Who We Are

Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy (SMLC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and qualified conservation organization dedicated to conserving and managing wildlife habitat in order to foster healthy ecosystems, protect air and water quality, and provide scenic enjoyment. We also work to promote appreciation of the natural world; educate the public about conservation options; and engage communities throughout southeast Michigan in land protection and stewardship activities.

SMLC was founded in 1988 by people who felt there should be a way for land owners to protect natural lands and open spaces in southeast Michigan. Our service area covers the 7-county (Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, Wayne) southeast Michigan region. To manage day-to-day operations, the Conservancy's 3-person staff takes care of many tasks including coordination of volunteers. Volunteers are critical to the vitality and effectiveness of the organization. Please click here for information on how you can volunteer.

You can get a current summary of what SMLC does and how we work by reading our most current Fact Sheet:

• SMLC Fact Sheet (PDF)

What We Do

SMLC protects land in, primarily, three ways: SMLC can own land- usually through donations (property or financial) to the organization, SMLC can work with landowners to create conservation easements (also known as conservation agreements) to protect privately owned property, and SMLC can assist local government agencies with their land protection projects. At times, when support is strong enough, the Conservancy can purchase land.

The Conservancy maintains and cares for the land held in its trust through regular monitoring and stewardship projects, and we work to educate the community about the importance of land conservation in southeast Michigan. Volunteers are absolutely critical to the organization's ability to carry out these tasks. Through this work we conserve habitat for wildlife and preserve natural areas and places of scenic beauty for people to enjoy.

How We Do It

The Conservancy has many responsibilities as outlined in the SMLC Articles of Incorporation and Organizational Bylaws. The SMLC Board of Directors governs the organization and oversees SMLC's work. Seven Committees, two Local Chapters, and staff assist the board and implement SMLC's goals and objectives.

The seven SMLC Committees are:

• Event Planning Committee
• Executive Committee
• Finance Committee
• Fund Development Committee
• Land Protection Committee
• Organic Garden Committee
• Stewardship Committee

SMLC has one Local Chapter:

• Superior Township Chapter

SMLC has 3 dedicated staff positions:

• Jill Lewis, Executive Director
  jlewis@smlcland.org
  
  
• Ethan Glassman, Stewardship & Outreach Specialist
  eglassman@smlcland.org
  
  
• Kathy Hammond, Office Specialist
  info@smlcland.org
  

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is comprised of people from across southeast Michigan. Each is committed to land conservation and the sustainability of the Conservancy. Our Board of Directors ensures all SMLC expenditures and activities are compliant with SMLC Bylaws and non-profit law. The Board also passed a resolution to adopt the Land Trust Alliance's "Land Trust Standards and Practices" and strives to operate in a manner that ensures the long-term protection of land in southeast Michigan. As described above, the Board relies on the committees, local chapters and staff to advise them on organizational planning and management issues.

The SMLC Directors are:

Landmarks is the twice-yearly newsletter of Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy. Here are PDF copies of back issues:

For older back issues of Landmarks, contact the SMLC office.