Land Conservancy of West Michigan - Fall 2011 Newsletter

The Lincoln River is a relatively small river that winds westerly through the fields and woods of central Mason County, along the north side of Ludington, and then out to Lake Michigan just a mile south of Ludington State Park.

The Land Conservancy was pleased to receive the donation of a conservation easement in June on a 37-acre property on the north side of the Lincoln River from Herman Outcalt. This conservation easement preserves more than 2,100 feet of undeveloped Lincoln River frontage and extensive shubby and emergent wetland habitats along the river. It also protects about 3,000 feet along two small stream corridors leading into the river.

This river system is one of several in our West Michigan service area that doesn’t receive much attention from government agencies or watershed groups because of its small size and rural location. Despite their relative obscurity, these small watersheds are still important as a source of clean water and riparian habitats, especially for trout and other spawning fish, and are also important to the overall ecosystem health of Lake Michigan.

Preserving these natural habitats was a major concern of Mr. Outcalt. He remembers how important the property’s natural beauty was to his mother, Genevieve Matson-Outcalt, and creating a conservation easement ensured that he could honor her wishes for the property.

The “farm” was purchased by his grandparents, Peter & Mary Matson, in the 1890s. Mr. Outcalt was born in Maryland in 1927, but was brought back to his parents’ home town of Ludington during the depression. It was hard to live out on the farm during the winter – there was no central heating and unplowed roads made it difficult to get to school, so Herman would live in town during the winter and on the farm in the summer. Continued on page 13.

Donated Easement a first for the Lincoln River Watershed

Outcalt Conservation Easement. photo: April Scholtz

Keeping Nature NearbyAutumn 2011

Outcalt CE

Lincoln River on the Outcalt property. photo: April Scholtz

Land 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: [email protected]

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From the Board of Directors

Dear LCWM members and friends,

As we enter this season of transition when the natural order of things is change, the Land Conservancy office is also experiencing changes. In this newsletter, you’ll see that we have welcomed Jacqueline Billelo, our new Stewardship Coordinator, to the office (page 6). We also bid farewell to Peter Homeyer, our executive director since 2009 (page 8).

The Board of Directors has launched a search for a new executive director which will be co-chaired by Jon Jellema, board vice-president, and Dawn McDonald, board member and fund development committee chair. All information regarding the search and the executive director position will be posted to our website, www.naturenearby.org, throughout the upcoming months.

Brian Obits, LCWM development officer, was appointed interim executive director until the position is filled. Brian previously served as executive director at area nonprofit organizations and will lead our capable staff and committed board through these next few months.

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan continues its momentum, moving forward with all of its projects:

• We are working to complete the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area project and donations to the project are critical (page 9).

• In addition to the new conservation easement reported on page 1, staff are working with conservation easement donors to complete land protection projects by year’s end.

• We have just been named a 2012 Fifth Third River Bank Run Charity Partner and are eager to have our members and friends participate in these events, ranging from a 5K walk to a 25K run to support our organization (page 7).

• We will be submitting our application for Land Trust Accreditation and public comment on our organization is welcome (page 6).

• We have many fall volunteer workdays and activities in which you are invited to participate (pages 5, 7, 15 & 16)!

As always, we thank you for your continuing support of the Land Conservancy of West Michigan and its mission to keep nature nearby. If you have any questions regarding this leadership transition, please call Penny Ladd, LCWM board chair, at 616-676-9101.

Sincerely,Land Conservancy of West Michigan Board of Directors


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Collaboration at its finest: Brower Lake Nature Preserve erosion project

The Land Conservancy often works with area organizations to complete stewardship projects on our nature preserves. This spring we were fortunate to work with the Volunteer Center of the Heart of West Michigan United Way and the Youth Grant Committee of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation to complete a large-scale erosion project at our Brower Lake Nature Preserve in Rockford. Winter sledding on this hill, in addition to pedestrian trail use and stormwater slope runoff, has caused erosion that now de-grades the natural landscape and ecosystem function.

While repairing the eroded slope the Youth Grant Commit-tee learned about the impact outdoor recreation activities can have on natural areas and wildlife habitat. This erosion repair project was completed over the course of three weekends thanks to the hard work of eighteen volunteers, including eleven student volunteers from the Youth Grant Committee.

The first step in repairing the eroded slope was decommis-sioning the trail located on the slope. Despite wet weather conditions, volunteers laid down yards of fill dirt and top soil on the 200-foot eroded hillside (shown to left). This was later covered by a biodegradable erosion blanket to ensure stability until plants can establish root systems and naturally stabilize the soil and the hill.

To re-establish appropriate native vegetation volunteers also planted a variety of tree seedlings (shown below) and spread a mixture of woodland grass and forb seeds in the reclaimed area. These newly planted trees should discour-age future trail use and prevent further erosion. The work-day succeeded in reaching the goals set by LCWM and was touted as a success by all involved.

This project involved many partners, and we appreciate the hard work of all! The workday was funded by a Technology and National Days of Service Mini-Grant from the Michigan Community Service Commission, Michigan Nonprofit Association, Volunteer Centers of Michigan, and Michigan Campus Compact.

Special thanks go to the Youth Grant Committee of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Herrington Excavating, Inc. for the donation of fill dirt and top soil, and longtime Land Conservancy supporters Chris Baer and Dave Warners for providing tree seedlings.

Some of the members of the Youth Grant Committee of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation

photo: Heart of West Michigan United Way Volunteer Center

Youth Grant Committee members rake fill dirt and top soil on the hill.photo: Nealy Molhoek Seedlings were planted as a final step in preventing erosion on this slope.

photo: Heart of West Michigan United Way Volunteer Center


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

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Stay connectedMorning view over the Grand River from Minnie Skwarek Nature Preserve. photo: Pete DeBoer

Several board members attended a retreat in April 2011.

From left to right: David Dornbos, Mark Iverson (former board mem-ber), Dwight Baker, Mary Hollin-

rake (former board member), Dawn McDonald,

Jon Jellema, Marti O’Brien, Tim Lundgren, Penny Ladd, Jeff VandenBerge, Jan Deur.

2011-2012 board members not pictured: Peter E. DeBoer,

John Fox, Daniel Grady, Susan Hoekema, Clay Stauffer,

Deb Steketee, Dave Warnersphoto: Michelle Harris

Welcome new Board of Directors

With the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, 2011 we welcomed thre new members to our Board of Directors: Peter E. DeBoer, David Dornbos, and Clay Stauffer. In addition, Jon Jellema and Margaret “Penny” Ladd were elected to second terms.

At the same time, two board members finished their term of service:• Mary Hollinrake most recently served as secretary and was active on the Governance

Committee. She will continue to volunteer for our organization, with an interest in conservation easement monitoring.

• Mark Iverson has been a member of the Audit Committee for multiple years and will continue to do so. He has always had a special interest in projects on the Muskegon & Pere Marquette Rivers, as he spends much of his free time fishing.

Thank you to all board members, both past and present, for your committment to our organization and your efforts to keep nature nearby!


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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

In June, the Minnie Skwarek Nature Preserve in Spring Lake Township grew – just a bit. Two acres of land were added on the northeast corner of the preserve along Leonard Road.

Although small in size, these 2 acres would have had a disproportionate impact on the Skwarek Nature Preserve if they had been residentially developed, as planned.

Many of the large white pines, oaks and hemlocks on the property would have been cut to make room for houses, lawns, and driveways. The wetlands on the property that connect with wetlands on the preserve would have inevitably been degraded by residential development. These changes would have been very noticeable from the preserve trails. The natural habitat available to wildlife that also use the preserve would have been diminished.

Thanks to Meghan Heritage and David C. Bos of BlueWest Properties, and to past donors to the Land Conservancy’s Land Protection Fund these “would-haves” were put to rest. David (a former member of the LCWM Board of Directors) and Meghan generously donated their impressive real estate expertise, time, and resources to help the Land Conservancy protect this property. Their commitment to the community and to the Land Conservancy is most appreciated.

A guided visit to the Minnie Skwarek Preserve and this addition is planned for spring 2012.

Minnie Skwarek Nature Preserve in Ottawa County grows

Minnie Skwarek Nature Preserve

Minnie Skwarek Nature Preserve expansion property photo: April Scholtz

Nature Yoga at Minnie Skwarek Nature Preserve

Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.15050 Leonard Rd., Spring Lake, MI 49456

Join the Land Conservancy and Lakeshore Yoga for an hour long yoga session led by a certified instructor. Relax, unwind, and take in the natural sounds of the nature preserve while exercising your mind and body.

Beginner and veteran yoga students are welcome. Bring water and a blanket or mat and wear comfortable clothing. Driving directions available on our website.


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As reported in previous newsletters, the Land Conservancy was selected by the national Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Commission to apply for accreditation this fall. The accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. As part of this process, a public comment period is now open.

The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance, conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs.

“Gaining accreditation is a high priority for the LCWM,” says Board Chair Penny Ladd. “It’s important for people who entrust their land to us or who support us financially to know that we maintain the highest standards and utilize the best practices developed by land trusts throughout the country.”

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. For the full list of standards see www.landtrustaccreditation.org/getting-accredited/indicator-practices.

To learn more about the accreditation program 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 LCWM’s application will be most useful by December 31, 2012.

In July the Land Conservancy welcomed Jacqueline Bilello as our new stewardship coordinator. Prior to becoming stewardship coordinator Jacqueline most recently served an AmeriCorps year of service with the North Carolina chapter of The Nature Conservancy. She is eager to put her experiences to work for the communities of West Michigan.

Inspired by rewarding experiences volunteering with conservation organizations in northern Michigan, Jacqueline recently returned to college and completed a B.S. degree in Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University and a

M.P.S. in Conservation Biology at SUNY-ESF in New York.

Her masters studies focused on ways to help restore relationships between people and the lands and waters that support them. As LCWM stewardship coordinator, Jacqueline serves as staff liaison for the Stewardship Committee and the main contact for stewardship volunteers.

Jacqueline’s favorite pastimes include hiking, kayaking and gardening. She and her husband are avid beekeepers and share their home with a menagerie of pets.

Welcome, Jacqueline!

Jacqueline BilelloLCWM Stewardship Coordinator

Application for Accreditation: Your comments are welcome

PrairieconefloweratWegeNaturalAreaPreserve.photo: Michelle Harris

Calling all photographers

The Land Conservancy can always use professional photos of our nature preserves and projects. When you visit natural areas and take photos, please share them with us! Email Michelle at [email protected]. We will always credit your work.


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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 AESteelcase FoundationWege FoundationWhite Lake Community FundWolverine World Wide Foundation

Business MembersAnnual contributions of $500 or moreAlcoa HowmetBaker Book HouseBata PlasticsBISSELL Inc.Center for Environmental StudyForemost InsuranceForest Hills FoodsForever Fossilized VideographyGrand Rapids Label FoundationGrowco Indoor Garden SupplyJ.L. Miller CompanyJack Dykstra ExcavatingOrthopaedic Associates of

MuskegonPatriot RealtyProgressive AEReusch Design ServicesRooks LandscapingSaint Mary’s Health ServicesSmith Family Legacy FoundationStark InvestmentsUniversal Forest ProductsURS Corporation - Great LakesValley City Environmental ServicesWarner Norcross & JuddWilliams & WorksYesterdog

Land Conservancy named 2012 Fifth Third River Bank Run Charity PartnerThe Land Conservancy has been chosen as a 2012 Fifth Third River Bank Run Charity Partner for the events on Saturday, May 12, 2012. This year the Fifth Third River Bank Run will celebrate 35 years, and the events will involve over 21,000 participants in the largest 25K race in the country, 10K, 5K Run, 5K Walk and Junior events.

• Do you enjoy visiting nature preserves?

• Do you enjoy the outdoors?

• Do you want inspiration to complete a 5K, 10K, or 25K race?

We encourage you, our members, to gather your friends and family and make plans to walk or run as Land Conservancy supporters in the May 2012 Fifth Third River Bank Run events.

BenefitsforparticipantswhosupporttheLandConservancybyreceivingpledgesincludespecial training events, pre-race gear check and post-race cool down meeting area. If you are interested in more information, please attend the Good Form Trail Running Clinic (information below) or contact Michelle Harris at [email protected].

Gazelle Sports presents Good Form Trail Run clinic at Wege Natural Area

Join the Land Conservancy and Gazelle Sports to learn the simple and effective points to good form running. Then use these techniques on an optional trail run through the Wege Natural Area Preserve.

Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. 11715 Vergennes Rd., Lowell, MI 49331

Please bring water and dress for the weather. Land Conservancy staff will be on hand to encourage and answer questions regarding 2012 Fifth Third River Bank Run participation.

Lowell Cross Country team practices at Wege Natural Area Preserve. photo: Michelle Harris


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Southern Blue Flag Iris at the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area. photo: Andrew Topper

Donate Securely Online

As a reminder, credit card donations to the Land Conservancy can be made online through the services of Network for Good. Besides improving the security of your contributions, using Network for Good to process credit card gifts saves staff time and money, so more of your donation goes directly to conservation programs. Best of all, you can now set up monthly, hassle-free automatic contributions.

To make a credit card donation, visit www.naturenearby.org. We welcome feedback on the process. Call Membership Coordinator Diane Sampson at 616-451-9476 with comments or for information on monthly giving.

Best Wishes, Peter!

We thank Peter Homeyer for leading the Land Conservancy as its executive director since 2009, and having been with LCWM since 2005. While completion of the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area project was a top priority during his tenure, many other important projects also came to fruition. These included conservation easements in the Pere Marquette, Muskegon and Rogue River watersheds, a 95-acre addition to Muskegon County’s Meinert Park, and the launch of LCWM’s national accreditation process (page 6).

We wish Peter the best in his future endeavors – his passion and dedication to LCWM will be missed! Peter Homeyer welcomes the crowd at the Meinert Park Expansion dedication event in June 2011. photo: Michelle Harris


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As visitors to Oval Beach enjoy the last precious weeks of the beach season, and as uncommon fall migrant birds start showing up along the shoreline of the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area (see photos), the Land Conservancy is busy preparing for the final transfer of land to the City of Saugatuck.

Originally, the transfer of the 173-acre Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area was expected to take place over three years, but last December the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund decided to compress the grant timeline to two years. Their $7 million Phase 2 grant will be matched by a $3 million grant from the federal Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program and many private donations to complete the fundraising for this project.

If all goes well, the remaining 121 acres of land now held by the Land Conservancy will be in

the City’s hands before the last of the migratory birds head south and the snow flies.

As of press time for this newsletter, we were still working toward our goal to raise $150,000 to complete the purchase and transfer of the property, with $59,000 to go.

The $150,000 campaign goal was announced in June, and represents the final push in a $2.5 million public campaign. Visit our web site at www.naturenearby.org to make a gift or track our progress as we reach this goal.

Preservation of this property has been a long-held dream for many area residents. Last fall the first third of the property was transferred to the City. With the imminent possibility of completing the transfer of the remaining property, this dream is about to become a reality!

As part of the campaign, fundraising thermometers were installed by the information

booth in downtown Saugatuck and at the southern entrance to the property, which is

the north end of Oval Beach City Park. photo courtesy of the City of Saugatuck

You Can HelpJoin the other hundreds of West Michigan residents who have shown their support for protecting the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area by giving financially.

Donate securely online at www.naturenearby.org or by mail to:

Land Conservancy of West Michigan1345 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 324Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Birds seen at the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area this summer included Laughing Gulls (top left), Snowy Egrets (top right), and Piping Plovers (below). All photos © Rick Brigham

Update


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Volunteers help keep nature nearby! (March 2011 – July 2011)

Todd & Katie AschenbachLawrence & Christine BaerJohn BagleyDwight BakerJerry BakkeNancy BennerJames & Lynn BensonEric BergmansDenise BlairBrent BorgSuzanne BouchardKathy BremmerMichael BrugginkBecky ButelaJanet Carbonneau-JonesRick ChaplaPeter E. DeBoerJan DeurSuzanne DixonLeslie & John Dodgson

David DornbosJim FerroJohn FoxBob GambleBrent GeurinkKari GibbonsBrandi GlaskeDaniel GradyMichael HayesAmy HeilmanJanelle HillSusan HoekemaMary HollinrakeDawn HoltropMark IversonJon JellemaHaig KassouniAmy KlivenJoann KlooteClaire Kosanke

Fred KraftJamie & Penny LaddTimothy LundgrenNeil MacDonaldJillian MartindaleTom & Dawn McDonaldCarol McIlwainePatrick MillerMindy MinerSteve MulderMarti O’Brien PayChexDan PerrinCarol PhelpsDoug PolandHeather PriceMichael RainwaterMonica RandlesRichard S. & Elisa M. RasmussenElise Roe

Dean & Elaine SalisburyElinor ScholtzCathy SeaverLaurie Shank-HoraneyClay StaufferSteelcase CARE Volunteer CenterAlan SteinmanDeb SteketeeJeff VandenBergeRandy VanDragtShane & Bill VanOosterhautJessaca WanDave WarnersBarb WegenerMarcia WiersmaJason WolfPeta Yeiter

Thank you to all of the individuals and organizations that dedicated their time to Land Conservancy of West Michigan projects this past spring and summer. If you are interested in volunteering with us please contact our office at [email protected] or 616-451-9476.

All of our volunteers are invited to a Volunteer Celebration & Potluck Picnic at Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve. This volunteer recognition event will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 22 (rain date of September 29). See back cover for details.

LCWM Wish ListIf you can donate any of items below, please contact us at [email protected] or 616-451-9476. Thank you!

Large coffee urnCar or truck in good running conditionEnd table to display brochuresWaterproof brochure boxes4.0+ megapixel digital camera KayakFirst-class postage stampsOfficesupplystoregiftcardsHardware store gift cardsProfessional photos of LCWM projectsGas cards

Thank you to BISSELL Inc. for the donation of a vacuum and Ken Stanton for the donation of a room fan. Both items were on our spring 2011 wishlist.

The Muskegon River is known for its fishing and recreation opportunities. photo: Pete DeBoer


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Osprey spotted at Lamberton Lake Nature Preserve in Grand RapidsIn our spring 2011 newsletter Thomas Mehall, an Eagle Scout, described his project building an osprey nest platform at our Lamberton Lake Nature Preserve. This summer Thomas, along with several LCWM volunteers, worked with Consumers Energy to install the platform (shown on right). Thank you, Thomas, for your hard work and perseverance to complete this project!

Stewardship Coordinator Jacqueline Bilello explains a recent experience at the Lamberton Lake Preserve:

I was walking with a group of volunteers last week out at our preserve at Lamberton Lake, when suddenly in front of us swooped the long lean silhouette of an adult osprey. It dipped down to brush the surface of the lake before rising to land atop a tree on the far bank. Eagle Scout Thomas Mehall had just completed the installation of an osprey platform at this preserve. This sighting and other recent osprey activity on the lake bode well for future nesting success. But raising a new family is probably the last thing on this bird’s mind as it scans the lake for food. It needs to fatten up on fish because it has a long journey ahead. Soon it will be joining other migrating osprey as they head toward their wintering grounds in South and Central America, a journey of some 3,000 miles!

Male osprey tend to head south first — around the middle of August — leaving the female to finish raising the kids. She makes sure they have learned the finer techniques of diving for and catching fish before she takes off as well. The juveniles tend to depart last and navigate south their first year by instinct alone.

Ospreys tend to follow a simple pattern of migration: fly south and stay over land as long as possible. The majority do make a 400-500 mile flight over the Caribbean and end up on wintering ranges in various parts of South America. Young birds will stay south for an extra year, exploring potential winter homes. Once winter and summer ranges become established osprey tend to be faithful in returning to the same sites year after year, as long as they have something to come back to.

An osprey’s diet consists 99% of fish, which they catch with the aid of barbed pads located on the soles of their feet. Natural areas such as Lamberton Lake Nature Preserve not only provide permanent habitat protection for specialists such as the osprey, they also improve the overall water quality of West Michigan’s many lakes, helping to insure healthy fish, osprey and human populations.

We certainly hope this bird likes what it sees out at Lamberton Lake and will return next spring to mate and raise its young here. Stay tuned for updates.

For more information on osprey migration, including migration maps, visit http://www.bioweb.uncc.edu/bierregaard/ospreys.htm

Consumers Energy and LCWM volunteers, including Thomas Mehall, install the osprey nest platform at Lamberton Lake Nature Preserve. photo: Barbara Olson

Osprey migration patterns studied by University of Wisconsin sea grant. Used with permission.


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We appreciate our Preserve Stewards

Preserve stewards volunteer their time, labor and knowledge to help maintain an active presence on their adopted preserves. They become familiar with the many natural pleasures each season brings and learn to recognize small changes that might be occurring.

In many ways, our stewards are the eyes, ears and voices for their preserves. They are invaluable for their help with maintaining trails, checking for vandalism, monitoring for invasives and other important management tasks.

A special thanks goes out to our long standing preserve stewards and a hearty welcome to our newest stewards. Your hard work keeps nature nearby!

Brower Lake Preserve - Jim BensonCastle Park/Dune Pines Preserves - Robert Vanderkamp and Bob GambleDePersia Preserve - Dave CairoliKuker-Van Til Preserve - Rob HartmanMaas Preserve - Lynn Martin, George and Gretchen ZuiderveenPalomita Preserve - William MartinusSaul Lake Bog Preserve - Dan and Penny Folsom, Ernie and Carole Brumbaugh, Kari GibbonsSkwarek Preserve - Mike Smith, Lukas Hill and familyWege Natural Area - Sue ClementsWhite Preserve - Karen Olson, Bernie Mulder

Would you like to become a preserve steward?Contact Jacqueline at [email protected] or 616-451-9476.Preserve stewards are still needed for the following:

Lake Breeze Preserve - Oceana CountyLamberton Lake Fen Preserve - Kent CountyWege Natural Area - Kent County

Dave & Joy Cairoli spend time at DePersia Nature Preserve as stewards for the preserve. photo: Jacqueline Bilello

Robert Vanderkamp hikes the forested dunes at Dune Pines Preserve. photo: Jacqueline Bilello

In August the Land Conservancy took part in Newaygo Nationals by hosting an information booth. This national event, titled as the ChoiceOne/Spectrum Health 2011 U.S.C.A. National Canoe & Kayak Championship hosted by Powers Outdoors, brought together paddlers from around the country.

This was the first time this national event has been hosted in West Michigan and we were happy to take part. Our efforts to protect land surrounding the Muskegon River, including the 18-mile stretch racers paddled, continues.

Fun at Newaygo Nationals Spectators watch as the 18-mile “marathon” participants cross the finish line on the Muskegon River at Newaygo Nationals. photo: Michelle Harris


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Welcome new Land Conservancy members (March 2011 – July 2011)

Kathy AmidJudith AndersonCharles AndersonDiana BadionClyde BallHenry BerghoefMarc & Claudia BeversluisRalph BirkholzJulia BrennemanMeg ChristensenRoss & Jerre Jean ConranBecky & Kalman CsiaHelen DeGeatanoThomas & Margaret DemmonJoseph W DillonWillard DoezemaBeth EckhardtSarah Elliott

Judith GrantzDavid GunnemanKaren & Steve HamlinJack G. Hendon Jr.Dawn HighhouseAlice HobanRobert & Christine HoltDiane M. HorrisbergerEarl HulstDuane C. JonesKathryn KampenRichard & Brenda KeithJames & Natalie KerbyPat KozalDavid & Jan LandryBill & Jeanne LeaverJoanne LoweryBrian Majka

Jillian MartindaleWayne MavisSylvia R MeagherGary & Joan MelvinTom MerchantJames MotiffJohn & Gretchen MouselJames & Beverly MunsonBruce MyersRobert NagelkirkDavid NashKaren OlsonGeorge & Valerie OpdykeJerry PackerWilliam PadnosPaul & Lisa PhillipsDexter C. PopeJohn M. Pugno

Roger RelichGretchen RhoadesJoan SargeantEugene M ShatzThomas & Barbara ShawBarbara ShepardLee & Susan SorgJack & Deb TaylorJohn H. Ten PasJohn UptonDoug VandenBergAnn WeaverDale WinterCarolyn & Foster WoodwardJerry WrightDiane YargerGloria Yff

The family grew vegetables for their own use, but didn’t commercially farm. Their drinking water came from the larger of two artesian springs that still exist on the property.

His mother loved nature and she filled much of the field around the house with flowers. She built bridges over the creek near the house and people from town used to come out to admire the flowers and take a walk down by the shady creek. Herman recalls that his mother was given the opportunity to sell an oil and gas lease on the property at least once, but she adamantly refused, saying that she wanted to be able to breathe clean air, not smelly gas.

We are happy that this conservation easement, which preserves important freshwater habitats in the Lake Michigan watershed, also preserves a well-loved landscape for the donor’s family.

If you are interested in learning more about protecting your property with a conservation easement, contact Land Protection staff members April Scholtz or Pete DeBoer at 616-451-9476.

Lincoln River property protected with a conservation easementContinued from page 1 Lincoln River on the Outcalt property. photo: April Scholtz


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Gifts were made in honor of: LCWM StaffBy Danielle & Josh Fogel

Sandra GiardiniBy Sheri Giardini

Gifts were made in memory of: Tamara BallenBy Julia Brenneman

Meg ChristensenDiane CurrentDavid & Martha HesslerJan & Nancy HesslerJohn & Lynn KinchCarolyn & Foster Woodward

Nancy BaumBy Leonard & Wanda Anderson

John & Caroline AngusJanice ClumMr. & Mrs. J.A. Crockford

Norma DieboldBy Lauri Mendelsohn

Elmer & Laura JarvisBy David & Belinda Jarvis

Robert MielBy John & Nancy Grant

Jim PasanteBy Tom Patrick

Richard ReelBy John Upton

Al SmithBy Doug VandenBerg

Marjorie SorensenBy Ralph Birkholz

James BrandessJoe & Cathy BrockingtonHelen DeGeatanoFrank & Joan LambCynthia SorensenDale Winter

Dr. Willard WolfeBy Bunny & Don Johnson

Fred & Sallie Warner

Memorials & Honorariums (March 2011 – July 2011)

Please note: Thomas E. Bigford was incorrectly recognized for a gift he made in the Winter 2010-2011 newsletter; his gift should have been listed in memory of Nate Stansell. We apologize for any misspellings and omissions; please let us know of any errors by contacting [email protected] or 616-451-9476.

A property protected by a conservation easement held and managed by LCWM on the Muskegon River is looking for a conservation-minded buyer to carry on its scenic and open space character.

Butch Bosch has owned his property on the Muskegon River only for a short time, but its natural resource qualities are evident in his experiences on the property. “I had knee surgery and three weeks later I was able to walk the short bank down into the Muskegon River to fish. You can’t do that everywhere,” noted Butch. His 63 acres sits on a scenic, gravel-lined stretch along the Muskegon River known to have spawning lake sturgeon, as well as steelhead, salmon and trout. Away from the riverfront the property is a mix between open field, forest and wetland.

The property has an existing, rustic cabin overlooking the river. Under the terms of the conservation easement, a future landowner would be able to add a new residence on higher ground away from the river, though no further subdivision of the property is allowed.

Also, because the property is protected with a conservation easement, the “pop-up” tax that usually accompanies a property transfer will not occur. In this way, the State of Michigan acknowledges the public benefit of conservation easement lands, although no public access is allowed. For more information about the property, contact Butch Bosch at (616) 677-2100.

For general conservation easement information, contact April ScholtzorPeteDeBoerattheLandConservancyofficeat(616) 451-9476.

View of the Muskegon River from the Bosch property. photo: Tim JohnsonProtected Muskegon River property for sale


• Landmark Leader $2500

• Patron $1000• Business

Member $500• Sponsor $500• 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____________________________________________________________________________

Page 15

National Public Lands Day at Saul Lake Bog PreserveSaturday, September 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon10469 Six Mile Rd., Rockford, MI 49341

Be a part of a nationwide event keeping our public lands beautiful. Join us in collecting native grassland seeds on the prairie at Saul Lake Bog. These seeds will be used to continue prairie efforts at Saul Lake Preserve as well as on other natural areas in the area. Workday is appropriate for all ages.

Black Oak Savannah Restoration at Brower Lake PreserveSaturday, October 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon 8748 Je-Ne-Be Drive, Rockford, MI 49341

Learn about one of western Michigan’s unique ecological communities and help us remove invasive species that threaten this special place. Long sleeve/long pant work clothes are recommended. Workday is appropriate for ages 15 and up.

Turtle Habitat Restoration at Lamberton Lake FenSaturday, October 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon3118 1/2 Plaza Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Conservationists have designated 2011 the year of the turtle. Learn more about Michigan’s turtles while helping us to restore turtle habitat at Lamberton Lake Fen. Rubber boots and long sleeve/long pant work clothes are recommended. Children 10 and up are welcome with adult supervision.

Invasive Round Up at Dune Pines PreserveSaturday, October 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon4580 Audubon Rd., Holland, MI 49423

Join us as we work to remove invasive woody shrubs such as honeysuckle, autumn olive, and multiflora rose before they gain a foothold in this natural area. Long sleeve/long pant work clothes are recommended. Workday is appropriate for ages 15 and up.

Oak Restoration Project at Wege Natural AreaWednesday, November 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon11715 Vergennes Rd., Lowell, MI 49331

Learn about our efforts to restore a native oak forest to this preserve while helping us as we continue our efforts to remove invasive woody shrubs from the restoration area. Long sleeve/long pant work clothes are recommended Workday is appropriate for ages 15 and up.

Join the Land Conservancy at our fall 2011 workdays and events

Nature Yoga at Minnie Skwarek Nature PreservePresented by Lakeshore Yoga Saturday, September 24 at 10:00 a.m. 15050 Leonard Rd., Spring Lake, MI 49456

Details on page 5.

You are invited to join the Land Conservancy at our nature preserves for our fall workdays on the days and times listed below. All Land Conservancy outdoor events happen rain or shine unless the weather is potentially dangerous. Please be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and activity. Also, tools will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring their own gloves and loppers. For additional information, contact 616-451-9476 or [email protected].

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

In This IssueLincoln River property protected (p. 1)

From the Board of Directors (p. 2)

Collaboration is key at Brower Lake (p. 3)

Minnie Skwarek Preserve expands (p. 5)

Accreditation process (p. 6)

River Bank Run Charity Partner (p. 7)

Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area (p. 9)

Thank you volunteers (p. 10)

Osprey at Lamberton Lake (p. 11)

Preserve Steward appreciation (p. 12)

Welcome new members (p. 13)

CE property for sale (p. 14)

Upcoming events (p. 15)

Volunteer Celebration & Potluck Picnic

Date & Time: Thursday, September 22, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. (rain date Thursday, September 29 at 5:00 p.m.)

Location: Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve 10469 Six Mile Rd., Rockford, MI 49341About the Event:

We want to recognize our volunteers, as we greatly appreciate the time and talents they donate to keep nature nearby. Bring a dish to share, a picnic blanket or lawn chairs, and invite your friends and family. We will gather at 5:00 p.m. with potluck dinner to begin at 5:30 p.m.

RSVP: RSVP is appreciated but not required. Please call616-451-9476 or email [email protected].

photo: Michelle Harris

photo: Danielle Fogel

Good Form Trail Run Clinic at Wege Natural AreaPresented by Gazelle Sports

Date & Time: Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Location: Wege Natural Area/Wittenbach Agri-Science Center 11715 Vergennes Rd., Lowell, MI 49331About the Event:

Join LCWM and Gazelle Sports to learn the simple and effective points to good form trail running. Then use the techniques on an optional trail run through the Wege Natural Area. LCWM will also present information on how to become involved with the 2012 Fifth Third River Bank Run (more on page 7).

RSVP: RSVP is appreciated but not required. Please call616-451-9476 or email [email protected].

photo: Michelle Harris

Documents

Land Conservancy of West Michigan - Fall 2011 Newsletter