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CWC Accreditaion Renewed
We're excited to share that news that our accreditation has been renewed! Accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission means that we have proven that we have sound finances, practice…
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Outdoor Books for Outdoor People (2024 Edition)
Happy National Reading Month! It's time to share my list of outdoor books again. In March 2020 I shared this list for the first time and I've updated it each…
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Diversity in Outdoor Literature
The outdoors should be a welcoming place for everyone. Unfortunately, this often proves not to be the case. An individual's outdoor experiences are colored by circumstances that are often out…
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Friendraiser at Hunter’s Ale House
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Hunter's Ale House for our Friendraiser yesterday evening! We had a lively and packed Cask Room filled with great conversation, delicious pizza,…
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Introducing Hubscher Preserve
WE'RE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE OUR 27TH NATURE PRESERVE! The new G. Charles and Janice L. Hubscher Preserve is located on M-20 (Remus Rd) in Deerfield Township, Isabella County. This 18…
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Why I’m Thankful for the CWC
It’s that time when we reflect on what this year has brought and what we are grateful for. For myself, that would have to be the unexpected career change that…
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2023 Fall Fundraiser and Bob Ball Award Presentation
On Thursday, October 5th, supporters and friends of Chippewa Watershed Conservancy gathered at Little Flower Barn in Lake Isabella to celebrate our third annual Fall Fundraiser. By all measures the…
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Introducing Weting Preserve
WE'RE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE OUR 26TH NATURE PRESERVE AND OUR FIRST IN CLARE COUNTY! The new Howard and Hazel Weting Preserve is located on West Monroe Road in Freeman Township,…
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Herps of Audubon Woods
Audubon Woods is 40 acres of mixed hardwood forest that provides pristine habitat for a variety of amphibians and reptiles, also known as herpetofauna. It is common to see Wood…
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CWC Welcomes Autumn Baker to the Team
We are excited to welcome Autumn Baker as our new Development & Donor Relations Coordinator. Autumn is a life-long nature lover who has been volunteering with CWC since 2022 as…
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A Woods of Her Own
Linda Walterreit has long recognized the need for conservation. In 2016, she signed a Conservation Easement with the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy to permanently protect nearly sixty-four acres of farmland and…
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Introducing Starks Preserve
WE'RE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE OUR 25TH NATURE PRESERVE! The new Starks Preserve is located on Bruder Drive in Deerfield Township, Isabella County. This approximately 8-acre parcel is covered with a…
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Michigan Hiking Trails: A Cultural Keystone
Michigan is widely known as "The Great Lakes State" and is recognized for its uniquely beautiful natural scenery. One of the best ways to experience that iconic scenery is on…
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Outdoor Books for Outdoor People (Updated for 2023)
Happy National Reading Month! It's time to share my list of outdoor books again. In March 2020 I shared this list for the first time and I've updated it each…
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Request for Comments – Accreditation Renewal 2022
The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC) is pleased…
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2022 Fall Fundraiser and Bob Ball Award Presentation
Thursday, October 6th supporters and friends of Chippewa Watershed Conservancy gathered at Little Flower Barn in Lake Isabella to celebrate and raise funds for the organization. This second annual event…
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The Weting Easement – Forever Protected in Clare County
Conservation has always been important to the members of John Weting's family. In 1929, his grandparents Howard and Hazel Weting purchased an 80-acre parcel in Clare County's Freeman Township. They…
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Impressions of a first time visitor – Hiawatha Hills Preserve
The following is the second guest post by 2022 intern Rye Schall. Rye is completing a Marketing internship with the CWC this summer. In addition to other duties, Rye has…
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Impressions of a first time visitor – Audubon Woods
The following is a guest post by 2022 intern Rye Schall. Rye is completing a Marketing internship with the CWC this summer. In addition to other duties, Rye has been…
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Give Local Isabella – May 3, 2022
Make an investment in the future of our community by donating during #givelocalisabella - a 24 hour virtual fundraising event on Tuesday, May 3rd. Donations to the CWC through Give…
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Outdoor Books for Outdoor People (2022 Edition)
Happy National Reading Month! It's time to share my list of outdoor books again. In March 2020 I shared this list for the first time. Last year, I updated it…
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Fall Fungi
September and October have been fabulous months for fungi! Thank you to Sister Marie Kopin for leading a series of mushroom identification forays at our preserves. I always learn something…
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2021 Fall Fundraiser and Bob Ball Award Presentation
Thursday, October 14th marked a milestone for the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy as we celebrated our first Fall Fundraiser at Little Flower Barn in Lake Isabella. This event marked the first…
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Wildflowers of Sylvan Solace (#86 – #100)
This is part seven of a photo series documenting my attempt to identify and catalogue all of the wildflowers to be found at Sylvan Solace Preserve during 2021. I’m doing…
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McLaren Staff Take On Bundy Hill
When Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC) staff first sat down for a meeting with Rachel Blizzard, Director of Marketing and Business Development for McLaren Central Michigan, we had no idea where…
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Peterson Natural Area Wildflower Walk
On Saturday August 21st, a very hot and humid day, the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy hosted a group of nature enthusiasts at Peterson Natural Area in Mecosta County for an annual…
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The Ferns of Audubon Woods
On Saturday August 7th, CWC member Cathy Murray led a group of nature enthusiasts on a tour of Audubon Woods Preserve with the objective of finding and identifying the preserve's…
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Wildflowers of Sylvan Solace (#66 – #85)
This is part six of a photo series documenting my attempt to identify and catalogue all of the wildflowers to be found at Sylvan Solace Preserve during 2021. I'm doing…
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Wildflowers of Sylvan Solace (#51 – #65)
This is part five of a photo series documenting my attempt to identify and catalogue all of the wildflowers to be found at Sylvan Solace Preserve during 2021. I'm doing…
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Wildflowers of Sylvan Solace (#36 – #50)
This is part four of a photo series documenting my attempt to identify and catalogue all of the wildflowers to be found at Sylvan Solace Preserve during 2021. In addition…
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Wildflowers of Sylvan Solace (#26 – #35)
This is part three of a photo series documenting my attempt to identify and catalogue all of the wildflowers to be found at Sylvan Solace Preserve during 2021. This survey…
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Thank you for Giving Local!
We are so grateful for our community and our incredible supporters who donated during the Give Local Isabella Event on May 4th, 2021. We want to shout a resounding thanks…
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These Photos are Anything but Basic!
On Saturday May 1st, we hosted our first Super Basic Nature Photography workshop at Audubon Woods Preserve. The photographers joining us arrived with a variety of experience levels and equipment…
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Wildflowers of Sylvan Solace (#14 – #25)
This part two of a series detailing my quest to document all of the wildflowers to be found at Sylvan Solace Preserve during the Preserve's 25th Anniversary Year. Five weeks…
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Give Local Isabella
Help build the CWC Endowment Fund on May 4th, 2021 Give Local Isabella is a 24-hour virtual fundraising event to help non-profits in Isabella County increase their capacity by raising…
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Wildflowers of Sylvan Solace Preserve (#1 – #13)
This year as part of the 25th Anniversary of Sylvan Solace Preserve, I've decided to try to catalogue all of the various wildflowers found on the preserve (including trees and…
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Outdoor Books for Outdoor People (Updated for 2021)
Happy National Reading Month! Last March I shared my list of outdoor books for the first time. I've updated it to add the books that I read in 2020. How…
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2020 End of Year Virtual Member Update
Do you want to know more about what the CWC did in 2020? Do you want to learn more about some of the exciting projects we have coming up in…
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Get to Know Michigan’s State Game Mammal
Although deer hunting season is winding down here in Michigan, our interaction with the powerful and graceful mammal is unlikely to slow down anytime soon. Whether deer are grazing on…
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Connecting Young Children to Nature
Research shows an unwavering hypothesis across the board when it comes to a child's development; the first several years are absolutely the most critical. It is said that the time…
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On the Hunt for Wild Apples
Almost all wild apples are handsome. They cannot be too gnarly and crabbed and rusty to look at. -Henry David Thoreau from "Wild…
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Limited Edition Print Available Now!
"Wild Stream" by Stephanie Jackson, artist, and owner of Rabbit Print Studio, was commissioned by the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy to celebrate our 25th Annual Spring Banquet. Although the banquet couldn't…
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Getting to Know Trees : Activities for Young Children
Our Preschool Preservers program has put together a few simple activities to get your little ones or young students outdoors interacting with (and hopefully falling in love with) the natural…
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Connecting with the Land: Chippewa Watershed Conservancy
Chippewa Watershed Conservancy is excited to launch a new book titled Connecting with the Land. The gorgeous hard-cover coffee table book features full-color beautiful photographs from our preserves collected from…
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Experiential Learning – Nature Yoga for Kids
Connecting children to nature at a young age is important to their relationship with the natural environment throughout life. However, that doesn't necessarily mean "teaching" them about nature. Toddlers, preschoolers,…
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The Intangibles
I recently read the book Reflections From The North Country by Sigurd Olson. A noted conservationist and author, Olson served a term as president of The Wilderness Society and was…
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Spring Wildflowers of Central Michigan (Part III)
This is the third and final article of our series highlighting the spring wildflowers of Central Michigan. In Part I we discussed the reasons behind our diversity of wildflower species…
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Spring Wildflowers of Central Michigan (Part II)
This is Part II of a three part series highlighting the spring wildflowers of Central Michigan. In Part I we discussed why Central Michigan has such an abundance of wildflower…
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Spring Wildflowers of Central Michigan (Part I)
When it comes to an abundance of wildflower species, the people that reside in the Chippewa River watershed are truly lucky. By the sheer luck of geography, we live in…
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Hiking for Health’s Sake IV: Relational Health
For this final installment of the Hiking for Health's Sake series the focus of the hiking experience became relational health. As a community supported land conservancy in an area with…
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Hiking for Health’s Sake III: Internal Medicine
For part three of this series, I took a look at the invisible benefits of hiking. My research uncovered a laundry list of positive outcomes from the activity of walking.…
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Tree ID and Classification
There's no time like the present to learn something new. Central Michigan is home to dozens of different tree and shrub species. For a novice in tree identification the variety…
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Hiking for Health’s Sake II: Finding Solace
With gray, early spring weather presiding over the landscape and prevailing news updates honed on social distancing and a state wide shelter-in-place order, I needed a mental boost now more…
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Hiking For Health’s Sake
It is not difficult to find fact based evidence to support the idea that being active in the outdoors carries immeasurable health benefits. CWC encourages our community to get outdoors,…
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COVID-19 Impact on the CWC
Dear CWC Supporters, Due to the continuing impact of COVID-19, we have reached the difficult decision to postpone our 25th Annual Banquet from Thursday April 30th to a later date…
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An Alphabet for Michigan Native Plant Lovers
While we're all social distancing and self-quarantining, it's easy to forget that there is still beauty in this world. Nature is a great cure. It has measurable effects on our…
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Outdoor Books for Outdoor People
March is National Reading Month! I've noticed that people that love the outdoors also tend to love reading about the outdoors. I am normally reading two, three, or four different…
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The Afterlife of a Deer
We love our trail cameras! They give us the option of being in the woods 24/7 even when we can't physically be in the woods 24/7. A few weeks ago…
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Farewell Dear Friend
It is with warmest wishes and mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of Louise Hammer, long time friend and administrative professional for the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy. Louise will be…
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2019 in Review
December 2019 marks the end of a decade, and the end of another successful year of land conservation here at Chippewa Watershed Conservancy. This year saw the appointment of a…
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We want to hear from you!
As an organization, we talk frequently about our mission to protect and restore Central Michigan's land, water, and wildlife resources to improve the quality of life for all. It is…
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Easements: The Unsung Hero of Conservation
For Chippewa Watershed Conservancy, nature preserves are our bread and butter. Public preserves are the easiest avenue for us to create connections between our community and the environment.They are the…
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Caught on Trail Cam
A young northern raccoon scurries by at twilight We know our preserves provide valuable wildlife habitat, but we don't always know what wildlife is using the habitat. As much as…
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Preschool Preservers Program Officially Launched
After a year of planning, fundraising and collaborating, CWC has finally launched it's newest program. Preschool Preservers is a field trip based program offering hands on, play based educational experiences…
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Stellar Stargazing at Sylvan Solace
Going into the woods at dark was anything but spooky last Friday, August 9th as CWC partnered up with Chippewa River District Library, Veteran's Memorial Library branch for a Stargazing…
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Making New Friends
Last year the CWC decided to host a new kind of event - a "friendraiser". Please notice that it says friendraiser not fundraiser. We make new friends all the time…
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Chippewa Watershed Conservancy Hires New Executive Director
The Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC) is pleased to announce the hiring of Michael James (“Mike”) LeValley as Executive Director. A long-time volunteer with the CWC, Mike has served the past…
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CWC T-Shirts Available for Limited Time
The custom design was created by CWC intern Katelyn Maylee and is available in 5 earth tone colors. Add one of these retro style t-shirts to your closet and help…
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Glacial Impact Explored at Bundy Hill
Saturday, May 25th, 2019 a group of 25 joined Dr. Fred Heck, professor of geology at Ferris State University for a hike at the Bundy Hill Nature Preserve. Heck led…
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24th Annual CWC Spring Banquet
This year's banquet celebrated a year of change. Organizational transitions, additional staff and interns, new trail systems, recently acquired properties and budding partnerships were all mentioned during Board President Steve…
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Hall’s Lake Owl Prowl
A group of 15 gathered at sunset on Friday, April 19th, at the Hall’s Lake Natural Area to listen for owls and enjoy the rise of the “Pink Moon,” so…
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Thank You 2019 Banquet Sponsors!
Special thanks to all of our 2019 CWC 24th Annual Banquet sponsors. Their generosity is key in helping us execute our largest fundraising event of the year. Your support is…
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Springtime Hiking Options in Central Michigan
With the Spring Equinox right around the corner, it's not too early to plan your nearby hiking adventures! We've compiled this list of trails in the Central Michigan region. The…
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Annual Spring Banquet Fundraiser Slated for April 18th
Please save the date and make your reservation today for our 24th Annual Spring Banquet! We hope you will join us for the 24th Annual Spring Banquet Fundraiser hosted by…
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Spring Education and Volunteer Opportunities Announced
Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC) is pleased to announce its spring 2019 environmental education programs and volunteer opportunities which run from March to May. Offerings include guided hikes, invasive species management,…
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Variety of Wildlife Tracks Identified on Guided Hike
On Saturday, February 9th, Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC) board member and Isabella Conservation District educational coordinator, Mike LeValley led a small group on an exploration of CWC's Halls Lake Natural…
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Anne Messinger Nearly Doubles Size of Conservation Easement
In rural Deerfield Township, Isabella County, Anne Messinger took leadership of protecting the land where she resides. Anne reached out to the Conservancy in spring 2018 to see if several…
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Board Approves Strategic Plan; CWC Mission, Vision & Values Revised
The Chippewa Watershed Conservancy Board of Directors recently approved a new three-year strategic plan which will go into effect on January 1st, 2019. The planning framework highlights our goals as…
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Winter Educational Programs and Events Announced
Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC) has recently unveiled a slate of environmental education programs and other events for the months of December, January and February. All of these programs are free…
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Wilderness Wanderers Project Connects At-Risk Youth to Outdoors
Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC) is pleased to announce a new educational partnership with local alternative schools. Dubbed the Wilderness Wanderers Project, the partnership teaches children important environmental education lessons, engages…
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Fall Colors Dazzle at CWC Nature Preserves
Various shades of red, orange, yellow and purple are at their peak at Chippewa Watershed Conservancy’s (CWC) 22 nature preserves during mid-October. Places such as Bundy Hill Preserve, Audubon Woods…
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Hiking Trail System Completed at Bundy Hill Preserve
The tallest geologic point in Isabella County just got easier to explore thanks to Chippewa Watershed Conservancy staff and volunteers. Recent completion of a two-mile long hiking trail system offers…
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Stunning Photos Capture Life on the Preserves
Talented local photographer and Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC) nature preserve explorer, Jason Mahokey, has been busy exploring CWC's flagship protected areas this summer. Check out these incredible shots of plant…
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Two 2018-2019 Academic Year Internship Opportunities
We are currently recruiting for one Environmental Education Intern and one Public Relations/Marketing Intern. Please visit www.cwc-mi.org/internships for more information on these opportunities. The Chippewa Watershed Conservancy is a 501(c)(3)…
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Fall Environmental Education and Volunteer Programs Announced
Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC) has announced its fall 2018 environmental education programs and volunteer opportunities which run from September through November. Offerings include guided hikes, indoor educational presentations, invasive species…
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Alexis Wixson Joins CWC as Development and Outreach Coordinator
Please help us welcome Alexis Wixson to the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy team as Development and Outreach Coordinator! Alexis grew up in Isabella County and has a great love for this…
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Bundy Hills History Trail Dedicated
An official dedication of The Bundy Hills History Trail occurred on Saturday, July 14th at 10 am at CWC's 100-acre Bundy Hill Preserve. Over 40 people came out to celebrate…
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Chippewa River Water Festival Celebrates Conservation
The second annual Chippewa River Water Festival was held on Sunday, July 15th at Chipp-A-Waters Park in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Over 500 people attended the Water Fest and learned about…
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Watershed Wanderings Video Series Highlights Area Recreational Opportunities
Watershed Wanderings is a short video series made to inspire outdoor adventure in the Chippewa River Watershed. Produced by Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC), the video series highlights nearby outdoor recreational…
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Summer Membership Campaign Aims to Grow Support for Conservancy
From June 15th, 2018 through July 15th, 2018 Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC) will be actively soliciting new members. There are many benefits to becoming a member of CWC. You’ll get…
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Bundy Hill Geology Explored on Guided Hike
On Friday, June 8th, more than 25 participants were led on a guided hike at Bundy Hill Preserve by Dr. Fred Heck, Professor of Geology at Ferris State University. Hikers…
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New Video Highlights Bundy Hill Trail Building Project
This incredible video, shot by experienced videographer Tyler Knowles, gives a detailed overview of the trail building process at our Bundy Hill Preserve. When completed, two loops will total just…
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John Bush Inks Second Conservation Easement with Conservancy
In rural Colfax Township, Mecosta County, John Bush made a vision a reality by permanently protecting 78 acres under a conservation easement with Chippewa Watershed Conservancy. Named after the former…
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Variety of Wildflower Species Seen on Guided Hike
Thanks to Mike LeValley, Education Coordinator for Isabella Conservation District and CWC Board Member, for leading a wildflower identification hike at CWC's Williams-Blackburn Preserve in Chippewa Township, Isabella County on…
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Improvements Planned for Bundy Hill Preserve
Several strategic community partnerships are the driving force behind important recreational improvements at Chippewa Watershed Conservancy’s (CWC) Bundy Hill Preserve. The 100-acre natural area, located in Broomfield Township in Isabella…
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Board Leadership Changes at Conservancy
For the first time since founding the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy in 1985, John Mitchell will not be at the helm of the organization. First publicly announced at CWC's Annual Spring…
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Another Successful Spring Banquet in the Books
The Chippewa Watershed Conservancy's 23rd annual spring banquet was met with resounding success, yet again. Over 130 people attended the organization's annual major fundraising event on Thursday, April 19th at…
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Game Cam Captures Wildlife Activity on Preserves
Check out this slideshow of winter wildlife on our nature preserves!
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CWC Guest Speaker Series Highlights Experts in Outdoor Field
The CWC Guest Speaker Series is a new monthly indoor educational program held at Veterans Memorial Library in the Annex Room. The library is located in downtown Mt. Pleasant at…
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Guided St. Patrick’s Day Hike Met with Perfect Weather
David DeGraaf, retired director of Forest Hill Nature Area in Gratiot County led a guided hike on St. Patrick's Day in search of signs of green. We'll let him describe…
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Conservancy Earns National Recognition
Chippewa Watershed Conservancy Earns National Recognition Strong Commitment to Public Trust and Conservation Excellence March 15, 2018 Mount Pleasant, MI – At a time of political change, one thing is…
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Annual Spring Banquet Slated for April 19th, 2018
We hope you will join us for our 23rd Annual Spring Banquet Fundraiser hosted by the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy at Bucks Run Golf Club on Thursday, April 19th, 2018. The…
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Michigan’s Storied Logging History a Hit
Thank you to Mike LeValley, Conservancy board member, for a fantastic presentation on 19th and 20th century logging history of Michigan last night at Veterans Memorial Library. On February 28th,…
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Two Porcupines Seen at Winter Wildlife Hike
Special thanks to Mike LeValley from Isabella Conservation District for leading an educational hike through Halls Lake Natural Area. While the preserve was fairly quiet in terms of wildlife activity,…
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Conservancy Seeks Annual Business Sponsors
We're looking for annual business sponsors! Is your business looking for additional marketing and outreach opportunities while supporting an effective and respected nonprofit? The Chippewa Watershed Conservancy is searching for…
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Conservation Internship Opportunity
The Chippewa Watershed Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation organization based in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, whose mission is to protect open space and wildlife habitat. The Conservancy owns 22 nature…
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Winter Wildlife on the Preserves
Check out the gallery below for some recent flora and fauna photographs from our lesser-known preserves.
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Quigley Creek Natural Area Sparkles Under Dusting of Snow
Have you ever tromped around at our 63-acre Quigley Creek Natural Area? If you haven't, we certainly recommend adding it to your public protected area bucket list. Established in 2012,…
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Important Conservation Milestone Reached!
Thanks to a unique partnership between Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC), Little Forks Conservancy and Trout Unlimited, CWC has now protected over 5,000 acres in total! The Little Forks Conservancy’s 270-acre…
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Beautiful Weather for Tree ID Hike
Tree identification hike participants were greeted with unexpectedly pleasant December weather -- upper 40s, bluebird skies and no snow! Hikers learned about the differences between coniferous and deciduous trees, invasive…
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Fall Color Splendor at Bundy Hill Preserve
Fall colors are beautiful from the ground, but from the air they are spectacular. Please enjoy this collage of videos from Bundy Hill Preserve, prepared for us by the talented…
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Mushroom Identification Hike a Great Success
Expert mycologist, Sister Marie Kopin, helped a group of sixteen interested nature lovers identify a variety of fungi collected from our Bundy Hill Preserve on the evening of Friday, October…
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Bundy Hill Preserve Dedication–Board President John Mitchell’s Speech
If you missed it, or if you would just like to listen again, here is John Mitchell's address at the Bundy Hill Preserve Dedication. He honors family, community, and the…
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Bundy Hill Dedication Video Compilation
Tyler Knowles, a great friend of the CWC and award-winning filmaker, attended our Bundy Hill Dedication and put together a wonderful video compilation of the event. Bundy Hill is special…
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Bundy Hill Preserve Dedication
Were you there on August 19th for the dedication and celebration of the 100-acre Wakelin and Kathleen McNeel Bundy Hill Preserve? More than 100 people came to share the beautiful…
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2017 Spring Banquet
The 22nd Annual Spring Banquet was another successful round of live auction winners, newly gained silent auction prized possessions, a wonderful presentation by Kyle Bagnall of his trials and tribulations…
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Request for Comments–Accreditation Renewal 2017
The Land Trust Accreditation Program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC) is pleased…
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“Snowshoe Bundy!” A Winter Hike Delight
On February 11, “Five hikers showed up for the excursion,” said hike leader Cheryl Meyer, who generously donated her time and expertise to lead the hearty six, actually, counting baby Alex.…
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An Important Announcement
Due to the incidence of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) identified in core Michigan counties, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, Mecosta County and the US Department of…
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Sunrise Hike at Bundy Hill
Happy 2017! How did you begin your new year? Mike LeValley woke up before 6:00AM and drove forty-five minutes to the Bundy Hill Preserve to lead an early morning walk.…
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Bundy Hill Mushroom Foray
https://youtu.be/2YqLf0U14ok Thank you to Tyler Knowles for filming our latest mushroom walk at Bundy Hill with Sister Marie Kopin. We found this video to be educational and interesting, and we…
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Call for Volunteers!
We’ll be doing some trail work and signage placement on Bundy Hill and could definitely use a hand. Although we don’t have a date set (we’ll update you when our…
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CWC Hires New Director
The Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC) announced the appointment of Kathy Ann (“Katie”) Randall as Executive Director. A former resident of Michigan, Katie served as a Board member, assistant to the…
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Photography at Sylvan Solace
On Tuesday, August 2nd, we held a photography event at Sylvan Solace, to give photographers a chance to practice their craft and show off their work. Interested photographers met and for two…
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Mushrooms at Sylvan Solace
On a warm Saturday morning, the attendees at the Sylvan Solace Mushroom Walk were greeted by Sister Marie Kopin July 23rd. She is our guest writer today, and here is…
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Learning the Ferns at Hall’s Lake
A group of ten fern enthusiasts found at least ten species of ferns at the Hall's Lake Natural Area fern walk on July 14th. With expert instruction from Dr. Doug Valek, the…
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Bundy Hill Now the Newest Preserve
With his signature on the closing documents on June 28, 2016, Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC) President John Mitchell completed the purchase of 100 acres encompassing Bundy Hill. Executive Director Stan…
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Bundy Hill Fundraising – We’ve Done It!
We are excited to announce that in just seven months we have successfully raised the funds needed to purchase 100 acres encompassing Bundy Hill in western Isabella County, south of…
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Dame’s Rocket – A Plant to Be Pulled
CWC volunteer Cathy Murray recently discovered and reported the presence of Dame's Rocket at the Williams-Blackburn Preserve in Isabella County. While certainly not new to the county, this was the…
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Sylvan Solace Parking Improvements Complete
Regular visitors to the Sylvan Solace Preserve know that the spring thaw or a steady rain could make parking at Sylvan Solace a challenge. Even in dry weather, potholes at…
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Another Great Spring Banquet
The 21st Annual Spring Banquet and Fundraiser on Thursday, April 28, 2016, was another huge success. More than 160 members and supporters gathered at Buck's Run to socialize, have a…
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Reading the Land
“A lot can be learned about prior land use and land cover on a parcel simply by looking closely at what is there today,” said Mike LeValley, during his “Reading…
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Lake Isabella from Bundy Hill
The final pieces are in place for Bundy Hill and we have lots of exciting news to report about the progress. Major donations from Don and Karen Stearns and from…
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Stunning Wildlife on the Preserves
With the arrival of spring we have once again activated the game cameras we were able to purchase last year with a grant through the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation…
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The Carls Foundation Joins Bundy Hill Challenge
The Carls Foundation Joins Bundy Hill Challenge We have just received word that The Carls Foundation has awarded the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy a dollar for dollar matching grant up to…
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Annual Spring Banquet and Fundraiser is Set
The date for our 21st Annual Spring Banquet and Fundraiser is fast approaching. We hope you are planning to attend on Thursday, April 28th at beautiful Buck’s Run. The social…
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Bundy Hill Acquisition Project Captures Imagination
Bundy Hill has long been an attraction to the people of Mount Pleasant and the nearby area. The large boulder near the top of the hill has served as a…
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The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation Awards Three-year Grant to Conservancy
The Chippewa Watershed Conservancy has been awarded a three-year operating support grant totaling $120,000 by The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation of Midland. The Foundation will provide $40,000 per…
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20 for $200 Banquet Sponsors Needed
We are looking for 20 sponsors to step up in support of our 21st Annual CWC Spring Banquet, which is scheduled for Thursday, April 28, 2016, by contributing $200.00 each…
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Call for Volunteers
Would you be interested in helping us drum up support meet the Bundy Hill challenges? We are in the midst of fundraising to buy 100 acres around Bundy Hill to…
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How Much Timber is That?
If you’ve ever wondered how foresters establish the amount of marketable timber in a forest, or how to determine the approximate height of a tree, Isabella Conservation District Environmental Education…
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Woollam Foundation Joins the Bundy Hill Challenge
The J. A. Woollam Foundation has become the latest to join the Bundy Hill land acquisition project, with a $5,000 dollar for dollar matching challenge. They have agreed to match…
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Discovery – Animal Tracks in Winter
Leader Mike LeValley explains to some of the group what to expect on the winter animal signs walk Saturday, January 23, 2016 was a beautiful, mild mid-winter day at the…
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Two Partners Issue Bundy Hill Challenges
We are pleased to announce that two new matching challenge grants have been received in support of our efforts to acquire Bundy Hill, the highest geologic point in Isabella County. Isabella Bank…
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Hickory Hill Easement Protects an Important Piece of Clare County History
“For as long as we can remember we have been coming to this area to be with family," said siblings, David Mattern and Laurie Smith. "From a very early age…
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Winter Trees at Sylvan Solace
Our student intern, Jonathon Breithaupt, has a passion for trees. On Saturday, December 5th, he led his second annual winter tree identification walk at Sylvan Solace Preserve. An interested group…
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Bundy Hill Update
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…
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Last Major Work of the Season at Sylvan Solace
On Sunday, October 25th, a group of students from Central Michigan University’s chapter of The Wildlife Society, as well as a couple of other interested student volunteers spent several hours…
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History, Science and Fall Color at Birds, Branches and Brunch
On October 18, a crisp, blue-sky day, the Third Annual Birds, Branches and Brunch trail walk at the Hall’s Lake Natural Area saw an enthusiastic crowd. More than 50 parked…
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We’re Buying Bundy Hill!
We are thrilled to announce that we have just signed an agreement to purchase 100 acres encompassing Bundy Hill in western Isabella County, south of Lake Isabella. At 1,270 feet,…
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Photography at the Peterson Natural Area
On Wednesday, August 26th, we held a photography event at the Peterson Natural Area, the second in a planned series to give photographers a chance to practice their craft and…
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More Mushrooming Adventures
Some of our regulars and many new visitors took advantage of opportunities to explore the preserves and learn about mushrooms during two of our recent forays. On Thursday, August 27th,…
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Excluding the Deer
On August 19, 2015, eight hammer-wielding CWC supporters converged at the Kabana Preserve at the Hall's Lake Natural to hang, stretch and nail fencing for the deer exclosure demonstration project.…
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Summer Mushrooms at the Hall’s Lake Natural Area
It may seem counter-intuitive to look for mushrooms on a hot, dry July day. Most Michiganders think of hunting for morels from mid-April thru May. But local expert, Sister Marie…
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Scavenger Hunting – Photographic Style
On Saturday, June 27, twenty participants enjoyed an old game with a new twist during the photographic scavenger hunt at the Hall's Lake Natural Area. Local preserve stewards Judy and…
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Exploring the Aquatic World at Sylvan Solace
Our third annual Aquatic Invertebrate Identification Workshop featured a location change this year. After two years at the Hall's Lake Natural Area, we moved to the Sylvan Solace Preserve for…
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Tri-County Electric Supports Hall’s Lake Natural Area
On June 19, we were delighted to receive a check for $2,500 from HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative for stewardship at the Hall’s Lake Natural Area. “HomeWorks Tri-County Electric’s board of…
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Photography at Audubon Woods
On Saturday, May 23rd, we held a photography event at the Audubon Woods Preserve. Interested photographers met and for two hours, took pictures of whatever grabbed their attention. Each photographer…
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New QR Code Trail at Sylvan Solace
We have just completed a new project at Sylvan Solace Preserve aimed at reconnecting tech-savvy visitors to nature. We have installed a seven-point QR code “learning point” trail. Visitors who…
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20th Annual Spring Banquet
Dan Wyant, Director, Michigan DEQ Director Dan Wyant of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality was this year’s guest speaker at our 20th Annual Spring Banquet and Fundraiser. He laid…
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Wild on the Preserves
We have been anxious to show the kinds of wildlife that live on our protected lands. With the help of a grant from the Dyke and Phyllis Heinze Conservation Fund…
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Treats for the Wild Ones
We would like to thank Debbie Brown (of Listening Ear) and her friend, Walter, for visiting us at the Sylvan Solace Preserve on a bright, sunny Wednesday afternoon last week.…
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Winter Tree Identification Walk Provides Different Perspective at Sylvan Solace
Saturday, February 28 dawned clear and cold, at about 8 below zero. But by the 10 a.m. start time, a hardy group was raring to explore the reaches of Sylvan…
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Messinger Easement is Our Newest
With a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye, Anne Messinger became the newest donor of a conservation easement with the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC) on February…
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Discovering Animal Tracks at Sylvan Solace Preserve
Animal Tracks in Winter. There is no better time than the middle of winter for a walk at Sylvan Solace Preserve to see animal tracks. On Saturday, January 24, 2015,…
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Saginaw Bay WIN Awards Deer Exclosure Grant
The Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network (WIN) has awarded the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC) a $1,000.00 Community Action Mini-grant in support of our Hall’s Lake Deer Exclosure. The CWC will…
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Annual Fall Fundraiser – A Salute to Women
“A lot of good things are happening in the upper part of the Saginaw Bay Watershed, and they often go unsung. Well, tonight we are going to sing about the…
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Birds, Branches & Brunch
If you missed the second annual Birds, Branches and Brunch progressive trail walk at the Hall’s Lake Natural Area on Sunday, October 12, you missed a wonderful event. The weather…
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Michigan’s Wonderful Wetlands
“Sedges have edges!” The phrase was on everyone’s tongue as Dr. Doug Valek led a walking tour to see examples of wetlands at the Hall’s Lake Natural Area. The 180-acre…
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The Multicolored World of Mushrooms
On August 28, 2014, Sister Marie Kopin led our 4th Thursday at Hall’s Lake walk on the Neely and Kabana preserves. Two dozen participants discovered a large variety of mushrooms,…
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Wildflowers Out West
One of our under visited preserves is the 79-acre Peterson Natural Area in Mecosta County. This property, a former childhood home and farm, was donated to the CWC from the…
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4th Thursday Fern Walk Held on a Saturday
Have you ever thought about how ferns differ from other plants? Do they have flowers? How do they reproduce? Are there guides to help identify different ferns? Our stalwart leader,…
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Surveying the Land
Part of good stewardship is learning what’s out there. This helps guide our plans for protection and invasive species removal and also aids in determining the health of our ecosystems.…
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Spring Banquet Was a Hit
The 19th Annual CWC Spring Banquet and Fundraiser on April 24, 2014, was a great gathering of members and supporters. More than 180 guests heard Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director…
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Norcross Grant Gives Conservancy New Equipment
The Norcross Wildlife Foundation recently awarded the CWC a $2,200 grant to purchase two laptop computers to replace outdated equipment. As a result we have just acquired a new pair…
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First River Etiquette Sign Installed
In March 2012, the Mount Pleasant City Parks and Recreation Department installed the first of a series of signs designed to promote the wise and safe use of the Chippewa…
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Water Trail Map Project: Web-based Version is Newest Phase
A local ad-hoc group interested in promoting the Chippewa River has announced today that the web-based version of the Chippewa River Water Trail map is now available on-line. A group…
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Conservancy Receives New Support Grant
Executive Director Stan Lilley reported that the CWC has been awarded a three-year, $120,000 operational support grant by the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation of Midland, Michigan. The…
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Woollam Foundation Awards Grant
We are excited to announce that the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy has received a grant from the J. A. Woollam Foundation designed to help increase our membership and to help with…
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New Challenge Grant Needs Your Help
The Chippewa Watershed Conservancy has received a grant to help with the next stage of our plans to acquire 161 acres of land at Hall’s Lake in western Isabella County,…
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Hall’s Lake Natural Area is Featured
The Conservancy's Hall's Lake Natural Area Project was featured in a recent news story in the Morning Sun, a Mid-Michigan newspaper. There is also a video interview with Stan Lilley, CWC's Executive…
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Conservancy Receives Second Grant for Water Trail Map
The Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC) has received a second grant recently relating to production of a water trail map for the Chippewa River from the river's headwaters in Mecosta County,…
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Federal Tax Benefits
If you own land with important natural or historic resources, donating a voluntary conservation easement (also called conservation agreement) can be one of the smartest ways to conserve the land…
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CWC Receives Grant Award for Chippewa River Watershed Project
The Bay Area Community Foundation has awarded a $12,000 grant from the Watershed Restoration Fund to the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy to help raise public awareness about the Chippewa River Watershed…
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State legislature plans to cap public land holdings
The Michigan State Senate recently passed SB 248, which would cap the amount of land the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) can hold in the public interest at 4.65…
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State Tax Law Encourages Donations of Conservation Easements
A conservation easement (CE) is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a qualified nonprofit conservation organization or government entity that allows a landowner to limit the type or…
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Birds, Branches & Brunch
Join us on Sunday, October 13, 2013 for a delightful walk through the woods with food and drinks. Take a leisurely walk along a mile of trails at the Hall's…
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Hall’s Lake Hustle Fun Run – Cancelled
We're sorry but this event has been cancelled due to insufficient registrations. We will try again in the spring. Join us on Saturday, September 28, 2013, for the first annual Hall's…
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CWC Promotes Wise Use of the Chippewa River
Thank you to Bob Peters and WCZY/WMMI radio in Mount Pleasant for two recent public service announcements about the Chippewa River Water Trail Map and the wise use of the Chippewa River. Click to…
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Radio Interview About the CWC
Listen to an interview of CWC Executive Director Stan Lilley by Tina Sawyer, the host of The Topic on radio station AM 830, WMMI, in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, on June 29, 2013.…
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A Message From Executive Director Stan Lilley
I am pleased to tell you that we have received a new grant from the J. A. Woollam Foundation to help fund a 40-acre purchase as the third phase of…
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Conservancy Featured on Radio Program
CWC Executive Director Stan Lilley was recently interviewed by Dr. Kirk Heinze of Michigan State University for the environmental radio program, "Greening of the Great Lakes." You can hear that interview here. During…
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Conservancy Receives National Recognition
We are very pleased and proud to announce that the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy has achieved land trust accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust…
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