Just over five weeks ago we announced an agreement with the family of the late Wakelin and Kathleen McNeel to purchase 100 acres encompassing Bundy Hill in western Isabella County to create a new preserve open to the public.
Well, since making the announcement on October 15, 2015, we have raised more than $43,000.00!
What a fabulous start!
At 1,270 feet, Bundy Hill is the highest point in the county. Our goal is to raise $240,000 to purchase the land, add new trail signage, support closing and fundraising costs, and provide for stewardship and endowment funds to ensure that we can properly maintain and monitor it now and forever.
We have yet to hear from several foundations we have asked to partner with us. But this is going to be largely a local effort and we expect to have news about some major pledges soon. This is an important parcel of land to all of us for many reasons. Did you ski, snowshoe or sled there as a child? Were you a student of Wakelin McNeel on field trips there? Did you help plant trees with the Boy Scouts or other groups? Did you picnic atop the giant rock near the top of the hill? We’ve already heard from many people who have wonderful memories of their experiences at Bundy Hill.
Why is it so important to ensure that it is permanently accessible to the public? Because it will mean that it will be forever protected as natural space, and open to the public for recreation and scenic enjoyment. We’ll hold events there, nature walks, natural science education activities. In addition to our organized outings, you will be able to visit on your own whenever you want. But first, we have to raise the rest of the funds.
We would like to remind you that the property is still privately owned and not routinely available to the public until the CWC owns the land. We plan to host some walks there during the fundraising, but it is currently leased for hunting.
If you have already contributed, thank you so much. If you haven’t,
We Still Need Your Help!
Please consider one of the many ways to make a tax-deductible donation, and what better time than on Giving Tuesday, December 1st?
If you would like to donate by credit card online through Go Fund Me, Click here to donate now.
If you want to donate online and include the processing cost of your donation, click here to use Network for Good, and designate it for Bundy Hill.
Here is a downloadable form that you may mail in or share with others who may be interested.
Or, your contribution may also be mailed to:
Chippewa Watershed Conservancy
P.O. Box 896
Mount Pleasant, MI 48804-0896
(Please write “Bundy Hill” in the memo line of your check.)
Can you imagine it? Bundy Hill permanently protected and publicly accessible forever.
