Stewardship Update

Seeking Volunteer Monitors and Trail Stewards

Preserve Monitors

Volunteer monitors have been a vital part of the Conservancy’s stewardship program for many years. The need for monitors has grown as volunteers retire and as we acquire additional preserves. Monitors help the Conservancy by visiting a selected preserve at least twice per year and returning a completed one-page report to the Conservancy. Monitors check the condition of the property and let us know of any concerns. A stewardship staff person meets with the monitor for the first monitoring visit and provides maps and information to get started.

We have appreciated the dedication of our many volunteer monitors over the years and look forward to having new people participating in our monitoring program. The level of involvement varies with interest and ability. Some observe the property a couple of times a year and some have been able to help with painting signs, installing signs, picking up trash, clearing trails, and other stewardship activities as well. All levels of participation are important and welcome. Volunteer monitors are needed throughout our five county service area. The preserve size varies from ½ acre to 710 acres! If you’re interested in monitoring a preserve, please contact Melissa Hansen at the Conservancy office at (231) 347-0991 for a list of available preserves and for more information.

Trail Stewards

Little Traverse Conservancy is also looking for volunteer trail stewards. We currently have 11 nature preserves with established trails. Four new trails will be created this year. Trails enhance recreational and educational use of preserves for visitors, and they also increase stewardship demands.

While a monitor’s primary responsibility is to observe the property and make notes of the condition, a trail steward’s task is to help with the physical maintenance of a trail. We are seeking several energetic individuals, families, or groups who are willing to help with trail maintenance such as trimming branches, clearing logs fallen over paths, re-marking trails, refilling brochure boxes, and replacing posts/signs at a selected trail. Trails currently in need of stewards are listed below. If you are interested in becoming a trail steward, please contact Melissa Hansen or Vic Lane at the Conservancy office.

Charlevoix County
Little Sand Bay (Beaver Island)
Charles Ransom Preserve

Cheboygan County
Chaboiganing Preserve
Seven Springs Preserve

Emmet County
McCune Preserve
Round Lake Preserve
Stutsmanville Bog Preserve

Mackinac County
Birge Preserve