A resident of St. Louis, Missouri and northern Michigan, Sally deeply loved the natural world and its beauty. She appreciated Art’s longtime commitment to conserving northern Michigan (Art has been a Conservancy board member for 11 years, highly involved in fundraising for the endowment and the Harbor Springs Greenbelt). Last summer, upon her passing, Sally left a significant gift to the Conservancy largely to honor Art and his dedication to conservation. Shortly after the gift was given, the opportunity became available to purchase the new preserve and Art, along with Sally’s children, agreed that this was what Sally would have wanted.

“Sally Hailand was one of the most loved and respected ladies in St. Louis,” said Art, adding that Sally was also an avid gardener and a longtime supporter of the St. Louis Botanical Garden. Art is quick to point out that much of the credit for Sally’s gift being earmarked for the preserve is due to Sally’s children: Lisa and Chris, Lynne and Brooks, and Ashley and Clark. “Originally, we had suggested that the name of the preserve should honor Sally, but her children insisted that my name be included.”

Tom Bailey, Executive Director of Little Traverse Conservancy, said that he is thrilled that a nature preserve will permanently honor two people so greatly concerned about protecting this region’s natural heritage. “Art is just one of those people who has been rock solid with us for a long time,” Bailey said. “When you look at the map (below), you can see how protecting this land is like putting a final piece of a puzzle into place.”
Bailey gives additional credit for the new preserve to the seller, Jerry Vantreese, who resisted development offers for many years, choosing to sell the land for conservation.

A February 2008 photo at the new Hailand Nature Preserve.