Online archive of the Land Trust News:
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
August 2008 Land Trust News
In this issue:
1) Another 25 acres protected!
2) Three Great Land Trust Events Coming Up
3) A Special Thank You...
4) Vote for the Land Trust!
5) The Nature Spot: Butterflies, Butterflies
1) Another 25 acres protected!
Gerald Norblom and Barbara Michniewicz live on a scenic expanse of land in Whitmore Lake, with wetlands, mature hard wood forest, and old tree farms.
They moved to an initial six acres of the property in 2003, but quickly decided that they would buy more of the surrounding land as a buffer against development. The couple then turned to the Washtenaw Land Trust to protect this land, and their conservation agreement was finalized last month.
“We just fell in love with the property, especially the wetlands. We really, really appreciate the wildlife that we have here,” says Gerald Nordblom.
Wildlife spotted on their property includes the rare long-eared owl, a fox family with a litter of kits, and a pair of cranes that nest in their wetland every spring to raise a baby.
The Land Trust's permanent protection of the couple's property has broadened their outlook on their land. “I used to think about what the land will look like in 25 years," says Gerald. "Now, it’s a whole new perspective. I’m thinking more of what it will look like in 100 years.”
This newly protected 25 acres adds to the 334 acres already protected by the Land Trust in Webster Township, and brings the Land Trust's total protected land to 3,647 acres. The momentum to preserve the land we hold most dear continues...
2) Three great Land Trust events coming up
Saturday September 6, 7 pm
Rancho Tranquilico Concert Series – and bonfire: with Billy King & the Idylls
Location: Rancho Tranquilico, home of host Barry Lonik, 11300 Island Lake Rd, Dexter (If you hit gravel road, you went too far...Please park next door, just west of the house and barn, at Ruhlig's Farm Market.)
Award-winning band Billy King and the Idylls (website, myspace) will bring their mix of folk, pop, bluegrass, swing, and rock to this all-ages show. Bring your blankets or some lawn chairs, and
wear comfy shoes if you like to dance. Arrive at 7 to stake out a good spot. The show will start around 7:30. We’ll bring snacks and water – plus the marshmallows for the bonfire at sundown.
Suggested donation: $10 per person. All proceeds benefit the Washtenaw Land Trust's Forever Fund: Protecting nature and farmland— and keeping it protected forever.
Saturday September 20, 10 am - 1 pm
Workday at Beckwith Conservancy
Please join us at our Beckwith Preserve in Stockbridge for an enjoyable and rewarding volunteer workday! These fun events provide a unique opportunity both to help preserve what makes this 30 acre nature preserve special and learn more about this natural area. Join an experienced land manager who will lead our workday and then feel free to stick around for a walking tour of the property.
Today we will be cutting the invasive shrub autumn olive. Please be sure to wear long pants and sturdy shoes.
Please use our simple online registration so that we know you’re coming, and
we’ll send you a reminder email a few days before the event.
Location: Beckwith is located in the Village of Stockbridge just past Maple Street on East Main Street (M-106). Park along the north side of M-106 at the
east end of the woods.
Directions and map (PDF)
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday October 18, 1pm
Land Protection Bus Tour
Hop on the Washtenaw Land Trust’s chartered coach and head out for an afternoon tour showcasing the natural areas and open spaces that make our community a great place to live, work, and play. Enjoy this unique opportunity to visit local protected lands, learn about efforts to protect nature and farmland, and snack on delicious locally made treats. Space is limited and registration is required. Save the date -- more details will be coming soon!
3) A special thank you...
...goes to our departing Stewardship Intern Jackie Bilello. Jackie has been a stalwart intern, braving mosquitoes, wetlands, and all manner of other hazards to make sure our preserved lands stay that way. Her good humor and intrepid nature will be missed as she leaves for graduate school in New York.
Thank you, Jackie! We wish you all the best.
4) Vote for the Land Trust!
Edible Communities publishes the EdibleWOW! magazine, celebrating the “abundance of Southeastern Michigan, season by season.” They are holding a “Local Hero Awards” contest, and the Washtenaw Land Trust may be nominated for the “Non-Profit Organization” category. Vote for the Washtenaw Land Trust today! Here’s how:
-Between now and December 12, 2008, visit www.ediblecommunities.com/heroes
-Scroll down and choose “Edible WOW”
-Vote for your local heroes. We hope you’ll vote for the Washtenaw Land Trust
in the “Non-Profit Organization” category.
-Set your name/password, and you’re all set.
And remember: It’s not local food without local land!
5) The Nature Spot: Butterflies, butterflies
Butterflies love the warm, sunny days of summer. So much so, in fact, that you don't see them much if it's overcast or rainy, as we learned the hard way during a butterfly walk this July. We still saw quite a few -- we just had to look more carefully!
Photos from our walk - plus links to butterfly id websites
Enjoy!
The Washtenaw Land Trust Staff
Susan, Suzie, and Mark
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Calendar of Events
July 2008 Land Trust News
In this issue:
1) Land Protected Adjacent to Pinckney Recreation Area
2) Barn Concert a great success!
3) Getting out to the woods: New cabins at Waterloo Recreation Area
4) "Where we live - The Ecology of Place" debuts
5) The Nature Spot: The Potawatomi Trail
1) Land Protected Adjacent to Pinckney Recreation Area
 Harold Baker has lived near the Pinckney Recreation Area on Half Moon Lake (Dexter Township, Washtenaw County) since 1951. Over the years, he has consolidated several small lots totaling approximately 2 acres, directly adjacent to the 11,000-acre public natural area. This year, Baker protected these forested parcels through a permanent conservation agreement with the Washtenaw Land Trust.
Baker has been involved with Boy Scouts for 50 years. During that time he led countless projects to build and restore trails (such as the Potawatomi Trail) in the Pinckney Recreational Area. For Baker, the trail work enhanced his love of the woods and his appreciation for leaving things in nature the way that they are. (For a trail map of the Potawatomi Trail, please see The Nature Spot, below.)
When asked why he decided to protect his land, Baker immediately responded, “Because of the trees.” A self-proclaimed tree-hugger, Baker explained that he wanted to protect the natural beauty of the wooded land. He said, “I love the woods, and I didn’t want anything to happen to them in the future. I want them to be able to stay the way they are. I think that what the Washtenaw Land Trust is trying to do in protecting land is wonderful. I urge anyone who has a piece of land and loves the land for the land, to do something about it before ‘progress’ takes hold of it."
Susan Lackey, Executive Director of the Land Trust, adds, “It’s important to protect buffer parcels like this that are adjacent to already-protected lands. It helps keep these natural corridors intact. We’re grateful for Mr. Baker’s gift to the community.”
Check back next month for another great land protection news story in this spot!
2) Barn Concert a Great Success
 As always, our June 21 barn concert was a tremendous success! Not only did the crowd rock out to Billy King and the Idylls, but the event raised $620 for the Land Trust's Forever Fund -- to help ensure that "protected forever" really means forever.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to the band: Billy King, Bill Moore, Kip Godwin, Charles Dayringer, Tim Berla, Kristin Uthus, and John Marion.
Our thanks also go to Barry Lonik for organizing and hosting the event, and to our great volunteers who helped make it a success: Esther Reilly and daughter, Ellen Ward, and Jim Young.
3) Getting out to the woods: New Cabins
at Waterloo Recreation Area
Waterloo Recreation Area has long offered both modern and rustic campsites. Now there’s a new option: a two-bedroom cabin that sleeps up to six people, rentable for $80/night during camping season. The new cabin offers a front deck, electrical outlets, shelves for food and supplies, a fridge, microwave, coffee pot, picnic table, fire ring, and charcoal grill. For additional information about the Waterloo camper cabin, contact the park at (734) 475-8307. Camping reservations can be made online at www.midnrreservations.com, or by calling 800-44-PARKS. This could make a great home-base for exploring the 20,000 acres of forests, lakes, and trails!
4) "Where We Live - The Ecology of Place" Debuts
 Those of you who joined us at the Townie Art Fair on Monday got to see local environmental artist Leslie Sobel's creative maps of Washtenaw County up close and personal. Thanks to your input, this community collaboration shows photos from throughout the region. The art work is not yet fully complete, but you can see the four (gorgeous!) maps that formed the basis of this art project at www.washtenawlandtrust.org/ecologyofplace.htm
Thank yous go to Leslie Sobel, to Ann Arbor Street Art Fair's Shary Brown and Aaron Gold, and to Jhansi Pailla and the Washtenaw County GIS Department for making this creative project a reality.
5) The Nature Spot: The Potawatomi Trail
Local resident Mr. Baker knew what he was doing in protecting his land adjacent to the Pinckney Recreation Area (see story above). At more than 30,000 acres, Pinckney-Waterloo is the largest block of public protected land in southern Michigan. By protecting buffer parcels, the natural habitat is kept intact.
Summer is a great time to go hiking, biking, or camping in Waterloo and Pinckney, our local "big wild."
At The Nature Spot this month, you'll find a photo of Mr. Baker's protected property and a map of the public trails in the area.
Happy Hiking,
The Washtenaw Land Trust Staff
Susan, Suzie, Mark and Jackie
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June 2008 Land Trust News
In this issue:
1) Barn Concert and Bonfire! Saturday, June 21, 7 pm
2) Help Us Map What's Special About Washtenaw County!
3) Land Trust at the Green Fair this Friday
4) Land Preservation Tax Incentive Renewed
5) Beckwith Grand Re-Opening a Success
6) The Nature Spot: Baby Animals!
1) Barn Concert & Bonfire! Saturday, June 21, 7 pm
Come celebrate the longest day of the year with the Land Trust and award-winning band Billy King & the Idylls (website, myspace). Enjoy a mix of folk, pop, bluegrass, swing, and rock. Family-friendly: folks of all ages are encouraged to attend. A bonfire will follow. Bring some lawnchairs or a blanket, and join us!
Location: Rancho Tranquilico, home of Barry Lonik & son Wesley Treemore, 11300 Island Lake Rd, Dexter.
Suggested donation $10 per person, $20 per family. Proceeds benefit the Land Trust's Forever Fund: making sure lands protected today stay protected forever.
See you there!
2) Help us map what's special about Washtenaw County!
QUESTION: What do you get when you mix the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Washtenaw Land Trust, and local environmental artist Leslie Sobel?
ANSWER: A community art project called “Where We Live: The Ecology of Place" – and you can be part of it!
Here’s what you can do:
*-Think of a nearby place that means a lot to you, or local flowers, trees, or wildlife you feel are important or beautiful, or your favorite outdoor place in Washtenaw County. Do you have photos, drawings/sketches, and memories you could share?
*-Email your scanned or digital photos, your stories, memories, and/or drawings (or your children’s drawings!) to eco-art@lesliesobel.com by June 27, 2008
*-For printed photos or written stories that you are willing to have scanned, please email eco-art@lesliesobel.com to make arrangements.
*-For written memories or stories, another option is to bring them on the night of the Townie Street Party, Monday July 14th, on Ingalls Mall.
*-Whatever you contribute, we ask that you include the LOCATION since we will place things within the artwork on that basis.
We will add your photos and thoughts onto aerial photographs and ecological maps of Washtenaw County. The final assembly of this artwork will take part at the 4th Ever Townie Street Party on Monday July 14th from 5:00 to 9:30pm – please stop by and you can help Leslie put it together. We may not be able to include every submission, but there will also be an album assembled to hold memories and additional images.
More about this project: Where We Live: The Ecology of Place is a collaborative community eco-art project that both honors and raises awareness about Washtenaw County’s extraordinary ecosystems. In a unique partnership between the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, Washtenaw Land Trust, and local environmental artist Leslie Sobel, aerial photos and maps of Washtenaw County will be collaged with photos, drawings and stories about the land contributed by the public. Assembly of the piece will take place on July 14th, at the 4th Ever Townie Street Party, the kick-off party to the Ann Arbor Art Fairs brought to you by the Street Art Fair. Anyone and everyone are encouraged to help breathe life into this exciting project.
Thank you for your help!
3) Land Trust at the Green Fair this Friday
The City of Ann Arbor will be hosting its annual Green Fair this Friday, June 13, on Main Street from 6-9 pm. The Washtenaw Land Trust will be there -- come say hello! More information
4) Land Preservation Tax Incentive Renewed!
Many property owners who choose to protect their land from development receive a federal income tax deduction. From mid-2006 to the end of 2007, the tax breaks for doing so were more generous than before, and especially so for farmers. With the passage of the Farm Bill in late May, the tax incentives for protecting land have now been renewed through the end of 2009 - a great boon for local conservation!
The Washtenaw Land Trust wants to thank our many colleagues -- at land trusts around the country and at Land Trust Alliance, our national membership organization -- for joining with us to ensure that this incentive was renewed. Once again we are reminded to say, "The land is forever -- the opportunity is now."
For more details on how the income tax incentive works, contact mark@washtenawlandtrust.org or call 734-302-5263.
5) Beckwith Grand Re-Opening a success
May 17 saw the re-opening celebration of our Beckwith nature preserve in Stockbridge. We took a nature walk through the preserve, celebrated the opening of our new footbridge over the creek, and honored Campbell and Fran Laird as Volunteers of the Year for their tireless dedication to the preserve.
Photos of the bridge being built and the May 17 event
6) The Nature Spot: Baby Animals!
Land Trust Stewardship Intern Jackie Bilello discovered that one of our protected conservation sites
is home to a new family of coyotes. The (totally adorable!) photo
Happy Growing,
The Land Trust Staff
Susan, Suzie, Mark and Jackie
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May 2008 Land Trust News
In this issue:
1) Beckwith Nature Preserve Grand Re-Opening This Saturday
2) Upcoming Waterloo Events
3) Goodbye, Hello: Staff Changes at the Land Trust
4) New Book from MSU Press
5) The Nature Spot: The Mystery of the Missing Trilliums
1) Beckwith Nature Preserve Grand Re-Opening
Saturday, May 17, 11-12:30 - Beckwith Grand Re-opening! Join us to celebrate the completion of the brand-new (and beautiful!) pedestrian bridge at the Land Trust’s Beckwith Conservancy in Stockbridge. Festivities include a trail hike, ribbon-cutting, bridge walk, and snacks. FREE and open to the public.
For more information and directions, visit:
http://www.washtenawlandtrust.org/events.htm
See you there!
2) Upcoming Waterloo Events
Here are two fun things happening in the Waterloo area over the next month:
**Native Prairie Planting -- The Department of Natural Resources will be holding two special volunteer stewardship workdays at Waterloo Recreation Area in May and early June to plant a demonstration prairie. Volunteers will plant native prairie grasses and wildflowers in a small prairie near the Gerald E.
Eddy Discovery Center. The dates are May 17 and June 1.
For more information, visit: http://www.michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers and click
on "Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays."
**Waterloo Area Historical Society – “The First People of Michigama” – Saturday June 7 & Sunday June 8. “Living historians” will recreate an authentic Woodland Indian village, commemorating Michigan’s original residents. (We at the Land Trust hear rave reviews about these historical
recreations...)
For more information, visit:
http://www.waterloofarmmuseum.org/specialevents.htm
3) Goodbye, hello: Staff changes at the Land Trust
The Washtenaw Land Trust would like to thank our workstudy student, Megan Hanner, for her administrative support and dedication this past school year.
Megan graduated from the University of Michigan last month and is moving to Philadelphia this summer. If you've been to any Land Trust event or ever received a Land Trust mailing, then you most likely have benefited from Megan's hard work. Thank you, Megan -- we miss you already!
The Land Trust is also pleased to welcome our new Stewardship Intern, Jackie Bilello. Jackie comes to us by way of Michigan State University's Fisheries and Wildlife program. Jackie has worked as a naturalist at the Grass River Nature Area in Bellaire, Michigan and has extensive volunteer experience as a
stream monitor with the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council in Petoskey. We look
forward to her taking an active stewardship role in the upcoming months (and she's already gotten a head start). Welcome, Jackie!
4) New book from MSU Press
Michigan State University Press will soon release a new book, "The Waters of
Michigan," by David Lubbers and Dave Dempsey.
This beautiful book is filled with 80 photographs by internationally renowned photographer David Lubbers.
Environmentalist Dave Dempsey provides information with a stewardship focus in regard to our beloved Michigan waters that enhances each piece of photography. There is also a foreword by former Governor William G. Milliken.
For more information, visit:
http://msupress.msu.edu/bookTemplate.php?bookID=3388
5) The Nature Spot: The mystery of the missing trilliums
To prepare for the May 3 wildflower workshop, Catherine & I visited the Reichert conservation property ahead of time. As we wandered around, though, we weren't finding any of the wildflowers we expected:
trilliums, spring beauty, wood anemone, etc.
We started feeling mildly concerned about the pending workshop. Where were the wildflowers? As we continued around the site, we made note of something we *did* see: a smallish yellow-orange flower called
hoary puccoon. And that was the clue Catherine
needed to solve the mystery.
Hoary puccoon (lithospermum canescens) is an indicator of dry soils, such as those in certain prairies and oak barrens -- and that was the habitat that was actually in front of us! –Suzie
To see a photo of hoary puccoon, visit: http://washtenawlandtrust.org/naturespot.htm
Enjoy the great outdoors,
The Washtenaw Land Trust Staff
Susan, Suzie, Mark and Jackie
Thank you for your help in protecting local natural areas and farms!
Washtenaw Land Trust, 1100 N. Main St. Suite 203, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, 734-302-LAND(5263), info@washtenawlandtrust.org, www.washtenawlandtrust.org
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April 2008 Land Trust News
In this issue:
1) Press Conference Friday April 18 at protected farmland, 2pm
2) April Volunteer Opportunities -- Come lend a hand April 26-27
3) Spring Wildflower Workshop May 3
4) Rapid Field Assessment Training May 10
5) Beckwith Nature Preserve Grand Re-Opening May 17
6) The Land Trust in the news - AND making news!
7) The Nature Spot: A hopeful sign of spring
1) Press Conference at protected farmland April 18, 2pm
Join the Land Trust and Sen. Randy Richardville to kick off Michigan Conservation Week at the historic Geddes farm. Location: Historic farmland co-owned by Joan Geddes Rose and Carole Geddes-Engel, 2730 E. Morgan Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
See you there!
2) April volunteer opportunities - Come lend a hand April 26-27
We are looking for a few good men and women to represent the Land Trust at upcoming community events. The more people who learn about land protection, the more land can be saved!
Saturday April 26, 9am-1pm or 12:30-4pm. Earth Day - Chelsea. Could you help with a shift?
Sunday April 27, 11am-2pm or 1:30-4pm. Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival (at Leslie Science & Nature Center). Could you help with the Land Trust's kid-friendly activity?
If you can help with a shift, please contact Suzie at 734-302-5263 or email suzie@washtenawlandtrust.org. Hope you can help!
3) Spring wildflower workshop May 3
Saturday May 3, 9am-Noon- Identifying Michigan Spring Wildflowers. Back by popular demand! This workshop will begin with a background on plant identification, an introduction to ‘indicator species’, and a discussion of threats to wildflower areas. Then we’ll hit the trail to see what we can find and identify! All workshop attendees will also receive a handy flower identification book to take home.
Leader: Catherine Marquardt, Naturalist.
Location: Reichert Nature Preserve (you'll receive directions after you register).
Cost: $10 for members/ $15 for non-members.
SPACES ARE LIMITED AND GOING FAST! To register, visit www.stewardshipnetworkonline.org or call 734-996-3190. See you there!
4) Rapid field assessment training May 10, 10am-4pm
The Huron River Watershed Council is seeking interested people to volunteer for the Bioreserve Project, to help identify the remaining natural areas in our watershed. Volunteers will complete a 4-hour training session that covers the ecology of the watershed, some basic ecological concepts, and details on doing field assessments. You'll then be trained to help with assessments of natural areas in the field! For more information about the bioreserve program, go to www.hrwc.org/text/bioreserve or call 734-769-5123.
5) Beckwith Nature Preserve Grand Re-opening May 17
Saturday May 17, 11am - Beckwith Grand Re-opening! Join us to celebrate the completion of the brand-new (and beautiful!) pedestrian bridge at the Land Trust’s Beckwith Conservancy in Stockbridge. Festivities include a trail hike, ribbon-cutting, bridge walk, and snacks. FREE and open to the public. More information and directions Hope you can join us!
6) The Land Trust in the news - and making news!
The Land Trust has been in the headlines recently. Check out the following
articles:
Land protection grows to 7,765 acres in county (from Saturday's Ann Arbor News)
The Land Trust was mentioned in a recent Ann Arbor Business Review column which touched on the importance of local farmland to the availability of fresh, healthy food.
Executive Director Susan Lackey also authored an opinion column in the Business
Review.
Meanwhile, we've been making news, too! Our latest newsletter is now available online for download. For photos and stories about a few of the most recently-protected lands in our community, download the newsletter! (pdf format)
BONUS: Here are some brand new stories and maps of protected properties in
Washtenaw County!
7) The Nature Spot: A hopeful sign of spring
Through the mud, a patch of lingering dirty snow, and the dead leaves left over from last fall...a delicate blue-purple flower unfurls.
Learn more
(Thank you for sending this, Ellie!)
See you outside soon!
The Washtenaw Land Trust Staff,
Susan, Suzie, Mark, and Megan
Thank you for your help in protecting local natural areas and farms!
Washtenaw Land Trust,
1100 N. Main St. Suite 203
Ann Arbor, MI 48104,
734-302-LAND(5263),
info@washtenawlandtrust.org,
www.washtenawlandtrust.org
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March 2008 Land Trust News
In this issue:
1) Two Drop-In Question & Answer Sessions for Landowners, March 25 & 27
2) Join the green team - Volunteer Ambassador Training March 25
3) Volunteer Party a Great Success!
4) Paid Internship and Volunteer Coordinator Positions Available
5) Land Trusts in the News: NPR's "Shifting Ground" Series
6) The Nature Spot: A tree that tells a story
1) Two Drop-in Q&A Sessions for Landowners, March 25 & 27
Have you ever thought about leaving a legacy for future generations? Curious about the tax incentives and other benefits of land protection? Here’s an opportunity to learn more about how land protection works. Drop by anytime during one of the two sessions below. You’ll have the opportunity to speak one-on-one with a Land Trust staff member, who will help you learn more about your land protection options. Light refreshments will be served. The Land Trust will be available:
Tuesday, March 25 - 6:30-8:30 – Freedom Township Hall – 11508 Pleasant Lake Road, Manchester (corner of Pleasant Lake and Lima Center Rd)
Thursday, March 27 - 6:30-8:30 – Lodi Township Hall — 3755 Pleasant Lake Road, Ann Arbor (near corner of Pleasant Lake and Ann Arbor-Saline)
Both events are free and open to the public. All local landowners are welcome. See you then!
2) Join the green team: Volunteer Ambassador training March 25
*Have YOU wanted to learn more about how the Land Trust works?
*Do YOU like going to community events and chatting with neighbors?
Then come volunteer to help bring the Land Trust's display to community events!
The more volunteer ambassadors we have, the more we can reach out to our community. At the Volunteer Ambassador training you can:
*Learn the basics about the land trust
*Learn easy responses to the most frequently-asked questions
*Learn about how to staff our display at an event
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, March 25 at 7 pm.
TO SIGN UP: Contact 734-302-5263 or suzie@washtenawlandtrust.org. Interested, but can't come on the 25th? Just contact Suzie & we'll find a time that works for you.
LOCATION: Washtenaw Land Trust office, NEW Center Building, 1100 N. Main Street #203, Ann Arbor, South conference room (upstairs).
3) Volunteer Party a great success!
On Tuesday, March 11, the Land Trust thanked our volunteers for their hard work and dedication in 2006 and 2007 and kicked off a great year of volunteering in 2008! We had a great evening overlooking the beautiful 17-acre natural area next to Glencoe Hill Apartments which will remain beautiful permanently.
Photos, plus the Michigan-inspired recipes from the event
4) Job postings
The Washtenaw Land Trust has two positions open: Stewardship Intern (part-time paid position) and Volunteer Coordinator (part-time volunteer position). Details
5) Land Trusts in the news: NPR's "Shifting Ground"
Last week, National Public Radio aired the second piece in its "Shifting Ground" series on land conservation issues. The NPR report raised an unsettling question: when a landowner protects their land, does "forever" really mean "forever"? Over 1,600 land trusts across the country work hard every day to
ensure that the answer to that question is a resounding "yes."
That's why we
at the Washtenaw Land Trust took the bold step of being among the first land trusts in the nation to go through the accreditation process. With every easement we write, we hold ourselves to the highest, most rigorous standards of our profession. In order to ensure permanence, the Land Trust:
* Writes each protection agreement carefully;
* Performs due diligence for every transaction;
* Has multiple committees, our full board, and legal counsel review every agreement; and
* Raises funds to help ensure we can maintain and defend all our protected lands.
In other words, the Washtenaw Land Trust is committed to ensuring that "forever" really does mean forever. For more information, visit: http://www.shifting-ground.com/conservation_easements_links.html
6) The Nature Spot: A tree that tells a story
When you see a large, old tree whose branches reach out to all sides, spreading out wide rather than reaching mostly upward, you know something about this tree, and about the land it grows on. Learn more
Happy Spring Equinox,
The Washtenaw Land Trust Staff
Susan, Suzie, Mark and Megan
Thank you for your help in protecting local natural areas and farms!
Washtenaw Land Trust,
1100 N. Main St. Suite 203,
Ann Arbor, MI 48104,
734-302-LAND(5263)
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February 2008 Land Trust News
IN THIS ISSUE:
1) Volunteer Party & 2008 Kickoff! - March 11
2) Free land protection workshop in Ingham County - March 3
3) Wanted: Volunteer Coordinator
4) Thank You to Our Local Business Partners
5) Market Maker: A New Tool for Local Agriculture
6) The Nature Spot: Eclipse Watch!
1) VOLUNTEER PARTY & 2008 KICKOFF! - MARCH 11
On Tuesday, March 11, from 7-9 pm, the Washtenaw Land Trust will be hosting a party to thank our many 2007 volunteers and to kick off our 2008 volunteer season! Everyone is welcome. There will be:
*food and fun
*a celebration of jobs well done
*a preview of 2008 Land Trust activities
*and more...
PLUS you will enjoy the evening overlooking one of our newly protected properties -- the McKinley conservation agreement, a 17-acre natural area in Pittsfield Township.
Tuesday, March 11, 7-9 pm, Glencoe Hills Clubhouse, 2201 Glencoe Hills Drive. Thank you to McKinley Properties for hosting this event!
To RSVP, please call 734-302-5263 by Friday March 7th.
For more information, including directions, please visit our Events Calendar.
We look forward to seeing you there!
2) FREE LAND PROTECTION WORKSHOP IN INGHAM COUNTY - MARCH 3
Monday March 3, 6:30-8:30pm - Protecting Your Land: Making "$" and Sense of the Options.
Do you own land that you would like to protect for your kids or grandkids, but you don’t know where to start? Have you ever wondered about the financial benefits of protecting your land through a conservation easement? Or, would you like to find out how to permanently protect your farm or wetlands from development? Join us for a FREE panel discussion of these topics. A tax professional will be on hand to answer all of your questions!
Location: Ingham Conservation District, 1031 W. Dexter Trail, Mason, MI 48854, across the street at the Glassen Education Building.
Sponsors: Ingham & Jackson County Conservation Districts, Washtenaw Land Trust, Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.
To RSVP: 517-676-2290. See you there!
3) WANTED: VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Here at the Land Trust we are looking to ramp up our volunteer efforts by
creating a new Volunteer Coordinator position. The Volunteer Coordinator will
be responsible for designing and implementing a high-quality volunteer program while learning about how land protection works. The position is approximately 4 hours/week year round and is a volunteer position. A healthy sense of humor is definitely required!
To learn more, please see the job listing.
4) THANK YOU TO OUR LOCAL BUSINESS PARTNERS!
The Washtenaw Land Trust is fortunate to have a broad support from many businesses and organizations in Washtenaw and Jackson counties. Here are three of our business partners who support the Land Trust when you work with them.
Rose Chiropractic
The Songbird Company
Todd's Services
Details on these programs, and other ways to support local land protection
Thanks!
5) MARKET MAKER: A NEW TOOL FOR LOCAL AGRICULTURE
The Land Trust supports our region's farmers in preserving their land and keeping agriculture local. The Ann Arbor News recently featured a brand new online tool--named Market Maker--for businesses and consumers alike. This user-friendly website helps match local producers of produce, meat, and other agricultural products with interested businesses and consumers.
Link to the article
Michigan Market Maker website
6) THE NATURE SPOT: ECLIPSE WATCH!
A total eclipse of the moon is coming on Wednesday night. A great way to stand in awe of nature!
To learn more
Stay warm, outside and in,
The Washtenaw Land Trust Staff
Susan, Suzie, Mark and Megan
Thank you for your help in protecting local natural areas and farms!
Washtenaw Land Trust,
1100 N. Main St. Suite 203,
Ann Arbor, MI 48104,
734-302-LAND(5263)
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January 2008 Land Trust News
IN THIS ISSUE:
1) 2007: Our First 1000 Acre Year!
2) Historic Farm, River Frontage Protected
3) Free Workshop: Keeping it Green in Jackson County
4) Stewardship Network Conference 2008 is Almost Here!
5) The Nature Spot: Winter Wonderland
1) 2007: OUR FIRST 1000 ACRE YEAR!
2007 was a record year for the Land Trust. We protected 1088 acres, more than doubling our previous 2006 record of 488 acres. With those newly protected lands, the Land Trust increased its total preserved properties in 2007 by almost 45%!
We thank all of you for making 2007 such a successful year. Throughout the spring we will be bringing you stories of the properties saved in the last quarter (the first installment is below).
Thank you for your support! We couldn't do it without you!
2) HISTORIC FARM, RIVER FRONTAGE PROTECTED
A generous landowner has donated a conservation easement on 107 acres in Manchester Township. The property includes nearly a mile of River Raisin frontage and an historic farm protected by the Washtenaw County Historic District Commission. The property also links directly to 21 acres of already protected land. This partnership with the HDC allows the owner to ensure that the land and the historic farm, both so cherished, will be protected forever.
3) FREE WORKSHOP: KEEPING IT GREEN
Property owners and the general public are invited to a FREE workshop to learn more about the Upper Grand River watershed and how you can help "keep it green."
WHAT: Keeping it Green in Jackson County: Conserving Your Future through Land Use Planning
WHEN: Saturday February 9, 8:30am-1:00pm - Registration begins at 8:30am.
WHERE: Tompkins Township Hall, 9999 Tompkins Rd, Rives Junction, MI.
Agenda and registration (Upper Grand River Implementation Project website).
See you there!
4) STEWARDSHIP NETWORK CONFERENCE 2008 IS ALMOST HERE!
Friday, January 25 and Saturday, January 26 are the dates for "The Science, Practice, and Art of Restoring Native Ecosystems." Join over 200 fellow naturalists, volunteers, and land professionals in East Lansing to learn about restoration techniques for grasslands/savannas, forests, wetlands, and much more.
Online registration is closed, but you can still attend! To learn more and for registration information, visit www.stewardshipnetwork.org.
See you there!
5) THE NATURE SPOT: WINTER WONDERLAND
A recent walk on one of our nature preserves yielded a snowy treat. When the air is moist, the temperature is cold, and the wind is low, hoar frost can form on branches, coating the trees and berries in a layer of delicate, intricate crystals.
Photos of this delightful winter phenomenon
May the New Year rejuvenate your spirit,
The Washtenaw Land Trust Staff
Susan, Suzie, Mark and Megan
Thank you for your help in protecting local natural areas and farms!
Washtenaw Land Trust, 1100 N. Main St. Suite 203, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, 734-302-LAND(5263), info@washtenawlandtrust.org, www.washtenawlandtrust.org
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by Barry Lonik |
