A sandy hillside, an oak-pine forest, and this trout stream are the primary habitats found at this property, adjacent to the GenevieveCasey Nature Sanctuary. Photo by Brad Hyde

If you care about Michigan and nature, here is your chance to make an immediate difference by helping MNA in a campaign to protect a special natural area in Oceana County (near Pentwater, south of Ludington).

Adjacent to the existing Genevieve Casey Nature Sanctuary is approximately 30 acres home to a trout stream, salmon spawning grounds and a variety of other habitats. Protecting this property would more-than-double the size of the existing sanctuary, and also serve as a buffer to continue protecting the habitat, especially the delicate stream ecosystem.

There are many criteria MNA uses to select which properties to protect. In this case, it is to provide a buffer for the already existing sanctuary, which is downstream. If an individual were to purchase the property, there is greater potential to permanently damage the hydrology of the sanctuary, especially if animal and/or farm waste got into the trout stream.

“This acquisition is ecologically vital to the existing Genevieve Casey Nature Sanctuary,” says Jeremy Emmi, executive director of MNA. “It is the only way to guarantee the long-term protection of the habitat.”

Characterized by clear springs, a sandy hillside and an oak-pine barren, this land is the major link to the water system that the existing MNA sanctuary depends on. Mistreating this water system, which recharges the Genevieve Casey Nature Sanctuary and the springs, could cause severe damage to the entire area.

Don Reed, MNA Trustee, toured the property in late November to meet the current owners and see the property up close. It was even more beautiful than they expected.

“The photos, as nice as they were, could not do justice to the actual beauty of the land,” Don says. “We originally considered this property for its value in buffering our existing sanctuary, but upon seeing it, it became apparent it would be much more.”

During the visit, brook trout were seen in the river, which to Don instantly marked the land as special. Native to Michigan’s waters, brook trout are considered an indicator of good water quality because they only live in clean, fast-moving and silt-free waters.

The current owners are looking to sell this land as a result of the economic downturn, but are pleased to keep their cottage nearby. They have agreed to continue to help protect the land by working with MNA, most likely as stewards.

For more information about MNA and our stewardship program, please visit our website at www.michigannature.org and click on, “How You Can Help.”

To fully take advantage of this rare opportunity to help protect a special natural area in Michigan and see immediate results, please consider a tax-deductible donation to MNA. To donate to the protection of this truly special natural area or for more information, please click here.