Raven Hill Addition
Fundraising Needed to Protect Land for Kids
The Little Traverse Conservancy is partnering with the Raven Hill Discovery Center in southern Charlevoix County to protect 140 acres of land for education and public enjoyment.  The Conservancy was asked to step in during the spring of 2001 when two properties adjacent to the center were listed for sale. In addition to preventing development on the borders of Raven Hill’s 157 acres, acquisition of these lands would allow for the expansion of environmental education opportunities currently available at Raven Hill.

"We have just a few more weeks to raise the remaining $170,000 of a total of $300,000 needed to protect this beautiful forest which lies atop rolling glacial topography," noted MaryKay O’Donnell, Conservancy Director of Land Protection. The land will be owned and managed as a Conservancy nature preserve, will be open to the public, and will be available for environmental education programs for visitors to Raven Hill.

"This piece of land serves to increase the diversity and enrich the experiences that visitors can have at Raven Hill," said Cheri Leach of Raven Hill.  "The geology of the glacial moraines and the biology of the living organisms within a beech-maple habitat will pique the curiosity and encourage exploration of a beautiful natural habitat, making the woods and fields into a unique museum for children of the community."

Leach added that an old farm site on the property will provide a perfect opportunity for a long-term archeological dig right in their "backyard." Raven Hill is a regional science and technology center located four miles southeast of East Jordan. It is also a cultural, historical, and art center. The overall goal of the Center is to foster an interest in and to convey information in science and technology, history, and the arts by inviting visitors to have quality, hands-on experiences. The Center is open year-round to the public, individuals, groups, and organizations. It is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt corporation. Since opening in 1992, more than 60,000 visitors have experienced Raven Hill Discovery Center, which reaches out to a 10-county service area. To help protect this land for the benefit of thousands of people of all ages, please send donations to the Little Traverse Conservancy.