Protecting Farm and Scenic Heritage ctd.

The conservation easement designates zones of agricultural land, woodland, and natural area around Inwood Creek, a beautiful creek that eventually drains to Lake Michigan. The easement excludes other areas that Tillers International plans to use for its educational programs which include timber framing and traditional ox farming. “Our intention is to develop the adjacent property into a learning center based on a farm of the Depression era,” said Dick Roosenberg, the executive director for Tillers International. “The beauty of Inwood will constantly remind us of our duty as trustees of the environment.”

For Betty, the day she sees oxen working on Inwood Farm will give her great satisfaction. However, her vision as a long-time conservationist extends beyond the property’s boundaries. “I’d like to see that whole creek protected...all the way to the lake.” Fortunately, one more step in that direction was recently taken.

THIS LAND WAS MEANT TO BE PROTECTED
With its beautiful mix of habitat types and more than a quarter mile of Inwood Creek, George and Connie Ebenhoeh jumped at the opportunity to purchase the land known locally as the McCutcheon property. “This land is known for its natural beauty and wildlife habitat and we had been hunting here for years,” George said. “We feel like we are part of a long line of people who have loved this land, and our intention from the start was to keep it natural.” George added. From his childhood growing up on a farm near Saginaw, George had a true appreciation for land and its fragility. Connie, whose heritage is Greek and who lived in South America before coming to the United States, also has a unique perspective toward land. “I compare how in the United States, you have the opportunity to own private property, something that is more difficult to do in many other countries.”

So when the Conservancy offered to purchase the development rights from their property, the Ebenhoehs knew this was the right thing to do. By purchasing development rights, the Conservancy is effectively placing a permanent conservation easement on the land. The Ebenhoehs included nearly 98 acres within their protected land, with no future development ever allowed. The protected portion also includes a quarter mile of US-31 frontage. George and Connie anticipate they’ll use the land to hunt, place bird boxes, and simply enjoy the natural beauty.

The Conservancy acknowledges the donors to the US-31 Scenic Corridor Protection Program who made this project possible including: Bay Harbor Foundation, Frey Foundation, Offield Family Foundation, Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation and the J.A. Woollam Foundation.