Stop by the Petoskey store Friday, October 9th from 1-3 pm to chat Little Traverse Conservancy representatives.
The October’s Cents of Community recipient is Little Traverse Conservancy.
“The mission of the Little Traverse Conservancy is to protect the natural diversity and beauty of northern Michigan by preserving significant land and scenic areas, and fostering appreciation and understanding of the environment. Our service area includes Chippewa, Mackinac, Emmet, Cheboygan, and Charlevoix counties.”
We are proud to partner with LTC and share the story of the work that they do in Northern Michigan.
Founded in 1972, the Little Traverse Conservancy works to protect the natural diversity and beauty of Northern Michigan. Since its founding, the organization has protected more than 83,000 acres of land through nature preserves, working forest reserves, conservation easements, and partnerships with local governments.
The Conservancy works with landowners to permanently protect important natural areas while also creating opportunities for the public to enjoy them. Today, its network includes nearly 400 nature preserves and 40 working forest reserves, with more than 130 miles of trails available to explore. Conservation easements also allow private landowners to retain ownership of their property while ensuring it remains protected for future generations.
Protecting land is just one part of the Conservancy’s mission. The organization also maintains trails and offers free environmental education programs for schools, youth groups, and communities throughout the year.
The Conservancy is currently experiencing a period of growth as it responds to community interest in protecting more land and creating additional trails. As part of its five-year strategic plan, the organization has expanded its staff and is preparing to open a new office and community space, the Malcolm Center, at the Offield Family Viewlands Working Forest Reserve. The center will offer a welcoming space for visitors, public restrooms, educational displays, and beautiful views of Little Traverse Bay.
When we asked Anne what she wants people to understand about the Conservancy’s work, she emphasized how protecting the land also protects the resources and natural spaces we all depend on.
“When we protect the land, we’re protecting everything,” she said.
“We’re protecting, you know, the water, the air, the animals, the plants, and then because we’re all part of that, we are protecting ourselves as well.”
Anne also stressed that the Conservancy’s trails are for everyone. The organization is working to create more universally accessible trails, including the trail at Enji-minozhiiyaamigak, the Place of Peacefulness, in the Bayshore area. These spaces welcome people of different ages and abilities, whether they’re pushing a stroller, using a wheelchair, or simply looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors. Best of all, the trails are free to use.
Environmental education is another important part of the Conservancy’s work. Since 1986, the organization has offered free programs that help young people develop an appreciation for the natural world. It also hosts seasonal community field trips, often led by staff members and local experts, providing opportunities to learn about birds, plants, and other features of our region’s ecosystems.
There are many ways to get involved, from volunteering on trail projects to participating in educational programs or becoming a member. Anne encourages anyone interested in helping protect Northern Michigan’s natural spaces to visit the Conservancy’s website to learn more about opportunities to contribute.
We’re grateful to support the Little Traverse Conservancy as October’s Cents of Community recipient. Like The Grain Train, the Conservancy is committed to supporting the well-being of our community. Whether it’s nourishing ourselves with good food, supporting local farmers, or protecting the land around us, both organizations recognize the importance of caring for the place we call home.
As Anne shared, “…I know a lot of the people who support the Grain Train are also people who would support the Conservancy by default, and it just feels like we’re really natural partners that way.”
This October, you can support the Conservancy through The Grain Train’s Cents of Community program. Every roundup helps support its work to protect natural spaces, maintain trails, and create opportunities for future generations to connect with the outdoors.
To learn more about the Little Traverse Conservancy, explore local preserves, or find upcoming programs and volunteer opportunities, visit www.landtrust.org.
Until next time, keep cooperating and we’ll see you at the stores.
