Little Traverse Conservancy Fall Newsletter

PROTECTING THE NORTH COUNTRY WE ALL LOVE

Protecting a Treasured Landscape Along M-119 The NEW Woody's Woods Working Forest Reserve |see p. 4 Fall 2023 | Vol. 44 No. 3 www.landtrust.org | 231.347.0991

Protecting the North Country We All Love l 1

Continuing the Relevancy Discussion

Kieran Fleming Executive Director

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s we have mentioned, we are in the throes of a facilitated in-depth strategic planning process. We are doing this because our work has become more complicated as our portfolio of conservation has grown. For example, we have been increasing our ecosystem management which has resulted in the need for technically trained staff, inventories, and a willingness to do things that need some explanation. That, in turn, requires heavier investment in how we reach out to our constituents and develop a message that can be readily seen and understood. Recently, we harvested Scotch, Red, and Austrian pines at various preserves/reserves. This was done in an effort to manage these lands to be more diverse and healthy contributors to the ecosystem. One observer might call this great news; another may see this as the absolute destruction of a forest. We need to be able to tell the story better, and part of our strategic planning will account for such investments.

We all look at “conservation” through a different lens and with different ideals. Our job here at LTC is to try to implement what we see as the best balance of these differences.

Fortunately, we have lots of options for everyone. For example, some people think our lands should be open to hunting and others object. Luckily, we can and do have both situations on our lands. Some think we should never cut a tree and let nature take its course in all cases. Others think we have an obligation to manage timber or grasslands under certain circumstances. Again, LTC can do both. Some believe we should not create trails, especially mountain bike trails, because they disrupt wildlife. Others see trails as a way to foster appreciation for being outdoors, while still achieving significant conservation. Again the simple answer: we can have both.

As mentioned in my last column and confirmed in our strategic planning, something that is showing up repeatedly and in a big way is our need to invest in being relevant to a wide group of people who live in or visit our area. While some people may like boardwalks and flat trail systems, others need them to access nature. And here I am talking about people with mobility issues, which includes so many people we all know and love. It includes folks like my 90-year-old father with poor vision or a friend who had a stroke and needs to take rehab slowly. It’s a parent with a newborn who wants the benefits of getting outdoors, but has a stroller that cannot handle a bumpy rustic trail. We all know many people who have some form of limitation, or even recognize that we are vulnerable to being in this category ourselves someday.

LTC currently has projects that will help address this need. You have read about our universally accessible “Don and Eileen Klein Nature Trail” project coming to East Jordan in the next year. The low barrier trail to the Bluestem Meadow labyrinth at the Offield Family Viewlands is another example. I can almost guarantee there will be more of these projects helping a wider range of people get out and enjoy our lands.

We want to be relevant to folks with different levels of mobility.

Our relevancy shows up in other ways too. We have been dabbling in partnerships with artists on Beaver Island and in the Les Cheneaux area. We are investing heavily in our community partnerships (we highlighted Cheboygan trail partners at our annual meeting in August) so that we are at the table 2 l Little Traverse Conservancy

TEAM LTC when our mission intersects with their vision. We have helped local units of government acquire outdoor recreation lands dozens of times.

We do have to say no to many proposals that stray too far from our land conservation mission. But we need to say yes when we can. I have used the “big tent” analogy a thousand times, for good reason. LTC remains a place where people can gather and work towards a common goal, even if we don’t fully agree on some of the nuances. By working this way, we are going to protect the landscape that is cherished by all of us, if for different reasons.

By the time you read this, our strategic planning will be entering its final phase. So far, everything points to LTC stepping boldly forward with our mission, while increasing our relevancy to you, our constituents.

This organization has long been a place where people with diverse interests and backgrounds can still work together to take care of the land and, by doing so, take care of each other. Ultimately, isn't that what it is all really about?

Our members and volunteers BOARD OF TRUSTEES Cedric A. (Rick) Richner, III, Chair Phil Porter, Vice Chair Jon Lyons, Treasurer Karie Slavik, Secretary Josh Baker Tom Litzner Lisa Blanchard Glen Matthews Richard M. Bolton Harriet McGraw George M. Covington John Merrill Mary Faculak Emerson Meyer Jeffrey S. Ford Maureen Nicholson Gregg K. Garver Consie Pierrepont John Griffin Bill Roney Eric Hemenway Tom Rowland Dave Kring R. Ham Schirmer Darrell Lawson Susan I. Stewart STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS Mary Faculak, Land Protection Gregg K. Garver, Stewardship John Merrill, Education Phil Porter, Nominating Jon Lyons, Investment STEWARDSHIP Derek Shiels, Director Melissa Hansen, Director of Conservation Easements Cacia Lesh, Volunteer Coordinator Charles Dawley, Technology and Stewardship Mike Lynch, Preserve Stewardship Amy Lipson, Conservation Specialist Blake Sexton, Conservation Easement Technician Brad Von Blon, Ecology Technician Keegan Butler, Stewardship Technician LAND PROTECTION Caitlin Donnelly, Director Joe Graham, Land Protection Specialist ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION Sarah Mayhew, Director Sarah Koetje, Education Specialist Taylor Sobczak, Education Specialist COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY OUTREACH Anne Fleming, Director ADMINISTRATION Kieran Fleming, Executive Director Thomas Lagerstom, Chief Financial Officer Emily Hughes, Chief Development Officer Lindsay Hall, Development Associate Sarah Gurney, Administrative Coordinator AND IN TRIBUTE TO OUR FOUNDERS: John Fischer Dave Irish Ed Koza Earl Larson

Seberon “Boo” Litzenburger Frank Pierce John Tanton

The mission of the Little Traverse Conservancy is to protect the natural diversity and beauty of northern Michigan by preserving significant land and scenic areas,and fostering appreciation and understanding of the environment.

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The NEW Woody's Woods Working Forest Reserve LEGACY PROTECTION ALONG M-119

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ichigan’s Scenic Heritage Route M-119 - the Tunnel of Trees - is renowned for its views of Lake Michigan and the twisting, woodsy route to some of northern Lower Michigan’s most iconic destinations.

The Conservancy is thrilled to announce that one of those destinations, the community of Good Hart, is now more securely protected with the creation of the 112-acre Woody’s Woods Working Forest Reserve located across the street from “downtown” Good Hart.

The land, locally known as the Lamkin Farm, is intimately woven into the history of Good Hart. Lowell and Tessa Lamkin owned the Lamkin Waterfront Lodge (built 1912) and their son Dale moved a house to the location of the farm, where it remains in family ownership today.

In more recent history, Keith Lamkin (Lowell and Tess's grandson) owned a dairy operation for a short time on the land, and is perhaps best known for his work through MSU Extension.

Consisting of both open farmland and woods, the preserve land lies close to the Readmond Township trail and park on Lake Michigan, the 220-acre ElmerJohnston Nature Preserve and the 696-acre Goodhart Farms Nature

Lamkin family about the future of their land. “Because of our long-standing and wonderful relationship with the Lamkin family,” said Kieran Fleming, LTC called.” In June of 2022, a purchase option was signed and the fundraising process formally began. r ne ard Woody G

Preserve along M-119, and it sparked an idea. “Protecting land has always been right there, waiting for me to do it. I wanted to do something because I appreciate the

following a successful fundraising campaign, it did!

“I don’t know if we ever truly own property,” said Ed Lamkin following the project closing. “Like the Native Americans before us, I do believe we were good stewards of the land. Now with the land protected, in a way it has gone back to the people for everyone to enjoy.” Ed gave great thanks to Woody and all those who made the protection possible.

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As the mother of three grown children who all have an appreciation for the land and what their mother has done, Woody’s hope is that her kids will always feel connected to her through this land that “will always be here.”

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ith Woody learned about the process e rn he r ch Wa and Ty listened to what kind of land d n ildren Ty, Amelia, a interested her. For more than a year, Ty sent Woody projects to consider, but it wasn’t until she learned about the Lamkin property that something felt right and she pledged the lead gift toward its purchase.

“Woody’s pledge was a watershed moment, telling us that this land on

Supporters for the Woody's Woods Working Forest Reserve Abuzz Creative Aleyn Airey Richard A. and Marcia B. Ames Les Arnold Linda Atchison Rob and Ann Bassett Ceci Bauer & Tim Flynn Ms. Mary Beck Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Bennett John and JoAnn Birdzell Robert and Mary Alice Bolline Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Bolton Parley Boswell and Kennedy Hutson Mrs. Martin B. Breighner Pat Brown Wayne and Jennie Bryan Sally and Ian Bund Cheryl Buskirk Ellen Byrne and John Richert Barbara Camp Carls Foundation Nona Carr Michael and Susan Sparrow Carson Christine Casari Tom and Janet Cattel Cherry Republic Ann Churchill Sally Churchill Jim and Pat Clarke Arthur W. Curtis, III Ms. Elisabeth Curzan Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dansbury Mr. and Mrs. Samuel DeCamp The Durgy Family Marge Edwards Sheila Navarre Enos Charitable Foundation Trust

Scott and Ellen Evans Mr. and Mrs. Michael Finn Mr. and Mrs. Brian Fisher Mrs. A. Marshall Forsberg Martha Lancaster and Doug Fuller Ms. Joyce A. Gallegos Woody Gardner Deborah Gauntlett and Philippe Job Dr. and Mrs. Alan R. Gillespie Mrs. Barbara Glowacki Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Godfrey Greg and Susan Goodman Mr. Jeffrey M. Graham Alex A. Green Dr. Ada M. Hall Mr. Thomas Hannah Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Hassing Barbara and Jerome Hoganson Ruth Jaffe and Paul Horowitz Ms. Catherine Iansiti Mrs. Ann K. Irish Steve Wolf and Sherry Jones Mr. and Mrs. V. Stewart Jose Ken and Sally Kelsey Kenneth and Susan Kirchner Bill and Sue Klco Michael Klingbeil Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Kluge Chuck and Christy Kneese Mike and Nancy Kota Sandra and Chester Kowal William and Linda Little Mr. Steven L Marcum Alice Greene McKinney and E. Kirk McKinney, Jr. Fund Charlotte Asbury Donald W. Milock Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Moore

Richard and Susan Nisbett Paul and Mary Nordstrom Nancy Nyquist and Mike Blohm John C. Ottimer Walter and Diane Owen Frank and Jan Parkinson Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Peterson (in honor of Remien and Peterson families) Andrew and Julie Pflug Lou Pollie Mark and Patti Prendeville Karen Randolph Mori and Cedric A. "Rick" Richner III Randel Richner and Eric Russell John and Julie Ann Rivard Ms. Sara Rose Vivek and Nancy Sankaran James Schlappi and Lorie DeGrazia Suzanne S. Schulze Mo Shannon and David Vaughn Dr. and Mrs. Henry L. Singer Dan and Claire Siwulec Jeffrey and Lisa Vallee Smith Debra Soverinsky and David Kraus Thomas and Beverly Steckert Mr. and Mrs. Christopher J. Steffen Robert Jan and Mariellyn Stevenson David and Elizabeth Stipe Michael and Regina Struble Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Taggart Dick Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Tomlinson Dell and Bonnie Weitzel Ross Westerbur and Wendy Case Ms. Barbara Wibel Claire Williams and Jordan Alpert Mr. and Mrs. George Wolff Mr. and Mrs. John H. Zobus

And you, our members and supporters, who make the long-term care of this land possible!

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Lucky in the Land

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ne of the privileges of this work is the opportunity to see some of the tucked away jewels of our incredible northern Michigan landscape. The added bonus, of course, is working with the people choosing to protect them! Such was the case with Nancy Wiese’s recent donation of a conservation easement to protect her beloved farm in Bay Township, Charlevoix County.

Perched above Walloon Lake, Nancy’s nearly 40 acres consist of gently sloping agricultural fields and pockets of hardwoods. Walloon Lake can be seen off to the east, a view Nancy regularly enjoys while working her small flock of sheep with her border collies Jack and Kate, or golfing the holes she has placed around one of the fields. “This is all I want to do, right here,” she says, hopping off her tractor to give a tour.

While Nancy’s roots are from Chicago and Chicago suburbs, she has always been an active person who loves the outdoors, riding horses and sailing among her hobbies. Her family started to vacation in northern Michigan in the 1970s, eventually building a cottage right down the road from her farm. In the 1990s, she started to work with border collies and sheep, a passion that keeps her healthy and active today. The wool from her sheep is spun into yarn that she turns into handmade projects shared with friends and family. “Nancy is one of those people you meet who is living her life to the fullest and in deep appreciation for what she has,” said Caitlin Donnelly, LTC’s Director of Land Protection. “Her energy and enthusiasm are so inspiring!”

Nancy is well aware of how fortunate she was to have the opportunity to purchase the land in 1993. She acknowledges her luck as well in having the Skornia family as her neighbors. “It was Dave (Skornia) who helped me through the process of doing the conservation easement,” she explained. In 2004, LTC helped the Walloon Lake Association & Conservancy protect 75 acres of the Skornia farm, and Dave has long been a champion of farmland protection through conservation easements. “I just have always felt lucky in this life,” Nancy said. “And giving back to the land simply feels right.”

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Finding Peace in the North

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he phrase “turning lemons into lemonade” comes to mind when Dan Creyts tells you his family’s story, and one way they have made lemonade is to permanently protect their beautiful nearly 80-acre farmland near Cross Village with a conservation easement.

Dan’s family land is in south central Michigan, near Charlotte. More than 20 years ago, their land was targeted for a new auto manufacturing plant, and the choices given to them were few. The end result was the sale of a large percentage of their land, as well as Dan’s parents’ land next door.

“When we were being pressured to sell, Jean and I started looking for property somewhere else,” Dan explained. Dan was raising purebred Belgian draft horses at the time, and Harbor Springs farmer Clare Gregory visited Dan’s farm looking for horses to drive on Harbor Point. Over the years, Dan and Clare became good friends and through their visits up north, Dan and Jean came to love Emmet County.

So it was natural for them to start looking for land in that region. “As soon as I saw the property on Beckon Road, I told Jean to stop the car — this was it,” Dan said.

“We first purchased it in 2002 and cleared the land that hadn’t been farmed in 32 years so it was quite grown up, and had stone piles and old fence rows,” Dan explained. “We cleaned it all up and started growing hay there, and built a house and a barn.”

The Creyts still own 37 acres of what was once 400 acres in southern Michigan, and now their daughter lives nearby, but no longer on the family land. “We don’t get up north as much as we would like, but I love it when I am up there, working the land, getting in the woods," Dan said. "I love the people and friends we have made.”

The Ovenbird — known for its long beautiful song — is one of 73 species that Don’s sister, Nadine, has identified on their land.

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Photos by Jeff Moyer

“The Creyts' easement land is in such a beautiful part of the county, where glimpses of Lake Michigan can be viewed from the hilltops,” said Caitlin Donnelly, director of land protection.

“It builds on other protection provided by LTC easement and preserve lands.”

Keeping More Land Wild on Trout Lake the new John J. Helstrom Nature Preserve at Trout Lake

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he protection of land in the Chippewa County village of Trout Lake has grown with the creation of the new John H. Helstrom Nature Preserve at Trout Lake.

The new 38-acre preserve includes open wetland and a lowland conifer forest with approximately 100 feet of frontage on Little Trout Lake, and is bisected

by Kneebone Creek. A pond is the center point of the preserve.

Upon visiting the preserve the family of John J. Helstrom noticed how exceptional the habitat was for waterfowl and wildlife, with “several happy ducks” enjoying the water.

The preserve also helps protect a unique circle of lakes located on the edge of Trout Lake. The parcel lies in between the existing Anna Badgley Little Trout Lake and Trout Family nature preserves.

LTC had previously purchased property from a trust to create one of the adjacent preserves and was contacted by the trust's agent with the opportunity to purchase another parcel.

Funding for the land came from the trust of John J. Helstrom, adding to a list of several lands now protected through his family with his name. These lands include the nearby John J. Helstrom Nature Preserve at Shelldrake River.

John Helstrom's family knew of his love for northern Michigan, and has diligently found and protected some of the most beautiful and sensitive habitats in partnership with LTC, which has now become an impressive legacy!

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Fountain Family Nature Preserve at Poupard Bay In memory of William and Esther Fountain from Bob and Ruth, Jim and Carolyn

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beautiful Lake Michigan nature preserve has now been established as the Fountain Family Nature Preserve at Poupard Bay. The 22 acres include 980 feet of frontage along the north shore of Lake Michigan, just a few miles west of the Mackinac Bridge. The preserve includes an interdunal wetland area and forested wetland (see below for more details).

William and Esther Fountain were people who valued the outdoors, and when their family read about the opportunity to name this new preserve, they saw it as a perfect way to honor their legacy. Upon visiting the land, the family saw how unique the ecosystem was, making them appreciate it even more deeply.

A grant from the North American Wetland Conservation Act program provided the remaining funds for the land purchase. “We also want to acknowledge Bob Brown and his family who approached the Conservancy in the Spring of 2022 with the idea of selling some of their family land to be protected,” said LTC Land Protection Specialist Joe Graham. “So often our success starts with landowners knowing they have something special and giving us a call.”

Lake Michigan

Currently, the shore is rocky, although this changes with the lake levels. Staff will be removing several old structures over time. No trails are planned.

Amy Lipson, LTC ecology specialist, noted that the Fountain Preserve is located along the Niagara Escarpment, creating conditions best suited for plants that thrive in high pH environments and low nutrient availability. “Because the substrate is nutrient poor, you find plants resorting to eating bugs here, such as the carnivorous pitcher plant, round-leaved sundew, bladderwort, and butterwort.” Lipson added that other plants on the preserve include Kalm’s lobelia, Lake Huron tansy, and dwarf lake iris, a state and federally threatened flower.

Kalm’s St. John’s wort, Labrador tea, cranberries, blueberries, fireweed, and American cow wheat are other classic species found along this type of coastline. Photos by LTC Ecology Technician Brad Von Blon

Kalm's lobelia (Lobelia kalmii)

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SAVE THE TREES & ROCK THE FOREST Over 400 people gathered on a gorgeous summer night in July for our 34th annual Save the Trees event, our most successful to date with $250,000 raised! By supporting Save the Trees, you are empowering so much good work. Funds raised from this event and Rock the Forest directly support what you love and value most: protecting northern Michigan land, building and maintaining trails, and getting children outside.

Thank you for making this a monumental year!

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What is Rock the Forest?

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For the second year in a row, we partnered with Caroline and Gardiner Garrardof 3Sips to bring back Rock the Forest, a concert benefiting conservation following our beloved cocktail party, Save the Trees. $50 from every concert ticket was donated directly to LTC. It was a magical evening of live music overlooking the Offield Family Viewlands as the sun set on Little Traverse Bay.

Thank you to our generous Save the Trees 2023 sponsors: Save the Trees Committee Chairs:

* Denotes Committee Members

CEDAR - $20,000

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Fisher Mr. and Mrs. Colin FitzSimons Gayle and Chip Everest Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. The Seth Low Pierrepont Family* FitzSimons Bonnie and Beeb Graham Sternberg* Rick and Lotsie Holton Diana and Jim Huckle BLACK CHERRY - $10,000 Marcee and Grant James Stephen and Molly Kircher Emily Everest* Laura and David Kowalski Amy and George Joseph Dave and Doreen Kresnak Sarah Kay and family Mr. and Mrs. John B. McCoy Mr. and Mrs. Alex Taylor Emerson and Juliet Meyer Andrew and Kendell Mountain RED OAK - $5,000 Stephen and Anne Murray Jim and Chase Dreyfous Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Nolan Jane and Reed Eberly Mr. and Mrs. Robert Meredith and Peter Perkins Hermann, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. William A. Petzold Kathleen Gamble Hirrel Thomas and Sarah Post* James and Laura Hunt Mr. and Mrs. Greg Renker Joseph J. Schott Foundation Mr. and Mrs. W. James Sprow Dr. and Mrs. John A. Woollam WHITE PINE - $2,500 Chris and Cindy Baiardi Christy and Jim Everest Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner W. Garrard, Jr. Katie and Rob Holton* Elizabeth Kenan Ms. Audie Otto Rogan and Dunne Saal Sally and Bill Soter Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Wilson, III EASTERN HEMLOCK - $1,000 Chris Abood David and Robyn Barrie Mr. George Peter Block, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Bolton Martha and Andrew Bowman* Kevin and Heather Byer Rob and Janet Carr Mrs. Thomas H. Carruthers, IV* Tom and Katie Carruthers Hillary and Fairfax Cooper Anne and Aaron Copeland Leslie and John Culbertson Mr. and Mrs. Andrew DeWitt Walter and Jane Enterline*

Bert and Tina Donovan Mr. and Mrs. David J. Donovan Robbie and Lindsay Everest Ms. Tricia L. Everest Dr. David and Heidi Finley Elise Fisher Chris Ford and Ali Hill Woody Gardner Brion Gopigian Brian and Gretchen Grad Mrs. Robert W. Greene, III

Jill and Scott Sellers Maureen and Dan Shaheen* Deborah Shaw and Steve Marquardt Mr. and Mrs. Peter Simons Fred Stanske and Cindy Newton Stephanie and Austin Stephens Summers Foundation Place Tegland Mr. and Mrs. Landon L. Tracy Don and Mary Trout Mr. and Mrs. Michael Van Lokeren Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Walkowiak Ms. Anne D. Wallace

Mr. and Mrs. Hudson Holland Mrs. Ann K. Irish Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Kalinowski Martin Letts Adam and Mara Lowry Will and Kathleen Macomber Mr. P. Abbott McCartney John and Mary Merrill Margo Bailey Mertaugh Christopher and Kate Mitchell Rob and Liz Mueller Nub’s Nob Ski Area Steven P. and Anthy Paddock Parker Family Mr. and Mrs. Richard M. Parker Jill and Dave Patterson Sheri Pawlik Rachael and Will Peek Charlie and Lacey Petersen Holly and Stuart Seltman Leigh Spicer and Edward Blake Bill and Carolyn Stark Susan and Gary Stewart Rob Suess and Sharon Mathison Suess Caroline and Ed Thomas Douglas A. Warner III Mike and Brooke Woodham

BALSAM FIR - $500

TAMARACK - $250

Peggy Abood* Mr. and Mrs. J. Hord Armstrong, III Caroline Sharfman Bacon Terry and Lyndi Balven Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Baun Mr. and Mrs. John G. Beam, Jr. Robert and Christy Berry Birchwood Construction Company Sally and Ian Bund Kathleen Cavanagh Michael and Karen Donnelly

Neil W. and Elizabeth Ahrens Michael T and Karen Alberts Drs. Patrick and Barb Mathes Alguire John and Bethany Armstrong David and Vedya Boikess Parley Boswell and Kennedy Hutson Mrs. Reynold Brinker Howard and Jeannie Canada Carolyn Candler and Charles Leahy

Bill Roney and Joanne Kelley Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Schiavone

Ryan and Sara Charles Charles and Mary Beth Clark Mr. and Mrs. J. David Cummings Bruce K. Davis and Heidi W. Hill John and Laura Tanton de Olazarra Douglas and Ellen Depodesta The Eshelbrenner/Rotert Family Mr. and Mrs. Pete Everest Ms. Lee Ford Peter and Sarah Ford Paul and Claire Forney Patti and Balky Grannis Buzz and Nancy Grote, Jr. Patrick and Kathleen Haas Mr. and Mrs. Johnson Hightower Mr. and Mrs. Jay Kern Kenneth and Susan Kirchner Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Kost* Scott and Eva MacDonald Megan Manahan and Russell Hurford Christopher and Ann McCarthyGarland Yvonne Fisher McCready Ellie and Matt Nader John and Sharon Neighbours Mrs. Barbara N. O’Hara Marta and Peter Olson Chelsea Simms and George Peet Paul and MK Quinlan Deborah R. Taggart Kevin Vranes and Julie Sparrow Carson Wells Wallace and Michael Dulfer* Christopher and Natalie Walts Gill Whitman* IN KIND DONORS Drost Landscape Chip and Emily Everest Gurney’s Harbor Bottle Shop BUSINESS SPONSORS Belle Aquatic Crooked Tree Arts Center Decka Digital, LLC Evening Star Joinery Dave Kring Chevrolet Cadillac Little Juice Petoskey Plastics

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Making Way for More Trails

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COLLABORATING TO MEET MANY NEEDS

Molly Hauxwell Currier

reative problem solving has resulted in the expansion of Resort Township lands to allow for future public trails, the protection of 25 acres, and the peace of mind for two sisters who just wanted their family land to stay undeveloped.

The land now protected with a conservation easement lies adjacent to the Resort Township office in Emmet County. It consists of mostly hilly mixed hardwoods and a quarter mile of Schoofs Creek, one of only two surface water tributaries to Walloon Lake. Though Schoofs Creek is only a seasonal waterway that is dry most of the year, protecting the headwaters promotes flood resilience and improved water quality for the community in the coming years.

The long term goal for the property is to develop a nature trail. Bob Wheaton, Township Supervisor, expressed his gratitude to the sisters — Kalyn and Karen Sterzik — for first protecting the land and then donating it to the township. “The popularity of the nearby Pioneer Trails has shown us how much our residents would like even more trails,” Bob said.

“We did get to visit our family there often, and we have wonderful memories of them and the beautiful natural areas nearby. Many of our family members were very active in their communities, organizing and promoting Resort Township and Emmet County," says Kalyn Sterzik. "Our gift of the woods to the community is our way of honoring the Sterzik family and the land they worked to nurture and protect.”

"Assist projects are an often overlooked part of our work," said Joe Graham, LTC land protection specialist. "When working with thoughtful generous landowners and forward thinking communities, so much can be accomplished."

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"The only residents of the gifted land have scales, feathers, or fur."

- Kalyn Sterzik

For the Bats & the Birds!

SCOUT PROJECTS HELP WILDLIFE

Girl Scouts from Petoskey Troop 8686 in Petoskey

recently took a field trip with our Environmental Education staff at the Allan and Virginia McCune Nature Preserve. There they saw a bat house that had been placed to create habitat for bats threatened by white nose fungus. In an effort to help bat populations in our area, the girls recently built eight bat houses, earning them the Bronze Award merit badge. They decided to donate these houses to LTC and you will see them placed at various preserves.

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When Alexander Cecil, a high schooler from Florida, was

choosing his Eagle Scout project, he decided to do something that would benefit the wildlife at his family's namesake nature preserve in Boyne City: the Nathan "Barry" Driggers Nature Preserve. Alex's grandfather — Barry Driggers — was a conservationist who summered in Horton Bay. In 2007, the Driggers family made a lead donation for the acquisition of the preserve, naming it in his honor. Alex decided to build and install 12 bluebird nest boxes for the preserve. With the help of friends and family, the project was completed this past June.

When you hike the trails and enjoy the views of the preserve, you can also enjoy three generations of a conservation legacy. We will be keeping an eye on these birdhouses in the coming summers to see which winged friends have also benefitted.

What is Happening with LTC Mountain Bike Trails?

NEW! Melvin Family Hiking and Biking Trails Rock Solid Trail Contracting is making great headway on seven miles of new trail. Due to the sensitivity of the trails, the reserve remains CLOSED until the trails are complete and adequately compacted. Mark and Margie Eustis of Mullett Lake have added to a matching grant so that EVERY DOLLAR donated will be matched until we reach our goal!

NEW! Offield Family Viewlands Mountain Bike Trails Flowtrack Mountain Bike Trail Builders from Marquette will soon be building about five miles of new trails designed for all levels of mountain bikers on the east portion of the property. A future link to the North Country Trail is coming in phase 2. Thanks to generous LTC members, Peter and Quin Curran, ALL gifts given now and until the project goal is met will be MATCHED! More information and to donate.

Update: Tanton Family Mountain Bike Trail Addition On this new trail, the mantra is “Volunteers Rule!” Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association and LTC volunteers have logged hundreds of hours with chainsaws and mini excavators, all the while braving bees, sweat, broken chains, and downed trees everywhere to bring us another 1.5 miles of trail geared to beginner riders. This trail doesn’t disappoint. With the first loop complete, the trail crew invites you to help pack it down by riding it. It’s short, curvy, and yes, somewhat hilly — enjoyable for the whole family. This new trail is also a great warm up to the blue and black trails and the hills throughout the reserve. The second loop should be complete this fall, and all 8 miles of trails will be open for all to enjoy.

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LTC's Brad Von Blon leading a BioBlitz training at the Sally and Jack Clark Nature Preserve.

Several work days were held over the summer to remove invasive species such as the spotted knapweed found at the Walter W. Fisher Family Nature Preserve.

A new bridge donated by Don App was placed at the Elizabeth B. Hoffmann Nature Preserve.

Funding to install this and create a new trail to the Diane and Richard DeNardis Nature Preserve came from Diane and Richard and a grant from the Charlevoix County Community Foundation.

Summer

A new platform was constructed this summer at the Sally & Jack Clark Nature Preserve in Petoskey with support from the PetoskeyHarbor Springs Area Community Foundation. In June, a BioBlitz training event was held at the preserve.

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The Beem family, Six Mile Lake Association, and the Charlevoix County Community Foundation funded a new parking area and trail at the Nathan Beem Memorial Nature Preserve.

STEWARDSHIP SNAPSHOTS

A new changing station has been built at the Melvin Family Hiking and Biking Trails.

New turtle rafts built by volunteers Richard Jenkins and John Baker were placed at a handful LTC lands including the Offield Family Viewlands and the Round Lake Nature Preserve.

Mountain bike trail volunteer Mike Sibel working the new trail loop at the Tanton Family Reserve.

On June 29, the Bluestem Meadow team and LTC gathered with project donors to celebrate their success!

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A FRESH PERSPECTIVE Taylor Sobczak, LTC Education Specialist

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fter my seasonal time at LTC in the fall of 2022, I was excited, but nervous, to be asked to join the team again for the summer season. I was used to school year field trips with the local schools, and didn't know what to expect the summer to hold for these education programs. Honestly, no one did because this was our first summer after COVID that we opened up multiple age groups again. We thought it would do well, but numbers soared higher than we could have expected, especially for the Knee-High Naturalist group (ages 3-5). Our goal was to reach 20 youngsters per program, and following a social media post, all programs filled to capacity with 37 registering for the “Bugs” program!

I saw a core group of kids come back program after program, week after week. I was honored that they enjoyed their time enough to continue to come back. And I loved getting to know these kids on a deeper level. Being able to watch them make new discoveries every program and walk in asking, “What are we learning about today?!” just showed how much these programs meant to the kids.

Taylor Sobczak

When asked if her child had a favorite program or take away from the summer programs, a parent responded, “The Birding class really piqued an interest in birds for my 6-year-old. We bought bird feeders, a bird book, and he has continued to use my Merlin App with me to identify birds he hears.”

Another child said that their favorite program was either the shelter building or pond dipping program because they were “the most hands on with the environment.”

Allowing kids to explore nature and get excited like this is exactly how we wanted the summer to go. We were eager to see that people were still with us after putting the summer education programs on the backburner for a couple summers. This created even more anticipation over what next summer holds for our programs. The renewed enthusiasm for summer programs opened our eyes to new dreams that we have for the future.

Education at LTC is expanding and I am honored to have been a part of it.

Every year, the Andreae-Brown Family Environmental Education Endowment Fund makes these programs possible!

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E.C.A.R.

Cataloging all Life, Large and Small, on Conservancy Lands Brad Von Blon, Ecology Technician

T

he inventorying process on Conservancy lands has been steady this summer, with important attention being paid to many big and many tiny things!

We’ve seen some gigantic trees! Many of the preserves that have been surveyed so far have shown us some very large and very old specimens. I will be compiling a list of sizes and locations for members to visit some of them. Our largest Hemlock measured to date is a whopping 32 inches in diameter, and several hardwoods have approached 40 inches! With the help of a new increment borer, a handpowered auger, we can extract a small core from a tree. Once the core is removed (don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt the tree), the rings are counted to assess the age of the forest. Several forests have proved to be more than 100 years old, but the average woodlot in our area seems to hover between 60 and 80 years. Our oldest core so far was from a 16-inch diameter Red Pine near Cross Village, which sprouted right around when George Washington crossed the Delaware River in 1776 (the core showed 247 rings)! Other notable trees include a 117-year-old White Cedar at the Enje Nkweshdat Wat Nature Preserve, a 193-year-old Black Oak at the Woollam Family Nature Preserve, and a 180-year-old Sugar Maple on the Ryan Nature Preserve.

E.C.A.R.

Ecological Conditions and Response This program will examine all LTC lands to identify, quantify, and evaluate their habitat types, health, and status. Equipped with that information, LTC staff will formulate response actions and then implement them to maintain high quality sites and improve degraded areas.

Shaggy-fringe Lichen (Anaptychia palmula)

As for small things, lichen is Yellow Soot Lichen (Calicium lucidum) which had only been documented once before in the Lower Peninsula. This species grows almost of this species without water nearby. This is very closely related to another obligate species that needs forests over 100 years old. Preserves where I’ve seen it include Oden Island and Five Mile Creek.

Another lichen species which had not been documented in the Lower Peninsula since 1974 is Shaggy-fringe Lichen (Anaptychia palmulata) which we found just north of Harbor Springs. This species also prefers older forests, especially mature cedar swamps, and looks like green shag carpet clinging to the trees.

Ecologists from the Michigan Natural Features Inventory are on track to inventory and map 5,000 acres of LTC lands by this fall. I’m looking forward to expanding our search for even more we can better take care of it!

Protecting the North Country We All Love l 17

A 'Win-Win!'

STARTING A CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY with Little Traverse Conservancy

S

uzanne Wingate grew up in Muncie, Indiana. She was on the forefront of information systems. Those were the days when companies would have timeshares for one computer. Yes, entire companies would share one computer. Imagine having to type all programming into a new computer (this was before floppy disks and USB drives). Suzanne did that. One of her early jobs offered the enginners of the company to take a night class on computing. She asked her boss if she could join (the class was all men). He said, “Yes, if you don’t say anything.” That class served her well. In fact, Suzanne’s appetite for knowledge also led her to a very wise retirement tool: starting a charitable gift annuity with Little Traverse Conservancy.

“It was a win-win! I had appreciated stock, and rather than paying capital gains tax, the annuity provides annual income I can count on.” Creating a charitable gift annuity helped Suzanne “get money out of the stock market as part of a diversified philosophy.” Suzanne did something else that is rare: she took two years off working to travel in the middle of her career. Her accountant told her if she was going to go (he advised against it), she needed to take time to get educated on her finances. She did. She spent so much time learning from Charles Schwab programs that her Schwab advisor finally said, “I don’t think you need me anymore.”

We share this story because financial literacy is powerful. It is hard to know all that can be done to make the best use of your earned income. In Suzanne’s case, a charitable gift annuity meant getting to choose where her money went. “You can either give to taxes where you have little control or donate to something you believe in." Suzanne chose Little Traverse Conservancy for her annuity because “they’ve done a magnificent job up here.” Also, “Tom Lagerstrom pointed out at an Annual Meeting that I had been giving for a long time. I was struck and so I started paying more attention,” she added. Thank you for paying attention, Suzanne. Your annuity is a meaningful legacy.

Charitable gift annuities (CGA) are getting more attention this year because of a new ruling in the SECURE Act 2.0. A charitable gift annuity is a contract to pay a set percentage semi-annually, based on the donor's age and gift amount. For the first time ever, a CGA can be started with up to $50,000 directly from an IRA. This distribution counts towards an individual's required minimum distribution (RMD).

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

18 l Little Traverse Conservancy

GRATEFUL FOR: Emily Everest and Kelsey Offield for volunteering as epic chairs for Save the Trees this year.

Christine and Fred Andreae for hosting our team at a CBC Presents event this summer.

Dave and Jean Yost for hosting a celebration for the L. John and Helen Bishop Working Forest Reserve.

Dale Rieger, Brent Bolin, Joanne Cromley, Polly Schneider, Tony Pitt, and Nancy Lindsay for participating in the Cheboygan Trail Town panel at our annual meeting.

about natural trail building methods on a community field trip.

Debbie Hindle and Ken Ross for hosting an invasive species educational hike at their property.

Rachel Hackett with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory and CAKE CISMA for partnering with us on field trips and work days this past season.

Mary Trout for leading knee-high naturalist education programs throughout the summer.

Lisa Morris, Barbara Bechold, and Sarah Ratliff for their help at Save the Trees.

Glen Matthews for forestry and ecological consulting at various properties.

Drost Landscape for donating beautiful landscape displays and arrangements for Save the Trees.

Bill Krause, Richard Lord, Glen Matthews, Peri McGuiness, Tom Rowland, Stan Royalty, Mike Tiedeck, Pat Alguire, Ken and Ryan Neihsl, Abby Mier, Wade Foster, Ed Newcomb, Kathy Wassmann, Jim Palmer, and Charles Wilson for invasive species removal at Charles A. Ransom, Woollam Family, and Naas, Mauger and Raunecker Preserves.

My Sister’s Bake Shop for crafting and donating custom scones for the dedication of Woody’s Woods Working Forest Reserve.

Harwood Gold for a discount on maple syrup products for our stewardship volunteer appreciation gift.

Pat Alguire, Don App, Dan Dueweke, Jim Ehrnst, Ed Newcomb, Tom Rowland, Richard Seibert and Dan Wassmann for building trails, boardwalks, and a bridge at the Elizabeth B. Hoffmann and DeNardis Family Preserve complex. And a special thank you to Don App for building and donating the beautiful bridge.

Pat Alguire, John Baker, Richard Jenkins, Peri McGuiness, John and Mary Merrill, Tom Rowland, Pam Schooley, Andi Shafer, and John and Eileen Thorp for hauling lumber and building the new stairs at the Woollam Family Nature Preserve.

Mike Kostal for building more turtle rafts and bird houses; and John Baker, Richard Jenkins, and Glen Matthews for making them float and installing them at various preserve ponds.

Greenwood Foundation for hosting an LTC field trip with Mary Trout, who led a wonderful bird walk at Greenwood Foundation.

Dave McVicker for teaching participants

JoAnn Astolfi, Sally Bales, Barb Bechhold, Sandy Bollinger, Diane Cookinham, Nick and Michaleen Karay, Karen Knapp, Rye Muir, and Mary Putters for helping with the summer mailing and getting it completed in record time.

Stan Royalty for monitoring wetlands and hard to access preserves.

Girl Scout Troop 8686 from Petoskey for building and donating eight bat houses.

Eagle Scout candidate Alex Cecil, his family, and his scout troop members for building and installing 12 bird houses at the Nathan “Barry” Driggers Nature Preserve.

Richard Jenkins and John Baker for tackling many to do list items as a team throughout our service area this summer.

Trail blazers Pat Alguire, John Baker, Bill Courtois, Pat and Julie Dougherty, Richard Jenkins, Bill Kunst, Glen and Diane Matthews, and Vaughn McGraw for clearing downed trees when they are reported on trails.

From left: Emily Everest, Kelsey Offield, Emily Hughes (LTC), Lindsay Hall (LTC) at Save the Trees 2023.

Bill Courtois, Richard Jenkins, and Ed and Beth Leuck for assistance with trail camera data management.

Vernal Pool Monitors Bruce Booth, Linda Hammond, Kelly Kitchen, April Sanders, Hannah and Ben Vanos, and Sharon Whitehead-van Loben Sels.

John Cowan and other volunteers from Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association, and LTC volunteers John Baker, Lilah Clevey, Garrett Muir, and Rob and Michael Whittaker for clearing the new trail at Tanton Family Working Forest Reserve.

Bill Krause, Bill Kunst, Richard Jenkins, Glen Matthews, Peri McGuiness, and Mark Pachla for planting trees at Marquita Robbins Rothe and Edward Rothe Family Working Forest Reserve.

Les Arnold, Gary High, Nils Lindwall, Bill Olstrom, Bill Reed, Robert Reynolds, Scott Smith, Dan Wassmann, and Paul Zardus for mowing various preserve parking areas and trails.

Volunteers from Fortune Bay Expedition Team for building a trail at the FosterHartley Lake Nature Preserve.

Ed Pike for allowing volunteers to observe him banding kestrels on our properties.

Beaver Island volunteers Ed and Beth Leuck, Jacque LaFreniere, and Pam Grassmick for caring for the Island's nature preserves.

Barb Forslund, Harriet and Vaughn McGraw, and the Drummond Island Silent Sports volunteer group for caring for preserve trails on Drummond Island.

Protecting the North Country We All Love l 19

Honorarium & Memorial Gifts The following gifts were received between May 10 and August 7, 2023.

IN HONOR OF Kevin Biglin Biglin Family Midge Cannon Robin Reynolds Frank M. Crump, III Anne and Michael Ray Kelsey Offield and Emily Everest Emily and Paul Fiorilli Jeffrey Ford Hanna Ford Keegan and Anne Hitz Catherine Bennett Michaleen and Nick Karay Emily Hughes and Joe, Ember, and Ada Graham Joe and Karen Kimmel The Club at Lake Pointe Association Jack and Beverley Kirby Neil and Melissa Kirby Kathrine Neils W Brewster Willcox and Mary Ellen Willcox sujo Offield Sarah Kay Remien and Peterson Families Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Peterson John C Richter Catsy and Gordie Johnston Mike and Debbie Savoie Dave and Debra Kring Mary Lou Tanton Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. McMullen Mary Trout Greenwood Foundation

IN MEMORY OF Thomas G. Austin Anonymous Cary Ambler Boggs Linda Matthews Donna Reycraft Bender The 2017-2018 Provisional Akron Garden Club Class (Wendy, Laurie, Fern, Karen, Elizabeth, and Nancy) Suzanne Fischer Patricia Graves Robin and Mike Hardman

Allen Holmes Linda Kaplan and Neal Steingold Dianne Litzenburger Gow Litzenburger Liesel Litzenburger Meijer and Hank Meijer Susan Lobalzo Cameron Reycraft O'Keefe Alita and Rick Rogers Larkin Rogers and Virginia Rogers Marilyn Stone Wollenweber and Jim Whitfield Tasha Tobin Lois Wilson Michael Cameron Kieran and Anne Fleming Tom Lagerstrom and Mary Anne Griffin Mackinac Island Yacht Club Menonaqua Beach Cottage Owners Assn.

Mr. and Mrs. William V. North Ken and Claire Perry R & S Enterprises Emily Rupp George Chapman Menonaqua Beach Cottage Owners Assn.

Peter Connaughton Steve and Gretchen OlsenBarney William Connett Anonymous Ania, Tiana, Lydia and the entire team at BofA PB Harriett Baron and Emily Baron Bernstein Ross and Didi Bowers Phillip and Lizz Chamberlain Caroline Early John Edison Joel Harris Maggie Malecki Mr. and Mrs. James S. McDonnell, III Rick and Sue Meyer Pamela Pritzl Anna Rodgers Kenneth and Nancy Jean Serwinski Liz Teasdale Kathryn Thompson James and Darcie Witherspoon C. Howard Crane Elizabeth Kenan Sharon Stebbins Crozier Menonaqua Beach Cottage Owners Assn.

20 l Little Traverse Conservancy

Horace "Bob" Ford Dave Kring Chevrolet Cadillac Mr. and Mrs. James S. Offield David Frey Liesel Litzenburger Meijer and Hank Meijer Brian Granger Mr. and Mrs. James K. Dobbs, III Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner W. Garrard, Jr. Robert Greene Elizabeth Kenan James Hanson East Burt Lake Association Hord Hardin Mrs. Stella M. Alexander Jack Harris Ms. Darlene Dawood David Hutto Adam and Mary Beth Russell Relax to the Max Nail Salon Caroline and Matt Weghorn Dan Jarzabkowski Bert and Martha Barnes Ralph and Kay Crew Gary and Patricia Daniels Kieran and Anne Fleming Wheeler Motors, Inc. Richard Kudner Susan and Jan Starr Dr. and Mrs. David E. Taylor Phyllis Rogers Lilak Julie Urban and Roger Lilak Boo Litzenburger and Dave Irish Ruth Jaffe and Paul Horowitz Colin McNaughton Menonaqua Beach Cottage Owners Assn.

James McWatters Dave Kring Chevrolet Cadillac Chuck Murray East Burt Lake Association Elizabeth Novy Proulx Mr. Frank M. Proulx Margaret O'Malley Mrs. John Summers Norman Otto East Burt Lake Association Jane L. Pierce Anonymous Ann Phillips Pamela Phillips Mary and Steve Potts

Mr. and Mrs. Doug and Amanda Ternan David and Rebecca White Marsha and Jack Williams Mitch Quaine Mr. and Mrs. James McKinnon Alice Reisig Davis Smith and Dana Crary Richard and Christine Graham Molly and Josh Gray Mr. and Mrs. Quinton L. Kuebler Melissa Smith-Maurer and Peter Maurer Richard Dahling and Nancy Sanborn The Watters and Rivard families Alexander Brooks Rigsbee Kristin Shepard Charles and Elaine Rose Corrine and Scott Harrison Elaine Rose Corrine and Scott Harrison David Searles Mary Ann Oderman Marguerite Rogers Stokes Julie Urban and Roger Lilak Joan Seaton Winston Dotty Reynolds Brotherton Jim and Christy Everest Jonathan Holland Katie and Alex Lew Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Mackell Mr. and Mrs. James S. Offield Susan Volckens Kappy Pennington and Flint Seaton Bruce Teal Steve, Patti and Alexander Ross William R. Todd Mrs. William R. Todd Betty Trippe Sara, Josh, Milo and Alder Kocha Mr. and Mrs. Quinton L. Kuebler Tom Lagerstrom and Mary Anne Griffin Chuck and Susan Raisanen Mrs. Dale D. Reberg Andi and Ron Shafer Gary Zebko Audrey Wallace Otto Mr. Clarence C. Barksdale Douglas Whitcomb Kieran and Anne Fleming Carol Wierenga Ms. Darlene Dawood

Thank you, John!

For several years, LTC has hosted an intern from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. This year’s intern was John Huss. John hit the ground running and a huge help with our work.

Born and raised playing outdoors in Alabama, John’s family always had a garden. When comparison. An interest in biology took him to an interest in human anatomy and medical studies. Yet after taking a few related college classes, he decided to switch to a major in Biology and a minor in Environmental Studies. ”My coursework showed me that I want to compost.”

John really enjoyed learning about nature in Michigan, particularly studying the about a nature preserve he particularly enjoyed, he said the Diane & Richard DeNardis Family Nature Preserve with its beautiful Inwood Creek frontage. “I came here on the others,” John added.

From Volunteer to Intern: Jacob Van Patten "I am starting my senior year at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, where I am studying political science and environmental studies. I have lived in Petoskey my whole life. About ten years ago, I became interested in birds, and from there, my interest in the natural world grew. Aside from birding on my own, I have gathered data on breeding birds as a volunteer for Little Traverse Conservancy, and I have spent several summers working at Thorne Swift Nature Preserve.

members were helpful with tailoring an internship to my interests, and designing one where I would learn new skills and information, and gain valuable work experience. During and invasive plants. The objective of the data I collected on certain species was to help the stewardship team determine how to manage their lands or to measure the progress of their habitat restoration work. This internship showed me the importance and helped me gain a deeper appreciation for all ecosystems in northern Michigan."

Welcome New Members!

Gifts given between May 10 and August 7, 2023

“There is so much acrimony in this world that it is so nice the Conservancy work is just such a positive thing. This is doing something that helps with the future and the fauna friends as well.”

- Frank Proulx (member since 1985)

Callie Bakker Scott Banfield Kimberly Barraco Jeff Beemer Robin Biebuyck Cathy and Mike Brady John and Savanah Cool Laurie and Lotus Cornell Gregory Curtner Charles and Judy Gattis Shelli Hesselroth Steve and Joli Hoffman

Mitch and Debra Howell Emily Johnson Margie Ladzick Ron Lyon Trudy Marcum Meriel Meehan John Nagel Anne Oosthuizen Ashley Reische Kevin and Marcy Rogers Keason and Jill Sanvordenker Anna Schaenzer

Don and Mary Scheible Leslie Jeffs Senke Mr. William A. Sheets David Trautman and Charlene Kitson Thomas and Chelsea Trautman The Tuomikoskis Amy Wendell Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Wojan Justin Wolgamott

Protecting the North Country We All Love l 21

Current Campaigns You Can Help!

Here’s an update on some of our active projects. Your membership empowers us to find and take these projects on. If you would like to help us bring one to completion, please visit www.landtrust.org.

Enji-minozhiiyaamigak, The Place of Peacefulness history — was just completed for this project right before we went to press. We are grateful for the ingenuity of the gifts will now go towards the long-term care and stewardship of this land and the trails.

More trails at Trails build strong communities.

Trails make it easier to get outside and enjoy the physical Springs’ fresh air and natural beauty. With your help, Little Traverse Conservancy and Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association (TOMMBA) can bring 5 miles of new mountain bike trail to the Harbor Springs area. Of the $375,000 project cost, $363,750 has been raised. Thanks to generous LTC members, Peter and Quin Curran, ALL gifts given now and until the project goal is met will be MATCHED!

How can we care for places like this forever?

Your membership gifts are the biggest part of ensuring our day-to-day work is possible. Thank you! Another key is the funding assured by our endowment funds each year. The following list includes our current named endowment funds that help ensure our mission sustains...and thrives:

Enji-minozhiiyaamigak, The Place of Peacefulness

22 l Little Traverse Conservancy

• Andreae-Brown Family Environmental Education Endowment Fund • Joan R. and Charles M. Taylor II Memorial Endowment Fund • Les Cheneaux Endowment Fund • Patricia and Thomas Jeffs Family Fund • Vermilion Endowment Fund

2023 Fall Events These events are offered at no charge, but pre-registration is requested by calling 231.347.0991 or online at www.landtrust.org.

Complete program descriptions are also available online.

FALL MUSHROOMING (LOCATION TBD) Sunday, September 24 Noon-2pm Join us for a day of mushroom hunting! Location to be determined based on where the mushrooms are most abundant! Register to be notified of the location prior to the event. After gathering at noon, we will split up and everyone will hunt for mushrooms. At 1:15, we will meet back at the starting point to discuss all the various mushrooms we have found. If there are not many mushrooms out, we may change to a regular nature walk to talk about plants and mushrooms.

Come prepared to hike off trail on steep or soggy terrain.

FALL HIKE AT GREENWOOD FOUNDATION Saturday, September 30 10am Once again we are partnering with the Greenwood Foundation for a beautiful early fall excursion at this spectacular protected Cheboygan County land.

Greenwood staff will take us around Lake Holy Smoke where we will keep our eyes and ears open for migratory birds, wild turkeys, and elk. Directions will be sent after you register.

CONTRADICTIONS, DILEMMAS, AND DIFFICULT CHOICES IN CONSERVATION Nathan "Barry" Driggers Nature Preserve Thursday, October 5 6:30-7:30pm Join LTC Director of Stewardship, Derek Shiels, on a walk and share outing at the Driggers Nature Preserve. How do we make decisions about the care of our lands? Why does LTC cut trees? Can we conserve rare species and develop mountain bike trails? Come with your hard or burning questions as we take a slow stroll through the trails at the Driggers Nature Preserve and muse on the philosophical underpinnings of conservation.

HIKE THE NEW L. JOHN AND HELEN BISHOP WORKING FOREST RESERVE Friday, October 13 10am-Noon Curious about this recently protected preserve? Join LTC staff on a casual walk of the new trails found just outside of Afton, east of Indian River. This 360acre reserve lies adjacent to the Agnes S. Andreae/ Boyd B. Banwell nature preserve complex, creating a spectacular amount of protected land within the Pigeon River watershed. Nearly 1½ miles of the Little Pigeon River flow through the Bishop Reserve, which will provide a beautiful backdrop at this time of year that may be peak color!

Protecting the North Country We All Love l 23

Non-profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Petoskey, MI Permit No. 110 Little Traverse Conservancy 3264 Powell Road Harbor Springs, MI 49740 www.landtrust.org Address Service Requested

What Trails are Near Me? Our Featured Trails publication is the easiest way to get a snapshot of the trails we recommend for hiking and biking throughout the Conservancy’s five-county service area. You can view it online, stop by our office for a copy, or pick one up at your local chamber of commerce.

We typically update this every year or two to make sure you get the latest information on the newest trails!

This year will be the last year we maintain the trail app LTC Explorer. We are researching the best platform to move to, and will have an update later this year. In the meantime, we are making improvements to the interactive map on our website to help with readability on your smart phone. The interactive map is the very best place to find the most updated information about our preserves, reserves, and trails. Visit www.landtrust.org/explore.