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.

 
 
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SMLC Local Chapter:
Superior Township Chapter

News

Conservancy Farm Restoration Project

The 2022 Conservancy Farm Restoration Project was successfully completed this past September. The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program project leverages almost $31,000 in federal funding.

Project partners are Ducks Unlimited and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Results are an enhanced 12.5 acres of emergent wetland and newly restored 30.2 acres of native upland prairie that are located at the site of former agricultural fields.

Conservancy Farm Prairie Wildflowers
Photo by Joel Geffen.

The project benefits as determined by SMLC’s Stewardship Committee include:

• Buffering 69 acres of existing woodlands – local wildlife habitat will increase from 109 acres to 138 contiguous acres

• Increasing grassland birds nesting and migration habitat

• Providing resources for pollinators and other insects

• Increased water quality in the area due to perennial native vegetation (reduces erosion, chemical runoff and sedimentation of nearby waterways) Desired outcomes include:

• A thriving local population of native insects, amphibians, birds and other wildlife that rely on grasslands and wetlands as part of their life cycle

• An increase in migrating birds using the site

• A more pleasant experience for the Farm’s trail users

SMLC’s 2022 Award Recipients

At SMLC’s recent Summer Celebration event, we honored the following organization and individuals for their outstanding support of SMLC and local land conservation during 2022 and the past few years. Due to the pandemic we were unable to award some of these before now — we are pleased to present them now:

Peter Blank accepting the Organizational Award on behalf of The Nature Conservancy-Ohio
Photo by Joel Geffen.

 

The Nature Conservancy-Ohio: Organizational Award (for ongoing Sibley Prairie project funding and support)

Mary Ericson: Board Award—Outgoing President (Term: 2017-2020)

Bryan Collett: Board Award—Outgoing Director (for 6 or more years of continuous service)

Shawn Severance: Volunteer of the Year 2022 (Stewardship Committee Chairperson, Stewardship Support)

Cathy Bach: Volunteer of the Year 2021 (Superior Township Chapter Member, Project Leader)

Robert Moll: Volunteer of the Year 2020 (Nature Preserve Watcher, Photographer)

Light streaming through the canopy of Lefurge Woods

Secrest Nature Preserve - Now OPEN!

SMLC's new Secrest Nature Preserve is now open to the public! Parking is available on Berry Road in Superior Township - click here for directions.

In September 2021, SMLC held a special Dedication Event to preview the new public trail, honor the Secrest Family - whom the preserve is named after - and acknowledge the Superior Greenway partners who have worked with SMLC through the years to protect more than 2,700 acres of woods, wetlands, prairies and farmland in Superior Township, Washtenaw County. Click here to read the press release.
 

 

SMLC in the News

Check out these articles featuring SMLC preserves, trails and the Superior Greenway:

"This article is part of Inside Our Outdoors, a series about Southeast Michigan's connected parks, greenways, and trails and how they affect residents' quality of life. It is made possible with funding from the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance."

A fun read about the pairing of a cup of joe and local trails.

Preserve Update:
Sibley Prairie Nature Preserve - West Prairie Site

SMLC acquired the 39-acre West Prairie Site of Sibley Prairie Nature Preserve in 2014 after a year's worth of effort, and now this beautiful property will forever be protected. To read more about the project and the property's unique characteristics, click here

Prairie remnant found in the West Prairie Site addition to the Sibley Prairie Nature Preserve. Photo by Jill Lewis.

Partnership protects 538 acres in Genesee and Oakland Counties!

$1.1 Million Acquisition: Lost Lake Nature Preserve

In August 2013, Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy purchased our 16th nature preserve with help from an angel donor who provided the $1.1 million purchase funds. SMLC partnered with Six Rivers Land Conservancy, who now holds a conservation easement on the property. The new Lost Lake Nature Preserve is a beautiful place and protects two pristine lakes, unique wetlands and natural areas. To read more about the acquisition success, click here to view the Press Release.

Map of Lost Lake Nature Preserve

To view articles about the nature preserve, click a link below:

A 500-plus acre nature preserve in Holly, Grand Blanc townships opens to public next year

Major new Nature Preserve for Grand Blanc Township

Lost Lake Nature Preserve begins restoration

Local conservation officials dedicate Lost Lake Nature Preserve

SMLC's next step is to create a Management Plan that will guide the stewardship of the Preserve's natural resources while incorporating future public access.

If you are excited about this Nature Preserve and would like to get involved with SMLC call 734.484.6565 or email us at info@smlcland.org.

 
 
Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy  |  8383 Vreeland Road, Superior Township, MI 48198  |  (734) 484-6565  |  info@smlcland.org
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