The things that make us different are what make us beautiful. –Unknown I think of Leelanau’s forests, wetlands, and meadows teeming with a prolific array of wild plants and animals, […]
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Board Chair Report 2022
Agriculture is an important part of the fabric of Leelanau County, providing pastoral scenery while being an important contributor to the local economy. Our wineries and farm markets are a […]

Leslee Spraggins to Retire After 8 Years with the Leelanau Conservancy
After eight years as our Planned Giving Officer, Leslee Spraggins is retiring. It’s been an honor for our staff and board to work alongside her. Leslee’s beginnings in the world […]

From Our President
Ten years ago I walked into the offices of the Leelanau Conservancy, offering to volunteer. Having just retired and moved with my husband to Traverse City, we needed to establish […]

Five Can’t-Miss Natural Areas This Summer
Michigan summers are the long-awaited reward at the end of a harsh winter and cool spring. We trade in our heavy layers and early nights for sunshine-soaked strolls that linger […]

152-Acre Mawby Family Farm Protected
All photos unless noted are thanks to Mark Smith Ron Mawby’s memories of growing up on a fruit farm just outside of Suttons Bay are poignant. He recalls how the […]

Pat’s Preserve at Lime Lake Grows with Heffron Land Addition
Last fall, when staffer Kim Hayes visited the Allan J. Heffron Trust property near Lime Lake, she spotted bear scat. A few months later, on a winter visit, she discovered […]

Going the Distance for Palmer Woods
Going the Distance for Palmer Woods Imagine running the entire length of M22—117 miles, over a 30 hour stretch. Who would do that? Andy Belanger, that’s who, and he did […]

We Miss Our Conservancy People
More than anything here at the Leelanau Conservancy, we miss our people. We miss seeing you in the office, on docent-led hikes, working alongside you at our beautiful natural areas. […]

Gallagher Family Protects Beloved Farmland
John Gallagher Jr. says that he and his family “have been blessed” to own more than 400 acres of breathtakingly gorgeous farmland in Leelanau’s Elmwood Township. Panoramic views from the […]