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SMLC is a participating member of SEMIWILD as a Protector.
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SMLC is looking to hire a Stewardship and Outreach Specialist. Please apply if you are interested in helping local land conservation through a growing nonprofit dedicated to land protection, stewardship, and outreach! The position requires a Bachelor’s degree or higher in natural resources or related field, 2 years professional (post-college) experience, and familiarity with flora, fauna, and ecosystems of the Great Lakes region. This is a full-time, exempt position. Click here to see the full job posting for the Stewardship and Outreach Specialist and application information. Photo of Tree Swallow by Mark Even. |
"Southeast Michigan: a beautiful place where people and nature
coexist in healthy, sustainable balance."
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SMLC's vision statement expresses how we feel about this special place we call home. Preserving natural areas and farmlands is good for all of us. SMLC is doing our part: more than 3,400 acres have been protected in this region through our efforts. You too can do your part by giving to the SMLC "We Care" Campaign.
To make a safe and
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Springhill Nature Preserve, Superior Greenway, Washtenaw County. Photo by Charles Scott |
secure online donation to SMLC, click here.
To download a printable form you can mail to our office along with your personal check made payable to "Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy" click here.
You can continue the momentum and help SMLC become even stronger:
Click here to read SMLC's
latest
appeal letter (PDF)
Click here to read our Fall 2017 Landmarks newsletter (PDF)
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Rare Grassland Birds at Conservancy Farm
SMLC is thrilled to report a number of rare grassland bird species have taken up residence in the grassland at the Conservancy Farm in 2017. Bobolinks, Dickcissel, Sedge Wrens, Clay-colored Sparrow, and the state-endangered Henslow's Sparrow were seen and heard throughout the breeding season this year. A Northern Shrike and pair of Fox Sparrows were spotted at the end of last winter, and in November, a few Short-eared Owls took up residence and are expected to stick around for the majority of the winter.
Less than 1% of Michigan's native prairie remains in the state, so we're thrilled to see our management efforts provide these birds with suitable habitat. Historically, the grassland has been maintained as a hay field harvested by local farmers. With the arrival of these special birds, however, we have postponed mowing of the fields until September to give them a safe haven to finish breeding and increase their populations.
The Conservancy Farm is open for all to enjoy dawn to dusk, so please come out to see these special birds... but hurry, they'll be headed south for the winter soon! Stop in the SMLC office to say hi and get some birding tips from staff. |
 Henslow's Sparrow at the Conservancy Farm. Photo by Andy Dettling. |
 Taylor Myatt with Jim and Michelle McIntyre. Photo by Corey Seeman.
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Without our volunteers, we couldn't be successful in land conservation. At our Picnic at the Farm event this past September, we honored some of our most dedicated volunteers. They deserve even more attention, though, so here they are again:
Richard Kent - Jack R. Smiley Legacy Award
Jonathan Trevathan - SMLC Board Appreciation Award
Brenda Baker - Volunteer Appreciation Legacy Award
Carla Bisaro - Volunteer Appreciation Legacy Award
The McIntyre Family - 2016 Volunteers of the Year
George Kasdorf - 2017 Volunteer of the Year |
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Dixboro United Methodist Volunteers did an AWESOME job removing invasive buckthorn at LeFurge Woods Nature Preserve. Summer is a great time to combat invasive species.
Ask SMLC how you can help. Photo by T. Myatt
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Volunteers help SMLC in many important ways. You can continue the progress of natural community care and restoration! Individuals or groups are welcome to pitch in - please let us know how you would like to help.
If you would like to volunteer with SMLC
call 734.484.6565
or email us: tmyatt@smlcland.org to find out how you can help.
Be sure your email address is on the SMLC Events email list to get event notification of upcoming conservancy news, events, and volunteer opportunities. It's easy, just send an email to: info@smlcland.org.
(Note that SMLC never gives or sells personal info to anyone).
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The Superior Township Chapter is dedicated to supporting SMLC's conservation efforts in Superior Township.
Click here to read the 2017 Superior Township Chapter Update Newsletter (color PDF).
See the Calendar of Events below for Superior Township Chapter and SMLC events, posted as they are scheduled.
For more information about the Superior Township Chapter, click here or contact Brenda Baker at bakerpartin@aol.com or Bill Secrest at (734) 482-5957
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 Lots of Downy Woodpeckers make Superior Township their home. Photo by Charles Scott
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Sign up for SMLC Events, keep up with the latest SMLC news, and hear stories about the benefit of SMLC's work at our new Facebook page. If you are new to Facebook, signup is free. If you are already on Facebook, you know what to do - "like" us and see what's new at SMLC.
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Superior 