Latest news with #LittleTraverseConservancy
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Little Traverse Conservancy makes final fundraising push toward Boyne City land acquisition
BOYNE CITY — Another plot of land could be preserved in Northern Michigan if the Little Traverse Conservancy can reach its $3 million fundraising goal by May 31. The group is looking to acquire what's locally known as "White Mountain" — 654 acres of land in Charlevoix County overlooking Boyne City and Lake Charlevoix. According to Emily Hughes, Chief Development Officer for the Little Traverse Conservancy, the $3 million includes the purchase price of the land and the funds necessary to care for the land — both immediately and in the future. "We need to have a certain amount of money ready to go to be able to protect this property forever," Hughes said. "We also want to have funds to care for the property as soon as we acquire it, and also 100, 200 years down the road." A portion of the $3 million will go towards a long-term endowment that the conservancy uses for operations and long-term care for all the properties the group owns. The conservancy already has $2.4 million raised for the project. If the conservancy is able to acquire the land, the anonymous lead donor group asked that the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians name the property, so the final name of the land will be in both Anishinaabemowin and English. The additional money raised will help the group in their mission of permanently protecting the 654 acres of land, preserving the wildlife habitat and forest ecosystems, and open the land for future public enjoyment. Hughes said if the conservancy is able to acquire the land, the group will be able to spend some time getting to know the land with the stewardship team and determining the best care and management plan for the area. She added that once the conservancy owns the property, people are able to use it. Signage and mapping won't be up immediately, but could come in time. More: Little Traverse Conservancy plans mix of outdoor events: See what's scheduled this spring Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage Hughes said the community's interest and wants will lead their decisions, so a thorough trail system could be on the property in five or 10 years, or the land could be kept as a wild property if that's what the public wants more. What they know about the property now is that there is a lot of diversity within the wooded areas of the land, and there are a lot of two-track trails already on the property. To learn more or to donate to the cause, visit or call the conservancy at (231) 347-0991. — Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@ Follow her on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN. This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Little Traverse Conservancy works toward White Mountain property buy in Boyne City
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Yahoo
Little Traverse Conservancy plans mix of outdoor events: See what's scheduled this spring
NORTHERN MICHIGAN — There may still be snow on the ground, but soon enough trees will sprout new leaves, flowers will bud and temperatures will get warmer. The Little Traverse Conservancy — with a five-county service area covering Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Emmet and Mackinac counties — has a full slate of events coming up this season. Where: Elizabeth B. Hoffmann Nature Preserve, south of Charlevoix When: 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, April 4 What: Participants will join Nate Dionne for this hands-on seminar exploring various techniques that can help revitalize trees in a way that also supports the ecosystem and landscape around them. Participants will put these principles and objectives to use on the trees at the preserve. There will be a limited supply of tools to use, and participants are asked to bring their own pruners and loppers. Where: Sally & Art Hailand, Jr./Helstrom Family Nature Preserve in Oden When: 7-8:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4 What: Brad Von Blon will lead this walk where participants can listen and watch for woodcocks. The walk is described as 'easygoing' and suitable for all to enjoy. Where: Tanton Family Working Forest Reserve, southeast of Petoskey When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16 What: The conservancy is co-hosting a trail maintenance workday with the Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association to get the Tanton Family Working Forest Reserve mountain bike trails ready for the new season. Volunteers should meet at the reserve at 9 a.m. Activities will include walking trail segments, removing downed limbs and trees, trimming brush, clearing natural drains and attending to any areas of erosion. Tools will be provided. Where: Offield Family Viewlands Reserve in Harbor Springs When: 9 a.m. to noon and from 1-4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22 What: Celebrate Earth Day by helping the conservancy with trail maintenance on the mountain bike trails at the Offield Family Viewlands Reserve. Volunteers should meet in the parking area at 9 a.m. for the morning session or at 1 p.m. for the afternoon session. There will also be a group ride led by a conservancy staff member at 4 p.m. Tools will be provided. This is a family-friendly work bee, so kids are welcome. Where: Cheboygan State Park When: 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 What: This partnership event with Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch will allow participants to interact with and learn about owls. Along with observing the banding, the group will enjoy conversations by the campfire with snacks and drinks. This event is limited to 12 people. If you are interested in any of these events, registration is available at (231) 347-0991 or — Contact Jillian Fellows at jfellows@ This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Little Traverse Conservancy plans events for spring 2025
