Hikes & Other Events
Attending one of our Docent-led hikes is a sure way to get the most out of one of our Natural Areas. These knowledgeable volunteers will share everything they know about these beautiful places. Please, so that we may plan for the best possible experience, do register in advance. (231-256-9665) In some cases, space is limited. You’ll find directions to our Natural Areas on each web page, but if you have questions, don’t hesitate to call!
Most of our hikes last 1.5 to 2 hours and start by meeting at the trail head. If you are coming along for an evening hike, such as a sunset hike at Whaleback, please bring a flashlight along in case you need it for the walk back down the trail. Do dress according to the weather and potential weather.
Dog Policy at Natural Areas and Preserves
You and your dog are welcome to explore our Conservancy trails but please do NOT bring dogs to a scheduled docent-led hike.This will keep your dog safe at home during Conservancy scheduled hikes, and keep hike attendees and wildlife safe too. Our hikes aim to show attendees bird and wildlife that are often scared off by the scent and sounds of dogs. (Service dogs are welcome at any time.) We occationally offer a special hike that includes pets; when those opportunities are offered, or if you visit on your own please keep your pet on a leash and pick up waste.
Upcoming Hikes & Events
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Visit the Historic DeYoung Farmstead – Tuesday, May 22nd, 1pm
Visit the historic DeYoung Farmstead while the site is abuzz with 20
graduate students and professors from Eastern Michigan University’s Historic Preservation Program who are onsite for a week-long field school. Enjoy a tour of hands-on historic preservation in progress with Dr. Ted Ligibel, Professor Nancy Bryk and Adjunct Professor Steve Stier. Bring your stories, photographs, memories and thoughts about the DeYoung Farmstead or farming in Leelanau. Conservancy staff member, Jenee Rowe will meet you in the parking lot by the barn. -
Wildflower Rescue Plant Sale Memorial Day Weekend–Sale Starts Friday May 25th at 9am
The 19th Annual Plant Sale on the Village Green in Leland is on tap for Memorial Day Weekend! Now is your chance to purchase native ferns, trillium and more along with a selection of native trees and shrubs provided by locally owned Four Season Nursery, who will be on hand to answer questions about going native. Sale begins Friday, May 25th and runs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Sunday noon to 4 p.m. All proceeds help maintain the Village Green and assist with other Conservancy projects.The Wildflower Rescue Committee continually seeks new sites on which to dig. If you are building a home, driveway, addition, or know of someone who is, please contact the WRC so they may have a chance to remove these precious wildflowers before the excavators arrive! Contact Patty Shea: 256-9249 or Joanie Woods: 256-7154.
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Houdek Dunes’ Profusion of Pink Lady Slipper Orchids – Sunday, May 27th, 2pm
This hike at Houdek Dunes should not be missed as the Pink Lady Slipper orchids
(Moccasin flowers) will be offering their amazing profusion of flowering activity in order to attract their special pollinators. The many different habitats at Houdek reflect the slowly changing nature of succession of dune landscapes, expose the glacial history of Leelanau, and especially offer multiple wildlife viewing opportunities. Join Ann McInnis, Judy Hoeffler, and Holly Pharmer in exploring and enjoying this very special natural area. -
Leelanau Peninsula BirdFest 2012–May 30th – June 3rd
The 2nd Annual Leelanau Peninsula BirdFest will take place Wednesday May 30th through Sunday, June 3. Home base is Fountain Point on Lake Leelanau. For more info visit Birdfest 2012 or the Leelanau County Chamber of Commerce.
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Birding Aboard the Tall Ship Inland Seas – June 2nd
Sail out to Gull Island Preserve aboard the two masted schooner Inland Seas.Gull Island is a Leelanau Conservancy Critical Area with a pending Important Bird Area designation. Although it is closed to public visitation, we can see nesting birds from the ship. Included among them are: Caspian Terns, Ring-billed and Herring Gulls, possibly Blue-winged Teals, Red-breasted Mergansers and Double-crested Cormorants. Coffee and rolls will be served on board.Our leader for this excursion is Dr. William Scharf, who has had a distinguished career in biology, both in academia as well and in the world of conservation focused NGO’s. Dr. Scharf is a gull, tern and colonial waterbird biologist. He is also an avid birder. Also assisting on the trip will be Jenee Rowe, Director of Leelanau Conservancy Owned Lands.
10:00 am – 2:00 pm on Saturday June 2. $55 fee. Reservations Required click here for more info.
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Birding Aboard Tall Ship Inland Seas – June 3rd
Sail out to Gull Island Preserve aboard the two masted schooner Inland Seas.Gull Island is a Leelanau Conservancy Critical Area with a pending Important Bird Area designation. Although it is closed to public visitation, we can see nesting birds from the ship. Included among them are: Caspian Terns, Ring-billed and Herring Gulls, possibly Blue-winged Teals, Red-breasted Mergansers and Double-crested Cormorants. Coffee and rolls will be served on board.Our leader for this excursion is Dr. William Scharf, who has had a distinguished career in biology, both in academia as well and in the world of conservation focused NGO’s. Dr. Scharf is a gull, tern and colonial waterbird biologist. He is also an avid birder. Also assisting on the trip will be Jenee Rowe, Director of Leelanau Conservancy Owned Lands.
10:00 am – 2:00 pm on Sunday June 3. $55 fee. Reservations Required click here for more info.
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Lamont Preserve, Nature’s Library of Flora and Fauna – Saturday, June 9th, 10am
Check out thi
s little 40-acre jewel of mostly native woodland and wetland species of flora and fauna with docents Ann McInnis and Marsha Buehler. Due to a young boy’s love of Leelanau and his visionary-thinking friends and relatives, this important connection with the Conservancy’s Trans-peninsula wildlife corridor project will insure a safe haven in perpetuity for a myriad of creatures in his memory. Learn more about the Jeff Lamont Preserve here. -
Lighthouse West Natural Area: A Walk Back in Time, Saturday, June 16, 10am
Observe the impact of past glaciers on Leelanau landscapes. Changing lake levels, shoreline benches, large glacial erratics are some of the evidence of past glacial activity which you will see. Join docents Ann McInnis and Sharon Orie lin this prelude-to-summer exploration of Lighthouse West Natural Area and discover its special importance for birds and other wildlife specials. -
Teichner Preserve Hike – Sunday, June 17th, 10am
It’s prime time for yellow flag iris and showy lady slippers to be blooming.
Learn about the Teichner Preserve, property donated by and beloved by CBS Newswoman Martha Teichner. Travel the boardwalk over wetlands to the shores of Lime Lake walk up the hill and visit hardwood upland foest and the more-than-100-year old American Chestnut Tree with Docents Ann Mason andTom Dunfee. -
Early Wildflower Hunt at Chippewa Run – Saturday, June 23rd, 1pm
Join Conservanc
y docents Lou Ricord, Ann Mason, and Dave Amos as they wander this southern county natural area in search of spring wildflowers. Within its preserved 110-acres, Chippewa Run has wetlands, streams and ponds, old fields, red pine and spruce/fir stands, hardwoods, and an old apple orchard making this an excellent area for wildflowers. Last year’s list included trillium, violets, spring beauty, Dutchman’s breeches, squirrel-corn, trout-lily, jack-in-the-pulpit, gaywings and others. Also, there will be many birds to spot and identify so you might want to bring a set of binoculars. -
Flying Cigars and Helicopters – Saturday, June 30th, 2pm
On Saturday, June 30th, at 2:00pm meet the bodacious and the pugnacious, the apodous and the vicious avian citizens you might see in your own backyard. Though closely related, Chimney Swifts and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are not two peas in a pod. Join SBTH Executive Director, Kay Charter, and Bobbie Poor, Leelanau Conservancy Docent, as peek into the lifestyles of these two amazing birds at Saving Birds Thru Habitat in Omena. -
Kehl Lake Natural Area: Discover Nature’s Richness – Saturday, June 30, 10am
Make discoveries during a hike with docents
Ann McInnis and Jack Shultz at this biologically rich natural area. Summer’s profusion of interrelating plants and animals will be seen in the meadows, old growth woodland, wetlands, and lake habitats. Be especially ready with your questions to learn about the tallest of plants….trees…from Jack, our tree specialist. Learn more about Kehl Lake Natural Area -
DeYoung Farm, Inside and Outside! – Sunday July 1st, 1pm
Visit the historic
DeYoung Farm to see Cedar Lake and tour inside the old farm buildings, including the house. Hear the history of the farm as it grew with theTraverse City region, including the DeYoung story (and the Campbells before them) and learn how plans for the farm are progressing. Docents Dave Amos and Judy Smart will meet you in the parking lot by the barn. -
Swanson Preserve Exploration – Sunday, July 8th, 2pm
Summer time at the Swanson Preserve is a busy time. Docents Sharon Oriel, Ann Mason, and Holly Pharmer will take you behind the scenes at this special place. -
Houdek Dunes Natural Area: Coyotes, Cougars, and Bears, Oh My! – Saturday, July 14th 10am
Are these Leelanau wild residents to be feared or “friended”? Join docents Ann McInnis andTom Dunfee to learn some facts about these and other local wild animals with whom we share this marvelous peninsula and discover their role in keeping this entire landscape healthy. Also we will explore the special attributes of dunes as they slowly revert to forested woodland. Learn more about Houdek Dunes Natural Area. -
Kehl Lake Natural Area Hike – Saturday, July 21st 10am
Discover some of Leelanau’s cultural and natural history with docents Ann McInnis and Marsha Buehler. Have fun learning about the inter connections between the human history of Kehl Lake Natural Area area with the rich natural community of plants, animals and their habitats.
