We recently requested personal stories from our CWC supporters for the latest edition of Heron Tracks, and we received an awesome response! It was a joy to read everyone’s accounts of what inspired them to support our organization. The connections to nature run deep among CWC supporters. While we couldn’t include all the stories in their entirety in the newsletter, we wanted to ensure that we showcased them.
“For most of my life, I enjoyed the outdoors with my camera from the saddle of my bike. Then, as I got a little older, I started looking for new ways to experience the outdoors with my camera. Fortunately, this coincided with me discovering the various nature preserves under the stewardship of the CWC.
CWC preserves like Bundy Hill, Sylvan Solace, Hall’s Lake, and others have provided me with wonderful subjects to photograph, such as wildflowers, snakes, insects, frogs, deer, and numerous species of birds. And the trails help keep me active and hiking in the outdoors all year long.
I consider myself lucky to have the opportunity to access so many acres and miles of wetland, woodland, and river banks that the CWC maintains and protects. I can’t thank the CWC enough for their work in protecting mid-Michigan’s outdoor spaces and getting folks interested in the outdoors; I’m proud to support their ongoing efforts.” -Jason Mahokey
“My grandfather built our family cottage at Halls Lake in 1942 and as a child I remember spending endless hours on the East Side of the lake catching turtles. Because of the efforts of Stan Lilley and many other supporters, the CWC purchased this property preserving it for future generations. The Halls Lake Natural Area is now a treasured gem enjoyed by our family and friends.” -Alan and Kathy Johns
“What can I say? Many of my great outdoor memories have happened at a CWC preserve. From accidentally coming across a barred owl along the trail, witnessing a beaver munching on some goodies across the river (both at Sylvan), to finding two Blanding’s turtles at Hall’s Lake on the same day, and accidentally discovering an eastern newt at Hall’s while flipping a log, it is always an adventure! I find a lot of peace in the woods and I am especially glad that these wonderful properties are available for all to enjoy!” -Karen Green
“When I (someone not from these parts) bought 15 acres of overgrown forest on the Chippewa River in west Isabella County in 2022, I knew it was a special place with history that spanned generations before me.
But to my untrained eye, I couldn’t see the forest for the trees, frankly. Everything was plugged up with berry-bearing, silver-leaved bushes. But I was committed to restoring it.
I looked up the local conservancy and found the CWC. I contacted Executive Director Mike LeValley and asked for help. Mike taught me how to remove autumn olive, the pretty but overwhelming invasive species that was introduced on my property many years ago for privacy, but now is taking over many of our open spaces across Michigan, and creeping into woods like mine.
Mike’s simple advice — and I haven’t really done much more than make a big dent on the autumn olive population — has resulted in a 10x improvement to the plant and animal life on my property and the health of the trees. Everything can get some air and sun now.
He also counseled me that I will never get it perfect. That was good advice, too, and allowed me to enjoy the impact I am making.
Because of my interest and previous board experience, Mike and the CWC Board of Directors invited me to join the board in 2023. During my two years of service, I have been consistently impressed with the operations and financial management of the organization, but even more so Mike and Autumn’s engagement with the community at the events like the Farmer’s Market, Quiet Adventures Symposium, donor and volunteer celebrations, and the CWC’s always-on calendar of hikes and informative social media posts. They have, stated simply, deep expertise in pretty much all things about our local habitat, and people love to hear them talk about it.
I attended the family and neighborhood celebration at Starks Preserve when it opened, and I’ve also accompanied Mike to meet with landowners across the CWC’s service area who have granted an easement to the CWC or are considering donating their property to the CWC in their will. I hear the trust that these folks have for the CWC to take good care of their land in the manner they intend for it. I’m fortunate to be a part of that.
Mike, Autumn, my fellow board members (past and present), and CWC volunteers and donors have become my first family in my new community — truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen, literally cradled in the palm of the Michigan mitten, speckled with so many incredible and varied preserves. I am grateful to the CWC for taking good care of it and welcoming me!” -Karin Jenson
“I became interested in conservation at an early age. I was one of the first girls to attend Camp Kett. It was a conservation camp which included a deer drive and other outdoor activities. I was very active in 4-H both as a member and a leader and I completed and led many projects in the nature area. Until retirement I lived in the country on a large parcel of wild land. We put a conservation easement on the property before selling it and moving to Mt. Pleasant. Joining CWC was a natural for me. I enjoyed what I was doing and what CWC was accomplishing. I am proud to have been a past Chairman and I hope I have been an effective leader in adding new acreage and making more people aware of CWC.” -Marilyn Fosburg
“I got involved with Chippewa Watershed Conservancy for a hundred reasons: the people who created and grew the organization, those who made the incredible commitment of entrusting their land to its care, and supporters who, like me, find immense joy and connection through nature.
A particularly resonant aspect of the CWC for me has always been the caliber of its educators and presenters. I often recall the captivating stories shared at the annual fundraisers; I still reminisce about Stan Lilley’s remarkable nature skills, which left a lasting impression. These experiences highlight the CWC as a beautiful organization comprised of beautiful people, all united in their love for our precious lands. We are merely temporary stewards of these natural spaces, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure their beauty endures for future generations. The CWC embodies this commitment, making it an organization I wholeheartedly support.” -Amy Shindorf
“My residence is next to the Chippewa River. It is a privilege to have this experience. Knowing that there is an organization protecting the watershed of this central Michigan river has great importance.
Some people have lost their interest in environmental issues. The CWC continues to act and promote the importance of fresh, clean water and a safe environment.
Congratulations and Thank You for your efforts.” -Ginger Judge
“From early on, my free time was spent exploring the fields and forests of Michigan. My parents fostered a fascination of the natural world around us. They would tell us the folk tale of Queen Anne’s Lace and point out to us the different birds and their mating habits. They would also name different animals from afar and tell us how they fit into their ecosystem. I donate and became a member of CWC to support their mission of conservation and preservation. I support their mission so I can take my kids someday to the preserves. I want to be able to show them the same species my parents showed me and tell them their stories.” -Torri Basso
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude for the care and dedication you’ve poured into preserving the beautiful lands under your stewardship. The trails, fields, and forests protected by the CWC have quietly held space for some of the most significant chapters of my life.
These preserves have been a refuge in times of healing—when I needed peace, I found it under the swaying trees. They were the backdrop to moments of clarity and comfort as I navigated life’s challenges. They’ve also been a setting for joy—where I found love.
When I lived in Arizona for five years, I would return home with an ache for Michigan’s green woods. Visiting these trails brought immediate relief, like being wrapped in something familiar. They reminded me of who I was and where I came from.
Now, in this newest stage of life, I have the privilege of sharing these spaces with my young son. Watching him explore these same trails, splash in the puddles, listen to birdsong, and marvel at the trees has added a new layer of meaning. These preserved lands are his first introduction to the wonder of the natural world—and I couldn’t ask for a better teacher.
Thank you for preserving these spaces—not just for the wildlife, not just for the community, but for people like me, who have found comfort, connection, and continuity on your trails. Your work matters more than you know.” -With heartfelt appreciation, Lizette Betancourt
“I started visiting CWC properties after driving past the brown road-side signs enough times to become curious enough to follow them to Bundy Hill one day. For a while, my interaction with the CWC was limited to visits to the preserves every month or so. Then I met my now-fiancé, Caroline Roberts, who was crazy about the CWC.
Through her, I became much more involved with the organization and its overall mission. When the time came for me to propose to Caroline, I knew I wanted to do it outside and within Isabella county. Working with those parameters, and given our shared love for the organization, I figured there was no better proposal spot than our favorite CWC preserve, Hall’s Lake Natural Area.
When the day came, I asked if she wanted to go for a hike at a preserve after work, as we do often do on summer afternoons. Unbeknownst to her, I ran out to Hall’s alone first and stashed some roses behind a tree, right where there’s a gap in the foliage that provides a wide view of the lake.
Shortly after, we came back to the preserve together. As we approached the break in the trees, I went down to where the roses laid. I called her over under the guise of a particularly interesting plant I had found, which is not uncommon for Hall’s. As she approached, I pulled out the roses and the ring.
The rest of the hike back to the vehicle was much less eventful compared to that moment, but no less enchanting, as is the nature of Hall’s and its significance to us. We are forever grateful for the CWC and its stewardship of wild places that affords people the opportunity to create memories in the outdoors.” -Owen Howard
“The CWC is an organization of passionate and dedicated members of our community that works to connect all of us to the beautiful world where we live and helps us to better understand how we can protect our amazing fields, forests, streams and lakes for our children. It has been an honor and very satisfying to contribute my time and money to this amazing organization.” -Tim Odykirk
“I discovered CWC while attending the Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market in 2022. It was a no-brainer for me to get involved. It was obvious this organization was doing work I wanted to be a part of. I became a member immediately and jumped in headfirst by attending a stewardship training. This protocol was not new to me, as I had been doing the same volunteer work for the Michigan Nature Association. Soon, I became the new steward for Sylvan Solace and tagged along with Stan on some conservation easement monitoring visits I was going to take off his plate. Sylvan Solace seemed the obvious property for me to begin working at because it was my “lunchtime hiking spot.” At the time, I worked at a nearby veterinary clinic and spent my lunch decompressing in nature. Thursday afternoon work sessions were focused on Autumn Olive removal at Sylvan Solace, and that was too convenient not to help out!
Mike knew I was involved with the Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership, and after I mapped the small pool at Sylvan Solace, he advised me to check out Hall’s Lake Natural Area. The first trip out there, I was greeted by a large Eastern Snapping Turtle along Broomfield Road just before the south entrance, and I knew I was going to love this property. I spent the first visit chasing Northern Leopard Frogs along the Lakeshore Trail and poking around in the various wetlands, finding Wood Frog tadpoles and old Spotted Salamander egg masses, and never looked back!
Now, here we are three years later, and I am still discovering new delights at Hall’s Lake! The more time I spend there, the more I love it. As I spend more time at Hall’s Lake throughout the seasons, my relationship and connection to the land deepens. The only way to describe it is that it feels like “home.”
During the summer of 2023, while corresponding regarding conservation easement reports, Mike asked if I had ever considered a career change and invited me to come in for an interview…the rest is history! The CWC community welcomed me with open arms, and now I get paid to share salamander facts with folks. What more could a person ask for?!” -Autumn Baker
