Little Forks Conservancy

04/08/2026

Join us on May 2nd!! We are excited to be a part of this great event.🌳
Register here at forms.gle/e8enMVVJNAphwxYX7

If you're interested in learning more about nature, keep this amazing event in mind. And be sure to register!

03/31/2026

Join us April 11th for an educational program for local landowners! Learn about voluntary conservation options which can offer financial assistance for land management and conservation practices. 🌲

This program will feature two presentations designed to help landowners better understand conservation tools and programs. It will be a great opportunity for landowners to learn more and ask questions. No registration is required to attend this free event from 10-12 PM at Jay's & Webber Wildlife & Education Center in Clare.

To learn more, visit our website at www.littleforks.org/land-protection.

03/30/2026

PSA: Our upcoming vernal pool exploration on Wednesday, April 1st at Forestview Natural Area has been canceled! Thank you for your understanding as the vernal pools aren't quite ready at this time!

Our next vernal pool exploration will be held on April 28th from 1-2:30 PM at Riverview Natural Area. Check out our website for more details here www.littleforks.org/events.

03/27/2026

Last week, Little Forks staff visited Dow Gardens for their Butterflies in Bloom exhibit!🦋🌺

As you can see - we had a lot of fun!! We definitely recommend it for your next team building day!😉

03/19/2026

This winter we received reports from anglers at Three Ponds and Little Forks staff became aware of a winter fish kill that occurred in the south pond. After consulting with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, it was determined that the pond was affected by a winter fish kill.

What is a winter fish kill? These are natural events that can occur when we have long and harsh winters, depleting the amount of available dissolved oxygen in the water. Fish have varying tolerances to low oxygen levels, so species that are most sensitive are affected. This is common especially in shallower water bodies, as they have a low storage capacity and high rates of oxygen-consuming decomposition. Usually, enough fish do survive to repopulate, especially in the case of Three Ponds where waters are connected. We will continue to monitor the health of the ponds as the year progresses.

03/18/2026

Lend a hand on April 11th to help us clear trails at Nelson Woods!🌲

Volunteers will hike the trails at this preserve while removing vegetation and debris along the way. Nelson Woods is currently closed as we continue development to open the preserve later this year, but volunteers will have access during this event. Please register to attend!

Register here at https://bit.ly/preservestewards411

03/12/2026

Have you thought about how you can protect your property and its natural features? Do you want to ensure it will remain protected for generations?🌲💧

We invite you to our upcoming educational program, Caring for the Cedar River Watershed! Shelby Gentle with Little Forks Conservancy will discuss land protection options & how they help landowners preserve natural features they value most while maintaining ownership & use of their property. Attendees will also hear from Vic Lane, Project Manager with Michigan Forest Association, about the Forest & Water Fund, which provides financial assistance to support land management & conservation practices.

To learn more, visit our website at www.littleforks.org/events.

03/11/2026

Thank you to this crew of volunteers that removed invasive species from Riverview Natural Area yesterday! ⚒🌱

Removing Japanese barberry is no small feat and we are grateful for their help! Together we cleared a future planting site that will include native trees and shrubs. We would not be able to do this restoration work without volunteers like them.

If you would like to lend a hand at our next Preserve Stewards event on April 11th, learn more on our website at www.littleforks.org/events

03/10/2026

Join our crew this summer and assist with conservation efforts in the community!

For full consideration, apply by March 20, 2026. Please send your cover letter and resume to [email protected]. To view the full job description, visit our website at www.littleforks.org/employment.

We're hiring! Little Forks Conservancy is seeking a Land Steward to fill a seasonal position for 2026. The Land Steward will work with our staff to help with the care and maintenance of Little Forks Conservancy’s 1,000 acres of natural areas. The Land Steward will have an integral role in helping to manage the natural habitat, recreational trails and infrastructure. The Land Steward will assist with our land conservation program and outreach efforts in the community.

The position is a seasonal position up to 37.5 hours per week up to 20 weeks from May to September 2026. The Land Steward is based in Midland, Michigan, with travel around the Little Forks Conservancy service area. The salary range for this position is $14-15 per hour, based on qualifications and experience. To view the full job description, visit our website at www.littleforks.org/employment.

To be considered for this opportunity, please send your cover letter and resume to [email protected]. For full consideration, apply by March 20, 2026.

03/05/2026

Check out our Preserve and Steward, Benjamin, on ABC12's Good Morning Mid Michigan show as he talks about our volunteer open house being held today!

Join us tonight at Pizza Sam's from 5-7 P.M. to enjoy free pizza and chat with us about ways you can get involved this year.🌱🍕

Watch at the link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9k2YSGXIEO

Learn more at www.littleforks.org

03/04/2026

Join us on March 10th from 1-4 PM at Riverview Natural Area to manage invasive species to restore native habitat! Volunteers will help to prepare a future native planting site by removing harmful invasive species at this nature preserve.

🌱Sign up to lend a hand here at https://bit.ly/preservestewards314.

Please dress accordingly for working and hiking outdoors in the cold. For any questions, please reach out to Benjamin at [email protected].