M-119 Donation Adds to Five Mile Creek Preserve

Donation Creates 100 Acre Natural Area

The beautiful Five Mile Creek Swamp Nature Preserve has expanded to more than 90 acres, thanks to a 30-acre donation made by Robert and Virginia Horner. The donation comes as one of several generous conservation contributions made by Horner who passed away in late January (see Director’s Column on page 9).

“The land that Bob donated is one of the most highly recognized parcels along the M-119 corridor, north of Birchwood Farms,” said Tom Bailey, the Conservancy’s executive director. “It sets the tone for the beautiful drive ahead.”

The donation also brings the scenic protection along that stretch to almost a mile. The Five Mile Creek Swamp Nature Preserve itself now protects 4,165 feet of M-119 frontage, and an adjacent conservation easement protects an additional 330 feet.

Considering that property within this region is among the most highly valued of the Conservancy’s entire service area, all three donations that have been made to form the Five Mile Creek Swamp Nature Preserve deserve high praise. The preserve was first formed in 1997 with a 27-acre donation from Cheryl and Bill Von Valtier. A subsequent donation of 24 acres was made by Cheryl’s sister, Joyce Smith. And in 2000, the Conservancy purchased a 10-acre addition to the preserve.

“Bob Horner epitomized the qualities that we often find in people who make donations of land to the Conservancy,” Bailey said. “As acknowledged after his passing, Bob ‘lived a life of great accomplishment yet possessed one of his generation’s most admired gifts, modesty.’”