midmilandcons.org 2019 Vol. 7

From the PresidentPaul KindelMid-Michigan Land Conservancy (MMLC) continues to develop. Guiding the process is the 5-year strategic plan the Boardapproved in 2017. A central feature of this plan is the hiring of astaff. To do this requires funds. One of our Board memberstook on the responsibility of applying for grant support last year. Two matching grants, one for $20,000 from The CarlsFoundation (a 1:1 match) and one for $5,000 from ananonymous donor (a 1:2 match), were obtained in 2018. Byearly 2019 both grants were more than fully matched. Membersand friends of MMLC came through strong in matching thesegrants and going beyond, and we thank you for your support.

A quarter-time Development Associate was appointed in Fall,2018. Her main responsibility is to secure grant support anddonations. If time is available she will work to expand MMLC’smembership. The larger our membership becomes the moresecure is our financial future. Currently MMLC’s financialposition is good and this is something we will work hard tomaintain going forward. I am pleased to report that ourmembership climbed above 100 for the first time this year,increasing 31% from a year ago to 102.

A particularly important feature of MMLC’s development is thehiring of a staff person, which is in progress. This person wouldlearn the operations of the Conservancy and take over theleadership of the daily operations of MMLC. Having a staffperson will allow the president, and other board members, towork more on policy. It will also allow the Conservancy to bemore proactive in protecting land, including working with otherconservation organizations and engaging with the public. TheConservancy would particularly like to do more in the area ofoutreach to the public.

MMLC has acquired permanent space for its operations. Wenow have an office in the Michigan Nature Association buildingin Okemos, Michigan. Here we can work and will have be acentral location for all our records.

Two natural areas were acquired by MMLC in the last year. TheConservancy now owns 7 properties outright. All are being heldas natural areas where Nature is allowed to function on herterms.

MMLC continues to work on becoming a nationally accreditedland conservancy through Land Trust Alliance, the nationaladvocacy organization for land trusts (conservancies). Accreditation will make us a better land conservancy. We planto submit our pre-accreditation and accreditation applications in2020 and 2021, respectively. Successful completion of theaccreditation process will make us an accredited landconservancy in 2021.

Two interesting articles by landowners with conservationeasements appear in this newsletter. They describe someinteresting events that occurred on their land and show somebeautiful pictures. You are also welcome to visit us onFacebook. A brief note on Facebook is in this newsletter.

We are pleased to welcome three new members to the MMLCBoard of Directors. Lindsay Ross and Hailey TenHarmsel joinedthe Board in Fall, 2018 and Douglas Pearsall joined in Januaryof this year. They all bring excellent knowledge of landconservation as well as practical field experience to the Board. Biographical articles about all three are in this newsletter.

Three board members stepped down from the board. Particularly unfortunate was the death of a board member whodied unexpectedly earlier this year from illness. An article ofremembrance of Robert Zbiciak by his wife and son, Ellen andAdam, is given in this newsletter.

The members of the MMLC Board of Directors thank all ourmembers and friends for your support. We are able to do theland protection work that we do because of your strong support.

Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy

Conserving mid-Michigan'snatural, scenic, recreational

and agricultural lands

midmilandcons.org 2019 Vol. 7

2Continued on Page 3

as fast as you can. Your house is on fire.” By the time I arrived,the fire was basically out. After the reality and emotions of thefire had settled, we debated whether to rebuild the house or tomove on to a new location. The house had been declared atotal loss by the insurance company. Eventually, we decided tobuild a new house on our property, one that would better meetour future needs. We enjoyed the land and the neighbors andhad established roots in the community.

In the summer of 2009, we learned that our long-time neighborsto the west had sold their farm and the new owner planned todevelop a sand mining operation on the property. To myastonishment, I learned that the state of Michigan considerssand to be a “critical resource” and mining interests prevail overmost local regulations. With this new reality and after taking adeep breath, I decided to try to work with the new owner. Wemet and negotiated a plan for him to begin his sand miningoperation on the back 20 acres of our property.

By the end of the miningseason in 2010, we began tothink about the future of theproperty. I approached theoperator with the idea ofbuilding a berm along ourshared property line aftermining was completed on ourproperty. Mining on ourproperty was completed bymid-year in 2011 and the

berm was completed and planted by early fall. This photoshows the 6-acre pond which was created after the berm wasconstructed.

Once the berm was completed it was exciting to observe theplants that blew onto the property. Queen Anne’s lace andgoldenrod were the first plants to arrive in mass. Milkweed andother explorers followed, including some unwanted invasiveplants. The most vigorous plants to arrive were hundreds ofcottonwood trees. The seeds arrive aboard white fluffs that floatthrough the air. When the seeds reached the ground, theseedlings sprout and seem to jump out of the ground. With thecottonwoods, my job has been to tame them and turn them intorespectable trees.

To supplement nature, I began planting seedlings of variousspecies around the back 20 acres. I have also planted literallyhundreds of acorns, walnuts, hickory nuts and a variety ofwoodland seeds. At this point, many of the earliest trees arenow clearly established.

The History of a Nature PreserveDale DaileyIt was glorious fall day in 1972 and my wife and I were drivingnorth of Lansing into the countryside. By chance, we turneddown a gravel road and happened upon an old yellow brickfarmhouse with a “For Sale” sign in front. We were instantlyattracted to it.

We contacted the realtor and arranged to see the house. Welearned that the property had been in the Doty family for 99years—it would have been eligible to become a Centennial Farmthe following year. We purchased the house and 30 acres offarmland and after making some basic improvements, we movedin.

Soon after settling into the house, I began planting trees on thefront 10 acres of the property, often with the help of our youngchildren. The trees were all native to Michigan and includedpine, spruce, ash, oak, and black locust. The area was notsuitable for general farming and had been used primarily aspastureland. A few ancient apple trees, the remnants of anorchard, dotted the area north of the house. The back 20 acrescontinued to be farmed by a neighbor.

I don’t recall how or even when trees and green spaces becameso important to me. I can relate to the following poem written byYuan Mei, a Chinese poet born in 1716:

Seventy, and still planting trees . . .Don’t laugh at me, my friends.Of course I know I’m going to die.I also know I’m not dead yet. [1]

Introducing trees into an established grassland takes around 3-4years from the time of planting to a point where they can fend forthemselves. But even after a tree is firmly established, the battleisn’t over. Deer, rabbits, and insects all take their toll. Overall, Iwould guess that only 1 in 20 of the trees I have planted hasreached maturity, but that has been enough. Many havematured to the point that they produce seeds which arepropagating the next generation of trees. The following recent

[1] Seaton, J. P., I Don’t Bow to Buddhas: Selected Poems of Yuan Mei, CopperCanyon Press, 1997, pg. 92

photo shows thewooded area aroundour house.

In January 1986, I hadjust returned to workafter lunch when a co-worker rushed up andshouted, "Get home

midmilandcons.org 2019 Vol. 7

3

The Conservation EasementOver the years, I have grown to love wild and native places. Ourvacations have taken us to state and national parks andpreserves throughout the United States and the world. At thesetimes, I am often enriched and moved with the sense ofsomething bigger than us. I have also learned that the naturalspaces didn’t just happen—there was usually a single personwith a vision and passion that caused the places to bepreserved.

During the Christmas season of 2014, we were shopping at aseasonal sale of a local artist, Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen. While in his studio, I noticed a certificate that indicated that hehad placed his property under a conservation easement held bythe Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy. I asked him about theeasement and was immediately intrigued. The terms of aconservation easement basically state that the property mustremain in a natural state and can never be developed, even afterthe property is sold.

Well into my 70s, I began to consider my own mortality—not in amorbid way, but as something that was approaching andinevitable. I also began to consider my legacy—what would Ileave behind? What could I do to make a lasting differenceother than wringing my hands? At that point, my desire to leavea permanent legacy crystalized and eventually prompted us toproceed with placing our little piece of paradise under theprotection of a permanent conservation easement.

Since the conservation easement was established in 2016, wehave continued to develop the property. Trails have been builtto connect the total property. It is an unusual day when we donot take a walk around the property. Along the way, somethingas simple as Queen Ann’s lace will reward us if we stop toadmire the geometry and beauty of its flower.

The History of a NaturePreserve, con't.

Our planting efforts have been rewardedwith the arrival of a diverse collection ofmammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Inthe spring and summer, we have enjoyedthe ducks and geese that have chosenthe pond to raise their families. Lastsummer we had families of Canadageese, mallards, and merganser ducks.

The conservation easement also qualified our property to beenrolled in the Michigan Agriculture Environmental AssuranceProgram (MAEAP). The goals of the program are to providewildlife habitat and to generally improve the environment.

In early 2017, my wife encouraged me to have a very largestone on the property engraved to commemorate our NaturePreserve. The stone is as close to a grave marker as I need—possibly some of my ashes can be spread nearby. Hopefully,the property will remain accessible to our family. I like toimagine that in some future life, I will hear one of our great-great-great-grandchildren when he or she exclaims, “Wow, thisplace is amazing! How did it happen?”

Welcome to MMLC's threenew board membersLindsay RossI received a bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Parks, and LeisureService Administration with a focus in Outdoor Recreation fromCentral Michigan University and I am currently employed as arecreation grant coordinator with the DNR. Some of my otherprofessional experience includes coordinating park improvementand development projects, invasive species control, and naturalresource restoration. In addition to membership on the MMLCboard, I regularly volunteer for the Michigan Audubon Societyand occasionally volunteer for the Friends of Lansing RegionalTrails. My personal mission is to protect and preserve theenvironment for this and future generations throughvolunteerism, outdoor recreation, and natural resourceeducation. As a child, I valued my connection to nature throughcamping, canoeing, and exploring undeveloped areas. Whendeciding my career path, these experiences came to mind and Ichose a field where I could provide similar experiences toothers.

Continued on Page 4

midmilandcons.org 2019 Vol. 7

4

Welcome to MMLC's three new board members, con't.of the Conservation Coaches Network, an internationalorganization applying, promoting and advancing the OpenStandards for Conservation.

Doug received his Ph.D. in Natural Resources in 1995 from theUniversity of Michigan School of Natural Resources andEnvironment, Ann Arbor. For his dissertation he described,classified and mapped ecosystem types for the 10,000‐acreUniversity of Michigan Biological Station.

Hailey is one of the newest members of the Mid-Michigan LandConservancy Board of Directors. She graduated from MichiganState University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheriesand Wildlife Management. She spent multiple summers as anundergraduate conducting fieldwork along the banks of the AuSable and Manistee Rivers in northern Michigan. Theseopportunities fostered an appreciation for the clarity nature canbring to those who spend time in it. Drifting a canoe around ariverbend to see a muskrat scurry over a fallen tree andkayaking among groups of blue herons feeding in a marsh aresome of the treasured memories Hailey holds from her timespent in Michigan’s great outdoors.

Hailey TenHarmsel

Hailey earned her master’s degreein Fisheries Management from theUniversity of Georgia. Her thesisfocused on the varyingpreferences of trout anglers andbarriers they may face whenattempting to go trout fishing. Herthesis work helped her realizemany fishermen and women enjoyfishing simply for the opportunity

to be outside enjoying nature alone or with friends and family. Hailey sees the land conservation work that MMLC does, in part,as an opportunity to preserve land for others to enjoy.

Hailey currently works as a research assistant at Michigan StateUniversity. In the coming years, she would like to see MMLCcontinue to acquire land to preserve and improve efforts toconnect groups of people and individuals to MMLC’s properties. She encourages individuals to visit MMLC properties to take inthe sounds, sights, and smells undeveloped land has to offer. Take pictures, bring a friend, walk slowly, listen for the birds,look for bees and insects, and visit again to watch as the plantschange throughout the seasons!

I believe that outdoor recreation experiences encourage peopleto learn about and protect natural resources. Connections to theoutdoors can also improve mental and physical health ofindividuals in that community. Conserved land is our gift forfuture generations to find their favorite recreational activity, tolearn about the natural environment, or to be healthy.

I joined the Mid-Michigan LandConservancy board to fill aleadership role as part of theconservation movement on aregional scale. I enjoy giving mytime to conservation efforts inmid-Michigan, and I also gainvaluable experiences from doingso. While I am on the board, Iwould like to see MMLC retain

Doug PearsallDoug and his wife Nancy live inEast Lansing and have beenMichigan residents for 30 years.They enjoy walking, biking, andhiking, especially on Great Lakesshores and other beautiful naturalareas. Having grown up in ruralupstate New York and spendingmost of his time outdoors, he hasa strong connection to nature andis excited about joining the MMLC

Lindsay Ross, con't

board. He is looking forward to getting to know the MMLCpreserves and easements, helping to monitor the biodiversitythey protect, and especially excited to assist the MMLC inupdating its Strategic Conservation Plan to address climateresilience and achieving accreditation.

Doug is a Senior Conservation Scientist for The NatureConservancy (TNC), leading many conservation planning effortsfor the Great Lakes and in Michigan. He manages the CoastalWetland issue for the Blue Accounting initiative – workingclosely with the Great Lakes Coastal Assembly and the GreatLakes Commission. He leads the Science Team for TNC inMichigan and leads a collaborative research project evaluatingthe cost effectiveness of using biomass from invasive plants asa crop soil amendment. He is co-lead of the Midwest franchise

and expand its membership, expand volunteer opportunities,and actively engage the public on its properties.

midmilandcons.org 2019 Vol. 7

5Continued on Page 6

As some people journey through life, they leave footprintswherever they go; footprints of kindness and concern, courageand compassion, commitment and determination. Rob Zbiciakwas one of these people.

Rob’s love of the natural resources we have available to enjoywas that of unending appreciation. At an early age, Rob had anoutdoor mentor who was a Native American. She taught him totreasure the wildlife and their habitat. Rob’s first experiences inthe great outdoors were with her guidance. You see, Rob losthis father at the age of 7 to the same disease that ultimately tookhis own life…CANCER!

As Rob grew older, he focused his interests on the beauty of ournatural surroundings. He attended Michigan State University toearn his degree as a Wildlife Biologist. After graduating, hestarted his career with the Michigan Department of NaturalResources. During his 35 years with the State of Michigan, Robwas involved in many controversial matters concerning thenatural resources of our beautiful state. He stood steadfast to hiscommitment of protecting them. Even though his determinationto protect our resources caused many road blocks in his careeradvancement, he never waivered in his decisions. Those thatworked with him admired him for such commitment. Many agreethat the song, “I Did It My Way”, sums up Rob’s outlook on hiscareer and life in general. Rob, a man with integrity, did do it hisway; because he believed it was the right way. He was a mentorto many!

A Journey Remembered

Rob’s son, Adam, understood his father’s concerns. The two ofthem had enjoyed numerous adventures in the great outdoors. Rob shared all he could with his son. He taught him to hunt, fish,track, explore, and most of all, he taught him respect for thehabitat of all creatures. Rob passed on his passion to Adam inthe hope that Adam would take care of our land as he did. Weare blessed with wonderful memories of those adventures thatwe will cherish for a lifetime.

Rob was active in several organizations. Having served on theboard for several years, the Mid Michigan Land Conservancywas one of his favorites! Both Adam and I were known to joinhim on a day of inspection for an MMLC property. He enjoyed

taking us along and was proud to show and explain areas ofimportance to us. He would be so humbled to know that an areahe loved is being dedicated in his name. He was acompassionate man who just followed his heart. Thank you to allwho so generously donated to MMLC on Rob’s behalf. Adamand I are grateful to know that so many people loved him as wedo and always will.

Even though he is gone, we will always see the footprints he leftand the trail bright with hope that invites us to follow.

He will never be forgotten.

Ellen and Adam Zbiciak

Contributions Given in Memory and Honor of Robert Zbiciakby:

Ellen and Adam ZbiciakMark and Nancy ZbiciakJames HazelmanAmy LoundsSusan ConradsonJohn KolarChristina BauerElizabeth and Robert W. NoePaul and Judy KindelSteven BuzbyJames and Christin HudginsJohn and Cheri MartinDavid and Jean PingelLeon and Marilyn ThelenS. Colleen O’Keefe SafirMichael Rhodes

Thomas and Deann TownsendStephen and Christine MurrayKevin and Carri EisenbeisH. Monica and Robert TaylorConnie and Mitchell OlejniczakGail and Ronald MorosEckhart DerschThomas JacksonJim and Joan MooreDon and Julie Kebler Art and Sue EisenbeisMarylou EisenbeisEd and Deb HallenbeckTony and Laura LunaGib KingAnonymous

Supporting MMLC into theFuturePaul KindelMid-Michigan Land Conservancy (MMLC) is able to do its workof protecting our natural heritage because of the financialsupport of its members and other supporters. Being a private,non-profit organization, we depend mainly on privatephilanthropy in order to operate. Private philanthropy isabsolutely essential for us to do our work. This support is evenmore important now that MMLC is acquiring staff. Up until lastyear MMLC operated only with volunteers. Our work load hasnow increased to the point where not all work that should bedone is being done. This is the reason for hiring staff. Forexample, we would like to offer outreach programs to the publicon our natural areas but are not able to do so.

midmilandcons.org 2019 Vol. 7

6

Continued on Page 7

Following are ways you can provide financial support to MMLC:

1. Donate by check.

2. Donate appreciated assets directly to MMLC withoutconverting them to cash.

3. Donate funds to MMLC directly from your individual retirementaccount (IRA).

4. Designate MMLC in your will or trust as the recipient of abequest.

5. Many employers will give a matching gift when you donate tocharitable organization like MMLC.

Note: The above information is general information and is nottax advice. See your tax advisor for tax advice.

Donations can be sent by check to Mid-Michigan LandConservancy, Post Office Box 154, Okemos, MI 48805-0154.Make checks payable to: Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy.Donations can also be made through PayPal.To make a donation through PayPal go to our website,www.midmilandcons.org.

Feel free to contact MMLC (Paul Kindel) by telephone at 517-332-3091 or by e-mail at kindel@msu.edu to discuss any of theiitems listed above.

Supporting MMLC into theFuture, con't.

Hazel Ridge Farm: Viewfrom the TowerGijsbert van FrankenhuyzenForty years ago we bought Hazel Ridge Farm and set out tocreate a diverse habitat to attract many of Michigan’s faunaand flora. What once was corn, soy and hay fields are nownatural prairies, wetlands and woodlots. I recorded thisrestoration process with journal andcamera, spending uncounted hourschasing wildlife with a “hit and miss”success rate.

In 2011, I built a 15-footobservation tower situated between3 ponds. Now, instead of chasingwildlife, I let them come to me. This

has proven successful, relaxing and often times surprisingat what shows up.

The tower stands on top ofa small hill, big enough forme and my camera. Plus aroof that keeps usprotected from rain andsnow while I draw orphotograph.

The most exciting seasonis late winter/early springwhen all the birds return…

For many years a pair ofCanada Geese has nestedin the exact same spot,atop a small island on oneof the ponds. Each yearseveral pair of Green-backed Herons and

Hawks swoop and dine andwith the hawks come theharassing crows. Never adull moment.

Ten bluebird and five woodduck boxes are within viewof the tower. Among the

the Tree Swallows. There are so many opportunities to observeclose up what a beautiful bird the Tree Swallow is. Graceful inflight and color, I have come to treasure this little unappreciatedgem.

During the busy springtime, I try to be in the tower by 5:30 a.m.,

ducks, the Wood Duck is themost abundant on our ponds inthe spring. The Hooded

numerous species of songbirds nest and feed at these wetlands.With so many nesting songbirds, Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned

from the Sandhill Cranes to the hummingbirds.

Merganser also nests in thewood duck boxes, then in winter,the Screech Owl takes upresidence. The EasternBluebirds share the boxes with

midmilandcons.org 2019 Vol. 7

7

me which doesn't always guarantee a picture. He might only be

well before sunrise, so asnot to spook the wakinganimals. I am usuallyhome by 9:30 a.m. chilledto the bone but hopefullywith some good images. Ithink most creatures knowthat I am there but do not

feel frightened by my presence, especially since I am a dailyvisitor. The deer are veryaware of me and my cameraespecially since they lookdirectly at me as they walktheir fawns right under thetower. I have had a BeltedKingfisher perch 10 feet from

there for a second and then he’sgone. When I do capture him onfilm, it is very special.

I keep records of all sightings andaccording to those records, we’vehad over 90 bird species visit us,

including the Bald Eagle and Osprey. That might not have beenpossible without my tower. The same is true for the mammals. I have seen mink and red foxmore often from the tower,than I have seen on mywalks in the fields. I treasurethose moments. We haveprotected our Hazel RidgeFarm by placing it under aconservation easement with

no time you will have many birdsvisiting. I feed the birds fromDecember until April. For 4 months Iwill get endless opportunities to drawand photograph them. I cannot thinkof a better thing to do on a cold nastywinter day.

In the summer we hang hummingbird

MMLC to make sure future generations may enjoy this.

Sometimes people say to me, "I wish I could see birds up close."Well, you can. All you have to do is during the winter hang abirdfeeder close to a window, relax in your favorite chair and in

Hazel Ridge Farm: viewfrom the tower, con't.

feeders and I sit on the deck withmy camera hoping to getsomething worth keeping. Justkeep the feeders full and the birdswill come. Enjoy.

Memorials

Thank you contributors

Contributions given in memory of Walter Appel by:Diane AppelPaul and Judith Kindel

Contribution given in memory of Andrew C. LaFaive by:Maria Lapinski-LaFaive and Quinn and AJ LaFaive

Contribution given in memory of Steven Patrick Dodd by:Anne-Marie Rachman

Contribution given in memory of my husband, William T. MartinIII, by: Mary Ann Martin

Thank you to all our members and other supporters for yoursupport of MMLC. The Conservancy needs your support tothrive and grow and protect the important natural lands andfarmlands of mid-Michigan. Your support is essential.

Thank you to all persons that donated funds to match the$20,000 and $5,000 match grants that we were awarded in2018. Both grants were fully matched.

Renewing your MMLCMembership for 2020In November of each year MMLC sends a letter to all membersasking them to renew their membership. We will do so againthis year. However, if you wish, you can renew yourmembership now. To do so, use the self-addressed letterenclosed in this newsletter. If we receive your renewal byNovember 1st, we will not send you a renewal letter inNovember. However, regardless of when and how you renewyour membership, you will, of course, receive our 2019 AnnualReport and all other communications we send in 2020concerning MMLC activities.

MMLC is on FacebookMid-Michigan Land Conservancy has joined social media!You can now find our Facebook page by searching for Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy on Facebook. MMLC does manythings to preserve natural places and benefit our community andwe want to share that with you! Be sure to follow us to stay up-to-date on everything we are doing, learn about the propertieswe manage, and get great insights about other news and eventstaking place near you. (www.facebook.com/midmilandcons)

midmilandcons.org 2019 Vol. 7

8

Board of Directors

Paul Kindel, President

Ken Rosenman, Vice President

Lindsay Ross, Secretary

Stephen Buzby

Eckhart Dersch

Michael Rhodes

Doug Pearsall

Hailey TenHarmsel

Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy,a nonprofit Michigan corporation For more information, contact us:E-MAIL: kindel@msu.eduPHONE: (517) 332-3091WRITE: MMLC

P.O. Box 154 Okemos, MI 48805-0154

WEBSITE: midmilandcons.org

Get Involved!We welcome your involvement and support! Join us inour efforts to protect Michigan's natural areas, wildlife

habitat, scenic lands, farmlands, and recreational landsso rural landscapes are protected.

Become a member. Volunteer.

Consider protecting your land with MMLC.Contact us to learn about opportunities to get involvedand about different options for protecting your land.

You may also donate online by using the secure PayPal

system on our website.

Additional information is on our website,www.midmilandcons.org.

You can contact us by e-mail at kindel@msu.edu or bytelephone at (517) 332-3091.

TM

(c) Copyright 2019 Mid-Michigan Land ConservancyThe paper is certified by FSC, SFI, and PEFC,

all sustainable forest management groups.

PO Box 154, Okemos, MI 48805-0154