Dr. Dan Palmer has a passion for ferns. The retired physician is the author of two books on the ferns of Michigan and Hawaii. And long before the Leelanau Conservancy […]
Category Archives: Natural Areas
Clay Cliffs Autumn Video and Poem
Visit Clay Cliffs with Jen Reid, who captures Autumn’s glory on video. Then, walk a loop with poet Carolyn Zaleon who finds respite here on a summer hike. Thanks to […]
In the Works: New Lime Lake Preserve
Mark Fisher has made his living selling real estate in Leelanau. Years ago, he purchased seven acres along the shores of Lime Lake and thought he might build a home […]
Essay: The Healing Power of Nature
While waiting for a hike to begin during Earth Week last spring at Kehl Lake, I felt my phone buzzing in my pocket. Glancing at the screen, I saw it […]
New Boardwalk at Kehl Lake Natural Area Creates Opportunity for Hikers and YouthWork
A new 400-foot boardwalk for hikers is in the works at Kehl Lake Natural Area, which winds through lush ferns, cardinal flowers and towering hemlocks along the lake. The boardwalk […]
DeYoung Natural Area: Restoring the Historic Farmhouse to its Former Glory
Our journey into historic restoration of the 164-year-old DeYoung farmhouse reached a satisfying place this summer. The 191-acre DeYoung Natural Area contains the only remaining buildings of any of our […]
Finton Natural Area: A Great Destination for All Ages
Docent Marsha Buehler is a fan of benches. She sees them as integral to getting people of all ages out to our natural areas. Moms nursing babies. Grandparents using walkers. […]
Forest Immersion Walk Draws Crowd
Written by intern Claire Edgley On Saturday, August 24th, Swanson Preserve drew many participants eager to experience the first Forest Immersion hike at a Leelanau Conservancy property. Docents Shelley Yeager, […]
Cedar River Preserve Grows to 548 Acres
80-Acre Addition Along with State Land Swap Will Provide New Access and Fantastic Views Conservancy founders Ed and Bobbie Collins remember well the trip they took to Chicago some 30 years […]
The Vision for DeYoung Natural Area: Where Hands-On Conservation Comes to Life
For everyone who cherishes the iconic DeYoung farmstead and natural area as a gateway to rural Leelanau, the Conservancy has fabulous news. Work has commenced to restore the circa 1855 mustard-colored farmhouse […]
