Your Little Traverse Conservancy Team
YOU, our members and volunteers
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Phil Porter, Chair
STEWARDSHIP
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
COMMUNICATIONS & OUTREACH
Anne Fleming, Director
DEVELOPMENT
Emily Hughes, Chief Development Officer
Lindsay Hall
Kyle Volp
ADMINISTRATION
Kieran Fleming, Executive Director
Joe Graham, Chief Financial Officer
Thomas Lagerstom
Sarah Gurney
AND A TRIBUTE TO OUR FOUNDERS LAND
Sarah Mayhew,
The following named endowment funds help make our mission possible:
Andreae-Brown Family Environmental Education Endowment Fund
Conservation Easement Endowment Fund
Delia Fritz Endowment for Accessibility
Jerry and Eileen Fhaner Endowment
Joan R. and Charles M. Taylor II
Memorial Endowment Fund
Les Cheneaux Endowment Fund
Liesel Litzenburger Meijer Endowment
Martha and Michael Cameron Endowment Fund
Seberon “Boo” Litzenburger
Patricia and Thomas Jeffs Family Fund
Roney Family Endowment
Sowing the Seeds Education Endowment
Stewardship Endowment Fund
Vermilion Endowment Fund
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.
PROTECTION NEAR PICKEREL LAKE
Community action made this possible!
You, our community, came together at the end of 2024 to make something truly special happen. LTC announced to members a matching gift challenge from the Stoddard Family Foundation: help LTC protect a 40-acre addition to the Ray Johnston Nature Preserve just south of Pickerel Lake and your gift would be doubled. And that is exactly what you did!
It was an amazing victory to see nearly 50 individuals, families, and foundations work together to make this new preserve addition possible. Executive Director Kieran Fleming said, “The rate at which we received funding was astounding, demonstrating how eager people were to preserve more of the area they love for future generations.” With this addition, the Ray Johnston Nature Preserve now totals 92 acres. There are currently no plans to expand the trails.
“The Ray Johnston Nature Preserve is an important part of the fabric of our community. Having the opportunity to use the last of some old community funds to support the expansion of the Ray Johnston Nature Preserve is our way of saying thank you. We are excited to be part of the preservation of this land.”
– Gail May and Nancy Dennis, neighbors to the preserve
Triumph Through a “Transfer and Assist” Project
What is a Transfer and Assist? The “Transfer and Assist” program is a collaboration between the LTC and community partners to facilitate land conservation. Under this program, LTC temporarily holds properties set to be acquired by other organizations. LTC’s role is to ensure the land remains protected until the partner organization can provide funding. This process helps prevent the property from being sold to private interests if funding cannot be secured quickly enough. Some well-known parks, such as East and West Park near Bay Shore and Spring Lake Park on M-119, are great examples of successful collaborations.
Doe Lake Transfer and Assist
Located southeast of Wolverine in Cheboygan County is Doe Lake, a 320-acre conservation easement that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will soon acquire from LTC. For now, LTC will hold the property through our Transfer and Assist program.
The Doe Lake project is particularly important because the land is a top conservation priority. It will significantly enhance the Pigeon River State Forest which borders the property on two sides. This area provides significant elk habitat.
LTC played a crucial role in this project by providing quick access to funding. In this case, the DNR had secured funding through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund—money generated from the sale of oil and mineral leases—to acquire the property. However, the funding was delayed in the appropriation process while private interest in the land was growing. This caused concerns that the property might be sold before the DNR had the necessary funds to acquire it.
Conservation partnerships like these are crucial to preserving our natural resources and ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty and biodiversity of our land.
“At our request, LTC stepped in to assist by securing the property while we waited for our funding appropriation. It is a huge relief to know that we have such a strong partner in LTC, who is always willing to help us in our efforts to protect special places like Doe Lake. We are able to accomplish so much more because of our partnership with LTC!”
-Kerry Heckman
DNR, Forest Land Administrator
Conserving More Land Through the Conservation Investment Program
LTC’s Conservation Investment Program (CIP) is a land conservation tool that creates a win-win scenario for both landowners and the land. Also known as a buy-preserve-sell program, LTC purchases a property and then resells it to a conservation-minded buyer with a conservation easement on the land, protecting its ecological values in perpetuity. This approach allows the buyer to work with land protection staff to craft a conservation easement that best meets the landowner’s needs within LTC guidelines before the purchase is complete.
Two CIP projects recently resulted in the protection of a total of 260 acres. Because the lands are now privately owned, they are not open to the public and their locations are not disclosed.
Maple River Watershed CIP
A year ago, LTC purchased 160 acres of beautiful rolling wooded land located in the Maple River Watershed of central Emmet County. As a tributary to Burt Lake, the Maple River is a high priority watershed. One side of the property adjoins the existing Sims-Moffat Working Forest Reserve, making it a logical addition to the reserve. However, half of the new land included a small cabin and pole barn, making it more suitable for private ownership. The decision: add 80 acres to Sims-Moffat Working Forest Reserve (bringing it to 150 acres) and sell the adjacent 80 acres to a conservation buyer who would protect it with a conservation easement.
Fortunately, LTC found the perfect buyers in Holly and Joe Fisher who were interested in working with the Conservancy to create a conservation easement before buying the land. "We are thrilled to have partnered with the Little Traverse Conservancy in conserving this beautiful property in northern Michigan,” Joe Fisher said.
“This collaboration not only aligns perfectly with our vision and long-term goals, but it also deepens our commitment to preserving the natural beauty of this region for generations to come. Together, we are making a lasting impact on our community and environment," he added
Cheboygan River Watershed CIP
LTC recently protected 100 acres of prime wildlife habitat and farmland near the University of Michigan Biological Station. The buyer, a neighboring farmer, was able to purchase the property at a more affordable price due to the conservation easement. He worked with LTC to create a conservation easement that protects the property while allowing compatible uses, such as hunting, forest management, agriculture, and ecological restoration. “Creating farmland accessibility is a great benefit of this program. Farmers are some of our best partners in conservation, and in this case the neighbor is an ideal owner of the property,” said Dirk Ruff, Land Protection and Conservation Specialist. This project is a great success for both LTC and the new property owner.
CURRENT OPPORTUNITY:
Hebron Town Hall Road
Are you interested in owning northern Michigan land while leaving most of it undeveloped? This CIP opportunity is for 141 acres of primarily upland forest in northwest Cheboygan County. Located east of Douglas Lake and bordering I-75, the conservation easement allows one building site, hunting, forest management, and trails. To learn more, call our office at 231.347.0991.
Rebuilding a Forest
by Amy Lipson, Conservation Specialist
Steve and Mary Jo Schultz
Goodhart Farms Nature Preserve is a 696-acre property in northern Emmet County where rolling hay fields meet mixed forests and open to a stunning view of Lake Michigan. However, just because this preserve seems to have it all does not mean our stewardship work is done. This property has disconnected forests that create divided habitats. One of our management goals is to create continuity throughout the property. Imagine a squirrel never having to touch the ground to cross the entire property.
Tip of the Mitt Whitetails partnered with LTC to create a food plot surrounded by food-producing trees to enhance hunting success, supporting our reforestation efforts since uncontrolled deer populations make reforestation efforts difficult. In the future LTC hopes to host the Independence Hunt at Goodhart Farms Nature Preserve. Tip of the Mitt Whitetails made this project possible with their $12,000 donation.
We used a mixture of native plants, such as false sunflowers, native grasses, and asters along with the typical radishes and turnips used in food plots to appeal to deer. After removing the vegetation in the field using herbicide and mowing, we started planting the mixture.
As temperatures dropped, the trees went dormant, making it the ideal time to plant. With more predictable precipitation, fewer bugs, and roots able to take hold, we aimed to give 6,000 trees their best chance. The mix included white pines, oaks, plums, hazelnuts, elms, and apple trees, all selected to regenerate a Mesic Northern Forest and provide food for wildlife. Using a tree planting tractor attachment borrowed from the Charlevoix Conservation District (pictured), volunteers helped us complete this large job over several days.
Thank you to everyone who dedicated time and money toward this project. We cannot wait to see what your work will do for this land.
Volunteer Spotlight:
JEFF AND JUDY MOYER
Volunteer Photographer and Land Steward Volunteers at Seberon “Boo” Litzenburger Nature Preserve, Harbor Springs
"Volunteering with the Little Traverse Conservancy allows Judy and me to directly engage with the natural beauty of northern Michigan. Whether it's planting native species, removing invasive plants, or helping with trail maintenance, there's a deep sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing we're making a difference. As recent transplants to northern Michigan we've found that volunteering fosters a sense of belonging and community. Working alongside like-minded folks who share a passion for conservation strengthens the bond between people and the land, and can lead to lifelong friendships and a stronger connection to the region."
- Jeff Moyer
Introducing the Delia Fritz Endowment for Accessibility
Accessibility has been a recent focal point for LTC, putting intention behind ensuring everyone can get outside and explore nature. At the Joan and John Hutto Nature Preserve, an wheelchair accessible ramp and fishing platform was constructed in 2024 so all can catch a glimpse of a water strider on the surface, fish for trout, or simply experience the babble of the Maple River.
“Creating accessible areas takes the stress off the person with mobility challenges AND the caregivers. And so we decided together that this endowment is how we wanted to honor Delia. We want families to be able to enjoy the outdoors with loved ones together.”
-Lia Carruthers, daughter of Delia Fritz
Delia Fritz was instrumental in the success of this project. She loved being on, in, or near the water. She also loved teaching and fishing, so much so that she led fishing groups for students and was a regular volunteer with Casting for Recovery. Fishing was a passion for Delia to the end. Late in her life, Delia began to experience mobility issues and although she never let it get her down, her daughter Lia Carruthers recalls the struggles her late mother went through in this stage of her life. “She had friends who helped her continue to fish. But the limitations made her think a lot about others who may have the same issues. What could she do to help others with mobility challenges who also loved to fish? Hence, the access on the Maple,” Lia said.
This property was the perfect location for access. The parking area was steps away from the river and a great location to fish from. Technology and Stewardship Coordinator Charles Dawley took the lead on this project.
“A successful project isn’t just about building something, it’s about the impact. The platform removes obstacles and creates new opportunities for anglers,” Charles said upon completion of the project.
Delia and her family created the Delia Fritz Endowment for Accessibility to forever honor a great need in our community and a great woman who helped our community thrive. Thank you, Delia, for sharing your love of the water with many others.
Delia Fritz (middle) and her granddaughters, Scout (L) and Vail (R)
NEW STAFFERS FILL IN THE GAPS
A focus of LTC’s five-year strategic plan has been to grow our staff to better serve our mission. We recognized that increasing capacity was essential to managing our land portfolio and ensuring we could capitalize on opportunities. Thanks to your support, we added two full-time staff members, Nate Dionne and Kyle Volp, in 2024 and two more in 2025 - significant growth for an organization our size! This year’s additions, Taylor Sobczak and Dirk Ruff, are familiar faces having both worked for us in seasonal roles. Each of them has proven to be excellent additions to our team and you can feel proud to have them representing your Little Traverse Conservancy.
Dirk Ruff
Land Protection and Conservation Specialist
Despite his rugged sounding last name, Dirk’s transition onto the LTC staff has been incredibly smooth. With experience in real estate, law, and forestry Dirk quickly picked up the technical side of LTC’s work. More importantly, Dirk has readily fit into LTC’s culture and learned our land protection philosophy. His strong work ethic, keen eye for efficiency, self-awareness, and great sense of humor make him a joy to work with. We are thrilled to be welcoming him to our team in a long-term role that straddles land protection and conservation easement stewardship work.
Taylor Sobczak Communications Specialist
Inquisitive, bright, creative, and brave all come to mind when describing Taylor. This is an excellent combination for someone charged with sharing the story of a dynamic organization. Taylor has proven to be a quick study, learning about everything from the finances behind our conservation investment program to getting her drone pilot license. With a naturally artistic eye, Taylor brings fresh energy to our well-established publications and social media presence. We are excited to see how her talents will shape our communications in the coming years.
A Spooktacular Halloween!
In the spirit of “spooky” season, we created a graveyard scene with tombstones and a variety of animal skulls and bones. The objective was for the students to match the skulls and bones to the correct tombstone through creative wordplay such as “UNCLE BUCK: He grew antlers so big to attract a date.” Can you guess what this animal is?
OUT OF THE BOX
A creative approach to with creatures and our THE
This fascinating creature is in the gastropod family. It is slimy, slow, and mesmerizing. The students are always intrigued by it…You guessed it, a SLUG! After the students investigated this mollusk, we headed into the classroom to make our version. How did we do this? By making slime, of course! We split the classroom into two teams and made two gigantic slime slugs showcasing all the important features of a slug. To end this program there was a good “ole” fashioned slug race. The cheering may have been heard across the Mackinac Bridge!
LTC believes that being immersed and mind to the wonders it provides. participants to experience joy discover their surroundings. playful exploration, and appropriate feel this results in gaining and pride. Allowing them to feel the soft mosses, taste on their lips, and listen water... all these experiences to form a strong themselves and the before
All of these amazing programs are by the Andreae-Brown Environmental Endowment Sowing the Seeds Endowment. See these gifts
Slimy Slugs
BOX LEARNING
to connecting children our great outdoors.
HEART
immersed in nature opens your heart provides. The intention is for joy in nature, be inquisitive, and surroundings. We encourage curiosity, appropriate risk-taking. We confidence, self-reliance, to smell the pine needles, taste the crisp wintergreen listen to the movement of experiences culminate strong bond between the natural world them.
Un-BEE-lievable
A bee’s job of pollinating a plant is quite extensive. We decided the best way to teach this concept was for our students to become bees! So we created a “Pollination Station” for our students that was the bees’ knees! This fun hands-on activity represented how bees travel from flower to flower collecting pollen that sticks to tiny hairs on their bodies. Using fuzzy pom-poms as the pollen and duct tape as the sticky bee hair, our little bees had a blast running from giant flower to flower attempting to collect as much “pollen” as possible!
Bio. . . what?!?
amazing education made possible Andreae-Brown Family Environmental Education
Endowment Fund and Seeds Education See more about on page 10.
Do pigs fly? No, but some squirrels do! As if a flying squirrel wasn’t exciting enough, they also glow! Much like your favorite black light poster you had in your room growing up, these furry friends’ underbellies glow under UV light. This phenomenon is called biofluorescence Using trail cameras, we discovered that these critters live in our Little Leaf Nature Preserve. This was a fantastic opportunity to teach our students about these extraordinary creatures through a hands-on learning project.
Let’s Keep Getting Kids Outdoors!
LTC is one of the only land trusts in the United States that offers a high level of environmental education programming. Our members have long supported this branch of LTC’s work. Yet how do we ensure its longevity and help it grow? Here is a brief history and recent update!
“Sally and I have long believed in the importance of helping children develop a conservation ethic. LTC’s education staff has built relationships with many educators in our region, and they are skilled at connecting children to the outdoors.”
- Ian Bund, donor to the Andreae-Brown Family Environmental Education Fund
“As I reflect back to my childhood, I can honestly say the most prominent memories are nature focused. Life can change in a moment but I soon realized nature is always there to capture and console you in ways you never imagined. You learn so much from experiencing the sounds, smells, colors and especially the many creatures you meet on your journey. In the age of so much impersonal screen time, I believe it is imperative to gift this generation with as much outdoor time as possible… sowing the seeds of creativity, curiosity and personal growth.”
-Woody Gardner, creator of Sowing the Seeds Education Endowment
In 1982, Elizabeth and James Kennedy protected the 30-acre Thorne Swift Nature Preserve north of Harbor Springs, making a gift to establish what would later become the Andreae-Brown Family Environmental Education Endowment Fund.
Agnes S. Andreae donated 27 acres and a cabin on the banks of the Pigeon River in 1983 to the Conservancy. Her wish was for the cabin to be used by youth and organized groups.
Ian and Sally Bund start a bus fund to help schools with travel costs to programs. In 2016 the Bunds donated $200,000 to start an endowment fund.
In 2018, the Andreae and Brown families established the Andreae-Brown Family Environmental Education Fund to continue Agnes’ legacy and to ensure the longterm stability of this arm of LTC’s mission.
In 2021, the Bunds challenged LTC with a generous gift to bring the Andreae-Brown Family Environmental Education Endowment Fund to an amount that would annually pay for the current program costs.
Last fall, Woody Gardner created the “Sowing the Seeds Education Endowment” bringing the Bund challenge to fruition two years early! LTC now has the only fully endowed education program in the nation.
“This organization has long had the support of people who simply know that outdoor time is essential for our children’s well-being,” said LTC Executive Director Kieran Fleming. “Empowered by the Andreae and Brown families, the Bunds, Woody Gardner, and many others, we can now ensure this program has a solid foundation from which it can thrive and grow.”
To learn more about supporting LTC’s Environmental Education programming, call 231.347.0991.
Thorne Swift Nature Preserve, 1994
Pickford Schools, 2024
Expanding Our Impact with the Bishop Stewardship Technician
Stuart Bishop (pictured right) and LTC Executive Director Kieran Fleming have known each other for a long time. Stuart has been a member of LTC since 1996, has not missed one membership cycle in the last 19 years, and has donated to many of LTC’s projects, including as lead donor to the L. John & Helen Bishop Working Forest Reserve in Cheboygan County (pictured above / Jeff Moyer). So when Stuart stopped by to ask Kieran what LTC needed to continue our mission, Kieran was straightforward with him. “The lack of an additional stewardship position is a concern,” Kieran said. That was all Stuart needed to hear to create this named position.
Stuart generously pledged to fund the “Bishop Stewardship Technician” position for three years. If you are wondering how important a donation like this is, think about all the trails you enjoy that are cleared and maintained, the boardwalks that allow you to access previously hard-to-get-to places on LTC lands, and the stairs that prevent erosion down to a stream or river.
LTC Director of Stewardship Derek Shiels knows the magnitude of this position. “The responsibilities of our organization keep growing with each new land acquisition. I want our passion for our lands to be evident to anyone visiting them. That is a mighty task and we rely on the help of great volunteers and seasonal technicians to do this work. I am so grateful to the Bishop family for establishing the Bishop Stewardship Technician position to help make that caretaking possible. This year we are excited to bring back Brendan Sommer, who was part of the team last summer, as the 2025 Bishop Stewardship Technician,” Derek said.
Save the Date!
Save the Trees & Rock the Forest
Thursday, July 24th, 2025
A Meaningful Gift — A Mindful Investment
Our valued Legacy Members share in the mission of the Conservancy and have committed to making a future gift through estates, trusts, annuities, insurance policies, or other planned giving options. Legacy gifts have a profound impact on our ability to protect the north country we all love and help us fulfill our obligation to steward our conserved lands forever. Legacy gifts were recently realized by the three women below who wanted their lasting impact to be on our landscape.
Please contact Donor Relations Specialist Kyle Volp at kyle@landtrust.org or at 231.347.0991 if you wish to learn about what giving option may be best for you or to inform LTC if you have already included us in your plans.
Diane Curtis LTC member since 1982
Home: Chicago, IL and Harbor Springs, MI
Suzanne “Suzie” Blakeman
LTC member since 1993
Home: Indianapolis, IN and Harbor Springs, MI
Virginia “Jinny” McCoy
LTC member since 1981
Home: Parkville, MO and Harbor Springs, MI
Mark Your Calendar!
Summer Environmental Education Programming
LTC summer programs have been a hit in years past and we want everyone to have a chance to enjoy! This year registration opens May 1. We will continue to have Knee High Naturalist programs, ages 3-5, and the Youth Explorer Series (YES), ages 6-12. More details will be found on our website as we get closer to registration at landtrust.org/summer-programs.
A warm welcome to our new members!
Thank you to those who joined between November 12, 2024 and February 3, 2025.
Mr. and Mrs. William Allen
Jim and Peg Anderson
Kurt and Carrie Anderson
Timothy Ashley
Thomas Baiocchi
Denise Baird
Christopher and Alyson Barclay
Belvedere Club
Howard and Denise Berger
Tracey Bidwell
Mrs. Elizabeth Bohn
Leslie Bracebridge
Donn and Teresa Brookes
Deborha Campbell
Butch and Kathy Carmien
Elizabeth Carr
Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Carter
Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Caruso
Kevin Chandler
Jim Clark and Jennifer Janson
Claudie's Fresh Flaves and Catering
Sue Gay and Jim Collins
Cooks Kamp, LLC
Thomas and Martha Cook
Mrs. Mary Ann Crete
Joshua Croff
Josh and Marjorie Crouse
Aaron and Amanda Crowley
Richard and Cynthia Cummings
Bradley and Amy Darooge
Dave and Jocelyn Davis
Dawley Family
Sarah and Mason DeRue
Josie and Bill Doherty
Charles and Diane Dryer
Philippe Dujardin
John and Janet Dunn
Steven and Ruthanne Edwards
Paul and Ellen Erhard
Kirk and Mary Evans
The Flewelling Family
Mr. and Mrs. James Ford
Ms. Madison L. Ford
Jibby and Ben Frantz
Deborah Fuller
Geoffrey and Mary Pat Goldich
Gary and Shirl Gondek
David and Patricia Grant
Derrick and Deborah Hakim
Patrick and Marcia Hallfrisch
Harbor Point Association
Roger Hilborn and Jill Muschella
Jane Hire
Buddy Hirs
Renee Jonna
Ms. Sara A. Kelsey
Derek and Carolyn Kerr
Peter Kobs
Julia Kruzel
Paul H. Kubitskey
Jeffrey and Ashley Lamont
Vickie Laskey
Dr. Ronald Leyder
Adam and Kimberly Link
Chunming Liu
Daniel and Barbara Mace
James D. MacKenzie
Mike and Joni Malloy
Keith and Sarah March
Wynne and Daniel Martin
Laura and Jordan McCormack
Jason McElroy
Robert and Susan Merlotti
Dave and Amanda Meyers
Alan and Noel Miller
Dr. Anna Miller
Ronald and Wilma Miller
James and Michelle Mitchum
Charles and Teri Moore
Jeane Mummert
Edward and Nancy Murphy
Brian and Joyce Nemes
Jennifer and Mike Nolan
Renee Gibbs
Dennis and Mary O'Brien
Blake Olsen
David and Linda Olshefsky
Shaun Phelan
Jim Pohl
Steve and Patti Pond
Don and Joleen Reed
Katharine and Kent Pegens
Mark Reich
Christine Rollins
Jennifer and Matthew Romano
Thomas Rooks
Griffen Roude
The Rush Family
Dirk and Anna Ruff
Mary and James Ryder
Dave and Kathy Schmitt
Daniel and Kerry Kregal Schmock
Mr. Stephen H. Schott
Matthew and Sheri Schroeder
David Schultz
Jim and Kate Scollin
Kevin and Anne Sharkey
Marie Skrobak
Lorene Sterner and Eric Lipson
K. Stolpmann
Gregory and Susan Stout
Michael and Sandra Thompson
Jeannine Uphouse
Rillan VanEpps and Taylor Metcalf
Kevin and Renita VanSolkema
Penelope Wedding
Claire Williams and Jordan Alpert
Mr. and Mrs. Randall R. Williams
David and Patricia Wilson
Ron and Jayne Winchester
Emily Winnell
Mr. Wolf
Susan Wright
Scott and Gwen Wynder
Jean F. Wynn
Honorariums & Memorials
IN HONOR OF
Laurie Angell
Karen and Tom Dean
John Baker
Josh and Molly Baker
Mr. James Hart
John and Sandy Baker
David and Joan Culver
Jeffrey and Kathryn Beemer
Steve James Beemer
Wayne Blomberg
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Pendergast
Ann and Erik Borgen Evening Star Joinery
Matt and Penny Bowman
Evening Star Joinery
Randy Cherner
Evening Star Joinery
Hans Creutz
Evening Star Joinery
Frank M. Crump III
Anne and Michael Ray
Michael and Karen Donnelly
Edward and Madeliene Donnelly
Donnelly Family
Mary Pat Donnelly
Brian Grad
Daniel Warsh
Nick and Michaleen Karay
Allison Karay
David and Genny Letts
Chip and Kathleen Letts
Charles Letts
David and Genny Letts
Chip and Kathleen Letts
David and Genny Letts
Marty Letts
David and Genny Letts
from those who donated between November 12, 2024 and February 3, 2025.
Ric and Lisa Loyd
Mr. and Mrs. W. Anthony Huffman
John and Jane McCoy
Evening Star Joinery
Anne T. Melvin
Planned Giving Group of New England
Jim and sujo Offield
Evening Star Joinery
Calen and Amber Offield
Evening Star Joinery
Marta Olson
Mr. Scott R. Rausch
Michael and Cindy Pettibone
Evening Star Joinery
Richard Platte
Nathan Platte
Phil Porter
Mr. Scott R. Rausch
Ranger Family
Mrs. Beth Ranger
Greg Renker
Evening Star Joinery
Cedric Richner
Georgiana Richner and G.W.
Solomon
William Roney
Kathleen Roney
Ham Schirmer
Jeff and Liza Leland
Julie Taylor
Dan Hayes
IN MEMORY OF
Patricia Allen
Lynn and Palle Laustsen
David Armour
Matthew and Anneke Myers
Marie Baker
Mary T. Driggs
Mary Karol Breen
James and Lou Anne Dale
Mary L. and Charles D. K. Brown
Jeff and Meghan Barlow
Michael Cameron
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kost
William R. MacKay and Family
Peggy Campbell
Jeff and Liza Leland
Brynne Coletti
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson Hightower
H. Gunner Deery
Steve Barney and GretchenOlsen Barney
Lee Ekstrom
Dianne Litzenburger
Marge Emmendorfer
Nancy and Bruce Turner
John Curtis Engler
Mr. and Mrs. James K. Dobbs, III
Helen Evenson
John and Marilyn Carpenter
Bill Fedus
Steve Barney and GretchenOlsen Barney
Christopher Gamble
Ms. Letah H. Carruthers
Kate McVicker and Eric Rasmussen
Brian Granger
Arthur W. Curtis, III
Peter Haensel
Chad and Mariah Eckhardt
Betsy Brown Wyatt and David Wyatt
Kay Hoogland
Mr. and Mrs. John C. G. Boyce, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. J. David
Cummings
Jane and Reed Eberly
Liz Johnson
Mrs. George E. Melzow
Mrs. Walter L. Ross, II
Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Sellers
Susan Howbert
Mr. and Mrs. Gandelot
Lorraine Margaret Hughes
Matthew Van Hook and Deborah Chotner
Shelley Jansing
Mr. and Mrs. Mark J. Bissell
Mrs. C. Howard Crane, II
Lucy Dobson
Stephen Giannotti
Mr. and Mrs. Norman W. Harris, III
Holly Michaud
Mr. and Mrs. Michael S. Mitchell
O/G Trust Services, LLC
Proxytrust
Mrs. Walter L. Ross, II
Christine and David M. Underwood, Jr.
Mrs. Allen W. Whittemore
Nicholas Karay, Sr. Allison Karay
Judy Knudsen
Mrs. C. Howard Crane, II
Mr. and Mrs. G. Sheldon Veil
John Kroha
Mrs. C. Howard Crane, II
Larry Levengood
Dr. and Mrs. Dennis M. Joy
Mr. and Mrs. James M. Rudolph
Sam and Mary Lou Supernaw
Virginia McCoy
Mrs. C. Howard Crane, II
Mrs. Walter L. Ross, II
Maureen McDevitt
Anne L. McDevitt
Margaret “Marde” McHenry
Mr. and Mrs. J. David
Cummings
Michael Phillips
The Rogers and Stone Family
Martha “Marty” Ragland
Mr. and Mrs. J. David Cummings
Chuck Raisanen
Larry and Wendy Whippo
Rosalie Roush
William Roush
Wallace Sabin
Dianne Litzenburger
Susan Schroeder
Barb and Eric Emmer
Louis Seelbach
Kay and Steve Brinker
Barbara Hopper
Julie and Andy Webster
Jack and Angene Wilson
Ken Tewel
Ms. Jeanine M. Rouleau
Alex Thoresen
Alex Thoresen Legacy Foundation
Diana Throckmorton
Ed Throckmorton
Robert Wanicke
Rick and Jill Lohr
John Webber
Julie and Corey Smith
Mike Ziegler
Holy Spirit Ushers Club
Kathi Seifert
GRATEFUL FOR:
Bosma’s Tree Farm for donating tree boughs for wreath making programs.
The Outfitter of Harbor Springs for lending cross country skis to staff for exploring prospective new nature preserves.
Pat Alguire and Barb Mathes, Pat and Julie Dougherty, Dan Dueweke, Doug Fuller, Bill Henne, Jen Reynolds, Stan Royalty, Tom and Kimberly Rowland, and Adam Schubel for clearing the winter trails at Susan Creek Nature Preserve, Chaboiganing Nature Preserve, Allan and Virginia McCune Nature Preserve, Nathan “Barry” Driggers Nature Preserve, and Goodhart Farms Nature Preserve.
Lee Ekstrom for his years of incredible wood furniture creations that we use and enjoy every day. We’ll miss you.
Thank you to our sign renovation crew - Pat Alguire and Barb Mathes, John Baker, and Richard Jenkins. This winter, this crew has tackled over 15 signscleaning, sanding, repairing and performing touchup painting. Thank you for helping to protect this investment and making LTC shine!
Pat Alguire, John Baker, Dan Dueweke and Peri McGuiness for building the start of a new trail at the River’s Delight Nature Preserve.
Pat Alguire and Barb Mathes, and Grace Spalding for removing invasive shrubs at Rogers Family Homestead Nature Preserve.
Mary Merrill for updating our first aid kits and keeping us all well prepared for any accidents.
John Baker, Ken Neihsl, Ted Newcomb, and Paul Van Klaveren for removing invasive plants and shrubs at Black Hole Nature Preserve.
Grain Train Natural Foods Market for donating amazing soup to our “Open House on the Pigeon and Little Pigeon Rivers” event.
Pat McQueen for consulting with LTC staff members and sharing your valuable knowledge.
Little Traverse Conservancy
3264 Powell Road
Harbor Springs, MI 49740
www.landtrust.org
Address Service Requested
Find a trail near you:
2025 SPRING EVENTS
Apple Tree Pruning with Nate Dionne
Elizabeth B. Hoffmann/Diane and Richard DeNardis
Family Nature Preserves, Charlevoix County
April 4 | 9am-12pm
Spring Woodcock Walk with Brad Von Blon
Sally and Art Hailand, Jr./Helstrom Family Nature Preserves, Emmet County
April 4 | 8-9:30pm
Friendship Center - Wilderness Survival
Susan Creek Nature Preserve, Charlevoix County
April 23 | 1-3pm
Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch - Owl Banding
Cheboygan State Park, Cheboygan County
May 3 | 7-10 pm
Spring Cleaning Work Bee
Offield Family Viewlands Working Forest Reserve, Emmet County
May 9th | 9am-2pm
Mother’s Day Spring Flora Walk with Amy Lipson
Chaboiganing Nature Preserve, Cheboygan County
May 11 | 12-1:30pm
Greenwood Spring Birding Walk
Riverview location, Cheboygan County
May 15 | 9-11am
Vernal Pool Monitoring
Offield Family Working Forest Reserve via Quick Road, Emmet County
May 15 | 4-6pm
Friendship Center - Spring Wildflower Walk
Hoogland Family Nature Preserve, Emmet County
May 22 | 1-3pm
Petoskey, MI
Permit No. 110
Aldo Leopold Festival
Les Cheneaux Islands, Mackinac/Chippewa County
May 28-June 1
Friendship Center - Kayaking Round Lake
Round Lake Boat Launch, Emmet County
June 24 | 10:30am-12pm & 1-2:30pm
Please scan the QR code or visit landtrust.org/events for more information and how to register.
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