Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy

10/09/2026

Today, we installed a sign at Fourth Lake Natural Area in Hillsdale County to help raise awareness of this protected property along the shoreline of Fourth Lake, also known as Bass Lake.

Although the property has no trails, it serves an important conservation purpose. Protecting natural shoreline helps maintain water quality, provides wildlife habitat, and preserves the character of the lake for future generations.

Our new sign helps tell that story and highlights another place where Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy is working to protect the natural land

09/27/2026

09/21/2026

A few residents of the urban forest spotted during last week’s hike.

09/15/2026

There’s still time to register!

Join the Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy and Michigan Forest Association this Thursday, September 17 for Forest to Michigan Faucet at Pleasant Grove Urban Forest in Lansing.

We’ll explore how urban forests help protect water quality and learn more about the important connection between healthy forests and clean water.

The event is FREE, but registration is requested. There’s still time to sign up!

Thursday, September 17
Pleasant Grove Urban Forest, Lansing

Register here:
https://michiganforestassociation.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F56679

We hope to see you there!

09/01/2026

Happy ! Join Michigan Forest Association (MFA) and Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy (MMLC) on a walk in the woods with "Forest to MI Faucet: Urban Forests, Clean Water, and Community" on Thursday, September 17, from 2:30p-5:00p. Explore an urban forest adjacent to Benjamin F. Davis Park and learn more about Lansing's local ecology, hydrology, and the importance of maintaining canopy cover within high-population areas. Light refreshments, handouts, and a guided hike will be provided. Please be prepared for the weather and wear comfortable walking clothes. You can register here: https://michiganforestassociation.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F56679 ☀️🌳🌲🪾

08/31/2026

The initial cut of the Ionia Trail Loop is complete!

Staff and volunteers will be returning to the trail with chainsaws to remove fallen logs and other larger obstacles, allowing the trail to be mowed. We’ll also be clearing debris and addressing any hazards encountered along the route.

This is an important step toward getting the trail ready for regular use. There is still work ahead, but the route is now established and we’re moving closer to having the Ionia Trail Loop ready for the community.

More updates to come as we continue the work.

08/26/2026

ANOTHER URBAN FORESTRY PROJECT
CHERRY HILL PARK, LANSING, MI
Friday, September 25, 2026

We are thrilled to return for our fourth annual waterways—urban forestry event led by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) representative Alyssa Seaton. Alyssa is leading a team of volunteers from several State of Michigan departments and agencies. Likely representation includes members from EGLE, Technology, Management and Budget, Health and Human Services, Unemployment Insurance, Treasury, and Labor and Economic Opportunity.

Oversight of this urban forestry project is being provided by Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy’s executive director, Jared A Harmon, and Michigan Waterways Stewards. When finished, we will have cleaned up and completed our initial invasive flora treatment of the entire Cherry Hill Park area, from north of I-496 to just before the Kalamazoo Street bridge.

Since our first partnership with this all-star cast of members from State of Michigan departments and agencies, in the Cherry Hill Park Area we will have cleared thousands of pounds of litter and trash, removed hundreds of cubic yards of invasive flora, cleaned the parking lot and boat launch areas, and more. Cherry Hill Park will be looking its best!

We wish to thank Alyssa for her volunteer and community leadership and determination to make our Capital City area waterways and riverside parks cleaner, healthier and more enjoyable to use.

We also wish to thank Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy for their urban forestry leadership and everything they do. We will soon be announcing no fewer than two more Capital City urban forestry events, in collaboration with Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy, this fall.

MICHIGAN WATERWAYS STEWARDS CREATING A COMMUNITY CULTURE OF CARE.
JOIN US. CREATE LASTING IMPACT. THIS IS OUR LEGACY.

08/21/2026

Staff spent the day working on the trail at our Urban Forest Natural Area, and we’re excited to say it is nearly complete!

As we move into the fall, staff will be prioritizing maintenance at Kindel Natural Area and Atherton Natural Area, while also putting the finishing touches on the trail at Ionia Natural Area.

We’re looking forward to welcoming the public to Ionia Natural Area this fall and giving our community another opportunity to enjoy this special property!

08/20/2026

An Opportunity to Own Protected Land in Barry County! Our friends at the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (SWMLC) have a conservation easement on this 170-acre property, which is now available for purchase.

The property includes approximately 20-acre Schultz Lake, along with forested hillsides, open habitat, and excellent opportunities for hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors. It’s a great example of how conservation easements can protect a property’s important natural features while allowing it to remain privately owned and enjoyed.

Learn more about the property:

MLS LINK:
https://www.flexmls.com/share/ETpOa/5300-Lammers-Road-Hastings-MI-49058

Property Website:
https://michigansportsmansretreat.com/