As we prepared the membership appeal for this year, we thought who better to tell the impact of the CWC than our supporters! It was an absolute joy to reach out to folks and hear their stories. We are all joined by a love of nature, and that connection is woven throughout everything that CWC does. Our goal is to foster meaningful relationships between our community and the natural world while ensuring future generations have access to these vital green spaces. If you are interested in becoming a member, find out more here: https://cwc-mi.org/membership/
Ann & Curt Jensen
When I retired in 2010 we made the easy choice to buy a home along the Chippewa River near Anne’s hometown of Mt. Pleasant. We love to walk and hike outdoors and enjoy nature at its best. Climate change and caring for the world around us are important parts of our lives. Soon after moving we discovered CWC and began to check out various preserves and learn about easements. That led to our becoming financial donors as well.
I have hiked numerous times at Audubon Woods, Hiawatha Hills, Starks, Sylvan Solace, Quigley Creek, Peterson, Fox Run, Neyer, Meridian Road, Mill Pond Natural Area, and Sponseller Preserves. I have seen where Szok Riverbend is and located Kjolhede’s Kove and the new Hubscher Property.
But, having said all that, my two favorite places to hike are The Halls Lake properties and Bundy Hill. I love the extensive trails and the beautiful views. Keep it up.
Becky Pontious
I believe the CWC provides crucial protection for the lands entrusted to it. It is so important that we have accessible land for all to enjoy and observe nature. The events and hikes led by the CWC provide learning opportunities for children and adults to learn and better appreciate nature.
Volunteering brings a sense of camaraderie and accomplishment. I have become good friends with people I met by joining in hikes and through volunteerism.
From snowshoeing to Moonlight hikes, mushroom hunting to wildflower viewing. There are many opportunities to join in the fun.
Black Cahill
As an undergraduate and graduate student studying conservation biology at Central Michigan University, I contributed to conservation projects led by state and federal natural resource agencies but was largely unaware of the work of land conservancies. As I explored CWC preserves and became involved with CWC programming, my eyes were opened to the depth and breadth of the work that land conservancies, like CWC, do to preserve Michigan’s natural communities. Volunteering my time on land management and outreach projects with CWC staff has been some of the most rewarding aspects of my career in conservation to date.
As a graduate student at Central Michigan University, I studied the biology, ecology, and impacts of invasive plant species on Michigan’s natural communities. My time spent volunteering during CWC Stewardship Workdays has provided me with an avenue to apply that knowledge to make a tangible difference to the lands of mid-Michigan. The most rewarding project I have participated on to date has been the invasive shrub removal at Mill Pond Natural Area. I can’t imagine a better way to spend my time outdoors than working with CWC staff and volunteers to improve plant and wildlife habitat at the preserve.
My favorite preserve is Sylvan Solace. It was the first CWC preserve that I visited when I was an undergraduate at Central Michigan University. In the years following, I visited often to escape the stresses of graduate school. To this day, my wife and I visit often to look for spring ephemeral wildflowers, take in the fall colors, or catch a glimpse of the Chippewa River.
Caroline Roberts
I’m a big fan of the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy (CWC)! It’s a true gem for Middle Michigan, offering free and protected outdoor spaces that are vital for our community. The CWC strikes a perfect balance between conservation and education, utilizing our region’s rural charm to provide enriching experiences for all.
Their social gatherings, like the fall fundraisers and hikes, foster a sense of community that I love being a part of. As a former intern, I had the privilege of helping build a trail at Hall’s Lake Natural Area—an experience that makes Hall’s my favorite preserve!
Don & Karen Stearns
We began supporting CWC a lot of years ago because they helped us protect our farm by accepting it into the Conservancy. Over many years, we’ve helped the CWC with several of their projects, all of which seemed in line with good conservation ideals. We continue to support CWC as a local, well run conservation organization.
Kim Klumpp
“Nothing is free in life”
Not even the places we feel the most free! The opportunity for my grandchildren to have a place to quiet their minds by being with nature is slowly shrinking, so for that purpose I feel that by supporting the efforts of the CWC I am in some way protecting their future.
There is also the friends I have met and made by attending planned events offered by the staff. Our group of ladies (also known as the “Lollygags”) are pretty enamored by the preserves we stroll through. Most of us met on the trails of the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy. We have increased our awareness of plant and animal life offered on the preserves. Thank you to Mike, Sister Marie, Autumn, and a few more, for the educational tidbits you have shared. I have become a “Wide eyed wanderer”.
My love for the woods was instilled in me by my father, where his lessons on nature were taught on long hikes. And I’ve always been one who is curious to see what may be around the corner or further down the trail.
If you spend time in the places you love, then you end up finding like-minded people!
Mark Wilson
I have lived in Central Michigan my entire life and have always enjoyed the abundance of natural resources we have here. Living on Coldwater Lake in Isabella County for the last 9 years, every time I hiked a nearby trail, paddled the Coldwater and Chippewa River, or casted a line into Coldwater Lake, I found myself feeling the need to give something back and help protect these natural spaces.
Sherrie Warner
I support the CWC for their knowledge on native plants to Michigan. Mike’s enthusiasm while guiding a hike, very passionate about what he does and it’s much appreciated! My absolute favorite preserve is Hall’s Lake. I have grandkids that I would like to be able to enjoy Mother Nature as much as I do.
