(Published Fall 2025 in the Leelanau Enterprise, by Allison Acosta, LC staff.) Fall in Leelanau is a treat for the senses. Each year, leaf peepers near and far flock to […]
Category Archives: Natural Areas
Defending Our Hemlocks
A tiny invasive pest is causing big problems for our eastern hemlocks. Our team is working hard to catch the problem early and protect our forests’ health. Collecting the environmental DNA of nearly invisible insects and swirling […]
Mystery of the Michigan Monkey Flower
Every summer, Leelanau Conservancy land stewards survey for a rare, bright-yellow bloom found only in Michigan—one that still has researchers puzzled. Wildflowers grow plentiful across our great state, blooming in […]
Deer Impact on Forests: Inside Leelanau Conservancy’s Deer Exclosure Experiment
Biodiversity is important for all natural landscapes. Plant and animal wildlife impact each other in various ways, with deer having a particularly powerful effect on plant life. Within Palmer Woods […]
Preserving Our Future: Strengthening Local Forests Against Climate Change
In the heart of Palmer Woods Forest Reserve, a pioneering effort is underway to fortify nature’s defenses against the onslaught of climate change. Through innovative strategies and community collaboration, the […]
Stites Natural Area Addition Adds 20 Acres
Just off the beaten path of downtown Suttons Bay is Stites Natural Area. The 1.6 miles of trail surrounded by lush woodlands is a favorite hike among locals and visitors […]
Eighty Acres Adjacent to Villa Marquette Permanently Protected
On a summer day in Omena, you might hear hymns from a boat in the bay. Villa Marquette is a Jesuit property sitting on the shores of Omena Bay where […]
New Trails; New Adventures
Photos by: Mark Smith We’re excited to offer four new trails for you to explore this fall. Whether they’re within a natural area you already love, or a brand new […]
Lighthouse West Natural Area Grows by 27 Acres
Thousands of birds make Lighthouse West a stop on their migration journeys. Thanks to your support, more of this tip-of-the-peninsula bird paradise is protected and now connects to state land. […]
Leave No Trace
A new Conservancy partnership We are pleased to announce that we have become an official Community Partner with Leave No Trace, the international organization that teaches best practice principles for […]
