winter 2011-2012 newsletter: land conservancy of west michigan

In October 1976 four West Michigan residents, through perseverance, dedication, and hard work, formed the organization known as the Natural Areas Conservancy of West Michigan, Inc. (NACOWMI). This land trust, now known as the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, was formed with the purpose of securing and preserving natural areas for education, scientific research, and simple quiet enjoyment for both present and future generations of West Michigan citizens.

As we celebrate the completion of 35 years of keeping nature nearby we reflect on our purpose and look back on the progress which has permanently protected over 7,400 acres of natural lands since 1976. A detailed timeline on page 8 walks through these 35 years of membership growth and land protection success.

In addition to reflecting on the past three and a half decades, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan eagerly looks forward to future projects. These include the completion of the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area project, a 173-acre property with 3,650 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline, as well as the anticipated creation of nature preserves in both Newaygo and Muskegon Counties in 2012.

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan works to protect natural lands

forever, ensuring that generations to come will experience wildlife, natural habitat, and clean water. As we look back on 35 years we are deeply appreciative of you, our members, who have helped to protect natural West Michigan habitat and continue to keep nature nearby.

In honor of completing 35 years of land protection we encourage you to consider a donation to become an anniversary donor. Your gifts ensure our work will be done far into the future... for many more than 35 years! More information available on page 15.

Celebrating Keeping Nature Nearby for 35 years!Volunteers of all ages lend a hand at a Dune Pines Preserve

invasive removal workday this fall. photo: Jacqueline Bilello

Keeping Nature Nearby

35 years

Keeping Nature NearbyWinter 2011 - 2012

Remembering 1976, the Land Conservancy’s founding year

• West Michigan native Gerald R. Ford was President of the United States• The Endangered Species Act, which focuses on the conservation of threat-

ened and endangered plants and animals and the habitats in which they are found, was only three years old

• Costofafirst-classpostagestampwas$0.13• “SillyLoveSongs”byWingswastheBillboard#1singleoftheyear• TheFederalWaterPollutionControlActof1948wasinthemidstofsome

changes, and with its amendments this act became known as the Clean WaterActin1977

• Nadia Comaneci was the gymnastics star of the summer Olympics in Mon-treal, Quebec

• Rocky, starring actor Sylvester Stallone, was the top movie money-maker of the year

• Viking I lands on Mars and sends back photos• The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl X

Land Conservancy of West MichiganLand Conservancy of West Michigan

MissionTo keep nature nearby, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan permanently protects natural and scenic lands.

Board of DirectorsPenny Ladd, ChairJon Jellema, Vice ChairDeborah Steketee, Secretary Daniel Grady, TreasurerDwight BakerPeter E. DeBoerJan DeurDavid DornbosJohn FoxSusan HoekemaTimothy LundgrenDawn McDonaldMarti O’BrienClay StaufferJeff VandenBergeDave Warners

StaffBrian ObitsInterim Executive Director & Development OfficerApril ScholtzLand Protection DirectorPete DeBoerLand Protection CoordinatorJacqueline BilelloStewardship CoordinatorNealy MolhoekConservation Easement SpecialistMichelle HarrisCommunications Coordinator Diane SampsonMembership CoordinatorGretchen R. MouselAccountant & Office Manager

LCWM is a recognized 501(c)(3)non-profit organization. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

Land Conservancy of West Michigan1345 Monroe Ave. NW, Ste. 324Grand Rapids, MI 49505Phone: 616-451-9476Fax: 616-451-1874www.naturenearby.org [email protected]

Underwriting for this newsletter generously provided by:

A corporate law firm with offices across Michigan, Warner Norcross & Judd forges a better partnership with its clients. Learn more at www.wnj.com.

Printed on recycled paper

From the Interim Executive DirectorDear Land Conservancy members and friends,

It has been my privilege and honor to serve as the interim executive director for the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. Having joined the Land Conservancy last fall as a development officer, it has been a wonderful educational process for me, giving me the opportunity to learn about the vital work the Land Conservancy does in ways I would not have understood before. Best of all, it has given me an opportunity to meet many wonderful people like you – our landowners, donors and dedicated volunteers.

At this time, the Search Committee is in the process of interviewing executive director candidates. With a highly qualified pool of applicants, we are looking forward to welcoming a new director and moving ahead with the agency’s critical conservation work.

In the meantime, many important things continue to happen. Our application for accreditation (see page 4) with the Land Trust Alliance has been submitted – a significant step forward for our organization which will help ensure we remain consistent with the best practices in the field.

Perhaps most exciting: as of press time, we are anticipating closure in mid-December of the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area project – see page 7 for more details. This project has been years in the making, and wouldn’t have been possible without the support of thousands of dedicated donors, volunteers and members of the community.

What’s next in the Land Conservancy’s future? The groundwork is being laid for several significant projects, including new permanent nature preserves here in West Michigan. Watch for more information soon, and thanks to all of you who make my time as interim executive director such a pleasure by helping to keep nature nearby!

Happy Holidays,

P.S. Right now you can double the size of your year-end donation – see details on our annual membership challenge on page 13!

Brian Obits, Interim Executive Director & Development Officer

Land Conservancy of West Michigan Land Conservancy of West Michigan

Land Conservancy of West Michigan

Page 2

In 2009 the Land Conservancy was awarded a $651,740 grant from the Nonpoint Source Program of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to work in the White River watershed, using conservation easements to permanently preserve land that is important in maintaining the river’s water quality.

The first property to be conserved through this project is a 360-acre parcel in Otto Township, Oceana County. The property’s significant forest and wetland habitats, its size, its linkage with land conserved in the Manistee National Forest, and its proximity to the North Branch of the White River make it a priority for conservation in the watershed.

The conservation easement will be donated to the Land Conservancy by the property owner, Bruce Campbell. The Land Conservancy’s White River Watershed grant will allow us to pay a portion of the costs associated with creating the conservation easement.

The Campbell property is undeveloped and forested. The northern half of the property has open forests of oak and pine on sandy soils, with grassy openings scattered through the woods. This is an oak/pine barren natural community that is a distinctive native landscape in this area and a significant part of the Great Lakes regional biodiversity.

Evergreens become more dominant in the more thickly forested southern half of the property. Here, the property includes about 50 acres of a massive swampy area known as Lidkey Swamp. In addition to white pine and hemlock, trees that tolerate seasonal flooding

such as yellow birch, blue beech, and red maple are common. Open wetlands with cattails, sedges, ferns, and Michigan holly add to the diversity of the habitats. A large heron rookery exists deep within the swamp, just west of the Campbell

property boundaries.

The White River is one of Lake Michigan’s important tributaries, arising in north-central Newaygo County and flowing southwest to the Lake Michigan shoreline near Montague and Whitehall. It is one of the southernmost trout streams in Michigan and is primarily fed by groundwater. Wetlands and swamps in the watershed, such as those found on this property, are an important source of cool water to the river system, which helps support the trout population. Our thanks go to Mr. Campbell for his commitment to the conservation of the White River watershed’s natural habitats.

Protecting freshwater resources by protecting landCampbell

conservation easement

Part of Lidkey Swamp on the Campbell property. photo: April Scholtz

Campbell conservation easement protects 360 acres in Oceana County. photo: April Scholtz


Page 5

Conservation Easement DonorsAda TownshipCharles Anglin TrustBarney & Elsie BetkaKen & Judy BetzThe Bigford FamilyJeanine BieseChuck & Pat BloomManuel & Barbara ButzowJeff & Anya ByamChrist Community ChurchCity of Norton ShoresCity of SaugatuckThe Cok FamilyElizabeth J. CrosbyThe Duffing/Henrikson/

Anderson/Bunch FamilyThe DeWys-Gilbert FamilyThe Elliott FamilyThe Freeland FamilyGiammalva-Wallace FamilyThe Heasley FamilyHMA Development, L.L.C.Mrs. David HoweMargaret P. Hoyle TrustManuel & Lilah Huyser TrustF. Martin & Dorothy JohnsonE.L. Ladd & CompanyJoseph & Irene LarsonBill & Jeanne LeaverJohn LevingsThe Lewis FamilySam & Jean MartinPaul McEnroeThe Muzzy & Lerchen FamiliesJill & Lori NerheimBob & Carla OhseOttawa CountyHerman OutcaltOx-Bow School of Art &

Artists’ ResidencyDouglas & Gretchen PaprockiParkland Investments, Inc.The Rasmussen FamilyMark & Tami RedfieldThe Reed FamilyPaul & Christine SantoroDick & Lu SchwikertThe Scripps FamilyKenway & Deloras SmithRobert Smith & FamilyPeter & Joan SteketeeSouthwest MI Land

ConservancyJohn Sutton & FamilyCecilia VanderboutThe Veit FamilyThe Gary Vos FamilyPeter M. WegeMrs. Joseph WeingartnerWillard & Joan Wolfe

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan has submitted its application for accreditation to the national Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Commission. The accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs. As part of this process, a public comment period is now open.

The Commission invites public input and accepts signed, written comments on pending applications. Comments must relate to how

the Land Conservancy of West Michigan complies with national quality standards. These standards address the ethical and technical operation of a land trust.

To learn more about the accreditation program, national standards, and to submit a comment visit www.landtrustaccreditation.org. Comments may also be faxed to 518-587-3183 or mailed to the following:

Land Trust Accreditation Commission Attn: Public Comments112 Spring Street, Suite 204Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Comments on the Land Conservancy’s application will be most useful by December 31, 2011.

Application for Accreditation: Your comments are welcome

Conservation Easement Specialist welcomes first sonOn October 30, 2011 Land Conservancy staff member Nealy Molhoek welcomed her first son, Kenan Losson, into her family. As this photo shows, Kenan already loves the outdoors and looks fantastic in his “Land Conservancy green” hat.

Nealy became the Land Conservancy’s Conservation Easement Specialist in November 2010 after serving as crew leader for the 2010 seasonal stewardship crew.

Congratulations on the new addition to your family, Nealy and Matt!

To join our email list, please email [email protected].

Stay connected

Jacqueline Bilello with a spring peeper at Dune Pines Preserve. photo: Land Conservancy

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Land Donors

Weldon & Marilyn BrummelsCastle Park AssociationValerino & Maria CastroAnne & Natasha CridlerReginald & Diane CridlerGerry & Peggy Ann DePersiaLake Breeze Protection GroupJoan Lerchen TrustMuzzy Family PartnershipRED Investors, LLCMrs. James SebastianRuth SkwarekSouth Highlands Beach Assoc.Edith Van Til Trust/ Blackburn FamilyWege Foundation Evangeline White

Grassland restoration efforts in West Michigan

Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve

Farms today to help the Land Conservancy with a community effort to restore native grassland ecosystems to West Michigan landscapes. Cheryl Tolley, who owns this beautiful restored prairie property, has graciously invited Land Conservancy volunteers out to collect seed for the prairie restoration project at the Land Conservancy’s Saul Lake Bog Preserve.

Grasslands support a variety of plants and animals which rely on these sunny openings. For instance, some of our favorite song birds such as meadowlarks and bobolinks need large areas of undisturbed grassland to nest and raise their young. Native pollinators, such as the bees and butterflies, count on grassland flowers for nectar and pollen to feed their young. These same insects pollinate many of our favorite food crops. The loss of these nesting areas and seasonal nectar and pollen sources have isolated many species, causing rapid population declines.

Over time these species, and others like them, have developed a relationship with the plants that make up grassland communities. This synergy is very local and specific, driven by plants that have become adapted to the climatic and environmental conditions in a region. Therefore, when restoring native grasslands it is critical to use local native seed sources to ensure that the plants will thrive and also provide optimal benefit to the ecological community of which they are a part. This is one reason why the seed collecting event at Sandhill Farms is so important to our efforts at grassland restoration in the region.

At Saul Lake Bog Preserve dedicated volunteers have devoted many hours to recreating a 25-acre grassland ecosystem. They have made great progress in the four years since seed from Sandhill Farms and other local sources provided the basis for the initial plantings. For the past two years the Land Conservancy has been able to host its own seed collecting events, during which volunteers have collected buckets of seeds from grasses and flowers. These collections will be used to establish new areas of prairie at the preserve as well as to trade with other conservation organizations to help increase the genetic diversity of the plants on prairies throughout the region.

There are many ways that you can add the beauty of native grasses and flowers to your landscape while also helping to ensure that this important ecosystem continues to thrive here in West Michigan. For more information contact our stewardship coordinator Jacqueline Bilello at 616-451-9476.

A gentle breeze carries the bright sound of laughter across waving tops of seed heavy grasses. Colorful patches of blue and red dot the grassland, evidence of students working throughout the field. Closer by insects, warmed by the afternoon sun, are furiously gathering nectar from late blooming flowers. Students from the Environmental Activities Club of Northview High School have come out to Sandhill

Volunteers collect seed at Sandhill Farms for prairie restoration at Saul Lake Bog Preserve. photo: Jacqueline Bilello

Saul Lake Bog Preserve volunteers. photo: Jacqueline Bilello



Page 7

Service learning with the Land ConservancyThis fall the Land Conservancy has continued its long standing tradition of providing quality service learning opportunities throughout West Michigan. Service learning integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection and gives participants a better understanding of the difficult environmental issues facing society today while strengthening individual civic responsibility. From invasive plant removal at Holland State Park, to seed collecting events at Saul Lake Bog (see page 5), to turtle

habitat restoration at Lamberton Lake Fen (bottom right photo), the Land Conservancy is continuously connecting with schools, organizations and citizens to promote civic and environmental responsibility. Service learning participants help the Land Conservancy with much-needed stewardship tasks while learning more about the diverse ecosystems located in West Michigan, some of the threats they face and ways to become involved.

Student projects on Land Conservancy Nature Preserves• Mitch Poling, a student at Grand Valley State

University (GVSU) is developing a management plan that will help the Land Conservancy identify ways to attract more grassland birds to the newly restored prairie at Saul Lake Bog Preserve.

• GVSU student Ryan Wysocki is developing a management plan that will help the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area identify ways to improve habitat for the Blanchard’s cricket frog, a species that is listed as threatened in Michigan.

• For his capstone project at GVSU, Dan Watts will be comparing the vegetation response at Wege Natural Area Preserve to different silviculture practices: clear cut, thinning and no treatment. The results will help the Land Conservancy decide our next steps in restoring the preserve to a mixed hardwood forest.

• Dr. Deanna Van Dijk’s Calvin College “First year research in Earth Sciences” class will be doing research at our Castle Park Preserve to help us in restoring the fragile dune system.

Right: Holland Scout Troop 147 helped the Land Conservancy remove oriental bittersweet from our Castle Park preserve in association with the Sustain Our Great Lakes grant program. photo: Jacqueline Bilello

Below: Land Conservancy volunteer Jim Benson explains the importance of invasive removal at Brower Lake Nature Preserve to Grand Rapids Community College’s Biodiversity Club. This club has helped

with projects at several preserves in addition to Brower Lake. photo: Jacqueline Bilello

Right: Students from Calvin College biology labs visited Lamberton Lake Fen to learn about wetland ecosystems. photo: Jacqueline Bilello


Land Protection & Project SupportAnonymousJames BrooksCommunity Fnd for Muskegon Co.The Conservation FundEcoPrintFairly PainlessForemost Insurance GroupFremont Area Community FndFrey FoundationGrand Haven Area Community FndGrand Rapids Community FndHansen Charitable FoundationThe Hideout Brewing CompanyJ.A. Woollam FoundationKorth Family FoundationLakeshore YogaMcShane & Bowie, P.L.C.Meijer FoundationMichigan DNRENetCorpsNorcross Wildlife Foundation, Inc.Progressive AEReagan Marketing & DesignSteelcase FoundationWege FoundationWhite Lake Community FundWolverine World Wide Foundation

Business MembersAnnual contributions of $500 or moreAlcoa HowmetBaker Book HouseBata PlasticsBISSELL Inc.Bosgraaf BuildersCornerstone ArchitectsDairy Dock TooEasy Green ShopElzinga & Volkers, Inc.Fanshawe & AssociatesFarr Oosterhouse & KrissofForemost InsuranceForest Hills FoodsForever Fossilized VideographyFounders Bank & TrustGrowco Indoor Garden SupplyJ.L. Miller CompanyJack Dykstra ExcavatingJarzembowski Builders, IncMoore & Bruggink, Inc.Open Prairie Ventures, Inc.Patriot RealtyPermaloc CorporationQuaint CottagesReagan Marketing & DesignReusch Design Services Rooks Landscaping Saint Mary’s Health Services The Hideout Brewing CompanyTrillium Haven FarmUniversal Forest ProductsURS Corporation - Great LakesValley City Environmental ServicesWarner Norcross & Judd Williams & WorksWillson Insurance

Update

IRA direct distribution expires at year-endThe Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) rules allow taxpayers over age 70-1/2 to make IRA distributions payable directly to a qualified charity such as the Land Conservancy without treating the distribution as taxable income. In addition, the distributions will count towards the IRA owner’s Required Minimum Distribution. The QCD rules expire on December 31, 2011. Consult your financial advisor to see if taking advantage of this charitable opportunity is right for you.

In November a GVSU Honors Class assisted the Land Conservancy with management projects at the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, including beach grass seed collection for re-vegetation efforts and the removal of invasive, non-native birch along the shore-

line of the oxbow lagoon. These activities will help several rare species known to inhabit this natural area. photo: Jacqueline Bilello

In December 2009 the Land Conservancy purchased the 172.64 acres of natural duneland south of the Kalamazoo River channel known as the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area. This was done to ensure that this remarkable landscape was not caught up in a development scenario that could have fragmented its natural habitats, threatened rare species, barred public access, and altered a unique scenic view so important to the region. We have held the property for the City of Saugatuck’s acquisition through a state and federal grant, matched by generous private donations. Last year we successfully transferred the southern third of the property into the City’s ownership. As we reported last spring, the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area project will be completed a year earlier than planned thanks to the decision by the board of directors of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) to combine the second and third year grant payments in 2011. Our late summer campaign to raise the remaining private funds needed to match the grants and

complete the project was successful thanks to the donations of generous individuals and the willingness of those who made a pledge over three years to make an extra effort to pay that pledge in 2011. This December, when the final phase of the $10.5 million MNRTF grant and a $3 million grant from the federal Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP)become available, the Land Conservancy will transfer the remaining Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area land it holds to the City. Then, all 173 acres of the natural duneland south of the Kalamazoo River channel will be in City ownership and managed as a natural area addition to Oval Beach Park. Until then, we encourage you to visit the property – parking is free at Oval Beach from Labor Day to Memorial Day – and marvel at the windswept beauty that we’re all working so hard to protect.

Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area


19761977 1978

1981

1988

19891990

1993

Four community volunteers worked together to form the Natural Areas Conservancy of West Michigan, Inc. (NACOWMI)

Inaugural Board of Directors is formed and

membership tops 100

Efforts to protect the Saugatuck

Dunes begin

Following decade-long efforts of NACOWMI and local individuals and partners, Saugatuck Dunes is dedicated as a State Natural AreaNACOWMI is granted its 501(c)3 status

by the IRS and can now accept charitable donations

123-acres in Kent County are purchased and become Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve, the first preserve owned and managed by NACOWMIphoto: Saul Lake Bog in 2010 by David Ribbens

NACOWMI obtains office space in Grand Rapids and hires its first Executive Director, April Scholtz

1985Survey of the Grand River is completed,

producing a good assessment of sites meriting preservation along the river

Lake Breeze Nature Preserve is established in Oceana County, extending NACOWMI’s land protection work north.photo: Lake Breeze in 2011 by Jacqueline Bilello

Did you know?• Our 13 nature preserves are open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. For a map

of our preserves visit the Land Conservancy online at www.naturenearby.org.• The work of the Land Conservancy depends on volunteers who help outdoors at

the nature preserves or indoors around the office. Get involved today - contact us at 616-451-9476 or [email protected].

Keeping Nature

Nearby

3

5 years


1995

1997

1999 2001

20062008

2009

Today

Palomita Preserve becomes Ottawa County’s first NACOWMI Nature Preserve

NACOWMI keeps its logo but changes

its name to the Land Conservancy of West

Michigan (LCWM)

LCWMoffices move to their current location at 1345 Monroe NW in Grand Rapids

LCWM celebrates its 25th anniversary (and 1,000 acres protected!) with the protection of Minnie Skwarek Nature Preserve in Ottawa County photo: Skwarek Preserve in 2010 by Andrew Topper

photo: Palomita in 2011 by Jacqueline Bilello

Maas Family Nature Preserve along the White Pine Trail in Kent County protects habitat for the endangered

Karner Blue Butterfly

above photo: Karner Blue at Maas Preserve by Melanie Manion

photo to right: Lupine field at Maas Preserve by John Bagley

LCWM receives grant from Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to protect lands in both the Lower Muskegon River Watershed and Pere Marquette River Watershed with conservation easements

LCWM purchases 173-acres of Lake Michigan duneland known as the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area in December 2009. Two years later, in December 2011, we plan to complete the project by transferring the land to the City of Saugatuck (more on page 7)

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Today the Land Conser-vacy of West Michigan boasts the following:

• Over 7,400 acres of natural areas pro-tected here in West Michigan

• Almost 46 miles of shoreline protected, including West Michi-gan lakes, streams, and rivers

• Over 2,000 members contribute financially to our work

• Hundreds of volun-teers lend their hands annually to keep nature nearby


Volunteers recognized at fall celebrationIn September, the Land Conservancy held its annual Volunteer Potluck to honor the important work that volunteers contribute to the Land Conservancy’s efforts. The weather cooperated and Land Conservancy volunteers and staff enjoyed a delicious meal and looked back on the year’s volunteer accomplishments. Recognition was given to two individuals for their work for the Land Conservancy and for conservation in West Michigan.

Wayne Groesbeck was presented with the 2011 Mary Jane Dockeray award in recognition of his untiring efforts to conserve the important natural resources of the Muskegon River watershed and protect Lake Michigan’s water quality.

The Land Conservancy established this award in 1990 in honor of Mary Jane Dockeray, an influential environmental educator in West Michigan and a great supporter of the Land Conservancy. Each year we present the award to an individual or organization that has demonstrated outstanding dedication and commitment to the quality of nature interpretation or conservation in West Michigan.

Wayne’s work for the protection and improvement of the Muskegon River watershed includes leadership positions with many groups, including the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly, the Muskegon Lake Watershed Partnership, the Muskegon Conservation District, and the Michigan Anglers Association. At the Land Conservancy’s 2010 annual meeting Wayne gave

an excellent presentation on efforts to restore Michigan’s sturgeon populations.

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan also congratulated Dawn McDonald, our 2011 Volunteer of the Year. Along with her husband Tom, Dawn has been a Land Conservancy member since 2003 and finds many ways to keep active. Dawn serves on the Board of Directors, chairs the Fund Development Committee, and is currently serving as co-chair of the Executive Director Search Committee. As chair of the Fund Development Committee, Dawn has been instrumental in developing a major donor program, planning Land Conservancy events such as the annual meeting, and helping develop gift processing policies and procedures. Presently, Dawn is helping to plan and position the Land Conservancy to launch an endowment campaign and a new planned giving initiative.

Dawn can be found almost everywhere: volunteering at events, helping in the office and with outdoor projects, and meeting with donors and volunteers, including early (very early!) morning publicity appearances and hikes in the Saugatuck Dunes. “I believe the Land Conservancy succeeds in its mission to keep nature nearby,” said Dawn, when asked why she volunteers. “Knowing that the lands we protect will be preserved ‘in perpetuity’ means something.”

Please join us in extending our sincere appreciation to both Wayne and Dawn for all they do, but also to all the other dedicated volunteers who help us preserve and protect the finest of West Michigan’s natural areas. We couldn’t do it without you!

“Knowing that the lands we protect will be preserved ‘in perpetuity’ means something.”

- Dawn McDonald, 2011 Volunteer of the Year

Land Protection Director April Scholtz presents Wayne Groesbeck with the 2011 Mary Jane Dockeray award. photo: Michelle Harris

Dawn McDonald, 2011 Volunteer of the Year. photo: Michelle Harris


8 years and counting: Belke family continues Land Conservancy streak by protecting Pere Marquette River property

The Belke Family recently partnered with the Land Conservancy to protect 94 acres downstream of Scottville on the Pere Marquette River. The property also has extensive frontage on Swan Creek and the wetlands that surround it. The upland portions of the property are a mixture of open and farm fields.

“The whole family wanted to have things stay the way we’ve always known them,” notes Mark Belke. “When we found out that the conservation easement would keep the land private, protect the wildlife and that there is a property tax advantage - it seemed like a no-brainer for us.”

Tom Belke, Mark’s father, owns the land and plans to pass on the land to his two children, Lisa and Mark. By placing a conservation easement on the property before the transfer occurs, Tim will help Mark and Lisa avoid a significant property tax increase. This property tax advantage for conservation easements was signed into Michigan law in 2006.

Historically, the Belke’s property would have been at the upper reaches of Pere Marquette Lake which stretched from the Lake Michigan shoreline at Ludington to the village of Scottville, just upstream of the property. With industrialization in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the

channel at Ludington was straightened and dredged for commerce. The water level of the lake drew down to its current size and the river now flows through extensive wetlands revealed from the lowered water level, some of which are on the Belke’s property today.

“I’ve had plenty of ‘firsts’ on our property,” continues Mark. “I caught my first trout with Dad, trapped my first otter, viewed our first bobcat. Dad always taught us the value of preserving the land and enjoying it just for what it is. He has always said that the beauty of this place is you just never know what you are going to see in the back (of the property). We’ve always agreed with him on that.”

The protection of the Belke property marks the eighth straight year that at least one property in the Pere Marquette River Watershed has been protected. With several other potential projects in the watershed in the near future, the Land Conservancy is confident that streak will not end anytime in the near future. Over 1,800 acres are permanently protected in the watershed.

For more information on the property tax benefits of a conservation easement contact April and Pete, our land protection staff, at 616-451-9476.

View of the Pere Marquette River from the Belke property. photo: Pete DeBoer

Swan Creek on the Belke Property. photo: Pete DeBoer

“Dad always taught us the value of preserving the land and enjoying it...”

- Mark Belke, 2011 Conservation Easement donor

Belke conservation easement


Sustain Our Great Lakes project successfully completes its second year

This project was made possible through support provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via the National Fish and Wildlife Federation and The Nature Conservancy, under the terms of the Project #2010-0074-005. The content and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position or the policy of USFWS, NFWF, or The Nature Conservancy, and no official endorsement should be inferred.

Sustain Our Great Lakes (SOGL) is a multipartner program coordinating the survey, eradication and monitoring efforts for seven major invasive plants threatening dunes along the eastern lake Michigan coast. This summer our SOGL stewardship crew worked along the Lake Michigan shoreline mapping and eradicating invasive plants.

Anna, a SOGL crew member, writes:

We have worked in state, county, and township parks as well as many private residences to free the lakeshore from oriental bittersweet, lyme grass, and Japanese knotweed. It is rewarding to be thanked by private landowners who were having trouble controlling these invasives on their own. Many have planted Oriental bittersweet having never been warned of the destructiveness of the plant. Nurseries do not warn their customers that the bittersweet will take down trees and spread into a dense mat until there is no other plant life that can compete. It is frustrating to hear this scenario repeatedly, but it also makes our job that much more important. Continuing this work will mean more saved habitat and a chance to save the beauty of the Lake Michigan lakeshore that is such a draw to West Michigan.

Josh Dykstra, Crew LeaderJosh began his Land Conservancy experience as an intern in 2008 while completing his degree in Environmental Biology from Cornerstone University. He has been a stewardship crew member in both 2010 and 2011 and enjoys making maple syrup in his free time.

2011 SOGL Stewardship Crew

Katherine (Bauer) Stamps, Crew MemberKatie graduated from GVSU with a degree in Natural Resources Management in April 2011. In addition to her position here at the Land Conservancy Katie kept busy planning her July 2011 wedding. As Katie says, “Being in the field every day is rewarding as it shows directly the positive impact we make for our dune environments.”

Anna Weesies, Crew MemberPrior to her time as a crew member here at the Land Conservancy Anna spent several months working for the SE Exotic Plant Management Team along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. She holds a Zoology degree from Michigan State University.

Karen M. of Grand Haven emailed the SOGL crew after they visited her Lake Michigan property:

Thank you so much for treating the Oriental Bittersweet in my area. It was such a joy to actually see the dune this year instead of the jungle that was hiding it for the past few years. You have no idea how long I have been working on this and how many people/organizations I have contacted only to end up disappointed. The process has been extremely time consuming and that is why I am so grateful that I was finally able to find someone who could actually help. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

The SOGL crew works to eradicate invasives along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Ludington. photo: Anna Weesies


Welcome new Land Conservancy members (August 2011 – October 2011)

Ronna AlexanderHelena AukemaHarold BallenKerrie BandykSara & Richard BarillaJoan BarnettNancee BiankJohn BodineLyle & Ruth BoermanMark & Kristin BorgmanVictoria BoyceRichard & Marilyn Brown

Verena BrunnerKat & Jim CookTimothy CurtinSharlene & Park DavisVirginia DehaanKimberly EganJames EnosCharlene FelkerGlenn & Janeen FowlerGeorge & Barbara GesslerThomas HarringtonCarl Jennings

Mamie KallielPatrick KennellyElizabeth KingChris W. KueblerJulie MatthewsDanielle MesserJim MiarsJoanne MihDeanna MorseJulie MyersBonnie NewmanBen Rausch

Reagan Marketing &Design

Patrick ReaumeJohn RossiBill RoweRaymond SchnoebelenCarol SegristCharlaine & John ShackJohn & Donna St. AndreLouis TherosGerald TilmannAndrew Topper

Jessica VandenboschJon & Kathleen WalgrenMichael WarrenBetty & Kirke WhiteDoug VandenBergAnn WeaverDale WinterCarolyn & Foster

WoodwardJerry WrightDiane YargerGloria Yff

Donors renew matching gift challengeSeveral donors have again stepped forward to offer a $40,000+ year-end matching gift challenge to our members. Your contribution will be matched dollar-for-dollar if it is:

• A new membership gift• A renewal of a lapsed membership• An increase from last year’s gift (the amount of the increase will be matched)• Over $500 (with this gift you’ll also become an anniversary donor in honor of the Land Conservancy’s 35 years!)

Double the impact of your gift – make a donation to keep nature nearby today! See page 15 for a donation form, or donate securely online at www.naturenearby.org. Call 616-451-9476 if you have any questions.

The Land Conservancy & Gazelle Sports hosted a good form running clinic at Wege Natural Area this fall. photo: Michelle Harris

Get fit with the Land Conservancy and Fifth Third River Bank Run

The Land Conservancy has been selected as a 2012 Fifth Third River Bank Run Charity Partner and we ask you to consider walking or running to keep nature nearby. The Land Conservancy works to protect natural areas in part for their recreational opportunities, and this year we invite you to join the Land Conservancy River Bank Run team to raise funds for our cause.

To register for the May 12, 2012 River Bank Run events visit www.53riverbankrun.com and select "Land Conservancy of West Michigan" as a Charity Partner when you register. Contact Michelle at [email protected] or 616-451-9476 for more information.

Get outside and make 2012 the year you'll walk or run for the Land Conservancy!



Page 15

Volunteers help keep nature nearby! (August 2011 – October 2011)Matthew AbelTodd AschenbachChristine BaerJohn BagleyDwight BakerJerry BakkeNancy BennerJames & Lynn

BensonDenise BlairErnie BrumbaughDavid CairoliJanet Carbonneau

JonesRick ChaplaSarah CharterSusan ClementsMandi CrevelingAmanda CrolierCynthia DavidekPeter E. DeBoerMichelle DefouwJan DeurDavid Dornbos

Ann Marie FauvelJim FerroDaniel & Penny

FolsomJohn FoxChris & Bob GambleBrent GeurinkKari GibbonsDaniel GradyAlex GraeffBarbara GriffinRobert & Tammy

HartmanMichael HayesLukas & Teresa HillStanley Hinley Susan HoekemaDawn HoltropKelsey HuismanMark IversonJon JellemaTravis JohnsonKurt JonkerHaig Kassouni

Emily KozlowiczFred KraftJamie & Penny LaddRonnie LaneMitch LarsenJesse LincolnTim LundgrenNeil MacdonaldWhitney MartinLynn MartinJill MartindaleManju MaruliahClaudia McAinshTom & Dawn

McDonaldSam, Reese, & Callum

MellishJulia MessengerPatrick MillerSteve & Nancy

MulderBernie MulderMarti O’BrienBarbara Olson

Karen OlsonAngie PaauweLarry PiatekBen RauschElise RoeAl & Carol SabatiniDean & Elaine

SalisburyTim SchipperPeter SchmidtMike SmithSteve SmithCrystal SorrellsEmily StauchClay StaufferSteelcase Care

Volunteer CenterSteelcase Inc.Alan SteinmanDeb SteketeeJason StoutenJanessa SzymczykJordan TolleyJeff Vandenberge

Robert VanderkampRandy VandragtJon VanSwedenDave Warners

Barb WegenerMarcia WiersmaGeorge & Gretchen

Zuiderveen

Gifts were made in honor of:John DeHaan, Jr.By Virginia DeHaan

George DeslogeBy Keith Charak

Peter HomeyerBy John & Gretchen Mousel

Tom & Diane Sampson

Penny LaddBy the Boyd Foundation

France & Alex LapenasBy William & Alexis L Bradow

Wallace ObitsBy Richard & Marilyn Brown

Doris DuceyPatricia MawstBonnie NewmanLeslie NewmanWetland Watch

April ScholtzBy John Legge

Land Conservancy StaffBy Carol Segrist

Everyone who protects natural landsBy Dan & Jann Bidwell

Gifts were made in memory of:Jack AardemaBy Jack & Barb Bosgraaf

The BuhlerPrince FamilySharlene & Park DavisJoanne MihTom & Donna NowakElaine VankleyMichael Warren

Tamara BallenBy Harold Ballen

Allen C. BodineBy John Bodine

Margaret BedoreBy Patrick Kennelly

Joellen ClaryBy Kerrie Bandyk

Joan BarnettCollins Elementary SchoolAdrienne DeangeloTimothy & Charlene HillMamie KallielKreis, Enderle, Hudgins &

Borsos, PC

Vincent FortunatoBy Nancee Biank

Catherine GemrichBy Mark & Kristin Borgman

Alex GemrichLouis GlaserJulie MatthewsElaine MorseKathy Pong

Price HeneveldJim & Lori SheddenLouis TherosHenry & Lois Vostral

Stephanie GrebinskiBy Paul & Madeline Brooks

Marge HajicekBy Debbie & Larry Watson

Rick MosherBy Leslie Mosher

Leland A Vance & Donna R. VanceBy Verena Brunner

Agnes Robinson WalgrenBy Jon & Kathleen Walgren

Memorials & Honorariums (August 2011 – October 2011)

Newaygo County invasive plant workshopsInvasive species are becoming a significant threat to natural areas in Newaygo County. Through a Fremont Area Community Foundation grant the Land Conservancy is pleased to offer a series of hand-on workshops for volunteers and professional land managers. These workshops will focus on the proper techniques and best management practices for identifying and eradicating invasive plant species before they can cause environmental and economic damage. Dates are being scheduled now. For information please contact our stewardship coordinator Jacqueline at [email protected] or 616-451-9476.

We apologize for any misspellings and omissions; please let us know of any errors by contacting [email protected] or 616-451-9476.

Steelcase Care Volunteer Center members Vern & Laura Hyde spent their 60th wedding anniversary helping with a Land Conservancy mailing this fall. Thank you for spending your anniversary volunteering with the Land Conservancy, and congrats on 60 years of marriage! photo: Michelle Harris



35 years

• Landmark Leader $2500

• Patron $1000• Sponsor $500• 35th Anniversary

donor $350• Benefactor $250• Sustainer $100• Supporter $50• Contributor $30• Other $_______

Please help the Land Conservancy protect West Michigan’s forests, fields, wetlands, & dunes!

Donate by credit card online at www.naturenearby.org, or make your check payable to the Land Conservancy of West Michigan and mail to: 1345 Monroe Ave. NW, Ste. 324, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

□ Yes! I want to help keep nature nearby with a gift of $___________.Name____________________________________________________________________________

Address__________________________________________________________________________

City_________________________________________________State________Zip______________

Phone____________________________________________________________________________

Email____________________________________________________________________________

35th Anniversary presentations: We couldn’t have done it without you!The Land Conservancy of West Michigan invites you to our 35th anniversary slideshow series to learn more about our work, how members like you make a difference, and several different environmental topics. Locations and times vary; come to one or come to all! Events are free to the public, although a small donation is suggested so we can continue events like these. RSVP is appreciated but not necessary. Please call 616-451-9476 or email [email protected] to RSVP.

Winter tracking hikeSaturday, January 28 from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.Wege/Wittenbach Agri-Science Center & Wege Natural Area11715 Vergennes Rd., Lowell, 49331After the 35th anniversary presentation you are invited to join our stewardship coordinator Jacqueline as she leads a hike exploring Wege Natural Area in search of wildlife and their tracks.

Bumblebees and blueberriesSaturday, February 4 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.Howard Christensen Nature Center16190 Red Pine Dr., Kent City, 49330Following the 35th anniversary presentation Jacqueline, our Stewardship Coordinator, will reveal some of the amazing adaptations of our native bumblebees, their pollination benefits to farmers and gardeners here in West Michigan, and what we can do to help them thrive.

Michigan’s amphibians & reptilesMonday, February 13 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.Yankee Clipper Library2025 Leonard NE, Grand Rapids, 49505We’ll walk through the Land Conservancy’s 35 years keeping nature nearby then present information on Michigan’s amphibians & reptiles. There may even be special guests in the form of reptiles and amphibians!

More to come!Date, Time & location TBD The Land Conservancy has been working to plan more 35th anniversary events and slideshows. Keep your eye out for more information regarding scheduled events. For most recent event information be sure to join our email list by contacting [email protected] with “Email list” in the subject line.

2011 hike at Wege Natural Area. photo: Michelle Harris

Land Conservancy of West Michigan1345 Monroe Ave. NW, Ste. 324Grand Rapids, MI 49505616-451-9476

[email protected]

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDGrand Rapids, MI

Permit No. 906


35 years

In This Issue35th Anniversary (p. 1, 8-9)From the Interim Director (p. 2)Campbell conservation easement (p. 3)Accreditation: comments welcome (p. 4)Grassland restoration (p. 5)Service learning (p. 6)Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area (p. 7)Volunteers recognized (p. 10)Belke conservation easement (p. 11)Sustain Our Great Lakes recap (p. 12)Welcome new members (p. 13)Matching challenge grant (p. 13)River Bank Run opportunity (p. 13)35th anniversary slideshows (p. 15)

Mouse at Dune Pines Preserve. photo: Jacqueline Bilello

Keeping Nature

Nearby

35 years

Let’s celebrate!You can help the Land Conservancy to celebrate 35 years of land protection in several ways:

Become an anniversary donorIn honor of 35 years, those who donate $350 or more will be considered an “anniversary donor” and will receive special recognition. In addition, gifts of $500 or more will be matched by a year-end matching gift challenge (see page 13).

Attend an anniversary presentationLearn about the Land Conservancy’s 35-year past as well as current and future projects. Presentations will include special topics (see page 15).

Join our River Bank Run teamThe Land Conservancy is honored to be selected as a 2012 Fifth Third River Bank Run Charity Partner. We invite you to join the Land Conservancy team and participate in any of the 5K, 10K or 25K walk or run events to help keep nature nearby (see page 13).

Volunteer at a preserve or in the officeThe Land Conservancy is always in need of reliable office volunteers as well as outdoor volunteers at our preserves. We appreciate all of our volunteers! Email lcwm@naturenearby or call 616-451-9476 for more information.

winter 2011-2012 newsletter: land conservancy of west michigan

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