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SMLC Response to COVID-19
Dear Friends,
SMLC wishes everyone good health as our communities deal with the unprecedented coronavirus situation. Please know that SMLC's nature preserves remain open (daily from dawn to dusk). We encourage you to spend time in nature as this can be helpful at this time, and a good activity if you have children home from school.
In light of the precautions being taken surrounding COVID-19, the SMLC office at the Conservancy Farm is temporarily closed to the public until further notice, per Executive Order 2020-21. In addition, we are complying with all restrictions and will be canceling our events as required - please watch our website calendar below for event cancellations and special notices. If you have questions about these changes or need to contact one of our staff, please call us at 734-484-6565.
Willows in spring at LeFurge Woods Nature Preserve.
Photo by Mark Even.
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SMLC Acquires 80 acres in the
Northern Superior Greenway at end of 2019 |
We are excited to announce that SMLC completed the purchase of 80 acres of woods, wetlands, and open space at the end of 2019. Through our partnership with the City of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, we have added this significant piece to the Superior Greenway, a 2,800-acre wildlife and public recreation corridor.
From the Press Release:
SMLC acquired the property from the Marissa A. Stepien Living Trust and Washtenaw County acquired a conservation easement on the property. The City was a major funder of both acquisitions. SMLC intends to name the new preserve, the Secrest Nature Preserve, in honor of a local family who have been instrumental in supporting land protection efforts in Superior Township and across the region for many years.
Click here to read the full Press Release.
Oak-hickory forest at the Secrest Nature Preserve. Photo by Mark Even.
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Preserve Closure Update:
Sibley Prairie Nature Preserve - West Prairie Closed for the Season
December 9, 2019
We have closed the West Prairie preserve for winter 2019-2020. This preserve is prone to flooding, which is the nature of the unique wet prairie community that we are protecting and restoring. In the meantime, you can learn about what makes Lakeplain Wet Prairie special through the Michigan Natural Features Inventory. Check back here for a re-opening announcement in summer 2020.
A view of lakeplain prairie in Brownstown Township. Photo by Charles Scott. |
2019 Picnic at the Farm - Recap
Many thanks goes to SMLC’s Picnic Sponsors and Leadership Donor!!
SMLC's 2019 Award Recipients (click here to read the press release):
Jack R. Smiley Award: Richard (Rick) Simek, past SMLC Board President
Executive Director Legacy Award: Jill A. Lewis, Executive Director
Directors' Award: Jonathan (Jon) Trevathan, past SMLC Board President
Legacy Volunteer Award: Charles Scott
2019 Volunteer of the Year Award: Martha (Marty) Davis-Merritts
2018 Volunteer of the Year Award: Mark Even
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Give to SMLC
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"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 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 Spring 2019 Landmarks newsletter (PDF)
Springhill Nature Preserve, Superior Greenway, Washtenaw County.
Photo by Charles Scott
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Volunteers Needed!
Interested in volunteering? Opportunities include: stewardship workdays at nature preserves, mailing parties at the office, and helping maintain our historic farmhouse. Here are some other ways you can get involved:
Stewardship Assistant – Assist SMLC Stewardship staff with management of our Superior Greenway nature preserves. Includes trail upkeep, invasive species management, grounds maintenance, and more.
Conservancy Farmhouse Beautifying and Upkeep – Responsibilities include monthly and annual cleaning and upkeep of our historic Conservancy Farmhouse. SMLC will provide cleaning supplies and direction regarding historic house elements.
Preserve Watcher – Monitor SMLC nature preserve property conditions, assist with minor trail maintenance, and report findings bi-monthly. Needed at: Heritage Oaks, Pittsfield Stream Corridor, and Springhill nature preserves.
Contact Julie McLaughlin, Stewardship and Outreach Specialist, to discuss volunteer interest at jmclaughlin@smlcland.org or 734-484-6565.
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Superior
Township
Chapter
The Superior Township Chapter is dedicated to supporting SMLC's conservation efforts in Superior Township.
Click here to read the 2019 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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SMLC on Facebook
Check us out and "like" us.
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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