Photograph by Jeff Moyer
Lisa King Nature Preserve - Her Memory Lives On -
People tend to associate land with memories. It may have been where they took their beloved family dog for walks, where they turned over their first log to find another world living beneath, or where they went to remember time spent with a friendly face. That is what the Lisa King Nature Preserve provides for the Indian River community: a way to remember Lisa King, an Indian River resident and teacher, and all the good she brought to the world.
“Dedicating this land in Lisa’s name is more than a memorial — it’s a message. It says that kindness, effort, and service matter. And it ensures that Lisa’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.”
- Billy Andrew
Billy Andrew is an Indian River resident and real estate broker who grew up with Lisa. He spoke about how special her personality was and how dedicated she was to her community. “She was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known — always warm, attentive, and genuinely excited to engage with others. She had a gift for making every person she met feel important,” Billy said. “As a lifelong educator, Lisa dedicated herself fully to her students. Though she had no children of her own, she considered each of the thousands of students she taught as part of her extended family and they felt the same about her.”
When Mark Melvin, the lead donor of this project, heard Lisa’s story, he felt a connection with her. “I just feel lucky that I am able to do this for her, for her parents, and for the people in the community who loved her so,” Mark said.
“Both Lisa and Mark exemplify what it means to serve others through education and compassion. Their dedication to making life better for students is something we should all strive to emulate,” Billy said. This place will be special for every life she touched to come and remember Lisa.
The Lisa King Nature Preserve is adjacent to the Sturgeon River Nature Preserve outside of Indian River in Cheboygan County at 4728 Club Road, Indian River. There are no trails on this property.
Sturgeon River Nature Preserve
Lisa King Nature Preserve North Central State Trail
Amplifying Generosity
ESTATE GIFT RESULTS IN PROTECTED LAND & NEW HAPPY LANDOWNERS
LTC signs are unmistakable. When you see one of our brown or green signs, you know the land before you is protected forever as a preserve or reserve. What you don’t see is that more than twice as much land is protected through another powerful tool: conservation easements (CEs). These voluntary agreements allow landowners to protect their property while retaining ownership permanently and are not open to the public.
Recently, we had the honor of stewarding a remarkable gift from one of LTC’s Legacy Members (see page 6 for more on Legacy Membership). When this donor—who wished to remain anonymous—passed away, they left their home and 40 acres in Center Township, Emmet County, to support LTC’s mission. The land consists of former agricultural fields, wet meadowland, and upland hardwoods with a small creek. A portion of the property lies within the Maple River Watershed, a high-priority region for protection. The donor hoped to do the most possible good for conservation in northern Michigan.
So what did LTC do? First, we placed a conservation easement on the 40-acre property to permanently protect its ecological value. Then we sold the land to conservation-minded buyers, Laura and Mark McCaslin. Thanks to this thoughtful sequence of actions, the land is now protected by a CE and is valued as protected land. Proceeds from the sale having been invested in LTC’s endowment, sustaining our mission for generations to come. A true win-win for conservation.
“We were not necessarily looking for a property with an easement on it but we were looking for something with a certain ‘vibe’ which, it turns out, the easement feature actually enhanced,” Laura said. “I previously owned some land that had a conservation easement on part of it, and didn’t have any problems when it came time to sell it— which was a concern I had, unnecessarily. I know there will always be others, like us, who appreciate the protection an easement provides to a property or, also like us, just really like the property.”
Having lived in Harbor Springs for nearly 20 years earlier in her life, Laura explains that she and Mark are avid hikers who love the four seasons and the many nearby trail systems. “Mark will invest a lot of energy into the garden, and we both are eager to explore our woods in the back half.
“A feature that I deeply value about conservation easements is the guarantee that nearby development is limited,” Laura added. “We love nature, wildlife, quiet, and a big night sky. We like a lifestyle with a feeling of continuity and minimal intrusion or disruption. As much as we value neighbors and community (and we do), we really look forward to the privacy and space of our big property. We are huge homebodies and look forward to all the discoveries and surprises we will find as we make this new home ours.”
Barred owl fledgling. The calls of Barred Owls and Great Horned Owls are common around Laura and Mark’s new conservation easementprotected property, where the birds will be able to nest and hunt.
Photo credit: Debbie Koenigs/USFWS.
Introducing... Chigidaaki: Place of the Big Hill Working Forest Reserve
The view of Lake Charlevoix is much more rewarding after hiking a couple of miles to the over 1,000-foot summit of what is now known as Chigidaaki: Place of the Big Hill Working Forest Reserve (chee-get-a-kee). From the top, you feel the vastness of everything, how small you are in the world, and how precious it all is.
That is why LTC couldn’t pass up the opportunity to protect what has become our largest reserve in the lower peninsula. Formerly known as “White Mountain,” these 654 acres offer hilly hardwood terrain, large open meadows, and miles of two tracks all in addition to views of Lake Charlevoix and Boyne City.
Now Chigidaaki: Place of the Big Hill Working Forest Reserve is protected and available for all species of life to thrive. Intact land of this magnitude alone is a rarity, yet this reserve’s adjacency to more than 100,000 acres of state land, which includes Michigan’s Gaylord and Pigeon River Country State Forests, makes it even more impactful. This vast ecological corridor is significant for all animals and plants that live there, but especially for large animals that require vast ranges such as black bear, elk, and bobcat.
“Connecting protected lands is essential to safeguarding plants and animals as their habitats are lost or altered,” said Derek Shiels, the Conservancy’s Director of Land Stewardship. Shiels further explained that there are numerous reasons to preserve land when you have a purposeful mission to preserve the beauty and diversity of northern Michigan with a local community lens.“Sometimes we protect a property surrounded by
developed land, which has local preservation value, but when we are able to protect such a large block of acreage in the lower peninsula adjacent to state land, then we are doing landscape conservation. We are piecing together conserved lands across ownership boundaries to protect extensive wildlife habitat,” he added.
The story of Chigidaaki began in 2020 when the property came on the market. While the timing wasn’t right then, LTC staff couldn’t get it out of their mind. “We knew this was a rare protection opportunity available in our service area,” said Joe Graham, Chief Financial Officer, who worked with the sellers and realtor over the last few years. “The sellers gave us a generous timeline to fundraise for the purchase price. We are very grateful for their role in making this land protection a reality,” Graham added.
Time is critical in our work to protect land. The Benz family, the previous property owners, understood this and were willing to be patient. “When the Conservancy showed an interest in buying our land, we were intrigued but knew this would take time. So we resolved to give LTC the time they needed to promote and buy our land. We felt conserving it would be a wonderful legacy for us and the area,” said Lee and Claire Benz. “The Conservancy has been great to work with, and now more people will be able to enjoy the panoramic views, the trails, the woods, and the wildlife, because it is in the hands of the Conservancy.”
The anonymous lead donor requested that LTC work with the Little Traverse Bay Bands (LTBB) of Odawa Indians to name the property in the Anishinaabemowin language. “We are delighted to support the conservation
Photograph by Jeff Moyer
of this immense expanse of working forest reserve, safeguarding it so that it will be available for all to enjoy,” said a representative of the donor. “We believe Chigidaaki: Place of the Big Hill Working Forest Reserve will become a destination for people of all ages, promoting improved wellness!”
When longtime LTC members Josette Lory and John McLeod found out about this project, they joined nearly 200 others in making a gift to protect it. “We support the Conservancy and their mission to protect land in our area and this drew our attention since it’s so close to our backyard, and especially because of the large size of this parcel,”said Josette.
Eric Hemenway, Director of Archives and Records with the LTBB of Odawa Indians, explained that the Odawa would have benefited from this land in the past. Although the people would not have lived so far inland, they would have made the trek from the shores of Lake Michigan, paddling across Lake Charlevoix and hiking through rugged wilderness to this land to hunt and gather. Eric added that they would have found everything there: raspberry patches, deer herds, and timber for making tools. Land such as this would have been vital to the success of the tribe.
So what happens now? LTC purchased and protected this land in May. Staff will now take time to get to know the land even better and create a management plan that will enhance the current habitat and potential uses. Caring for a property of this size is a significant commitment. LTC is fundraising through the end of 2025 to ensure the long-term care of this land.
Chigidaaki: Place of the Big Hill Working Forest Reserve
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Are you inspired to help care for Chigidaaki: Place of the Big Hill Working Forest Reserve? You can make a gift today to thoughtfully steward this property forever.
EVERY GIFT COUNTS! So far 187 individuals have donated to this special project. Thank you!
To donate or learn more, please visit our website at landtrust.org/bighill or call our office at 231.347.0991.
Boyne City
LEGACY MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
At Little Traverse Conservancy, our Legacy Members are cherished partners in our mission to protect the natural beauty of the North Country. Through thoughtful planned gifts—whether by estate plans, trusts, annuities, insurance policies, or other means—these individuals ensure that the lands we conserve today will be stewarded for generations to come. Their commitment has a lasting impact, strengthening our promise to safeguard this landscape forever.
We are honored to share a reflection from current Legacy Member and LTC volunteer Mary Clinton, whose story beautifully captures the spirit and meaning behind this vital support. Read more about what a legacy donation to Little Traverse Conservancy can look like on page 3. A full list of LTC Legacy Members can be found on our website at www.landtrust.org/planned-giving. To learn more about becoming a Legacy Member contact Chief Development Officer Emily Hughes at 231.347.0991 or emily@landtrust.org.
Believing in the Future
a note from Legacy Member Mary Clinton
“My late husband, Fred, and I moved to the area in 2011. Fred grew up here, spending as much time as he could outdoors, and the natural beauty of this place formed and shaped him into the person he became. Fred not only enjoyed nature, he was committed to protecting it. Although I was a casual supporter, I had not been much of an outdoor person until I met him. His enthusiasm was contagious, and under his guidance and tutelage I came to love all that nature offered, too. We especially enjoyed hiking with our dogs, often vacationing here and in the UP where we could truly get out in the woods.
“Shortly after moving here, we discovered LTC and all the beautiful hiking properties they held and managed. We quickly volunteered as land stewards and were fortunate to be able to do so at the Allan and Virginia McCune Nature Preserve, one of our favorite preserves. From there, it was clear that we wanted to protect these places beyond our lifetimes. We had heard that to plant a tree under whose shade you would never sit, was to believe in the future. Over time, we had a chance to meet several dedicated and terrific LTC staff members. It was clear they had a similar vision, and so it was easy to decide to include LTC in our estate planning. We were comfortable in the knowledge that what we treasured would be long protected in their good and capable hands. Thanks, LTC, for what you do, and it’s a good feeling to be a small part of making that possible.”
Fred and Mary Clinton
Photograph by Jeff Moyer
ADA-Accessible Fishing Platform
at the Offield Family Viewlands Working Forest Reserve
Wish Lists
The LTC crew is dreaming about some unique and specific items to help us learn about and care for the nature preserves and reserves.
ECAR DREAM WISH LIST
By donating to our Ecological Conditions and Response (ECAR) program (learn more about ECAR on page 10) you can help us purchase:
▫ Acoustic Bird Monitor
ECAR staff will use the monitors to capture data on what types of birds we have on our properties. This can help us create better management plans for our lands.
▫ LepiLED
ECAR staff will use this high quality UV light to document nocturnal insects to get more data about our lands.
Sparked your curiosity? Call us at 231.347.0991 for more information.
This beautiful platform was donated in memory of Michael A. Phillips by his family. “Working with your organization, has been so nice. My family and I are truly grateful for your assistance and guidance as we executed my dad’s intentions,” said his daughters, Lindsey Rogers and Jennifer Stone, and his wife, Sheree Phillips.
STEWARDSHIP DREAM WISH LIST
By donating to our stewardship department you can help us purchase:
▫ Snow Groomer Replacement Parts
Last winter was intense, and our stewardship staff were out weekly grooming trails so people could get outside and do the things they love: cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and walking our trails. In order to do work efficiently we need to make sure our equipment is in working order.
▫ 3-Point Tractor Adapter
This adapter would allow LTC to use more tractor implements on the equipment we currently have, in lieu of purchasing a new tractor.
▫ Snow Blower Attachment
Having a snow blower for our tractor would allow us to do snow removal at our office and select preserves.
North American Luna Moth (Actius luna) by Michelle W.
As our community started to get back on our feet after the late March ice storm, our LTC staff and volunteers first put their skills and tools to work helping neighbors and volunteers clear their homes. Recognizing the need for safe places for people to get outdoors, LTC prioritized clearing our trails after the storm with the help of many, many volunteers!
Resilience in Action. Community
After the storm passed, the
Hill
trails needed to be re-routed around the damage. Chris and Elaine Nesbitt, John McClain, and Parker Monohan helped make this happen.
The Hill Nature Preserve
The
Nature Preserve
Allan and Virginia McCune Nature Preserve Pat Alguire, Wendy Fought, Richard Jenkins, Mary Merrill, and Karen and Stan Royalty, thank you!
Duncan Bay Nature Preserve
John Baker and Richard Jenkins helped with trail clearing in Cheboygan County.
LTC staff cleared our home base trail system.
Round Lake Nature Preserve
Mountain Bike Trails
Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association (TOMMBA) and LTC worked together to clear bike trails.
Community in Motion. LTC community got to work.
LTC helped clean up Habitat’s Meadowgate subvision so they could continue construction.
Meyer Ace Hardware loaned us a chipper to help manage debris build up.
The county collaborated with LTC to use the Offield Family Viewlands Working Forest Reserve as a drop-off site for storm debris.
Metcalfe Forestry advised LTC on how to best salvage red pine on select LTC properties to avoid invasive pests.
Home Depot of Petoskey donated tools and helped clear the Offield Family Viewlands Working Forest Reserve mountain bike trails.
As of June 2025, our trails are over 60% cleared. Our staff and volunteers continue to work to clear the trails in addition to working on our list of summer projects. If you would like to learn more about volunteering with LTC and help us clear trails, contact Volunteer Coordinator Cacia Lesh at cacia@landtrust.org or fill out the volunteer form at landtrust.org/volunteerform. See pages 14 and 15 for a full list of thank yous to our volunteers and partners.
Home Depot
Meyer Ace Hardware
Emmet County and Recycling Center
Metcalfe Forestry
Habitat for Humanity
ECAR Milestone Reached!
CATALOGING ALL SPECIES, LARGE AND SMALL, ON CONSERVANCY LANDS
This spring, we completed a major milestone with our ECAR program (Ecological Conditions and Response): we have now mapped and assessed the habitats within all of LTC’s preserves and reserves, covering more than 25,000 acres since the summer of 2023!
Think of it as a “nature body scan,” revealing where ecosystems are either thriving, under threat, or in need of restoration. This powerful data allows us to prioritize our stewardship efforts such as focusing on even the smallest disturbances at the high-scoring Davis Family, HildnerBearce, and Waubun Nature Preserves near Burt Lake.
This is just the beginning of our ECAR program. Next up: diving deeper into the rare and remarkable species that depend on these habitats. This summer, for example, we’ll explore Fabiano Family Working Forest Reserve in search of the elusive Lapland buttercup, a state-threatened plant.
And finally, comes the “R”—our response. It’s not just a responsibility—it’s a joyful response-ability. When we act with humility and care, helping nature becomes a privilege. Stay tuned for more insights, and for new discoveries from Ecology Technician Brad Von Blon and Conservation Technician Quinn Sommer, who are bringing these life-on-the-land stories to light.
Want to follow along? As our field technicians and partners discover new species, they are uploading them to the preserve or reserve pages on iNaturalist. You can view these pages with a free account to iNaturalist at www.inaturalist.org/projects/life-on-little-traverse-conservancy-lands or by visiting the preserve or reserve pages on the interactive map at www.landtrust.org/explore.
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to join our iNaturalist Community!
Observations from the Davis Family, Hildner-Bearce, Waubun Nature Preserves
Photograph by Jeff Moyer
THEY COULDN’T GET ENOUGH OF LTC! WELCOME BACK, QUINN & BRENDAN!
Volunteer Spotlight: RICHARD JENKINS
If you have spent any amount of time volunteering with LTC, Richard Jenkins is likely a familiar face. Since 2016, he has been out with our stewardship crew in the field at least once a week, is a Membership Ambassador along with his wife Roxie Alfsen, and is an easement and American Kestrel nest box monitor. Richard is an invaluable part of the LTC team.
During and after the ice storm, Richard helped LTC clear trails more than his normal one day a week. Alone, he has put in more than 50 hours since the beginning of the year. On top of this, he put together a group and called it “Volunteers Helping Volunteers” as a way to help other LTC volunteers out so that no one was left stranded with an unmanageable amount of cleanup to do by themselves. Richard was quick to realize the significance of the devastation from the ice storm and jumped into action. The group of volunteers included Pat Alguire, JoAnne Astolfi, Carolyn Belknap, John Baker, Pat and Julie Dougherty, Mark Eyster, Peri McGuiness, and Mike McNamara who together put in 100 hours. Richard thanks each and every one of you for joining him in this endeavor.
Richard has been with LTC for a long time, and we are continuously grateful. And we’re lucky he feels the same about us. “When we had a big storm five years ago, LTC helped me clear my property. And when I broke my leg three years ago, LTC put together a meal train for me. Reciprocation goes both ways,” Richard reflected. THANK YOU, RICHARD!
This summer two amazing employees from the 2024 stewardship season will be joining our team again. Quinn Sommer (L) is our Conservation Technician, splitting time with ECAR inventorying and invasive species management. Brendan Sommer (R) will be our Bishop Stewardship Technician and primarily focus on trail maintenance. We could not be more pleased to have them join us again. WELCOME BACK!
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY for Emmet County Artists!
This summer, Little Traverse Conservancy is partnering with the Good Hart Artist Residency by inviting artists to show and demonstrate their work at a Conservancy nature preserve during the August 23 Tunnel of Trees Art Trail. Preserves that will be open are located along the M-119 Tunnel of Trees between Harbor Springs and Cross Village. Interested artists: please contact Sue Klco at sue@goodhartartistresidency.org by June 30.
Summer Events at Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
Beginner Basket Weaving
Tuesday, June 17 | 5pm
Yoga at Thorne Swift
Saturday, June 21 | 6:30pm
Traditional Ojibwe Teaching
Saturday, July 5 | Noon
Two-Part Advanced Basket Weaving
Tuesday, July 15 | 6pm
Friday, July 18 | 6pm
Children in Nature
Thursday, July 17 | 11am
Yoga at Thorne Swift
Saturday, July 19 | 6:30pm
Acoustic Jam Session
Sunday, July 20 | 6pm
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Log
Tuesday, July 22 | 5pm
Watercolor Landscape Painting
Wednesday, July 30 | 6pm
Medicinal and Edible Plants of Thorne Swift
Monday, August 4 | 4pm
Children In Nature
Thursday, August 14 | 11am
Yoga at Thorne Swift
Saturday, August 16 | 6:30pm
Tunnel of Trees Art Trail
Saturday, August 23 | 10am-5pm
Mushroom Hike
Saturday, August 30 | 1pm
For event details please call Thorne Swift Nature Preserve at 231.526.6401.
by Jeff
Photograph
Moyer
Sault Ste. Marie
OUTHouse Consortium
Vermilion Point
Piping Plover Project
LTC provides housing for piping plover researchers.
S.O.S. Vermilion
This non-profit works on restoration of the historic life-saving station building at the Vermilion Point Nature Preserve.
MACKINAC COUNTY
Partnerships
Little Traverse Conservancy works with several organizations around our service area to create a partnership that benefits each organization. Here are just a few current and ongoing partnership projects.
CHIPPEWA
COUNTY
Mackinaw City
Village of Mackinaw
LTC is a partner with the new Tip of Mitt Trail as it connects to the Hathaway Family Regina Caeli Nature Preserve.
Good Hart
Good Hart Artist Residency
LTC is a 2025 sponsor of the M-119 Art Trail.
Northern Michigan
Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association (TOMMBA)
LTC and TOMMBA worked together for fundraising and building of the Tanton Family and Offield Family Viewlands
Working Forest Reserves mountain biking trails.
COUNTY
Bay Harbor
Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians & Onaway Industrial Arts Institute
Signage for Enji-minozhiiyaamigak: The Place of Peacefulness Nature Preserve is being created by LTC with translations from the tribe and a sculpture from the art institute.
CHARLEVOIX COUNTY
LTC supports strategic land acquisition and trail development training to help this volunteer non-profit connect trails around the city.
Les Cheneaux Island
Hessel Schoolhouse
LTC sponsors festivals and provides staff as guides at the annual Aldo Leopold Festival.
Clark Township
This winter LTC coordinated the reprinting of a trail guide for the region; currently LTC is supporting new township trails.
Cheboygan
Cheboygan Chamber of
Commerce
LTC is a partner with the Tap into Trails Fall Festival and will be providing events at three LTC preserves in 2025.
Burt Lake
Burt Township
LTC is working with Burt Township to convert a section of the Burt Lake Trail along the Chaboiganing Preserve to universally accessible.
COUNTY
Bay View
Bay View Association
LTC is collaborating on two Bay View featured speaking events in the summer of 2025: Ned Canfield and Robin Wall Kimmerer.
EMMET
CHEBOYGAN
We are grateful...
...to the following groups and individuals who jumped into action in response to the recent ice storm that hit northern Michigan:
Meyer Ace of Petoskey for lending us their wood chipper.
Emerson and Juliette Meyer for donating lunches for a whole week for our staff and volunteers.
JoAnn Astolfi for baking treats to feed the hungry volunteers.
Emmet County for partnering with LTC to successfully create debris drop-off sites.
Harbor Springs Excavating for helping maintain our parking lot in icy conditions over the winter and for clearing our driveway to the Offield Family Viewlands Working Forest Reserve.
Toski Sands for discounting lunches for our trail clean up crew and volunteers.
Richard Jenkins for his generosity and thoughtfulness in creating a “Volunteers Helping Volunteers” group (see p. 11).
Ava Pawlick, Amelia Shuman, and other students from Petoskey High School Hiking Club for clearing trails.
Home Depot Foundation for granting equipment and sending volunteers to clear the Offield Family Viewlands Working Forest Reserve Mountain Bike Trails in response to the ice storm.
Petoskey High School National Honor Society members
Sander Cole and Ashton Attie for helping clear trails.
Volunteers on Beaver Island for clearing trails at Barney’s Lake, Little Sand Bay, and George and Althea Petritz Nature Preserves.
Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association (TOMMBA) and their volunteers, notably Mark Sibel, John Cowan, and Jay Vander Wall for their partnership, leadership, and skills in dealing with ice storm damage repair and clean up at our mountain bike trails.
Norm Berge, Matt Dralle, Noah Marshall-Rashid, Alex McTaggart, Uli Rabeiro, Steve Schultz, David Sweeny, Mike Tramantini, and others that helped clear the Offield Family Viewlands Working Forest Reserve Mountain Bike Trail.
In addition, the following individuals helped clear trails:
Pat Alguire
Mark Antonishen
John Baker
Valerie Bassett
Sue Bissell
Maureen Conklin
Matt Conklin
Bob Day and Christine Reese-Day
Will Dickinson and his daughter
Isaac Dionne
Julie and Pat Dougherty
Jim and Maureen Doull
Dan Dueweke
Chris Ford
Rich Frutiger and Sara Wassenaar
Wendy Fought
Doug Fuller and Martha Lancaster
Sarah Furman
Bill Garlinghouse
Lauren Gietzen
Mark Gilbert
Frank Hawthorne
Todd Hayden
June Haas
Patti and Terry “Doc” Jackson
Leah James and her children
Chuck Johnson
Michael Kendzierski
Jerri LaCount
Jim and KC Leh
Everett Lesh
Wyatt Lesh
Joe Likens
Sean Lynch
Sheila Malleis
John McClain
Peri McGuiness
Mike McNamara
Laura McQuarter
Mary Merrill
Jill and Tim Michalik
Tim Morley
Jeff and Judy Moyer
Steven and Ruth Nelle
Christopher and Elaine Nesbitt
Ted Newcomb
Jay Neff
Steve Niehaus
Chris Norton
Bill Olstrom
Maureen and Mike Owen
Nancy Payne
Deb Pruitt
Geoff and Jen Reynolds
James Rivamonte
Kimberly and Tom Rowland
Karen and Stan Royalty
Chris Rush
Beth and David Rynbrandt
Jon Sangeorzan
Steve and Mary Jo Schultz
Mike Schwedt
Mark Sibel
Kim Somsky
Don and Gloria Sowle
Jessyca Stoepker
Timothy Webster
Alice Wright
Karen and Kevin Wright
Jessica, Nora and Oliver Wynder
Deb and Jeff Young
THANK YOU
to the following who help support our mission
Crooked Tree Breadworks and Grain Train Market for donating food for our Boyd B. Banwell Nature Preserve Winter Open House event. Also Doug and Sherri Engler, John Baker and Richard Jenkins for volunteering to serve soup and keep the fire going.
John Baker, Pat Alguire and Barb Mathes, Richard Jenkins, and Stan Royalty for repairing and repainting logo signs and monitoring remote or swampy preserves in the colder winter months.
Bill Krause, Mike McNamara, Mark Pachla, Michael Seefried, and Connie and Ed Tenkel for planting trees at the Chaboiganing and David H. Irish Nature Preserves.
John Baker for the use of his shop and tools to retrofit metal boxes for trail cameras.
Clark Township Community Center for hosting an Eastern UP vernal pool volunteer training. Sarah Reding for helping organize and host, and Michigan Natural Features Inventory for leading the training.
Petoskey Area Visitor’s Bureau for sponsoring the new mountain bike rack card.
City of Boyne City for use of the Veteran’s Park Pavilion for our Volunteer Appreciation Celebration.
Don App for building and helping to install another beautiful bridge. This one is going to the Bubbling Springs Nature Preserve to connect to a new trail expansion project this summer! Also thank you to Carolyn Belknap, Gary High, Bill Krause, John Larch, Jennifer Mattoes, and Mike McNamara for hauling lumber to the work site.
Judy Kramer and Greg Steimel for helping with trail work at Enji-minozhiiyaamigak: The Place of Peacefulness Nature Preserve.
John Baker, Dan Dueweke, John McClain, Peri McGuiness, and Stan Royalty for helping remove invasive Scotch pine at Nathan “Barry” Driggers Nature Preserve.
Jeff Moyer for taking amazing photographs.
A FOND FAREWELL
Kyle Volp, Donor Relations Specialist, is taking on a new professional endeavor! Although we are sad to see him go so soon, we are excited for him to take on a new challenge in life and be able to spend more precious time with his beloved dog Monona. “We feel fortunate to have had Kyle on our team this past year. His integrity, professionalism, and steady presence made a lasting impression, and we’re grateful for the time we shared working alongside him,” said Chief Development Officer Emily Hughes. Thank you for being a part of our team.
Photograph by Jeff Moyer
SUMMER EVENTS
These field trips with LTC are FREE! Visit landtrust.org/events to see full event descriptions. Regstration is required!
Life on a Lonely Shore: the History of the Vermilion Point Life Saving Station
Thursday, June 26 | 1-2pm
Bay View Association’s Voorhies Hall, Emmet County Visit bayviewassociation.org/education-theme-week for details.
Dragonfly Walk
Friday, June 27 | 1-3pm
Don & Eileen Klein Nature Trail, Charlevoix County
Wonders of the Woods
Tuesday, July 8 | 10-11:30am
Seven Springs Nature Preserve, Emmet County
Mushrooming with Amy and Joe Lipson
Sunday, July 13 | Noon-2:30pm
Elmer Johnston Nature Preserve, Emmet County
Historical Walk with Eric Hemenway
Friday, July 18 | 10am-Noon
Elmer Johnston Nature Preserve
Moving Meditation with Carrie Wiggins
Wednesday, July 23 | 9-10:30am
Allan and Virginia McCune Nature Preserve, Emmet County
Grasshopper Bonanza
Friday, August 1 | 2-3pm
Offield Family Viewlands Working Forest Reserve, Emmet County
Medicinal Plants of the Hindle-Ross Property
Saturday, August 2 | 2-4pm
Private Property near Cross Village, Emmet County
Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer Lecture
Thursday, August 7 | 7pm
Bay View Auditorium, Emmet County
Visit bayviewassociation.org/events/robin-wall-kimmerer for details.
Tunnel of Trees Art Trail
Saturday, August 23 | 10am-5pm
Various Locations, Emmet County
Visit goodhartartistresidency.org for details.
Scan the QR code or visit landtrust.org/events to see full event descriptions and to register. Registration is required.
Mushrooming with Amy and Joe Lipson
Sunday, September 14 | Noon-2:30pm
Chaboiganing Nature Preserve, Cheboygan County
Open Air Writing through the Senses
Friday, September 19 | 1-3pm
Offield Family Viewlands Working Forest Reserve, Emmet County
Fall Warbler Walk
Wednesday, September 24 | 8-10am
Waldron Fen Nature Preserve, Emmet County
Tap into the Trails Festival
Saturday, September 27 | all day Visit cheboygan.com for details.
Family Fun
All children must be accompanied by an adult to attend.
Frog Fun - ages 3-6
Wednesday, June 25 | 10-11:15am
Spring Lake Park, Emmet County
Paper Making
Wednesday, July 16 | 10am-Noon
Offield Family Viewlands Working Forest Reserve, Emmet County
Group Mountain Bike Ride
Thursday, July 17 | 5-7pm
Tanton Family Working Forest Reserve, Emmet County
Summer Senses - ages 3-6
Wednesday, July 23 | 10-11:15am
Resort Township East Park, Emmet County
Color Me Hidden - ages 3-6
Wednesday, August 6 | 10-11:15am
Resort Township East Park, Emmet County
Group Mountain Bike Ride
Thursday, August 14 | 5-7pm
Melvin Family Hiking and Biking Trails, Cheboygan County
Fairy Houses - ages 4-10
Wednesday, August 20 | 10-11:30am
Round Lake Nature Preserve, Emmet County
Group Mountain Bike Ride
Friday, September 19 | 5-7pm
Offield Family Viewlands Working Forest Reserve, Emmet County
Photograph by Jeff Moyer
Annual Meeting 2025
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Lavender Hill Farm Charlevoix County
Join us as we recap highlights from the last year. Stay for lunch and a walk to Enji-minozhiiyaamigak: The Place of Peacefulness Nature Preserve to see the new universally-accessible trail and Lake Michigan overlook.
10:00 am Coffee meet and greet 10:30 am Meeting
11:30 am Optional lunch for purchase
12:30 pm Field Trip to Enji-minozhiiyaamigak
This event is open to the public! Members will be receiving an invitation in the mail. Call 231.347.0991 for more information.
Enji-minozhiiyaamigak: The Place of Peacefulness Nature Preserve
Come for one or come for both events!
Returning to Rock the Forest...
July 24, 2025 8:00pm 6:00 - 7:30pm
Offield Family Viewlands Harbor Springs
Visit www.landtrust.org/trees to buy tickets, for more information, and to see our silent auction items.
After an unforgettable performance last year, Neo-Traditional Country music trio, The Castellows, are returning for another stellar year. You won’t want to miss this! Produced by 3 Sips, LLC as a fundraising concert for land conservation.
IN HONOR OF
Zander Hitz
Catherine Bennett
Quinton and Pat Kuebler
Russell P. and Janet Cieslak
Richard Platte
Anonymous
William Roney, III
Kathleen Roney
IN MEMORY OF
Carol Briggs
Dr. William A. Briggs
Cathy Bright
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Howell, III
William Ernest Camp
Mrs. Mary Clinton
Annabel Churchill
Katie and Geoff Chatas
Kenneth Coleman and Mary
Sue Coleman
Honorariums & Memorials
gifts received between February 3 and May 15, 2025
James and Phyllis Epps
Sandra and Chet Kowal
Ginger and Dan Lockrey
Janet Muir and Dan
Madden
Nancy Nyquist and Mike Blohm
Melanie and Oliver Phillips
Wesley, Tanya and Hayden
Phillips
Peggy and Douglas Warner
Brynne Coletti
Dick and Sheilah Bogart
David FitzSimons
John and Donna Carruthers
Jim Graham
Nannette Graham
Tay Howell
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Howell, III
Mary Ann “Pokey” Huffman
Elaine and Bowden Brown and Family
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Kost
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffery Lowe
Mr. and Mrs. G. Sheldon Veil
Brandon (Fischer) Jex
Emie Badersnider
Thomas Keiswetter
Ms. Linda Heller
Larry Levengood
Mr. and Mrs. James M.
Rudolph
Sam and Mary Kou
Supernaw
Mark Paddock
Margie Ladzick
Susan Schroeder
Atrium Health-Union
Rehabilitative Services
Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Bennett
Ms. Carolyn Kay Krahulik
Mrs. Wendy Richardville
Rand Shackleton
Catherine Bennett
Bets Shier
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Howell, III
Margaret Steward
Timothy and Laurie Grappin
Emily Hughes and Joe, Ember, and Ada Graham
David Hattie and Deborah Rakoczy
Ellen Rockwood
Charles and Gerry Scribner
Steve and Marybeth Todd
William Stude
Mr. Perry Driggs, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Johnson Hightower
Martha Trubilowicz
Ms. Heather Harrod
James Votruba
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen F. Turkal
Warmly welcoming our new members!
Thank you to those who joined us between February 4 and May 14, 2025.
Derek Beach
John and Katie Beam
Cathy Nichols
Kate Cohen
Veronica Dunsmore
Michael and Marcella Fisher
Tyler-Little Family Foundation
Laurie Golden
Phil and Deb Harmon
Jonathon Hunt
Leah, Finn, and Forest James
Rick Kozole
Bruce Krauskopf
Daniel and Joyce Kulongowski
Eric and Laurie Leaman
Richard and Maggie Onkey
Todd and Sue Ortlieb
Ms. Nancy Payne
Ben Raymond
Shawn and Jessica Strand
Ben and Hannah Vanos
Beau Vizina
Kara Wasylewski
Scott Whalen
Photograph by Jeff Moyer
Photograph by Jeff Moyer
Disturbance and Resilience
Humans like routine. It gives us a cadence to go about our lives and get things done in orderly fashion. Routine keeps our expectations in control, and that feels comfortable. Mother Nature establishes many of our routines, even if we don’t think of it that way. The seasons inevitably dictate our daily and monthly routines. For example, in May, we know it is the time when morels typically appear. This knowledge allows us to take preparatory measures and, in my case, over-optimistically believe we will find a bounty of them.
But occasionally Mother Nature, the very author of routine, throws a heavy monkey wrench into this predictability. And that is exactly what the Great Ice Storm of 2025 was — possibly the single largest forest disturbance event any of us will have witnessed in our lifetime. Millions of acres were affected. A world that craves routine became chaotic.
Forests have been standing against ice, snow, wind, drought and fire for eons. In our region, the passenger pigeon would sometimes roost in such massive numbers that the tree branches would break under their weight, probably quite similar to the effects of the heavy ice. Thus, our northern Michigan forests, as with most ecosystems, have a built-in resiliency forged by infrequent but countless disturbances over the millennia. This resilience brings order back to chaos. It won’t be pretty. There will be bugs whose job will be to break down the dead wood. Those will become abundant prey to a different cast of predators. There will be winners and losers among the species, for a while anyway. And then, it will change again as the order is restored…until it changes again.
Nature is incredibly resilient. But it has its limits, and humans have been good at testing those limits. We know that vibrant, healthy ecosystems are more resilient than a
paradise that has been paved or polluted. (I’ll apologize if that Joni Mitchell song is now in your head for the rest of the day.)
People are resilient too and, ironically, that shows up the most when nature is in a state of chaos. In these pages you have read about LTC’s response to the ice storm, but I wanted to emphasize it here, because it was incredible to witness.
After five days sans power, we were able to get back to the office and to work. Our team, with the blessing of our board, offered our services to whomever we could help in the community. You can see the details of our work in this newsletter, but I want to point out that our team stepped up not only as well-trained professionals and volunteers, but as people eager to help others. We met with area leaders and doers and watched how resilient our communities were in a time of crisis.
When a forest is disturbed, it will not take long before you will see resilience and good things emerging. While humans never ask for chaos, maybe we need it occasionally as a reminder that we too are resilient, and that people are inherently good. This is a comforting reminder that we are like nature, and we depend on it.
Kieran Fleming Executive Director
Your Little Traverse Conservancy Team
Photograph by Jeff Moyer