katherine Sellers Patman Johnson Shireen Jones David and Theresa Joswick Julia Caroff
Thank You to Our Supporters Ron and Mary Junttonen Rachel Juris Bill and Linda Kail Jacquelyn Kallunki Steve Keim and Vera Kraft Rich and Brenda Keith Chuck and Katie Kenney Keweenaw Land Trust Susan Kielb Paul and Judith Kindel Sue Ellen Kingsley and Terry Kinzel Bill and Deborah Kingsley Donn and Kris Kipka Judith Kirkeby Ken and Marlena Kirton Thomas Kladzyk Don Klotz, Jr. Leah Knapp Thomas and Judith Knox Marjorie Kohler Margaret Kohring Marsha Korroch Richard and Ann Kraft Diane Krause Joe Kravetz Jon and Nancy Kreple Elizabeth Lacey Mary Ann LaMonte Lawrence and Judith Larson Glenn Latinen Don Leduc and Susan Coley Janice Lee Gerald Lee John Lehman and Maureen Delaney
Marguerite Lentz Bill and Nancy Leonard David and Alice Lewandowski Mary Leys Patrice and James Lindsay Margaret Loffelman Richard Lorey Barry and Karen Ludwig Joann Lynch Diane Macaulay Jay and Beth Machielse Merry MacRae Georgia Makens Ralph and Marena Markel* Jeanne Marsh and Steve Shevell Terry May and Diane Ebert-May Jon Mayes Duane and Maureen Mayhew Carol McCarus JB McCombs and Grace Menzel* Barb McCulley and Duane Bastian Nancy McDonald Paul and Susan McEwen Lila McMechan Barbara Mead James Mertens Paul and Jill Messing Yvette Messing Thrill List Media Group Michigan Botanical Club - White Pine Chapter James Mihelcic and Karen Curry Moran Robert and Jennifer Moll Dennis and Pauline Moore
Margaret R. Moran Amanda Morgan Julie and Tom Moylan Patrick and Christine Muldoon Craig and Nancy Mullenbruck Betty Muller* James Munro* Wayne Murphy Andrew Mutch Scott and Barbara Myckowiak Jacqueline Nabat William Nakalsky M.H. Neal, MD Jill Neuville* Curt and Holly Nielsen Catherine Niessink Ken and Emily Nietering Nancy and Richard Noble Travis Norkowski Doug and Michelle Norton Tim Nowicki Bert and Pam Nunneley Oakland Audubon Society Fred Oeflein Ted Oldham Martha Oleski Marian and Vincent Orihel Sara Osborn Artur and Ewa Ostrowski Charles Otis Angela Page Tim Palazzola and Kamelle Allen Ronald and Mary Jo Paler Blossom Home
Anne and Paul Pancella Richard and Mary Paul David Pierce and Diane Lagaipa Joyce and Joe Peterson Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Michael Philip Rosemary Philip Peter and Jill Pietila Joe Pitlanish Mary Podzikowski James and Margaret Ponshair Port Huron Garden Club John Porter Ron and Helen Priest Qualcomm Matching Grant Program Rada Radebaugh William S. Rafaill Carol and Stephen Rall Arlene Rampson Vicki Rapp-Gabrielson and Dave Gabrielson Michael and Susan Raymond Blair Reamy Dennis and Chris Reineke Stanley Renauer John and Diane Revitte Florence and Benjamin Rhodes Jeff Richards Patricia Richardson Sarah Robey Fran Rosen Kenneth Rosenman Stephen and Barbara Ross* Bruce Rossman
Thank You to Our Supporters
$100 to $499 Cont.
Jim and Pam Rossman Steven Rosswurm Jerry and Fran Rucker Ruth Sablich* Mary Saylor Fritz and Kathleen Schafer Cornelia Schaible James and Carolyn Schenden Manfred and Judith Schmidt Horst Schmidt Dr. Elizabeth Schultz Marcia Schwarz Jan and Jim Senneker Michael and Cynthia Sevilla The Steve Seymour Family Elvera Shappirio Ken Shaw Robert N. Sheap Larry Shulman and Rhonda Rochambeau Roger Siegel Donald Smalligan and Mary Kenyon James Smith and Andrea Deagostino Eugene and Marie Smith Southwestern Michigan Botanical Club Jeff Sowers Jeanette Spilsbury Jeff Stein Nancy Steiner Judy Stempien Stephanie Stevenson, MD
Les and Jackie Stiner Julie Stoneman Heidi Stoneman Ronald Strauss Elly Sullivan* Robert and Mary Swain Scott Swinton and Sylvia Morse Adam Szymczak Bing Tai Elinor Taylor James Tercha Laura Bethany Thomas William and Lenora Thurston Rosemary Tinetti Janice Titiev Eileen and Mark Tomasik Robert Tomasik and Norman Horowitz Paul and Alice Tomboulian Edward Trowbridge, Jr. Paul and Catherine Tulikangas Dori Turner Vainutis Vaitkevicius Phyllis Valentine Doris Van Buskirk Chris Van Gorder Jeanne Van Ochten and Wayne Adams Charlene Vanacker Ken VanPatten Joseph Verreau and Laura Bates Richard and Jo Ann Viinikainen Curt and Janet Vogel Robert Walter
Susan Waltz and John Smith David Wanty John Watts Will and Joan Weber Leonard and Margaret Weber Roger and Barbara Webster Kenneth Weikal Daniel Weiler Sue Welch Whistling Frog Tile Betty White* Carolyn White William and Linda Wichers Marshal Wied Wildtype Design, Native Plants & Seeds LTD Williamston Red Cedar Garden Club Lee Wilson Alan Wiseman Steve Wisinski Pat and Peggy Wolf Woman’s National Farm & Garden Association Jean Wynn Nancy Yeager Lars Zabel Mark and Andrea Zajac Walter Zarnoch Gary and Charyl Zeh Joann Zobel Anonymous (58)
Guardians of the Future (not previously listed)
Delrae M. Abbott John Assenmacher Steve and Karen Benkert Elizabeth S. Bishop Phillip and Mary Borkowski Roger W. Cooney Betty Debus Stan and Betsy Dole Dorothy Louise Fisher Richard Foster Jeff Ganley and Asansaya Pondet Barb Haman John Hand Brenda Holly Shannon Horne Rama and Gokul Jinka Linda Luneack Fran McCauley Donn and Kathy Miller Debbie Remer Don and Susan Schmitz Gerard and Lynette Szydlowski Scott and Linda Thomasma Raymond Travis Anonymous (9)
Financial Summary Fiscal Year 2017-2018 This condensed financial statement for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2017 and ending September 30, 2018 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 2018 are available upon request.
Expenses 2018
Administration & Fundraising 14%
ASSETS Cash
48,199
331,490
179,186
275,950
6,048,844
6,292,451
778,648
632,848
12,501,067
12,045,014
87,949
91,958
19,643,893
19,671,711
6,509
29,188
Payroll and Payroll Taxes
28,855
27,003
Annuity Liability
23,273
19,534
TOTAL LIABILITIES
58,637
75,725
Receivables
Conservation 50%
Outreach & Education 36%
Investments at Market Value Property and Equipment Sanctuary Properties Other Assets TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES
Income
Accounts Payable
Grants & Restricted 6%
Contributions 42%
2017
Endowment 46%
Miscellaneous 6%
TOTAL NET ASSETS
19,585,256
19,595,986
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
19,643,893
19,671,711
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. We envision a future where Michigan’s rare, threatened and endangered species and imperiled natural communities thrive, and where they are valued by people and communities that embrace and benefit from Michigan’s natural heritage.
Board of Trustees
Staff
Executive Committee
Garret Johnson Executive Director
Aubrey Golden President Yu Man Lee Vice President Ruth Vail Secretary Kurt Brauer Treasurer David Cartwright Trustee-at-Large Trustees Bill Bobier Mary Ann Czechowski Kara Haas Steve Kelley Gisela Lendle King Stan Kuchta Paul Messing Margaret Welsch
Conservation Andrew Bacon Conservation Director Rachel Maranto Stewardship Coordinator, L.P. Samantha Brodley Regional Stewardship Organizer, W.L.P. Bill Atkinson Regional Stewardship Organizer, Thumb
Nancy Leonard Regional Stewardship Organizer, Keweenaw
Natalie Kent-Norkowski Land Protection Technician Outreach & Education Julie Stoneman Director of Outreach & Education Jess Foxen Outreach & Events Manager Operations Paul Steiner Operations Director Sherry Stewart Member Services Coordinator
All uncredited photography is taken from the MNA archives. Please direct questions about this publication to Outreach & Events Manager Jess Foxen by emailing jfoxen@michigannature.org or calling (866) 223-2231. Fungi in a Forest by Michael Crawford
© 2018. Except where used with permission, entire contents copyright 2018 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
Tannery Falls by Shannon Hart
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