News Archive

Archived copies of news stories can be accessed here, organized by the date they were written.

Local Business and MNA Partner to Protect Rare Coastal Marsh
2011-08-19

When John Workman first encountered Michigan Nature Association founder Bertha Daubendiek, she informed him of the high quality marsh land owned by his company the Eagle Group (Eagle Alloy).

From that day forward, the Eagle Group has worked with MNA to help create a nature sanctuary protecting one of the finest examples of coastal plain marsh this side of the Atlantic Coast.

For the full story, click here.

MNA Looking for an Accreditation Technician
2011-07-10

The Michigan Nature Association, a statewide land conservation organization headquartered in Williamston, Michigan, is seeking exceptional candidates for our Accreditation Technician position.  The Accreditation Technician will work with staff and volunteers to assist MNA in applying for Land Trust Accreditation Commission accreditation in 2013.  The position will focus on organizing and reviewing MNA’s sanctuary records to bring them into compliance with current standards.  The position is located in MNA’s office in Williamston.  Additional duties and responsibilities may be added once the file project is completed.

For the full job description or to learn how to apply, please click here.

MNA is Looking for a New Executive Director
2011-04-27

MNA seeks a dynamic leader to continue MNA’s nearly 60-year tradition of nature protection and education.  This challenging position works with current and prospective MNA members and donors, public and private foundations, and grant providers.

For more information, click here.

10,000 Acres Strong!
2011-04-01

MNA is thrilled to formally announce the protection of our 10,000th acre, a milestone MNA founders could only dream of.

Currently, MNA protects land in 58 of Michigan’s 83 counties. As the first land trust, and the only state-focused one in Michigan, MNA is proud to have a strong presence in the protection of special natural areas. From our first property in 1960, MNA has grown to protect land, habitat and species at 170 nature sanctuaries throughout both peninsulas, now and forever.

For the full story, click here or to see the special section in the April newsletter, click here.

MNA Looking for a New Land Protection Specialist
2011-03-01

MNA's Land Protection Specialist (LPS) completes a wide variety of challenging work designed to execute MNA's Mission to preserve diverse natural habitats for native plant and animal species in Michigan.

The LPS is a mid-level position for those with experience researching and implementing protection options for special places. MNA protects natural resources through land acquisition, conservation easements, and other legal agreements. MNA also works to resolve issues involving 170 existing nature sanctuaries and plant preserves in 58 counties across Michigan, including encroachment, trespassing, land record, property tax, and mineral rights issues among others. This position is expected to coordinate acquisition activities including real estate transactions, communicate with and conduct negotiations with land owners, and investigate and resolve property encroachments and real estate issues. Outstanding communication, attention to detail, and timely project completion are essential to this position.

For the full job description, click here.

Last Chance to Sign Up for the 2011 Spring Adventure!!!
2011-02-14

The Spring Adventure is fast approaching, and the bus is filling fast. Sign up now to avoid missing out on this, the first-ever Spring Adventure.

The highlights of the Adventure will be the seven special natural areas located in and around southwestern Michigan, each of which will have a speaker discussing topics like trout stream ecology, Michigan birds, wildflowers and pollination, et. al.

For the full story, click here.

MNA-led Snowshoe Hike Introduces Participants to a Northern Michigan Geologic Wonder
2011-02-09

Nature enthusiasts from across the state gathered in Presque Isle County Feb. 5 for a breathtaking snowshoe hike.

“It’s interesting to see people coming from various areas to learn about a geologically-unique area in northern Michigan,” Michigan Nature Association Stewardship Coordinator Andrew Bacon said. “We had a lot of fun playing and falling in the snow.”

For the full story, click here.

Shelby Township Area Residents Enjoy Access to Nature, Even in the Dead of Winter
2011-02-04

More than two dozen nature lovers took to the snowy trails Jan. 29, exploring the Wilcox-Warnes Nature Sanctuary in Shelby Township.

The field trip, organized by the Michigan Nature Association and Hiking Michigan, introduced participants to the beauty of nature at one of the only natural areas in an otherwise developed area.

For the full story, click here.

MNA Braves the Cold, Still Working in Winter
2011-02-04

At MNA, we believe conservation is a yearlong commitment. Just because it is winter doesn’t mean that our role in conserving Michigan’s special natural habitats is on freeze. From burning brush piles to controlling invasive species, winter is an active time for MNA staff and volunteers.

For the full story, click here.

Join us for the 2011 Annual Members Meeting
2011-02-01

Join us for the 2011 Annual Members Meeting, which will be held Saturday, April 9, from 12:00-5:00 p.m. at the Tyrone Covenant Presbyterian Church (exit 77 off U.S. 23).

Also, stop by early or stay late for a sanctuary tour hosted by our own stewardship staff. See what MNA does in the area and around the state on this special tour only for members (leaving the church promptly at 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. as noted below).

For the full itinerary, click here.

Trustee Ballots Are Out
2011-01-30

It is time once again to decide who will guide MNA through the coming years. As you vote to determine who will serve on the Board of Trustees, we recognize that without their leadership and guidance, MNA’s growth wouldn’t be possible.

Watch your mailbox for a ballot and biographies of the Trustee candidates. Mark the box next to the candidate(s) you wish to vote for and return the stamped envelope.

For the full story, click here.

Skiers Hit the Trails at Three MNA Sanctuaries
2011-01-22

Nearly two dozen people braved the cold in the U.P. on Jan. 9 to participate in a cross-country ski outing hosted by MNA. The event, held at the Eagle Harbor Conservation Area in Keweenaw County, encouraged participants to enjoy the outdoors and experience three of MNA’s sanctuaries.

Five MNA stewards led the group on a 6-mile loop to Great Sand Bay along Lake Superior.

For the full story, click here.

MNA is Proud to Introduce Spring Interns
2011-01-15

MNA is pleased to welcome three talented and environmental-savvy interns to the communications department this winter. As the brains behind MNA communication and promotion, these interns won’t be fetching coffee or making copies. Drawing from their diverse backgrounds and experiences, they will be your leading ladies when it comes to the freshest environmental news, event coverage and the latest social media tools. They’re a friendly group, too, so feel free to contact them with ideas or just to say hello!

For the full story, click here.

MNA Receives $25,000 Grant from the Consumers Energy Foundation
2011-01-03

MNA was recently awarded $25,000 by the Consumers Energy Foundation to support stewardship activities at MNA nature sanctuaries and plant preserves in southern Michigan.

Of the 169 nature sanctuaries MNA protects around the state, more than a third will benefit from this grant whether it be through updated trails and trail markings or the clearing out of garbage and invasive species. The grant will be used to accomplish more than 60 projects across the southern half of the Lower Peninsula.

For the full story, click here.

MNA Announces First-Ever Spring Adventure
2011-01-01

Modeled after the wildly successful Fall Adventure, this event will take participants on a guided tour of seven nature sanctuaries in southwestern Michigan. Among those to be visited are one of MNA's crown jewels and special project properties, the Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary, and a highly sensitive prarie fen that is home to many rare and endangered species, the Butternut Creek Nature Sanctuary.

Spaces are limited, so reserve yours now by purchasing a ticket at the MNA store.
For the full story, click here.

MNA Announces 2011 Sanctuary Photo Contest
2011-01-01

Do you love nature photography? Then the Michigan Nature Association is looking to showcase your photos in our first annual MNA Sanctuary Photo Contest.

Winners will be featured in our October newsletter and will appear in a special gallery on the MNA website. The photos may also be featured in an MNA calendar in the future.

For the full story, click here.

Read the Story of the Wolf in the January Newsletter
2011-01-01

The Rise of the Herbivores, A Tale of Two Sanctuaries, and the Story of the Wolf are just some of the stories featured in the January newsletter. You can also read about MNA's special project properties, volunteer opportunites, and a special volunteer named JoAnn Hinds.

Don't forget to sign up for the Spring Adventure and Annual Member's Meeting. Details for these and other events can be found inside.

If you would like to receive the printed version, please contact our office. For the online version, click here.

MNA Seeking Interns for Spring 2011
2010-12-15

MNA currently has internships available for the Spring 2011 semester, and is looking for qualified candidates to join our team. Preferred applicants are currently enrolled in a college or university program, but other qualified candidates will be accepted.

Internships include environmental policy/science and communications internships. 

For the full story, click here.

MNA Thanks New Stewards in 2010
2010-12-10

In 2010, MNA stewardship staff made significant improvements to the MNA sanctuary monitoring plan. For the first time in a great while, thanks to numerous volunteers and members, all MNA properties were monitored and their condition reported back to the main office.

MNA would like to thank all of our volunteer stewards for making this possible, and extend a special welcome and thank you to our new stewards, listed here by region and sanctuary where they volunteer.

For the full story, click here.

MNA's Looking Glass Shined Up Thanks to Local Scout
2010-12-01

With the help of MNA stewards and staff, 17-year-old Evan Harris took a significant step in his journey to become an Eagle Scout. On November 13, 2010, Evan completed a service project he organized to clean up A Looking Glass Nature Sanctuary (located near Bath).

For the full story, click here or see the post on the MNA blog.

Woollam Foundation Offers Bonus
2010-11-20

With your generous help, we have reached our goal of $20,000 that the J.A. Woollam Foundation kindly agreed to match this year. However, in the spirit of giving, the Foundation has agreed to continue to match any eligible donations above-and-beyond the original goal until December 31st, 2010. This is a great opportunity for all of us here at MNA!

For the full story, click here.

2010 Fall Adventure Wrap Up
2010-11-01

September 10 was a bright and sunny day, and a perfect beginning for the Michigan Nature Association's 7th annual Fall Adventure. With more than 50 people in attendance, the trip was sure to be a hit.

Heading north to the Keweenaw Peninsula there was excitement in the air as the group looked forward to an exciting weekend of exploration and camaraderie. Families who were joining the trip for the 5th consecutive year sat alongside newcomers ranging in age from teens to great-grandparents.  

For the full story, click here.

MNA Authors: Celebrating a Tradition of Education
2010-10-30

In the Michigan Nature Association family, there is a very large pool of very diverse achievements. One subset of achievements to recognize is that many of our members are published authors. Whether a compilation of photographs, informational non-fiction books, or fun children’s stories, our members continue to dedicate their time and knowledge to the education of others, and for that we would like to recognize them.

For the full story, click here.

MNA's 2010 Volunteer and Donor Recognition Dinner
2010-10-30

On Friday, October 29th, the Michigan Nature Association hosted the annual Volunteer and Donor Recognition Dinner, honoring all of those who make MNA’s goal of protecting natural areas in Michigan possible. More than sixty people gathered at the Lexington Lansing hotel for an evening of recognition and appreciation, where five volunteers received the MNA Volunteer of the Year Award, and three former board members were honored with Richard W. Holzman Award for leadership, loyalty, and service.

For the full story, click here.

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