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The Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy is accomplishing its mission to conserve land in southeast Michigan, but there is still a lot of work to do. Here are just a few examples of our current efforts.
 Schultz Farm - now permanently protected thanks to SMLC supporters! Thanks to the efforts of Robert Schultz and the gifts of many individual Conservancy donors, another 158-acres of farmland has been protected with a conservation easement. This key property is located at the corner of Geddes and Harris Roads, adjacent to the Conservancy's LeFurge Woods Nature Preserve in Superior Township. The land lies between protected property, so protection of this parcel forms an important contiguous corridor of farm land and natural habitat now totaling 1,035 acres.
This farm was threatened by a major mobile home development just a few years ago. Township residents were successful in defeating that proposal, but the threat of development remained until Mr. Schultz signed a permanent conservation agreement with the Conservancy. From this point forward, we can all be assured this farm remains a farm forever!
This one-time opportunity was made possible by the help and generosity of many people. In large part, because of such strong local support, Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy was awarded a $790,000 federal grant to purchase the development rights to protect this property. Mr. Schultz donated an equivalent amount. It was only through the support of neighbors and people like you that the Conservancy was able to raise the $519,500 matching funds and closing costs necessary to finalize the deal.
 Once a property or conservation easement is in the care of the
Conservancy, it becomes our responsibility to ensure the the property's conservation values are protected in perpetuity. The Conservancy maintains records that state the
original reasons the property was protected. Flora, fauna, geological
characteristics, and historical information are recorded in baseline
reports. Baselines are updated at least once per year with monitoring
reports, which are filled out by Stewards who visit the property
regularly and are in contact with the Conservancy's Stewardship
Coordinator. Stewards are volunteers who have made a special
commitment to learn about, visit, and document changes to preserves
over time. Stewards also alert the Conservancy to violations of
easement terms and suggest action that may be needed.
In addition to regular monitoring and documentation, the Conservancy may initiate projects that involve actively restoring natural areas or making wildlife habitat improvements. Examples of past projects include removing invasive species, reverting an agricultural field into a natural condition, doing controlled burns, and even creating a new wetland. In all cases, the Conservancy strives to be a good steward of high quality natural areas that will provide habitat for wildlife and enrich the lives of people.
Please contact jlewis@SMLCland.org to find out what projects the Fundraising and Development Committee is working on right now.
 SMLC offers hikes, tours, campfires, and other family-friendly events that are free and open to the public. These events are a great way to connect with nature and learn more about the importance of land conservation. We also encourage local businesses, clubs, schools, and community groups to schedule their own work day to get some fresh air and help with a special stewardship project.
SMLC's Community Organic Garden project also provides a connection between the land we protect and the gardeners who participate. It is our hope to serve as an example of how sustainable agriculture and locally grown food benefit the environment.
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