Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy The Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy conserves natural land and open space -- including forests, wetlands, meadows, agricultural lands, and places of scenic beauty -- to provide habitat for wildlife and to enrich the lives of people.
SMLC is looking to fill 2 internship positions for 2021:
• Stewardship Intern – click here for full description
The Stewardship Intern supports the Stewardship & Outreach Manager and other key volunteers with land stewardship and outreach projects and tasks. This person will work primarily in the Superior Greenway in Superior Township, with occasional projects at other SMLC nature preserves located in Oakland, Livingston, and Wayne Counties.
• Vernal Pool Monitor – click here for full description
The Vernal Pool Monitor will implement the state of Michigan protocol for monitoring vernal pools, train participating volunteers, and enter data to the statewide database.
Required Qualifications:
• A commitment to preserving natural areas and open spaces in southeast Michigan
• 2+ years of completed academic coursework in natural resources, biology, environmental science, or related field
• A valid driver’s license and a licensed, insured vehicle and willingness to travel locally
To apply, send a cover letter and resume to: Julie McLaughlin, Stewardship and Outreach Manager, at jmclaughlin@smlcland.org or (734) 484-6565. Positions will be open until filled, however all applications received by March 26, 2021 will be reviewed.
Staff Appreciation
SMLC staff are thrilled about their new logo fleece! It helps us feel like part of the team when working remotely. We asked Jill, Julie, and Kathy to reflect upon their experience with the organization over the past year.
Jill Lewis, Executive Director
“My biggest takeaway from 2020 was the powerful healing and restorative benefits of nature and why it’s so important that natural areas be available for everyone to visit and enjoy. Many thanks to Julie and Kathy for accommodating our remote work – and thank you! to all of you for supporting SMLC. Here’s to a more hopeful and connected 2021.
Julie McLaughlin, Stewardship and Outreach Manager
“I miss the creativity that happens with spontaneous in-person interactions, but I’m so thankful to be able to work from home and still get outside for field work (and my dog is enjoying it too!)”
Kathy Hammond, Office Specialist
“It thrills me to work with 2 extraordinary individuals, they are so committed and cheery, it is infectious. The firehose of information seems more controllable after 10 months. I want to thank all, especially Marty, she did a great job showing me the ropes.”
Lost Lake Virtual Fall Frolic
Did you miss the premiere of our first-ever virtual hike? Check out the recording of the event below, for exclusive access to parts of this nature preserve never before seen by the public, an update on the prairie and wetland restorations, epic drone photography and video of this amazing landscape!
Like many of you, SMLC is looking forward to returning to our normal operational activities when it is safe for our staff, volunteers, and event participants to do so. This past summer, SMLC created a Safely Re-Open Plan and a COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan to help guide our return to work and events. Unfortunately, due to the continued case situation in Michigan we made the tough decision to cancel all remaining planned events and public volunteer activities for 2020. SMLC's office also continues to be closed to the general public until further notice and some of our staff are primarily working remotely.
If you need to reach a staff person, please call our office at 734-484-6565 but note that it could take a few days to receive your message or email:
Finally, SMLC's nature preserves continue to remain open to the public daily from dawn until dusk. If you visit an SMLC preserve, please practice social distancing (6 feet apart) and don't visit if you are sick.
Thank you.
Give to SMLC
"Southeast Michigan: a beautiful place where people and nature
coexist in healthy, sustainable balance."
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:
LeFurge Woods Nature Preserve, Superior Greenway, Washtenaw County.
Photo by Mark Even.
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.
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: Morris-Reichert, Heritage Oaks, Lost Lake, and Sibley Prairie nature preserves.
Contact Julie McLaughlin, Stewardship and Outreach Specialist, to discuss volunteer interest at jmclaughlin@smlcland.org or734-484-6565.
Local Chapter News:
Superior
Township
Chapter
The Superior Township Chapter is dedicated to supporting SMLC's conservation efforts in Superior Township.
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.
Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy | 8383 Vreeland Road, Superior Township, MI 48198 | (734) 484-6565
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