THE TRAILS YOU MADE PROTECTING THE NORTH COUNTRY WE LOVE - PHOTO BY LATITUDE 45 Fall 2020 | Vol. 42 No. 3 - Little Traverse Conservancy

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THE TRAILS YOU MADE PROTECTING THE NORTH COUNTRY WE LOVE - PHOTO BY LATITUDE 45 Fall 2020 | Vol. 42 No. 3 - Little Traverse Conservancy
PROTECTING THE NORTH COUNTRY WE LOVE

                              THE TRAILS YOU MADE

                                      Fall 2020 | Vol. 42 No. 3
                                   www.landtrust.org | 231.347.0991
                                      PHOTO BY LATITUDE 45

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THE TRAILS YOU MADE PROTECTING THE NORTH COUNTRY WE LOVE - PHOTO BY LATITUDE 45 Fall 2020 | Vol. 42 No. 3 - Little Traverse Conservancy
The LTC Team
            The individuals, families,
          businesses, and foundations
           who are current members.
                                               Scars                            a word from Kieran Fleming, Executive Director

                                               “That’s gonna hurt,” flashed through            It’s ironic that as our culture started to
                                               my brain in the split second after the          migrate away from unsupervised play in
            The 400+ volunteers who
                                               northern pike, still attached to the front      the outdoors and towards structured play
           donate thousands of hours.
                                               hook of my lure, squirmed from my grip          environments and digital relationships,
             BOARD OF TRUSTEES                 and was now dangling from my knee, by           things may have actually worsened for us.
               Marta Olson, Chair              the back hook of said lure. As if on cue,
            Joe Kimmell, Vice Chair                                                            On one hand, it seems logical that
                                               the pike began thrashing wildly, driving
              Jon Lyons, Treasurer                                                             kids being outside (particularly while
                                               each of our respective hooks deeper. My
          Maureen Nicholson, Secretary                                                         unsupervised) can be dangerous. But
                                               rapid analysis tuned out to be true – it did
                                                                                               is it really THAT dangerous? And don’t
        Josh Baker         Lisa Loyd           hurt. Later on, the ER nurse scolded me
     Stuart Bishop     Glen Matthews
                                                                                               our kids NEED to learn to navigate real
                                               with this useful tidbit: don’t cut the eye
     Lisa Blanchard    Harriet McGraw                                                          problems that come when you take
                                               off any hook that is impaled in your flesh
   Richard M. Bolton David G. Mengebier                                                        risks? After 37 years, my scar from the
                                               It makes it harder to get it out. She gave
  Michael T. Cameron     John Merrill                                                          hook removal surgery is scarcely visible,
  George M. Covington                          me the stink eye when I tried to explain
                       Emerson Meyer                                                           and it has the added benefit of a great
      Mary Faculak     David Patterson         the chaos surrounding a live fish still
                                                                                               story from a real-life experience in the
     Jeffrey S. Ford  Consie Pierrepont        connected to my knee when it objected to
                                                                                               outdoors.
    Gregg K. Garver       Phil Porter          the hooks. In any case, let this spare you
       John Griffin     Cedric A. (Rick)       similar embarrassment if you ever find          The counter argument is that the scar
    Eric Hemenway         Richner, III         yourself in this predicament.                   on my knee is nothing compared to the
   Dan Jarzabkowski   R. Ham Schirmer                                                          unseen scars of anxiety and other issues
       Dave Kring        Karie Slavik          I deduced that I was 16 at the time
                                                                                               our kids today are dealing with, issues
     Darrell Lawson      Meg Sprow             because after I cut the hooks free, I
     Nancy Lindsay         Bill Stark
                                                                                               that may take a lifetime to address. And,
                                               drove home and it was the first time I
  Dianne Litzenburger  Susan I. Stewart                                                        despite their struggles, young people
                                               ever exceeded the speed limit. If I were
      Tom Litzner                                                                              have fewer stories or real-life experiences
                                               younger than 16, I would have been
                                                                                               to fall back on. Some contend that our
         STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRS             on my bike and I know speeding was a
                                                                                               young adults will have a harder time
          Mary Faculak, Land Protection        regular occurrence by the time I was 17.
             John Baker, Stewardship                                                           confronting hardships when they arise
            Robbe DiPietro, Education          This was on the White River, about three        and that they lack a full understanding of
            Marta Olson, Nominating            miles from my childhood home. I would           taking risks, dealing with consequences,
           Emerson Meyer, Investment           fish there frequently. At first I’d ride “th    and reaping rewards. Think about your
                                               green machine,” my single-speed Schwinn         grandchild someday telling you about
               EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR              with a banana seat. Fishing pole in one         an incredible Snapchat he/she saw. Or
                  Kieran Fleming               hand, tackle box in the other. Later, I’d       that time they belly laughed over a text
                                               borrow the station wagon – the one              message. Can you imagine that? Neither
            CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER            in which I learned to speed. You could          can I. Would their stories be better if
              Thomas Lagerstrom
                                               usually catch at least one small pike, but      they involved telling ghost stories around
               ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR              carp were both big and plentiful. It was        a campfire and howling to see if the
                    Ty Ratliff                 here that my little sister Nora sometimes       coyotes (or wolves) would respond?
                                               joined me. Nora is not that outdoorsy,
     MEMBERSHIP & COMMUNICATIONS
                                                                                               You probably know what I am going to
                                               but she is a force of nature. She loved
  Anne Fleming, Director of Communications                                                     say next: we must do more to get our
                                               to fish (still does) and I will never
   Emily Hughes, Membership Coordinator                                                        kids out in the woods. I am starting with
                                               forget the time she hooked a big carp,
   Lindsay Hall, Communications Specialist                                                     me; adults have been sucked into this
                                               simultaneously belly laughing and crying
                                                                                               technology thing too. I decided to cut
       ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR              as the fish strained her wrist in the tussle.
                                                                                               social media and other forms of being
               Sarah Gurney                    Many who grew up in the era before cell
                                                                                               bombarded by my phone to an hour
                                               phones have similar stories.
           VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
                                                                                               or less a week. After three weeks on a
                 Cacia Lesh                    Fast forward to today. Anxiety,                 technology diet, I submit that this can
                                               depression, suicide, eating disorders,          change your view of the world more
           LAND PROTECTION                     and other ailments have never been              dramatically than you may think. Maybe
         Caitlin Donnelly, Director            higher amongst teenagers and young              if we decide to lay down our phones, our
  Becky Wadleigh, Land Protection Specialist   adults. While we know there are many            kids will follow suit. Maybe we can turn
                                               factors fueling these issues, I just read       the tide that is working against them such
        ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
           Sarah Mayhew, Director              yet another account of the negative             that they value turning over logs looking
      Sarah Koetje, Education Specialist       implications of today’s social media and        for salamanders, catching tadpoles,
     Brad Von Blon, Education Specialist &     technology. It described how social media       eating wild blackberries, or fishing at the
            Stewardship Technician             is harming our kids’ (especially girls’)        river. And we need to, because now the
                                               ability to navigate conflict and that, in       science is actually showing that these
               STEWARDSHIP                     turn, is showing up in the form of high         real-life experiences are more important
            Derek Shiels, Director             anxiety and need for safe spaces, among         than we thought. They literally provide
   Melissa Hansen, Director of Conservation
                                               other things. As dramatic as that sounds,       the foundation for a happy life, for better
                 Easements
  Charles Dawley, Technology & Stewardship     I think most of us can see we were not          relationships. Yes, there may be some
     Mike Lynch, Preserve Stewardship          built to handle all the unknowns this           stitches involved. But a good scar always
                                               technology brings to our psyche.                has a good story.
  2 | LITTLE TRAVERSE CONSERVANCY

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THE TRAILS YOU MADE PROTECTING THE NORTH COUNTRY WE LOVE - PHOTO BY LATITUDE 45 Fall 2020 | Vol. 42 No. 3 - Little Traverse Conservancy
Cube Point
                                                                            WILL YOU HELP PRESERVE THIS
                                                                            PRISTINE PROPERTY ON THE
                                                                            SHORES OF LAKE HURON?

    L
            ittle Traverse Conservancy is partnering with              The Cube Point property is under contract for
            the Les Cheneaux Foundation, LTC supporters                the bargain-sale amount of $850,000. The Les
            and the Carls Foundation to preserve the                   Cheneaux Foundation has contributed $340,000
            Cube Point property on Marquette Island                    to this land preservation effort and the Carls
    in the 36-island archipelago that comprises the Les                Foundation has provided a 2:1 challenge-grant
    Cheneaux Islands. Part of the scenic approach to                   opportunity that will match up to $100,000!
    Hessel, Cedarville and the Les Cheneaux Islands
                                                                       “The Les Cheneaux Foundation (a long-time
    from Mackinac, Cube Point, originally called “Ke-
                                                                       partner of LTC) was able to work with members
    che-to-taw-non Point,” is 13 acres with 1,500 feet of
                                                                       of the Brown family, who generously agreed to
    beautiful, pristine frontage on Wilderness Bay. The
                                                                       a bargain sale. The Foundation is delighted to
    preservation of this property will provide critical
                                                                       turn this project over to LTC which has preserved
    habitat for migrating birds, Bald and Golden Eagles
                                                                       so much priceless land in the Les Cheneaux
    and Osprey, outstanding shoreline habitat for
                                                                       Islands,” said George Covington, president of the
    waterfowl, and important water quality protection
                                                                       Les Cheneaux Foundation and current LTC board
    for Lake Huron.
                                                                       member.
    As the largest of the islands in the Les Cheneaux
                                                                       For more information or if you would like to
    archipelago, Marquette Island is already home to
                                                                       make a tax-deductible donation, please visit
    three LTC Nature Preserves: the Aldo Leopold Nature
                                                                       www.landtrust.org/cube-point or contact Ty
    Preserve, the Catherine Seiberling Stewart Nature
                                                                       Ratliff, Associate Director, at 231.347.0991 or
    Preserve and the Sheppard-Hardy Nature Preserve.
                                                                       tyratliff@landtrust.org.
    These preserves now total more than 1,900 acres and
    protect nearly five miles of Lake Huron shoreline.
    The scenic Cube Point shoreline enhances all forms
                                                                                                    Sheppard - Hardy     CEDARVILLE
    of water recreation, including the potential for a                                               Nature Preserve
    destination along the Les Cheneaux Islands Water                        Land YOU
                                                                          can help protect
    Trail. LTC has the long-term goal of connecting the
    Cube Point property with the nearby Sheppard-
    Hardy Nature Preserve, and also expanding this                                                      Aldo Leopold
                                                                                                       Nature Preserve
    land conservation effort eastward towards the
    Aldo Leopold Nature Preserve.

      Conservation                                                                 Catherine

      Investment Program
                                                                               Seiberling Stewart                              N
                                                                                Nature Preserve
                                                                                                                            ←
      Update +80 Acres!

      T
              hrough LTC’s Conservation Investment Program (CIP), a privately-owned 80-acre property in Koehler
              Township, Cheboygan County is now owned by a conservation-minded buyer and permanently protected
              with a conservation easement. Through the program, LTC purchased the land and placed a conservation
              easement on it to protect the mostly wooded habitat that is bordered by state land on three sides. It did
      not take long for LTC to find a buyer who wanted to purchase the now-protected land.
      “We were able to handle this transaction at no financial loss to the Conservancy, which is the ideal way to make
      this program happen,” said Caitlin Donnelly, LTC Director of Land Protection.
      If you are interested in working with LTC to find a property through the CIP Program, please contact Caitlin at
      caitlin@landtrust.org or call 231.347.0991.

                                                                                     Protecting the North Country We Love | 3

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THE TRAILS YOU MADE PROTECTING THE NORTH COUNTRY WE LOVE - PHOTO BY LATITUDE 45 Fall 2020 | Vol. 42 No. 3 - Little Traverse Conservancy
Expansive
         Experience                                                                                          PHOTO BY RAY GAYNOR

         THE OFFIELD FAMILY VIEWLANDS

        A
                    fter weeks of preparing the land by               stewardship activities. Plans for the restaurant and
                    converting golf cart paths to foot trails,        event facilities are still being discussed, and this winter
                    erecting signs, and ensuring the safety of        we hope to reach a decision for the 2021 summer
                    the surrounding buildings, the Offield Famil      season.
         Viewlands Working Forest Reserve was opened to the
                                                                      In the meantime, a series of night sky programs led by
         public at the end of June.
                                                                      Star Lore Historian Mary Stewart Adams are planned
         “We have seen a steady stream of visitors to the             for this fall at the Viewlands property. Your annual
         Viewlands since the first day the gate was left open,”       membership support of LTC made this incredible
         said Kieran Fleming, LTC’s executive director. “With its     project possible. Your gifts go to work to ensure that
         proximity to town, vast open trails, and beautiful views     northern Michigan’s most special lands are open to all
         of Little Traverse Bay and the Inland Waterway, this         and protected forever. See back cover.
         property offers a unique way to capture and enjoy so
         much that epitomizes the grand beauty of northern
         Michigan.”
         Roughly six miles of trails are marked for recreational
         enjoyment, meandering the land in much the same
         way as golfers have for many years. “While it’s certainly
         possible, it isn’t typical for people to walk these trails
         from start to finish as there are numerous steep
         hills,” said LTC director of stewardship Derek Shiels.
         “If you were training for a race or backpacking in the
         mountains, this would be an excellent place to get your
         workout in!”
         Restoration efforts (see photo to the right) have
         already been underway all summer slowly converting
         some of the old greens and fairways. To date, three
         fairways have been prepared for native seed planting
         that will occur in late fall. Staff and volunteers have
         been removing invasive knapweed to prevent it from           You can help restore this meadow!
         invading the native plant meadows that are also
         being established. “This is a multi-year effort with few     Three fairways have been prepped, and native
         immediate results, but steering the direction of this        grasses and forbs will be planted in the fall
         land back to a natural state is rewarding work,” Shiels      of 2020. Help us document the change over
         added.                                                       time by placing your phone or camera on the
                                                                      provided bracket and taking a picture. Email it
        The old golf club and associated buildings remain             to ltc@landtrust.org, post it on Instagram with
        closed for the time, with the maintenance buildings           the hashtag: #RestoreViewlands, or tag
        now in use as LTC’s central outpost for their field and       @ltconservancy on Facebook.
        4 | LITTLE TRAVERSE CONSERVANCY

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THE TRAILS YOU MADE PROTECTING THE NORTH COUNTRY WE LOVE - PHOTO BY LATITUDE 45 Fall 2020 | Vol. 42 No. 3 - Little Traverse Conservancy
Burt Lake Watershed
      Protection Grows
        A
                  22-acre nature preserve near Burt Lake has        spawn in the marshes that
                  been protected thanks to a land purchase          adjoin the main channel.”
                  funded by Bert Ebbers and Katie Parker. Lying
                                                                    Ebbers gives much credit
                  adjacent to the 17-acre Bearsaw Creek Nature
                                                                    to the land’s previous
        Preserve, the land protects more than half a mile along
                                                                    owner, Mac Richardson,
        Mullett-Burt Road as well as 600 feet of frontage along
                                                                    for selling the land for
        Bearsaw Creek, which drains into Burt Lake. Bearsaw
                                                                    conservation when he had ample opportunity to sell to
        Creek is one of only three major creeks or rivers in Burt
                                                                    others who were interested in development. “My great-
        Township that feed into Burt Lake.
                                                                    uncle Clyde Milliken first acquired this and surrounding
        As longtime residents of Burt Township and lifelong         land in the early 1920s and it has passed through to
        ecologists, Bert and Katie have been observing the          my grandmother and eventually to me,” Richardson
        diversity of wildlife that congregate around Bearsaw        explained. He added that the now-preserved land was
        Creek throughout the seasons. “When the lake is still       mostly appreciated for its wild and natural state and
        frozen in early spring, the creek opens up ahead of the     used occasionally for hunting.
        lake, and the earliest arriving ducks congregate there,”
                                                                    “In 2002, the Bearsaw Creek Nature Preserve was sold
        Bert said. “Mallards, Black Ducks, Wood Ducks and
                                                                    to LTC for a bargain sale by Bert and Katie,” said Becky
        Hooded Mergansers are a welcome sight after enduring
                                                                    Wadleigh, LTC land protection specialist. “We thank
        months of icy whiteness and having no waterfowl
                                                                    them and the Richardson family for doing so much
        around anywhere in the neighborhood. Red-shouldered
                                                                    over the years to ensure that this significant Burt Lake
        Hawks, a state-threatened species, return at about the
                                                                    watershed remains healthy and natural.” An officia
        same time, and are another welcome sign that spring
                                                                    name for the new preserve is yet to be determined.
        is underway. At this same transitional time of year, pike
        swim up Bearsaw Creek through the new property to

        Red-shouldered Hawk, a Michigan Threatened Species
        From Michigan Natural Features Inventory:
        Adult Red-shouldered hawks can be distinguished by the reddish
        coloration of their underparts and wing linings and their 5-6 narrow,
        white tail bands. In flight, they show crescent-shaped translucent
        patches lining the bases of the long, outermost wing feathers. The
        bird's red shoulders are often not readily visible. Their call during
        the breeding season is distinctive; a loud, rapidly repeated "kee-yer,”
        though it is closely imitated by Blue jays. Eight-two occurrences were
        documented in 2015 in Cheboygan County.

                                                                                                         PHOTO BY TMPETERSEN

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THE TRAILS YOU MADE PROTECTING THE NORTH COUNTRY WE LOVE - PHOTO BY LATITUDE 45 Fall 2020 | Vol. 42 No. 3 - Little Traverse Conservancy
Ride On!
                                           MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS AT THE
                                           TANTON FAMILY WORKING FOREST
                                           RESERVE ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN!

                                             Y
                                                       ou are part of the greatest new mountain
                                                       bike trail in northern Michigan. Countless
                                                       people have already flocked to the
                                                       Tanton Family Working Forest Reserve
                                             to experience over six miles of mountain bike
                                             enhanced trails. The 236-acre property just
                                             southeast of Petoskey was protected in 2016 with
                                             a lead gift from the Tanton family. The reserve is
                                             located almost directly adjacent to and across the
                                             road from one of LTC’s most popular properties,
                                             the 168-acre Allan and Virginia McCune Nature
                                             Preserve.
                                             The joint fundraising effort between LTC and Top
                                             of Michigan Mountain Bike Association (TOMMBA)
                                             resulted in enough funding to hire the nationally
                                             renowned Rock Solid Trail Contracting out of
                                             Copper Harbor, Michigan. Rock Solid has gained
                                             a reputation for constructing some of the finest
                                             mountain bike designed trails from the upper
                                             Midwest to Arkansas.
                                             The trail building crew spent roughly two months
                                             building the trail which is now complete with more
                                             than six miles of trails featuring three tiered loops
                                             that increase in difficulty. “This property used t
                                             be called Christmas Mountain because of its high
                                             elevation, and it had hiking trails going straight up
                                             that would lead to erosion and are unsustainable,”
                                             said Derek Shiels, LTC Director of Stewardship.
                                             “The trails now follow more of a switchback
                                             pattern similar to what you would find out West
                                             when hiking true mountains. It makes for such a
                                             beautiful and unusual trail experience in northern
                                             Michigan, whether done by bike or on foot.”
                                             Because the trail is open to both bikers and hikers,
                                             we are asking users to follow a trail direction
                                             system that is explained on the signs. It is crucial
                                             that users be respectful and ensure visibility as
                                             best as possible because hikers may be coming
                                             towards bikers in the opposite direction, and there
                                             will be bikers at all skill levels. This trail system
                                             does allow for Class I Electric Bikes, meaning
                                             pedal-assist only with cut off at 20mph. Please
                                             continue to follow social distance guidelines,
                                             including in the parking area.
                                             On behalf of LTC and TOMMBA, thank YOU to all
                                             who donated to make this trail a reality.

                                                Directions and a downloadable copy of the
                                                         trail map are available at
                                                  www.landtrust.org/mountainbiketrail.

        6 | LITTLE
        PHOTO      TRAVERSE
              BY WOOD RODGERSCONSERVANCY

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THE TRAILS YOU MADE PROTECTING THE NORTH COUNTRY WE LOVE - PHOTO BY LATITUDE 45 Fall 2020 | Vol. 42 No. 3 - Little Traverse Conservancy
Thank you to the following individuals, families and businesses who helped us raise an incredible total of
        $223,950 to make this community trail possible for all to enjoy. We couldn’t have done it without you! Donors
        listed below made their generous gift prior to August 31, 2020.
        Dwain Abramowski              Peter and Sarah Ford            Klepadlo Winnell Nuorala P.C.   Polly’s Planting and Plucking
        American Spoon Foods          Paul and Claire Forney          Damian and Jenna Koehler        Tom and Sarah Post
        Mark and Denise Antonishen    Steven Foster Family            Fred Koehler                    Mark and Cat Pumford
        A.R. Pontius Flower Shop      Cathy and David Frazee          Margaret and Jason Kromm        Lauren Walsh and Steve
        Atchison Paper and Supply     Bennett, Calen, Gavin, and      Aliaksandr and Shafer               Radecki
        Bill and Maxine Aten             McClure Galbraith                Kurshuk                     Patti Repasky
        The Back Lot                  James and Elizabeth             Beth Lancaster                  Re-Source Partners
        Will Baker                       Galbraith                    Latitude 45 Bicycles and        John Richardson
        John and Sandy Baker          Gaslight Group Properties           Fitness                     Rocky’s Barber Shop LLC
        Drew Bartlett                 Will Goelz                      Martin Letts                    David Rynbrandt
        Jim Bartlett                  Graham Real Estate Inc.         Spencer Lindenberg              Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sandford
        Bayside Family and Sports        Community Fund               Ric and Lisa Loyd               Robert and Susan Schultz
            Medicine                  Leo and Yuki Graham             James and Laura Lynch           Turner and Boden Schultz
        Steve and Kathy Biggs            Foundation                   Mr. and Mrs. Timothy            The Scriven Family
        Cathy and Mark Bissell        Great Lakes Energy - People         Manthei                     Bill Seguin
        Joe Blachy                       Fund                         Darlene and Dudley Marvin       Andi Shepherd
        Erik and Ann Borgen           Peter and Sarah Gurney          Drs. Vaughn and Harriet         Dave and Ruth Skop
        Debbie Borgmann               Paul Hagan                          McGraw                      Sarah Sloan
        Martha and Andrew Bowman      Michael Hall                    Jeff and Tracy McMat            Aaron M. Smith
        Pam Bufe                      Harbor Wear                     William L. Meengs               Gregory B. and Pamela K.
        Bruce and Heidi Burnett       Stephen Harrington              Hugh Melling and Denise             Smith
        Willy, Brielle, and Henry     Timothy and Betsy Herrick           Simon                       Mr. and Mrs. W. James Sprow
            Burris                    Donald and Rhonda Hescott       David Miller                    Stafford’s Hospitalit
        The Buza Family               High Gear Sports                Joshua Robert Miller            Mr. and Mrs. John Stewart
        Mike Calabrese                “The Highlander” Mountain       Dr. Moore and Dr. Barraza       Jane and Paul Stewart
        Steve and Teri Chaffe            Bike Race                    Capt. William Moore             William and Lucy Stubbings
        Daniel and Laurel Clarke      Greg Hintz                      Marshall and Jan Morley         Sturgeon River Pottery, Inc.
        Dr. and Mrs. Murray A.        Kathleen Hirrel                 Patrick and Alissa Mullally     Max Sydow
            Cotter                    Judith and Richard Hitz         Amy and Jason Muller            Rob, Dena, and Max Sydow
        Michael Craig                 Mark and Mary Hramiec           Mr. and Mrs. David J.           Scott and Molly Szpunar
        Paul and Kailey Cunningham       Hoffma                           Neithercut                  Tanis Family
        Greg and Joyce Danforth       Emily Hughes, Joe and Ember     Meredith and Rick Neumann       Top of Michigan Mountain
        Amelie and Jason Dawson          Graham                       Norm’s Roofin                       Bike Association
        Sam DeCamp                    Indian River Family Dentistry   North Country Cycle Sport       Touring Gear
        Decka Digital                 Brendan and Catherine           Nub’s Nob                       Audrey Trautman
        James and Jennifer Dilworth      Ingalls family               Offield Family Foundati         Trek Bicycle Corporation
        Karen and Mike Donnelly       Mr. and Mrs. David H. Irish     The Oleson Foundation           Triford Foundation
        Doornbos Family               Mr. Hugh M. Jacob and Mrs.      Marta and Peter Olson           Paul and Joanna
        Dean and Cheryl Dryer            Susan C. Jacob               Ottimer Painting                    VanRaaphorst
        Thomas J. Earl                Johanna Jansen                  Elizabeth Pascoe                Brad and Terri Warnecke
        Mark and Marie Eckstein       Tim and Carol Jarvi             Petoskey Area Visitors          Mr. Thomas E. Welch
        Edward Jones Investments:     Jeffries Famil                      Bureau                      James Wenberg
            Mike Eberhart, Diana      Chuck and Lynette Johnson       Petoskey Brewing                Wentworth Builders, Inc.
            Eberhart                  Zak Jones                       Petoskey - Harbor Springs       Scott D. Whitcomb
        John Engel                    Sara and Zach Jonker                Area Community              Bentley Whitman
        Evening Star Joinery          Mr. Louis W. Kasischke              Foundation                  Hal and Gail Willens
        First Community Bank          Fred and Edie Kaufmann          Beth Ann Piehl
        Chris Ford and Ali Hill       Kilwins Chocolates Franchise    Bruce Emmet Platte

                                                                                        Protecting the North Country We Love | 7

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THE TRAILS YOU MADE PROTECTING THE NORTH COUNTRY WE LOVE - PHOTO BY LATITUDE 45 Fall 2020 | Vol. 42 No. 3 - Little Traverse Conservancy
Fall Foraging
               M
                            any people in northern Michigan are familiar with the popular springtime edible mushroom, the
                            morel. However, most are not as familiar with some excellent fall edible mushrooms found around
                            our region. It’s true that eating wild mushrooms can be intimidating, especially if you’re not confident
                            with how to identify. Some can make you very ill, but some are also choice culinary edibles! The
               following information highlights two fall-favorite edible mushrooms: Oysters and Chanterelles.
with
               Both of these mushrooms can be found during fall months; the Oysters can even be found throughout winter.
               The grocery store is a good place to familiarize yourself with these mushrooms, but there’s nothing quite like
               finding your own in the wild! Please note that all mushrooms should never be consumed without cooking. There
               are countless recipes available online, but most times a simple pan sauté in butter or olive oil is all you need.
               Besides providing delicious food, mushrooming is a fantastic way to engage both children and adults in the
               woods. Remember, if you’re unsure, don’t eat it. We’d love to see your mushrooming journey so tag us on social
               media!

                                                                Happy foraging!
               OYSTER MUSHROOMS
               Grow wild on tree trunks, stumps or logs.
               Habitat: Commonly found on dead Beech trees, but can also be found on other deciduous trees.

                                                                       Identifying Oysters:
                                                                       • White or off-white in colo
                                                                       • Grow in clusters
                                                                       • Stems are usually short and stubby and often fused
                                                                         together
                                                                       • Fan-shaped caps overlap in tiers. Cap size generally
                                                                         between 2-8 inches.
                                                                       • Have regular, geometric gills
                                                                       • Gills are attached to the stem or the cap in a uniform way
                                                                       • Gills can be rubbed off or separated from the underside
                                                                         of the cap quite easily
                                                                       • Prime edibility when white in color. The gills turn
                                                                         brownish when old. Once they’ve turned brown they are
                                                                         no longer fit for consumption.

               CHANTERELLE MUSHROOMS
               Found scattered in groups on forest floors.
               Habitat: Forest comprised of beech, oak, pine, and birch trees.

                                                                       Identifying Chanterelles:
                                                                       • Egg-yoke yellow in color
                                                                       • Have irregular, cross-veined ridges
                                                                       • Stem is solid
                                                                       • Younger chanterelles have a flat cap with slightly down
                                                                         curled edge
                                                                       • Mature chanterelle a funnel or trumpet-like bell shape
                                                                         upward
                                                                       • Ridges aren’t in a set, uniform pattern
                                                                       • They are not attached to the stem in a distinct and
                                                                         regular way, as gills are. Ridges are part of the stem.
                                                                         There is no distinct pattern in the way they grow out of
                                                                         the stem.
                                                                       • Ridges cannot be rubbed off easily like gills can.

               8 | LITTLE TRAVERSE CONSERVANCY

       28371_FallNewsletter.indd 8                                                                                                  9/4/20 8:22 AM
THE TRAILS YOU MADE PROTECTING THE NORTH COUNTRY WE LOVE - PHOTO BY LATITUDE 45 Fall 2020 | Vol. 42 No. 3 - Little Traverse Conservancy
NATURE AS TEACHER AND HEALER
                                                Many adults have naturally found solace in nature during these uncertain
                                                times because we inherently know that it elevates our mood and decreases
                                                stress and anxiety. The same effects are true for a child’s emotional,
                                                behavioral, and intellectual development. Our current reality means children
                                                are exposed to more digital screens this school year than ever before. It is
                                                our belief that outdoor learning is essential to navigating through this time.
                                                Time in nature has been shown to decrease stress levels and ADHD
                                                symptoms in students while increasing academic performance. Students
                                                also increase their understanding of the natural and human communities,
                                                resulting in caring, active citizens!
                                                We are planning to provide outdoor programming this fall. Whether you are
                                                homeschooling or a teacher in school, we want to hear from you. Please
                                                contact us to start exploring ways our education staff can meet your needs.
                                                Sarah Mayhew: 231.344.1018 or sarah@landtrust.org.

        Citizen Science Stewards
        F
                 or one week in July, nature explorers and biologists visited      BioBlitz Recap!
                 32 LTC properties in an effort to catalog biodiversity in
                 celebration of this international "Biodiversity Super Year.” By
                 using a smart phone app called iNaturalist (an online, crowd-
         sourced species identification system), participants took photos of
         living things on LTC preserves and working forest reserves. By the end
         of the week, 319 species were identified including at least one new
         county record (false nettle, Boehmeria cylindrica). First- and second-
         place prize gift certificates to McLean and Eakin Booksellers were
         awarded to Susan Fawcett and the Knickerbocker family, respectively,
         for documenting the most species of flora and fauna
         We value documenting which creatures are living on and using our
         lands because this information helps us be better stewards of our
         lands, making more informed and effective management decisions.
         Thanks to all of the participants and foray leaders for making this
         event a success, despite the challenges of the COVID pandemic.

                                                                                    Protecting the North Country We Love | 9

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THE TRAILS YOU MADE PROTECTING THE NORTH COUNTRY WE LOVE - PHOTO BY LATITUDE 45 Fall 2020 | Vol. 42 No. 3 - Little Traverse Conservancy
Thank You...
        Brendan and Daniel Egan for             Richard Jenkins and John Baker                 EcoSteward volunteers Kelly, Heidi
        clearing trees at Hoogland Family       for watering plants at Offield Famil           and Jack Dumas, William and
        Nature Preserve.                        Viewlands.                                     Audrey Ollinger, Sander Cole,
        Scott Martin for clearing trees                                                        Doug Fuller, Julie Dougherty, John
                                                Philip Booth and his father for
        at Offield Family Working Fores                                                        and Sue Esser, Chris Ford, Richard
                                                trail work at Darnton Family Nature
        Reserve.			                                                                            Jenkins, Jim Ehrnst and Glen
                                                Preserve.
                                                                                               Matthews for removing invasive
        Chad Johnson for repairing the          Kathy Wassman for paint blazing                garlic mustard at preserves in
        fence at Offield Family Viewland        at Susan Creek Nature Preserve.                Emmet and Charlevoix counties.
        My Sister’s Bake Shop for donating      BioBlitz foray leaders Doug Fuller             Glen Matthews and Mary and
        cookies for preserve dedications.       and Glen Matthews; and Richard                 Bill Kunst for planting trees at Jack
        Wequetonsing campers and                Jenkins and Darrell Lawson for                 and Tucker Harris Working Forest
        families for making notecards for       their willingness to help.                     Reserve.
        LTC and for clearing trails at Offiel   Mary Trout for help with online                Nick and Michaleen Karay, Sally
        Family Working Forest Reserve.          Environmental Education programs.              Bales, and Rye Muir for stuffin
        Andy Keen for watering trees at         Pat and Julie Dougherty, Doug                  and stamping envelopes for our
        Consuelo Diane and Charles L.           Fuller, Bill Garlinghouse, Scott               summer mailing.
        Wilson, Jr. Working Forest Reserve.     Haley, Adam Schubel, and all                   Petoskey High School Shop
        Preserve Perfectionists for helping     Preserve Perfectionists for hauling            Class and teacher Larry Liebler
        with trail maintenance and              lumber and building boardwalks at              for building a “bat condo” for the
        boardwalk projects: John Baker,         Chaboiganing Nature Preserve.                  Nathan Beem Memorial Nature
        Pat and Julie Dougherty, Dan            Scott Smith and family for mowing              Preserve.
        Dueweke, Jim Ehrnst, John and           trails at the Sally and Art Hailand,           Glen Matthews for sharing his
        Sue Esser, Chris Ford, Richard          Jr. and Helstrom Family Nature                 expertise in review of forest
        Jenkins, Tom Rowland, Rick              Preserves.                                     management activities.
        Pawley, Bill Thompson, and Beth
                                                Lynn Brown for the boat ride                   Lisa Morris for shoreline cleanup at
        Wilson.
                                                around Marquette Island.                       the Kalman Nature Preserve.
        Todd Petersen, Wood Rodgers,
                                                Bill Courtois for joining the trail            Land Conservancy of West
        Spencer McCormack, Ray Gaynor,
                                                crew at Round Island Point Nature              Michigan, Blandford Nature
        and Latitude 45 for photography
                                                Preserve.                                      Center, Western Reserve Land
        and video work.
                                                Larry Liebler for making and                   Conservancy and Andy McDowell
        Trail Blazers for going above and                                                      for photos.
                                                donating two bat houses.
        beyond to help clear windfall after
        storms: Carolyn Belknap, Pat and
        Julie Dougherty, Dan Dueweke,
        Doug Engler, Gary High, Richard
        Jenkins, Mary Johnson, Scott
        Martin, Mark and Michelle
        Melvin, Rick Pawley, Paul Pioszak,
        Christina Rajala, Stan Royalty,
        Randy Tarzwell, Craig Williams,
        and Rob and Lisa Yates.
        Jim Palmer and Ellen Waller for
        pulling invasive spotted knapweed
        at the Kalman Nature Preserve.
        Pat and Julie Dougherty for
        donating lumber for boardwalks.
        Jim and Wendy Bean and Ed Pike
        for helping with the kestrel nesting
        and banding season. Thanks to all
        the kestrel nest box monitors for
                                                Volunteers and staff pulling invasive spotted knapweed at the Kalman Nature Preserve
        keeping their eyes peeled.
        10 | LITTLE TRAVERSE CONSERVANCY

28371_FallNewsletter.indd 10                                                                                                           9/4/20 8:22 AM
Save the Trees
                           2020 UPDATE - RECORD BREAKING YEAR!
         For the first time since its inception over 30 years ago, Save the Trees was not held as an in-person event
         this year. But that didn’t stop you from saving the trees! A total of 89 donors raised $102,000, a new record
         for the event. That’s a total of 4,080 trees planted! Although we missed seeing everyone in person, we
         commend you on rising to the occasion and keeping the spirit of land conservation alive and well.
         SUGAR MAPLE - $10,000+         Martha and Andrew Bowman         Mr. and Mrs. John N. Failey    Mrs. Marjorie Smith
                                        Mrs. Thomas H. Carruthers,       Jennifer and Sandy Kasten      Kenyon Stebbins and Susan
         Baiardi Family Foundation,          IV                          Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Kost     Lyman
            Inc.                        Karen and Michael Donnelly       Michael and Stephanie Loria    Mr. and Mrs. Taggart
         Gayle and Chip Everest         Jane and Walt Enterline          Irma Noel and James Rand       Mrs. Place Tegland
         Seth and Consie Pierrepont     Mr. and Mrs. Michael J.          Shawna Owen                    Mr. and Mrs. Michael L.
         Dr. and Mrs. John A. Woollam        FitzSimons                  Mr. and Mrs. Richard M.          Turnbull
         RED OAK - $5,000               Fischer Insurance                   Parker
                                        Robert Harold and Nannie         Rob Suess and Sharon           SAVE THE TREES
         Mr. and Mrs. Reed H. Eberly         Turrell                     Mathison Suess                 COMMITTEE
         Mr. and Mrs. Peter Schiff      Mr. and Mrs. David H. Irish      Mr. Robert S. Swanson
                                        Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W.           Mark and Tina Verlinden        Consie and Seth Pierrepont,
         WHITE PINE - $2,500                 Kimmell, II                 Mr. Gill Whitman                  Co-chairs
         Meg and Jim Sprow              Martin Letts                                                    Maureen Abood
                                        Jon and Christy Lyons            ASPEN up to $249               Peggy Abood
         Kelsey Lee Offield and Col
           Sternberg                    Yvonne Fisher McCready                                          Martha and Andrew Bowman
                                                                         Bob and Margi Bake
                                        Anna Petzold Nichols                                            Susie Carruthers
                                                                         Jack and Susie Baker
         EASTERN HEMLOCK -              Nub’s Nob Ski Area               Mr. Drew Bartlett
                                                                                                        Nathalie and JC Danilovich
         $1,000+                        Jill and Dave Patterson                                         Jane and Reed Eberly
                                                                         Ms. Maureen Burke
                                        Tricia Petzold and Ted Paisley                                  Jane and Walter Enterline
         Dave and Robyn Barrie                                           Amy and Scott Carbeck
                                        Warren Rose Family                                              Emily Everest
         Tim and Susan Collins                                           James and Susan Carne
                                        Curtis and Carol Jean                                           Sarah and Peter Ford
         Jo Anne Doll                                                    Ryan and Sara Charles
                                             Schaberg                                                   Mary and Mark Hramiec
         Mr. and Mrs. David J.                                           Mary Lee and Mike Duff
                                        Susan and Gary Stewart                                             Hoffma
            Donovan                                                      Peter and Sarah Ford
                                        Don and Mary Trout                                              Katie and Rob Holton
         Emily Everest                                                   Paul and Claire Forney
                                        Anne Wallace                                                    Jen and Sandy Kasten
         The Gilbane Foundation                                          Steven and Barbara Kohler
                                                                                                        Beth and Steve Kost
         Rob and Katie Holton                                            Shelagh Luplow
                                        TAMARACK - $250                                                 Shelagh Lupow
         Diana and Jim Huckle                                            Sarah and Jamie MacLean
                                                                                                        Paige and Chad Meuse
         Chad and Paige Meuse           Mary M. Abood                    Mrs. Thomas J. Matyniak
                                                                                                        Kelsey Offield and Col
         Ms. Audie Otto                 Rob Alberts and Sarah            Anne L. McDevitt
                                                                                                           Sternberg
         Mr. and Mrs. William A.           Raunecker                     John and Mary Merrill
                                                                                                        Camilla and Seth Pierrepont
            Petzold                     Stephen and Jonne Bush           Mike and Linda Mills
                                                                                                        Sarah and Tom Post
         Sarah and Tom Post             Mike Calabrese                   Ms. Maureen Nicholson
                                                                                                        Lisa and Peter Schiff
         Deborah Shaw and Steve         William and Jennifer Chope       Ms. Sandi Riggs
                                                                                                        Consuelo and Russ Spitler
            Marquardt                   Edmund and Julia Denapoli        Tom and Joan Ryan
                                                                                                        Liz and Lee Tegland
                                        Robert and Sarah Dodge           David and Patricia Schlafl
         BALSAM FIR - $500                                                                              Gill Whitman
                                        Virginia Goodrich                Mike and Sara Schmidt
                                        Mr. and Mrs. Brian L.            Ms. Shepherd and Mr.
         Maureen Abood and Dan
                                           Granger                          Tolzdorf
           Shaheen

                                                                                         Protecting the North Country We Love | 11

28371_FallNewsletter.indd 11                                                                                                   9/4/20 8:23 AM
Welcome                                             NEW
                                                                                   MEMBERS
                               Thank you to the following new members who donated between
                               May 14 and August 18, 2020. If you were a new donor and do not see your
                               name on the list, please accept our sincere apologies and let our office know

                               J. P. and Chris Adams                  Mr. and Mrs. Raymond A. Cassar
                               Kathy Adelaine                         Steven and Susie Chapman
                               Jan and Alex Antalis                   Michael and Carolyn Clark
                               Mrs. Lori Autterson                    Barbara Cole
                               Kristen Baggott                        James Conner and Jennifer Jurgens
                               Samantha and Elijah Baker              Ann and Dave Cooper
                               Mr. and Mrs. Paul W. Barker            Richard and Carol Cross
                               Mr. and Mrs. Terrance A. Barr          Joseph Custer and Bonnie Kulp
                               Ellen Beatty                           John R. Daiek
                               Mark Bellino                           Cheryl Darnell
                               Steve and Laurie Belmear               Linda Lou Spence Domacz
                               Matthew and Shari Berger               Dr. Robert Eliassen
                               Greg and Lori Beyer                    Scott and Kathy Ellis
                               James and Cheryl Binienda              Gary and Beverly Engel
                               Martin and Catherine Blagdurn          Sara Eshelbrenner
                               Mrs. Benjamin Blesi                    Josh and Shelby Ferguson
                               Lance and Angela Boldrey               Paul Fiedorek
                               Ollie Boynton                          William Diener and Dion Flannery
                               Michael and Sharley Braden             James and Joanne Foley
                               James and Lisa Breaugh                 Beth Fortino
                               Mr. and Mrs. Terry M. Bremmeyr         Ms. Ursula Froehlich
                               Mr. and Mrs. Douglas R. Brown          Douglas and Cheryl Gabel
                               Mr. George J. Burrows                  Paul and Annie Helms

                               Thank you, Marta!
                               T
                                        his September, Marta Olson finished her term as
                                        Chairwoman of the Little Traverse Conservancy’s Board
                                        of Trustees. Joe Kimmel has been elected
                                        Chair, and he is poised to continue
                               in the tradition of great leadership for
                               LTC. Many people are unaware of
                               the investment of time, thought,
                               and energy the Chair gives to our
                               organization. On top of that, Marta
                               oversaw the first transition of an
                               Executive Director at LTC in over
                               30 years, and she did it with grace
                               and enthusiasm. I am personally
                               grateful for her leadership,
                               intelligence, patience, and strength.
                               I cannot tell you how many phone
                               calls, texts, or emails she instantly
                               responded to at any time of the week or
                               day. She was the perfect leader at the right
                               time for LTC. Fortunately, she will remain on the Board to serve
                               out her remaining term. On behalf of our members, Trustees,
                               volunteers, and staff, thank you Marta!
                                                                            - Kieran Fleming
         PHOTO BY RAY GAYNOR

28371_FallNewsletter.indd 12                                                                              9/4/20 8:23 AM
Joyce Goff                             William Merchant                        David and Colleen Schon
        Gregg and Tamra Greenwood              Kevin and Marcia Meyer                  Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schrader
        Great Lakes Outback                    Nancy and Marvin Miller                 Gary and Nancy Seelye
        Eric Hemenway and Emily Proctor        Dr. Nicholas and Alexandra              Stuart and Holly Seltman
        Ron and Diane Herzog                      Moisides                             Ms. Cherly J Shanahan
        David and Minta vanReesema             Nancy H Monroe                          Peter and Giselle Saulnier Sholler
           Hissong                             David More                              Mr. and Mrs. Steven Sikkema
        Al and Julie Hurd                      Jeffrey and Angela Morri                Lisa Simon
        Aimee Huyser                           Catherine and Tucker Morse              Koreen Sivrais
        Davide and Elena Iacobelli             Hershel and Jennifer Ratliff Mos        Clayton Smith
        Mr. Gary Karp                          Jack and Kathleen Nestell               Sandy Smith
        Ken and Sandy Keiffe                   Mark and Alexa Parker                   Ms. Elizabeth A. Smith
        Michael and Amy Kelbel                 James and Carol Pawlusiak               Mr. and Mrs. Ronald N. Smith
        Joe and Stacy Ketchum                  Thomas and Caren Peltier                Brian M and Karen Smith
        Sara Kirby and Jennifer Bronk          Phillip and Carrie Pennington           Cole Smith
        Stephen and Molly Kircher              Tom and Kelly Petitto                   Robert and Ann Marie Sojka
        Zachary and Julie Kirk                 Don and Lisa Pietrowski                 Anthony and Loretta Spata
        Mrs. Mary T. Kosch                     Mark Powers and Mary Hotchkiss          Mrs. Donald Spray
        Ronald and Mary Ann Kramer             Karen L Ragland                         Teresa Staley
        Dennis and Susan Kreeger               Mr. Scott R. Rausch                     Janet Sydow
        John and Marcia Dunn-Kyle              Perry Rech                              Alexandra Taylor
        Daniel and Sherrie Laffert             Rick and Sylvia Rennie                  Mr. and Mrs. Ed Terris
        Pamela Lagattuta                       Mr. John Rethman                        Michael and Sandra Tomkovicz
        Craig and Peggy Lekich                 Sharon Reurick                          Mr. and Mrs. Todd Upham and
        Mr. and Mrs. David Levy                Beth Menzi-Rochette                        Family
        Linda Longworth                        Wood Rodgers                            Olivia VanKammen
        Mr. Larry Mallory                      Manuel and Kellie Rodrigues             Mrs. Donald R. Walker
        Paul and Barb Malloure                 Mr. and Mrs. Brian Roney                Mr. and Mrs. Ray W. Wallick
        Adam and Molly Manninen                David Rothschild                        Jennifer Wein
        Mr. William A. Markey                  Sandra M Safford-Gro                    Mary Wilseck
        Michelle Masi and Kyle Exelby          William and Diane Saltarelli            Jody G. and Jennifer Woods
        Drew Mason                             Ms. Renate Schan
        Matthews Family                        Dawn M. Schluter

        Seasonal Stewardship Staff
                 Tulwen Adams & Madison Talmage
        This summer, we were lucky to welcome two interns from
        Austin College in Sherman, Texas. Tulwen Adams (left)
        and Madison Talmage (right) joined the Stewardship team
        along with Brad Von Blon (center) who has been with LTC
        as a seasonal staff member since the summer of 2019.
        Tulwen, originally from Ladonia, Texas, is majoring in
        Environmental Studies with a minor in Spanish at Austin
        College. Madison is from Greenville, Texas, and double
        majoring in Environmental Studies and Public Health. For both of these Texans, it was their first time in Michigan!
        When asked about the most interesting differences in the two landscapes, both commented on the immense
        amount of natural, public spaces in Michigan such as state parks and nature preserves. Tulwen also remarked
        that the natural springs in northern Michigan are a stark difference to paying for water in Texas.
        From trail maintenance at Bois Blanc and Beaver Islands, to painting and installing posts and signs, this team did
        it all this summer! Madison commented that one of her favorite aspects was being involved at the height of the
        Offield Family Viewlands opening. Tulwen enjoyed exploring the simple and unique ways of showing care for th
        land, such as building bat houses and managing invasive species.
        The busy work of summer was made a lot lighter with these helping hands and fresh energy. Thank you so much
        for your hard work and dedication!
                                                                                   Protecting the North Country We Love | 13

28371_FallNewsletter.indd 13                                                                                                9/4/20 8:23 AM
Memorials & Honorariums
                                         Gifts given between May 14 and August 19, 2020.
        IN HONOR OF                     Steve Hunter and Naomi          Ms. Margo L. Hodder             Jennifer E. Mann
                                           Bank                         Lydia Hunn and Charles Derr     Mrs. Carol C. Bitting
        Ian and Sally Bund
                                        Nancy Keller                    Dr. and Mrs. William F.
        Mr. and Mrs. Edward Koza                                                                        Diana Mallory
                                        Kent and Janice LaDuc              Jerome
                                                                                                        Mr. Larry Mallory
        Jeff For                        Kathy Lowenthal                 Robbie and Michelle Kerback
        Peter and Sarah Ford            Dan and Lisa Weber              Pam Kleibusch                   Eva Marich
                                                                        Klepadlo, Winnell, Nuorala,     Mr. Michael G. Marich
        Carrie Harrison                 Jerry Festerling
                                                                           P.C.                         John McHenry
        Laurie Mayhew and Morgan        Dave Kring Chevrolet Cadillac
                                                                        Bruce and Cameron Koch          Bruce K. Davis and Heidi W.
          Coyne
                                        Stanley Friesen                 Mr. and Mrs. Edward Koza           Hill
        Lisa Loyd                       Dr. and Mrs. Robert L.          Earl and Barbara Larson
        Mr. and Mrs. Robert A.             Stephenson                   Ric and Lisa Loyd               Judy Newton
           Hameister                                                    Barry and Audrey Lustgarten     Mr. and Mrs. Hord Hardin, II
                                        Donald Griffin
        Katherine and Shridhar Shah                                     Dan and Amy Lyons               Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C.
                                        Michael Brady and Linda
                                                                        Mr. and Mrs. James F. Martin      Peterson
        Ric Loyd                          Knibbs
                                                                        Darlene and Dudley Marvin       Margaret and Bill Stude
        The Biddle-Harvey Family
                                        Oliver Grin                     Drs. Vaughn and Harriet         Thomas Tim O'Brien
        James Offie                     Bob and Margi Bake                 McGraw                       Mrs. Kathy Hodgkiss
        Tim Kepford                     Mr. and Mrs. Byron L. West      Lena Meijer
                                                                        Valerie Meyerson                Al and Pat Olofsson
        Cedric Richner                  Randy Hayes
                                                                        E. Ann Morrison                 John and Patty Danzo
        Grants Plus                     Mary Hayes
                                                                        Michigan School Public          Dr. and Mrs. Ronald D.
        Lauren Steiner
                                        Jack Heckenberg                    Relations Association           VandenBrink
        Bill and Jeanine Smith          Bob and Margi Bake                 Board                        Robert Lewis Onello
        Harold and Lynda Friedman       Mr. and Mrs. G. Sheldon Veil    Dan Musser and Marlee           Earl and Sherry Bash
        Christopher M.- Smith           Mary Hoffma                        Brown
                                                                        Craig and Crissy Napont         Frazier Reams
        Katherine Lazarski              Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W.
                                                                        Northern Trust West Michigan    Mr. and Mrs. Byron L. West
                                            Neelands
        Jerry Stonewater                                                Judge and Mrs. Richard Pajtas
                                        Bill and Carolyn Stark                                          John Ruddell
        Sara Kirby and Jennifer Bronk                                   Mr. and Mrs. Mark L. Peterson   Beaver Island Cultural Arts
                                        Donald Kopka                    Barbara Rivard
        Mary Lou Tanton                                                                                    Association
                                        Jon Sangeorzan and              John F. and Deborah J. Rohe
        Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B.                                                                          Molly Harrison
                                           Margaret Tvedten             Shelley Yorke Rose
          McMullen                                                                                      Bonnie and Scott Harrison
                                        Susan Letts                     Mr. and Mrs. Gerald L.          Kimberlee Mitchell and Ralph
        Mary Trout                                                         Rosevear
                                        Mr. and Mrs. Charles E.                                            Williamson
        Trisha Lockman                                                  Mr. Rothenberger
                                          Letts, Jr.                                                    Ms. Nancy F. Smith
        Eric Vaandering and Stacy                                       Mr. and Mrs. Clark J. Smith
                                        Seberon Litzenburger            Mr. and Mrs. Melvyn L. Smith    Carl D. Sheppard and
        St. Clair
                                        Bob and Cheryl Alger            Peggy Tittle and Robert         Patricia H. Sheppard
        In honor of their engagement
                                        Thomas Bailey and Heidi            Doctor                       Nancy Sheppard and Peter
        IN MEMORY OF                       Marshall                     Margo Todd                        Poullada
                                        Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A.         Jean and Steve Van Dam
        Irvin Bieser                                                                                    George Wedel
                                           Bennett                      Dr. and Mrs. Ronald D.
        James Garland and Carol                                                                         Rachel Blodgett and Family
                                        Mr. Joe Blachy                     VandenBrink
           Andreae                      Ms. Ann Joslyn Burrows                                          Adie Wieland
        Gibby Jeffre                                                    Dan and Sue Veeneman
                                        Ellen Byerlein and Robert                                       Margie Marks and Patrick
                                                                        Nathan Veeneman and Adam
        Elaine Booth                       Sloan                                                          Wise
                                                                           Hutchens
        Patricia Rushlow and Jeri       Randy, Pam and Keith Dean       Mrs. Bridget Waldvogel          Jan Werner
           Sherman                      Gary and Shelley Dowland        Waldvogel Family                Greta and Jeff Buc
        Nancy and Bruce Turner          Christine Etienne and Dennis    Mr. Ken Winter                  Charles and Susan Cremin
                                           Lindeman                     David and Wendy Wohns           Donald Ekdom
        Sally Cudlip                    Mr. and Mrs. James H.
        Martha Speer                                                    Zahn Builders                   Leslie and Kevin Lloyd
                                           Everest                                                      Ken and Faye Morley
        Sandy Thurmond                  Gary Fedus                      Patricia Lowry
                                                                                                        Rex Parker
        David and Alyce Dick and        Ingrid Flemming                 The Coe Family
                                                                                                        Kathleen Parsons
        Margaret Mackey Dick            Flowers from Sky's the Limit    Will and Kathleen Macomber
                                                                                                        Lila Westenberg
        Robert B. Dick, PhD             Ms. Twink Frey                  Mr. and Mrs. David H. McAree
                                                                                                        Timmie and Jim Wiant
                                        Dave and Mickey Funkhouser      Patricia Palm
        Thomas Dworman                                                  Mr. and Mrs. G. Howard          Carol Wierenga
                                        Mary Alice Hackman
        Dean & Fulkerson PC                                               Willett, III                  Ms. Darlene Dawood
                                        Andy and Cindy Hayes
        Jeffrey and Heidi Hudso
                                        John and Diane Heinzelman
        14 | LITTLE TRAVERSE CONSERVANCY

28371_FallNewsletter.indd 14                                                                                                       9/4/20 8:23 AM
Conservancy Loses Founding Member
                                    SEBERON ‘BOO’ LITZENBURGER
                                                             1936-2020

        O
                    ne of LTC’s seven founders, Seberon “Boo”        the group wanted to find another way to protect land
                    Litzenburger, passed away in July following a    that did not involve litigation. Thus, the Little Traverse
                    brief illness.                                   Conservancy was founded in 1972 by Boo and six other
                                                                                              men: John Fischer, David Irish,
        The son of Dr. A.F. and Marjorie                                                      Ed Koza, Earl Larson, Frank
        Litzenburger, Boo and his family                                                      Pierce and John Tanton.
        moved to Boyne City when
        Boo was almost two years                                                               “Because of his passionate love
        old. Northern Michigan’s open                                                          of this area and of the great
        spaces and pristine waters                                                             outdoors, Boo felt driven to be
        became his playground and                                                              part of the land conservation
        filled his zest for adventure as                                                       movement,” said Kieran Fleming,
        a boy and young man. He loved                                                          LTC’s executive director. “He was
        fishing and canoeing the Boyne                                                         a voice of steady reason for us
        River and nearby streams,                                                              and his whole family continues
        hunting birds and rabbits across                                                       to further his legacy of land
        meadows        and    woodlands,                                                       conservation and protection
        and skiing at Boyne Mountain.                                                          in numerous ways. We are so
        Sailing Lake Charlevoix and                                                            grateful for his vision, his sweet
        waters far beyond was a                                                                temperament, and what he has
        particular lifelong love. Boo                                                          done to make this world a better
        practiced law in Petoskey with                                                         place.”
        various partners for 37 years,                                                       Boo’s wife Dianne has been
        specializing in general civil                                active with the Conservancy since 1996 including a stint
        litigation with a strong emphasis on business and real       as the Board Chair. Boo’s son Gow carries his father’s
        property matters. He eventually joined the first team        passion for continually making the world a greener place,
        developing the former Penn-Dixie Cement Company              and his daughter, Liesel, along with her husband, Hank,
        (now called Bay Harbor) and practiced real estate with       have donated land creating four nature preserves in
        Sotheby’s International Realty in Bay Harbor and Harbor      Emmet and Charlevoix counties. The family is currently
        Springs, retiring when he was 80.                            working to protect a signific nt and historic piece of land
        In 1971, Boo was among those who challenged a new            that will be named in Boo’s memory and announced in a
        development near Harbor Springs. Although they won,          forthcoming newsletter.

                                      BEQUESTS:
                                            PROVIDING IMPACT AND PEACE OF MIND.
                                               Now, more than ever, advanced and thoughtful planning offers you an
                                                opportunity to provide significant impact and peace of mind.
                                                  A bequest to the Conservancy will further our mission for many years
                                                   and also help care for the special places we have preserved. These
                                                   legacy gifts are not just for the well-to-do. Bequests of any size will have
                                                   a noteworthy impact on the Conservancy’s continued growth, stability
                                                  and long-term success. However you choose to give, the Conservancy
                                                 is grateful for your investment in our future and the future of the North
                                                Country we all love.
                                             For more information on bequests and other planned giving options, please
                                           contact Ty Ratliff, Associate Director, at 231.347.0991 or tyratliff@landtrust.or
                                                                                      Protecting the North Country We Love | 15

28371_FallNewsletter.indd 15                                                                                                   9/4/20 8:23 AM
Non-profit Org
                                                                                                         U.S. POSTAGE PAID
                                                                                                            Petoskey, MI
                                                                                                           Permit No. 110

        Little Traverse Conservancy
        3264 Powell Road
        Harbor Springs, MI 49740
        www.landtrust.org
        Address Service Requested

       Night Sky Storytelling
                        at The Offield Family Viewlands with Mary Stewart Adams
        Join Star Lore Historian Mary Stewart Adams for storytelling and sky watching as we hold the light – inside
        and out – during the darkening months. There are many places to spread out, and Mary’s narration will be
        available through a Zoom link that will be shared with all registrants prior to each program. Please note that
        buildings will not be open and restrooms will not be available for these programs. In the event of inclement
        weather, programs will happen entirely online, but otherwise Mary will be onsite speaking. For full program
        descriptions and to register, visit www.landtrust.org/events or call 231.347.0991.

        THE MYSTERIES OF HARVEST MOON                            HALLOWEEN HIKE
        Thursday, October 1                                      Saturday, October 31
        7 - 9pm                                                  6:30pm
        Harvest Moon is the Full Moon that occurs closest to     As if the events of 2020 weren't rare enough already,
        Autumn Equinox, and when it happens after Equinox        this year also includes a Blue Moon on Halloween. A
        as it will this year, the mood of the season is quite    Full Moon only happens on Halloween every 19 years!
        different. Mary will share tales of harvest traditions   Mary will share stories of the mischief associated with
        associated with this Moon, while also considering        All Hallow'd Eve, and why they matter in this season.
        what we bring to harvest in 2020.                        Bring a luminary of your own to light your way!

        ORIONID METEOR SHOWER                                    NARRATIVE OF THE NIGHT SKY
        Saturday, October 17                                     Wednesday, November 11
        7pm                                                      7 - 9pm
        Each year from early October to early November,          This evening's program is timed to coincide with the
        the meteor shower of the giant Orion lights up the       peak of the Taurid Meteor Shower. Mary will share
        sky, producing about 10-20 meteors an hour during        information about the significance of the third and
        peak activity. This program is about the stories,        final conjunction of the planets Jupiter and Pluto, the
        literature, art and science inspired by Orion, and by    completion of Mars' once-every-two-years retrograde,
        the parent comet of the meteor shower, 1P/Halley,        and other notable celestial phenomena.
        in anticipation of the Orionid Meteor Shower.
                                                                             PHOTO BY RAY GAYNOR, OFFIELD FAMILY VIEWLANDS

                         PROTECTING THE NORTH COUNTRY WE LOVE
28371_FallNewsletter.indd 16                                                                                            9/4/20 8:23 AM
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