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.

 
 
Home
About
Projects
News
Volunteer
Events
Contact
Photos
Giving Options

 Donate To SMLC

Join SMLC
How Can I Protect My Land?
SMLC Nature Preserves
SMLC Community Organic Garden
Join our Email List


SMLC Local Chapter:
Superior Township Chapter


SMLC Committees

The SMLC Board of Directors has established seven Standing Committees to assist with setting goals and plan projects to carry out the mission of saving land in southeast Michigan. Committee members have a background or involvement in the topic the committee works on (except for Executive which is limited to board directors only). If you have a background or are currently involved in finance, land protection, or farming and are interested in being considered for committee membership, please let us know. The seven SMLC Committees are:

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

For more information about SMLC Committees, please contact:

SMLC Local Chapters

SMLC currently has one Local Chapter. These are groups made up of people from specific communities who are dedicated to carrying out the work of the Conservancy on a more local level. Volunteers work with the Conservancy staff and Board of Directors to plan and implement projects to save land, care for land, and help with fundraising in their local area.

For more information about SMLC Local Chapters, please contact:

Unique Volunteer Opportunities

Perhaps you have a special skill or talent you would like to offer, or maybe you are hoping to build some skills through volunteer service. If you want to help the Conservancy, the Conservancy can use your help! We would especially like help in the following areas:

  • Preserve Watcher - All SMLC preserves need to be visited several times a year for problems that arise from both humans and nature. Responsibilities include periodic inspection rounds, maintenance of trails, and bi-monthly reporting to Conservancy staff. We are currently looking for Watchers for Conservancy Farm, Heritage Oaks, Lost Lake, and Pittsfield Stream Corridor nature preserves
  • Preserve Monitor - SMLC monitors each of our 18 nature preserves annually. Preserve monitoring is typically a several hour visit to one or more preserves, documenting natural and cultural features and taking photographs, and then writing up a brief report.

  • Conservancy Farm Stewardship - The Conservancy office is located on an historic old farm property between Detroit and Ann Arbor, so there is always something to do with building up-keep, preservation, tool maintenance, or grounds keeping. Come help out and see what the place is like - we also need help with monthly and annual cleaning and upkeep of our historic Conservancy Farmhouse.

  • Outreach Volunteer - This is a great way to help raise SMLC's visibility, build our supporter base, and get out the word about SMLC and the land conservation movement. There are several opportunities to volunteer for tabling events at green fairs and festivals throughout the region. We have a list of events at which it would be good for SMLC to attend and possibly have a display. You decide how many events you would like to attend (volunteering for even just one can be very helpful). SMLC staff will get you up to speed and provide all materials.

  • Photography - Here’s a great excuse to take your camera for a nice walk out in nature. The Conservancy always needs great photos that showcase wonderful nature preserves for historical documentation, promotional materials, and for the website.
  • Office Support - We are always looking for a few good people who can help with mailings, data management and organization, prepare for Conservancy events, or light office tasks during regular business hours. If you have free time during the day, even once in a while - you can contribute a great amount to the overall mission of SMLC.
  • Expert Assistance - The Conservancy would benefit greatly from participation by people willing to volunteer specialty skills such as: web design, grant researcher/writer, graphic design, geology, hydrology, real estate, property surveys, and mitigation counseling.

If you have a skill or applicable experience that you would like to offer in service of Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy, please let us know! For more information about volunteering as an individual, please contact amctaggart@smlcland.org

Volunteer
As a not-for-profit organization, we rely on volunteers to help us accomplish our mission. Whether you want to help us take care of our Nature Preserves, raise money to save more land, or educate Michigan communities about the importance of land conservation, there are many opportunities to make a difference right here in southeast Michigan. Read on to learn more about getting involved as an individual or as part of a group! SMLC Stewardship Work Days

Volunteers Pulling Garlic MustardAn SMLC Stewardship Work Day is a great way to get involved with the Conservancy and to meet other people with an interest in conservation. Throughout the year, Conservancy staff and volunteers participate in Stewardship Work Days at locations around southeast Michigan to remove invasive species, clean up trash, maintain trails, and help with a variety of other hands-on jobs in order to care for the land we protect.

Stewardship Work Days are listed on our Calendar of Events, and we always welcome extra hands! The Conservancy also maintains an email list to notify people about our work days and other public events.


SMLC Group Service Projects

VolunteersOften, local businesses, clubs, schools, or other community groups make arrangements to schedule their own service project with the Conservancy. A Group Service Project always offers camaraderie, fresh air, open spaces, and the chance to make a big difference in a short amount of time. We almost always have a special stewardship project that can be tailored to various group sizes and abilities. Perhaps your own organization would like to schedule a Group Service Project and help make a difference in the community.

For more information about SMLC Service Projects, please contact amctaggart@smlcland.org

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