2013_Spring - Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy

IN THIS ISSUE:
Dear Friends,
Lately, our region is on everyone’s top-ten list of fabulous places to live, visit,
and play. In almost every case, it starts with our natural resources.
Just a few short decades ago, many feared that, as has happened elsewhere,
our natural assets would be squandered. In response to the threat of losing
what makes our region so special, a community of visionary leaders formed
the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy with big goals and dreams in
mind. You—and thousands of other loyal supporters—responded to the call
to action.
Thanks to you, 2012 was another year of noteworthy accomplishments,
including:
04 LEAVING A LEGACY
Patricia D. Robinson’s
meaningful conservation legacy
06 MISTY ACRES: THE BORWELL
PRESERVE
08 PROTECTING FARMLAND
And a new farm protection
program
10 GREEN PHILANTHROPY
And a very exciting new land
protection effort
13 COMPLETED! RAILROAD POINT
NATURAL AREA EXPANSION
The story of how it all began
16 ARCADIA
Where Life Meets Water
18 ACME’s BAYSIDE PARK
There’s lots to look forward to in
2013!
20 ANNUAL REPORT
22 REGIONAL LAND PROTECTION
MAP WITH 2012 UPDATES
24 ALL GIFTS RECEIVED IN 2012
THANK YOU!
43 CONSERVANCY EVENTS
You won’t want to miss these!
• The Railroad Point Natural Area on Crystal Lake will soon be nearly
tripling in size thanks to individual gifts of over $452,000
that leveraged a nearly $1 million Michigan Natural Resources
Trust Fund acquisition grant. The additions to this premier public
natural area will enhance the Betsie Valley Trail system and the
recreation-based economy of Benzie County.
• We met our essential goal for unrestricted gifts that fund the “on-theground”
land protection and stewardship work that must
be accomplished each year. Our supporters are clearly sending a
strong signal that we are on the right track with our land protection,
stewardship, and other efforts to enhance access to some of our
region’s best natural and recreational assets.
• With a sharp eye on the future, our Board and staff are focusing on
growing our permanently restricted Stewardship Endowment Fund.
I am proud of the fact that past and current Board members have led
the way by making significant gifts that, along with thoughtful bequests
and other planned gifts, help endow the protected-lands legacy you
have established.
• We received several significant gifts and pledges to important projects
in progress, such as the debut of our “Farmability” Program in Antrim
and Grand Traverse counties, our exciting work in Arcadia, and the
Acme Bayside Park Shoreline Project which, when complete, will
transform the experience we have when entering our region along
the East Bay coast. Following approval of a $2 million Michigan Natural
Resources Trust Fund grant to Long Lake Township, we also launched a
campaign to protect the Timbers Recreation Area on the shores of
Long Lake.
We are fortunate to live in a community where so many people care
passionately about their natural resources, and we are deeply grateful for
your support and your love of northern Michigan!
SPRING ‘13 | Vol 60