A landmark partnership with the State of Michigan protected 8,850 acres of Pigeon River State Forest land in 2025, making it the largest land protection year in the Conservancy’s 53-year history.
“Permanent ecosystem protection of this magnitude epitomizes what makes Michigan such a special place to visit or call home,” said Conservancy Executive Director Kieran Fleming.
In total, the Conservancy partnered with private landowners, communities, and agencies on 33 conservation projects, permanently protecting 11,143 acres across its five-county service area—Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Mackinac, and Chippewa counties. Projects ranged from a parcel improving trail access in Sault Ste. Marie to the creation of a new nature preserve on Beaver Island, named in honor of a beloved island conservationist. Together, dozens of landowners stepped forward to safeguard some of northern Michigan’s most treasured landscapes.
2025 at a glance
—Volunteer engagement surged by 87%, in part responding to the spring ice storm. “Neighbors, families, and new friends reached out to help reopen our trails after the storm. It was an inspiring community effort,” said Cacia Lesh, LTC Volunteer Coordinator.
—Volunteers assisted staff in caring for 261 preserves and reserves totaling more than 28,026 acres.
—341 conservation easements were monitored, protecting 29,163 acres of privately owned land.
—Thanks to donor-supported environmental education, more than 2,500 young people—including school classes and scout groups—participated in free outdoor learning experiences.
—45 guided outdoor adventures welcomed nearly 750 participants of all ages.
—54 volunteer work bees resulted in 2.8 miles of new trail across Conservancy lands.
—732 hunters registered to hunt on more than 200 Conservancy-owned properties open to public hunting access.
Highlights from Chippewa and Mackinac counties
Six projects protected 193 acres in the eastern Upper Peninsula:
—Purchase of a 96-acre preserve adjacent to the John J. Helstrom at Shelldrake River Nature Preserve, featuring 700 feet of Lake Superior shoreline and 1,820 feet of the Shelldrake River;
—Donation of a 10-acre parcel supporting new trail development along Ashmun Creek; and
—Addition of an 80-acre inholding to the Aldo Leopold Preserve on Marquette Island.
The Conservancy is entirely member-supported and receives no government funding for its operations. Individuals, families, and businesses throughout the community make this conservation possible. Many projects in 2025 were also supported with match funding from the Dragonfly Fund.
