At the tip of the peninsula, Gene and Kathy Garthe’s commitment to land conservation paves the way for continued sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation. Photos by Mark Smith Many of […]
Category Archives: Farmland Protection Stories
Omena Heights Smith Orchards Permanently Protects 134 Acres
Omena Heights is a picturesque area nestled within Leelanau County, renowned for its natural beauty and panoramic vistas overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. The Smith Orchards are part of the idyllic […]
Parker Family Protects 153 Acres of Farmland
By: Brighid Driscoll More than 150 acres of Solon Township farmland was recently protected with a perpetual conservation easement. This project is possible thanks to Wes Parker, his siblings, the […]
115 Acre Frederick Farm Protected
The Frederick Farm was a favorite place for Judy Frederick’s family to spend time. Judy is certain that her parents, Jim and Carol Frederick, would be thrilled to know that […]
Shimek Family Protects 232-acre, Fourth-Generation Farm
If you’ve driven around Leelanau, you’ve likely passed the Shimek farm. A quintessentially Leelanau picture, the farm stand, red barn, and silos at the bend of M-72 have inspired painters […]
Bahle’s Protect 109-Acre Family Farm
One doesn’t get far in the county before hearing the Bahle name. Whether seeing it on the family retail boutique or recently sold golf course, the Bahles have a long […]
A Tale of Two Brothers
Ed Kiessel looks across a large, snowy swath of land and squints his eyes. The sun’s reflection off the ice-glazed snow is near blinding, but the view is worth fighting […]
Restoring The Past
Ecological restoration is a labor of love that works to reverse time and damage that has stripped a land of its native biodiversity. Restoring an ecosystem to its natural state […]
A Legacy of Farming
When the Leelanau Conservancy protects family farms, we often talk about the land as a globally rare resource that is perfect for growing stonefruit. We identify streams and towering hardwood […]
Board Chair’s Column: Jim Nugent
Photo above of the Mawby Family Farm near Suttons Bay by Mark Smith Leelanau County is a land of spectacular natural features and amazing farmland. The Leelanau Conservancy is working […]
