For 25 years, volunteers have helped rescue wildflowers and native plants, cultivating community and nurturing biodiversity in Leelanau’s woodlands. Every spring in Leelanau County, a group of dedicated volunteers quietly […]
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 […]
Multigenerational Nelson Farm Permanently Protected
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 […]
Land Trust Alliance Accreditation Notice
The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The Leelanau Conservancy is pleased to announce […]
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 […]
Letter from our Board President
There is no shortage of tasks on the to-do list at the Leelanau Conservancy. Whether it is collaborating with a trusted partner, deepening our understanding of the natural world through […]
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 […]
Wildflower Rescue Reaches 25th Anniversary of Saving Leelanau Wildflowers
Celebrating 25 years of blooming success, the Leelanau Conservancy’s Wildflower Rescue Committee continues its important work. Since 1999, Wildflower Rescue has been on a mission to protect our native blooms […]
2023 Volunteer of the Year, Kat Palms!
We love our volunteers. Their work is an essential part of our conservation efforts and we are so grateful for the time they share with us. Kat Palms has been […]
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 […]