Nerheim Family Enjoys Pere Marquette River for Over - Land ...

Keeping Nature Nearby 

Spring 2009 

Steffen and Ellie Nerheim are the fifth generation of the Nerheim family to enjoy spending time along the banks of the Pere Marquette River. At the end of 2008 Jill and Lori Nerheim 

donated a conservation easement that permanently protects 60 acres and a half mile of river frontage. Photo courtesy of Lori Nerheim 

Nerheim Family Enjoys Pere Marquette River for Over 100 Years 

Nerheim Family 

Conservation Easement 

Mason County 

Walhalla, the tiny town east of 

Ludington, has a name which means 

‘haven of rest’ or a place of happiness. 

For the Nerheim family the name 

captures the essence of this area on the 

Pere Marquette River. 

Immigrating from Norway in 1902, 

Steffen and Mabel Nerheim settled in 

Ludington and made weekly Sunday 

trips about 20 miles east to the banks of the Pere Marquette River near 

Walhalla. Since then, generations of the Nerheim family have formed an 

attachment to this area on the river in a canoe, tracking wildlife from a 

blind, or with a fishing pole as their companion. 

This shared experience and appreciation drew the Nerheim family of 

today to purchase and protect 60 acres located a stone’s throw from 

where these early retreats took place. 

“We are enjoying the same things that our family enjoyed a hundred 

years ago. It’s a connection to our family and the Pere Marquette River 

and what a special place this is,” comments Lori Nerheim, the 

great-granddaughter of 

Stephen and Mable. “We 

have all found our own 

way to connect to this 

place.” 

“Saving” their 60 acres 

with a half mile of 

frontage on the Pere 

Marquette River is not far 

from the truth. Multiple 

lots were about to be 

carved out of the land 

as part of a proposed 

development before the 

Nerheims bought the 

property. By placing a 

conservation easement on 

the property, the family 

put the development plan 

permanently to rest. The 

forests and river frontage 

will remain unfragmented 

and a natural haven 

for wildlife and people 

enjoying the river. 

Steffen Nerheim was an avid fisherman (circa 1920). 

Photo courtesy of Lori Nerheim 

The property shares boundaries with both national and state forests, 

which multiplies its value for water quality and wildlife and fish habitat. 

In addition, this conservation easement protects the unmatched scenic 

views now being enjoyed by fisherman traversing the river for the spring 

steelhead runs. 

The Land Conservancy commends the Nerheim family for their 

foresight and dedication to the preservation of their “haven” on the 

Pere Marquette River. 

Steffen Nerheim and his friends and family enjoy an afternoon along the banks of the 

Pere Marquette River circa 1920. Steffen and his wife Mabel regularly made Sunday trips 

to the river to enjoy the outdoors. Photo courtesy of Lori Nerheim

Mission 

To keep nature nearby, the Land 

Conservancy of West Michigan 

permanently protects natural 

and scenic lands. 

Board of Directors 

Rick Chapla, President 

Mary Hollinrake, Vice President 

William Byl, Secretary 

Daniel Grady, Treasurer 

Bonnie Blackledge 

Bob Gamble 

Mike Hayes 

Mark Iverson 

Jon Jellema 

Penny Ladd 

Timothy Lundgren 

Dawn McDonald 

Elise Roe 

Scott Rush 

Doug Schrank 

Deb Steketee 

Dave Warners 

Staff 

Peter Homeyer 

Executive Director 

April Scholtz 

Land Protection Director 

Pete DeBoer 

Land Protection Specialist 

Melanie Good 

Stewardship Coordinator 

Danielle Fogel 

Communications Coordinator 

Diane Sampson 

Program Assistant 

John VanEyk 

Administrative Assistant 

LCWM is a recognized 501(c)(3) 

non-profit organization. All 

contributions are tax deductible to 

the full extent of the law. 

Land Conservancy of 

West Michigan 

1345 Monroe Ave. NW, Ste. 324 

Grand Rapids, MI 49505 

Phone: (616) 451-9476 

Fax: (616) 451-1874 

email: lcwm@naturenearby.org 

web: www.naturenearby.org 

Printed on recycled paper. 

Land Conservancy of West Michigan Page 

From the New Director! by Peter Homeyer 

Like many of you I was first introduced to the Land Conservancy 

of West Michigan quietly. While reading the newspaper one 

weekend my wife, Lynne, and I saw a property for sale in northern 

Muskegon County. Finding it that first time took a little more 

dedication than we imagined. First, we had to pass through a 

county park with an entrance fee. Then into the woods down a 

private two track. Next, up a steep little hill leading, it appeared, 

to someone else’s home. Finally, climbing up a long shaded drive, 

following the barest hint of a trail among tall grasses, we reached a 

small clearing. 

What awaited us was modest, just an old concrete slab in a small 

clump of ferns, surrounded by trees. No views of the water. No 

standing structures. Just silence offered for a reasonable price. 

But beyond stretches a classic Michigan back dunes forest, a 

mixture of hemlock, beech, and maple set in steep terrain. In this 

place the old patterns and rhythms, those shaped by wind, sand, 

and season still asserted themselves – and they always will. That 

was the first day I heard about the Land Conservancy of West 

Michigan, because one of the neighbors had the foresight to put a 

conservation easement on these woods. 

This easement is just one of the Land Conservancy’s 71 

completed projects. Some are large, like North Ottawa Dunes 

which ties together 1,800 acres of public natural land. Others 

are easy to find, like the Maas Preserve located on the White Pine 

Trail. Many are small or more difficult to reach, like the 35 acres 

which lie adjacent to property I purchased. Large or small, open 

to the public or privately held by families, all of them permanently 

protect important pieces of the natural character of our region. 

Catching the restrained voices of these places, and the remaining 

places just like them, requires concentration and attention. 

Against the pace of our modern lives, filled with rushing from 

one event to the next, their call is easy to lose. 

Happily, listening to them is a commitment more of us are 

making every day. Despite the difficult economic climate, 2008 

was another record year for local land protection. Membership 

has increased for the ninth year in a row and we passed 

5,000 protected acres. In my time working here at the Land 

Conservancy I have seen first-hand what outstanding volunteers 

and partners can do to preserve West Michigan’s remaining 

natural and open spaces. I invite you to join us in this journey 

and hear the stories West Michigan’s forests, fields, wetlands, and 

dunes have to tell. 

I look forward to what we will accomplish next. 

Peter Homeyer is the Land Conservancy’s 

new Executive Director. Photo: Lynne Homeyer 

New Director! 

LCWM is pleased to announce 

that Peter Homeyer is the 

new Executive Director. He 

replaces Julie Stoneman who left 

the organization for personal 

reasons in September 2008 

Peter has been a LCWM staff 

member since 2005, serving 

as Development Coordinator 

and, more recently, the Interim 

Executive Director. In addition, 

he is a long-time supporter of 

the organization, having been a 

member since 2000. 

A nation-wide search for the 

new Director was conducted 

by a search committee and the 

Board of Directors. While 

several outstanding candidates 

were interviewed, Peter rose to 

the top and was unanimously 

recommended by the search 

committee and Board. 

Congratulations Peter! 

Underwriting for this newsletter generously provided by: 

With more than 180 attorneys in Grand Rapids, 

Metro Detroit, Holland, and Muskegon, 

Warner Norcross is one of Michigan’s leading 

providers of legal services.

Page 

Family Legacy Protected in Saugatuck 

McEnroe Family 

Conservation 

Easement 

Photo: April Scholtz 

A 5-generation family legacy is 

preserved with the year-end donation 

of a conservation easement on a 

former farm on the outskirts of the 

City of Saugatuck. This gift from Paul 

McEnroe to the Land Conservancy 

helps preserve the community’s 

historic and natural character that are 

vitally important to its status as an 

important tourism destination. 

McEnroe’s family once owned a large orchard along Holland Street, 

the major route into Saugatuck from the north. Like many family 

farms in the area, the pressure to develop the former orchard’s 

meadows and woods reached a new level of intensity in the past 

few years, especially as plans were formulated for the nearby 

“Denison” property now owned by millionaire Aubrey McClendon. 

Instead of accepting offers from developers, McEnroe chose to 

make his commitment to the preservation of the farm’s natural 

habitats and rural character permanent by donating a conservation 

easement for his 26-acre property to the Land Conservancy. 

McEnroe, an award-winning investigative reporter for the 

Minneapolis Star Tribune, offers these thoughts on the importance 

of creating a conservation easement for his family’s land: 

“My great-grandfather and his wife came out of upper New York 

and gambled everything they had to create this homestead in 1868. 

The remaining 26 acres of land that was once a thriving fruit farm, 

Land Conservancy of West Michigan 

part of which still fronts the Kalamazoo River near the mouth to 

Lake Michigan, has been in my family for five generations. 

“Putting this last remnant – woods, wetland and open grassland 

– into a conservation easement for perpetuity seemed to be the most 

natural way to honor the legacy of my ancestors’ land stewardship, 

acknowledge the incredible dedication of the people around Saugatuck 

who are now fighting to preserve the unique dunes environment and 

a way to teach those who come after us about the importance of 

preservation and the ethic of giving back to community. 

“Today I walk this land knowing there is always going to be 

greenway from Lake Michigan, Tallmadge Woods, across the river 

to my land and over to the Blue Star. A small gesture but at least I 

know there will always be a wild place for the wild turkeys, gray tree 

frogs, deer, coyote, eagles and osprey. Without the help of….the 

Land Conservancy’s staff, this small token back to the community 

would never have been possible. The McEnroe family is indebted 

for [the Land Conservancy’s] help.” 

In January 2009, the Saugatuck-Douglas community was named 

as one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Dozen 

Distinctive Destinations”, in large measure because of the 

community’s success in preserving its unique lakeshore setting and 

historic character that have served as a source of inspiration for 

world renown artists for over 100 years. 

The McEnroe family farm is an important part of this distinctive 

landscape and we thank Paul and his family for helping us to keep 

nature nearby. 

“Putting this last remnant – woods, wetland and open 

grassland – into a conservation easement for perpetuity 

seemed to be the most natural way to honor the legacy 

of my ancestors’ land stewardship....” 

Paul McEnroe


Stewardship: Caring for the Lands Entrusted to Our Care 

Oak Forest Restoration Project Planned at Wege Natural Area 

Wege Natural Area for 

the Study of Ecology 

This year, LCWM will take the first 

steps to restore the natural oak forest 

of the Wege Natural Area. At this 

time in the southwest corner of the 

preserve there is a 4.5-acre pine 

plantation. 

While some consider pine plantations 

to be a beautiful sight, these 

monocultures do not support the 

diversity of life found in our native ecosystems. Having just one 

type of food and shelter significantly limits how many insects, 

mammals, birds and other wildlife can live in the forest. One way 

land managers can increase the conservation values of such an area 

is to replace the pine plantations with native ecosystems that are 

characteristic to the area. 

When the Wege Natural Area’s stewardship plan was developed, 

a critical objective of the plan was to restore the native mixed oak 

forest by removing the mature red pine plantation. This is visually 

shocking at first, but the long-term results will be a considerable 

improvement to the health, diversity, and beauty of the preserve. 

Forest 

Restoration 

Area 

The pine harvest will benefit another primary objective of the 

preserve, which is to be an educational resource. When the Wege 

Foundation donated the funds to purchase the preserve it was 

with the intent that the area be managed as a place of study of 

nature, forestry, ecology, and related subjects. It is possible that 

when we harvest the pine trees at Wege Natural Area, Lowell Area 

Schools will harvest a portion of their pines to compare ecological 

management and silvicultural management. 

Any monies received from the harvest will be used to hire a crew 

to help combat the growing problem of invasive autumn olive at 

Wege Natural Area (see page 5). This nonnative shrub is invading 

the higher quality mixed oak forest, displacing the oaks, maples 

and other native trees that are in the understory. One source of 

new autumn olives is a population growing in the understory of 

the current pine plantation. The harvest will help ensure this 

population does not spread. 

Ecological restoration is not for the impatient. The work we are 

doing at Wege Natural Area will take time, but the rewards will be 

invaluable. 

Visit The Wege 

Natural Area 

Join us for a guided hike on 

June 6th (see page 16) or visit at 

your leisure. Protected within 

the wooded, rolling terrain 

are a variety of small wetlands 

and a hillside seep filled with 

wildflowers. Hikers can visit 

the log cabin which was built by 

hand by the Cridler family from 

pines harvested on the site. The 

wetlands and pond near the cabin 

are a perfect place to see wildlife. 

Location: 11715 Vergennes Rd, 

Lowell MI 49331. Parking is 

available at the Wittenbach 

Agri-Science Center across from 

Lowell High School off of 

Vergennes Rd. 

LCWM nature preserves are 

open to the public from dawn to 

dusk. Visit www.naturenearby.org 

for more information about our 

nature preserves.

Page 

Stewardship: Caring for the Lands Entrusted to Our Care 

Autumn Olive Removal Success 

Thanks to Lowell Area Community Foundation and the hard 

work of Josh Dykstra and a crew of volunteers, more than 4 

acres of large autumn olive shrubs were cleared this winter 

at the Wege Natural Area. 

This stand of autumn olive was the primary source for the 

infestation that is degrading the beautiful mixed oak forest. 

Thank you to the great volunteers that helped Josh including 

Marc Armstead, Ron Cammel, Chris Baer, and Dwight 

Baker. 

Josh Dykstra stands next to one of the many large piles of autumn olive 

brush he and a crew of volunteers removed from the Wege Natural Area 

this winter. Photo: Melanie Good 

Spring Nature Preserve Workdays 

Garlic Mustard Challenge 

Saturday, May 2, 2009, 10 am - 12 pm 

Location: Multiple locations throughout West Michigan. 

Visit www.stewardshipnetwork.org for a complete list of locations. 

Spring wildflowers at our local natural areas are being threatened by 

the invasive garlic mustard. Help protect the flowers by assisting in 

pulling garlic mustard plants at a local park or preserve near you. 

Brush Removal at Wege Natural Area 

Wednesday, May 6, 2009, 9 am - 12 pm 

Location: 11715 Vergennes Rd., Lowell, MI 49331 

Help chip piles of invasive shrubs and create trails at the Wege 

Natural Area. Please bring leather gloves, ear protection, shovels 

and wheel barrows if you have them. Cancelled if raining. 

Garlic Mustard Pull at Brower Lake 

Saturday, May 9, 2009, 9 am - 11 am 

Location: 8748 Je Ne Be Dr., Rockford, MI 49341 

We are making progress! Through years of volunteers pulling 


Please lend a helping hand this spring and join us for a volunteer workday. All events happen rain or shine unless otherwise noted. 

Advanced registration is not required but is appreciated. Please call 616-451-9476 or email melanie@naturenearby.org. 

Autumn Olive 

www.forestryimages.org 

the garlic mustard at Brower Lake, the amount has significantly 

declined! Come make a big difference by helping put an end to the 

garlic mustard at Brower Lake. Work gloves recommended. 

Workday at Castle Park and Dune Pines Preserves 

Saturday, May 16, 2009, 1 pm - 3 pm 

Location: 4580 Audubon Rd., Holland, MI 49423 

Come help pull the remaining garlic mustard from the Dune Pines 

Preserve and Castle Park Reserve. Or, help remove and repair a 

damaged split rail fence. Work gloves recommended. 

Saul Lake Bog Workday 

Saturday, May 23, 2009, 9 am - 11 am 

Location: 10469 Six Mile Rd, Rockford, MI 49341 

Come help care for the Land Conservancy of West Michigan’s 

premier preserve, Saul Lake Bog. At this workday we will repair 

boardwalks, groom trails, stain the shed, and weed the prairie. Work 

gloves recommended. 

Beware! Autumn Olive Not as Great as We Once Thought 

Autumn olive is a non-native invasive shrub which was promoted as a “wildlife” planting in the 

1970’s, resulting in wide-scale planting across Michigan. Now this species is known to invade 

and dominate a broad-spectrum of ecosystems from open fields to forests. 

In addition to reducing biodiversity by outcompeting native plants, research has shown that birds 

have lower nesting success in autumn olive. Most importantly, autumn olive, like other alien 

plants, supports far fewer insects than its native counterparts. For example, only 9 species of 

butterflies and moths are documented to feed on autumn olive, compared to the native cherries 

that support 456 species (Tallamy 2007). As a result, the birds, mammals, and herps that depend 

on a foundation of insects in their diet are negatively affected. Find out more about autumn 

olive and other invasive species, including removal strategies, at the Michigan Natural Features 

Inventory’s website www.web4.msue.msu.edu/mnfi/.

Conservation 

Easement Donors 

Ada Township 

Charles Anglin Trust 

Ken & Judy Betz 

The Bigford Family 

Jeanine Biese 

Chuck & Pat Bloom 

Manuel & Barbara Butzow 

Jeff & Anya Byam 

Christ Community Church 

City of Norton Shores 

City of Saugatuck 

Elizabeth J. Crosby 

The Duffing/Henrikson/ 

Anderson/Bunch Family 

The Heasley Family 

HMA Development, L.L.C. 

Mrs. David Howe 

Margaret P. Hoyle Trust 

Manuel & Lilah Huyser Trust 

F. Martin & Dorothy Johnson 

E.L. Ladd & Company 

Joseph & Irene Larson 

John Levings 

Paul McEnroe 

The Muzzy & Lerchen Families 

Jill Nerheim & Lori Nerheim 

Ottawa County 

Ox-Bow School of Art & 

Artists’ Residency 

Douglas & Gretchen Paprocki 

Parkland Investments, Inc. 

The Rasmussen Family 

Mark & Tami Redfield 

The Reed Family 

Paul & Christine Santoro 

Dick & Lu Schwikert 

Robert Smith & Family 

Peter & Joan Steketee 

Southwest MI Land Conservancy 

Cecilia Vanderbout 

The Gary Vos Family 

Peter M. Wege 

Mrs. Joseph Weingartner 

Willard & Joan Wolfe 

Land Donors 

Weldon & Marilyn Brummels 

Castle Park Association 

Valerino & Maria Castro 

Anne Cridler 

Reginald & Diane Cridler 

Lake Breeze Protection Group 

Joan Lerchen Trust 

Muzzy Family Partnership 

RED Investors, LLC 

Mrs. James Sebastian 

Ruth Skwarek 

South Highlands Beach Assoc. 

Edith Van Til Trust/ 

Blackburn Family 

Wege Foundation 

Evangeline White 


Thank You Executive Director Search Committee 

by Rick Chapla, LCWM Board Chair 

Wish List 

Cordless Drill 

Fire-Safe File Box 

First Class Postage Stamps 

Hand Cart or Dolly 

Leather Gloves (all sizes) 

Office Supply Store Gift Cards 

Paper Shredder 

Photos of LCWM Nature Preserves 

Pickup Truck 

Two-Drawer File Cabinet 

Join Our Email Listserv 

Be the first to know about Land 

Conservancy events and land protection 

projects! To join our email listserv, please 

email danielle@naturenearby.org. 

When Julie Stoneman announced her resignation last fall, a 

Search Committee was appointed to lead the selection process 

for a new Executive Director. The committee was comprised of 

Board Members Bonnie Blackledge, Mary Hollinrake, Jon Jellema 

(Chair), Penny Ladd and Deb Steketee, as well as volunteers Jeff 

VanWinkle and Deb Minton. All who served on the committee 

contributed countless hours to the selection process leading to 

a full Board of Directors decision to hire Peter Homeyer as the 

new Executive Director on Thursday, March 5, 2009 (see article 

on page 2). 

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I extend our deepest 

appreciation and gratitude to the Search Committee members for 

their dedication and volunteer service resulting in the selection 

of the best candidate. Great work! 

Rick Chapla, LCWM Board Chair. Photo: Jim Reminga 

Increased Conservation Easement Tax Incentives Set to Expire 

Federal tax incentives that increase the amount 

of tax deduction available to donors of 

conservation easements are set to expire at the 

end of 2009. These incentives, which were 

originally passed in 2006, increase the number 

of years a donation can be taken over (6 years 

to 16 years) as well as increase the percentage of 

gift that can be taken against income in any given 

year (from 30% to 50%). Also, if the donor 

of the conservation easement takes more than 

half their income from farming activities, that 

percentage can increase to 100%. 

Though work is being done by the Land Trust 

Alliance (www.lta.org/policy) to make these 

changes permanent, only those donations of 

conservation easements made by year-end 2009 

are guaranteed to get these increased incentives. 

For more information on the tax benefits of 

conservation easements, please call the land 

protection staff at LCWM or visit our website: 

www.naturenearby.org and select the Protecting 

Land tab. 

Visit Us Online! 

www.naturenearby.org

Page 

Forest Hills Northern Students Raise $400 for LCWM 

Forest Hills Northern Environmental Club, a 

group composed of students at Forest Hills 

Northern High School spent the past year 

collecting soda cans, ink cartridges, batteries, 

and other recyclables at their school. Because 

of the dedication of the faculty advisor, 

Danielle Evans, and a core group of students, 

the organization averaged 4 large trash bags full 

of recyclables every two weeks that would have 

otherwise been thrown away. 

According Evans, “without this core group of 

dedicated students working hard every week, 

the club probably would not have been able 

to survive.” On top of this, they were able to 

raise $400 through the deposits on the soda 

cans and ink cartridges! 

Evans asked the students where they wanted 

to donate the money, the only criteria being 

that the organization be a nonprofit focused 

on environmental issues and that the money 

stay in West Michigan. When one of the 

students recommended the Land Conservancy 

as an organization that fit their requirements, 

the other students and Evans enthusiastically 

agreed with the suggestion. 


Forest Hills Northern Environmental Club, lead by teacher Danielle Evans, raised $400 for the Land 

Conservancy by collecting recyclables. 

Through their hard work the students and the faculty advisor are signaling their commitment to a clean, natural and sustainable West 

Michigan. Keep up the good work! 

Thank You Volunteers (November 2008 - March 2009) 

We would like to thank all of the individuals and organizations who help us keep nature nearby by volunteering their time. If you are 

interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact Diane Sampson at 616-451-9476 or diane@naturenearby.org. 

Wes Arkesteyn 

Marc Armstead 

Mr. & Mrs. Todd Aschenbach 

Lawrence & Christine Baer 

Dwight Baker 

Jerry Bakke 

Jan Barger 

Nancy Benner 

Alan Bennett 

Jim Benson 

Bonnie Blackledge 

Edward Blankespoor 

Suzanne Bouchard 

June Bowman 

Diane Brady 

Carole & Ernie Brumbaugh 

Dan Broersma 

Melissa Buzzard 

William Byl 

Ray Byle 

Ron Cammel 

Janet Carbonneau-Jones 

Charlotte Chandler 

Rick Chapla 

Anne Copps 

Sue Clements 

Gaby Dhaseleer 

Joshua Dykstra 

Clark Elenbaas 

Jim Ferro 

Dan & Penny Folsom 

Elizabeth Ford 

John Fox 

Bob Gamble 

Daniel Grady 

Richard Granse 

Jerry Hamelink 

Connie Hanson 

Rob Hartman 

Charles Hayden 

Michael Hayes 

Amy Heilman 

Alice Hoch 

Emily Hohman 

Mary Hollinrake 

Dawn Holtrop 

Scott Holzwarth 

Mark Iverson 

Jon Jellema 

Karry Johnson 

Corey Kapolka 

Haig Kassouni 

Sheldon King 

Fred Kraft 

Kathy Kurtz 

Jamie & Penny Ladd 

Molly Laurie 

Marlene Leistico 

Jesse Lincoln 

Tim Lundgren 

Neil & Kate MacDonald 

Lynn Martin 

Kevin McCarthy 

Tom & Dawn McDonald 

Ruth Meinert 

Sandy Miles 

Josephine Miller 

Patrick Miller 

Bernie Mulder 

Steve Mulder 

Tyler Nickles 

Steve Petrides 

Larry Piatek 

Richard & Elisa Rasmussen 

Julie Riggio 

Elise Roe 

Amber Rowe 

Scott Rush 

Rod Sager 

Dean & Elaine Salisbury 

Karen Schermer 

Doug Schrank 

Timo Slovik 

Clay Stauffer 

Alan Steinman 

Steelcase CARE 

Volunteer Center 

Deb Steketee 

Julie Stoneman 

Natalie Sutherland 

Olivia Tatreau 

Jillian Brown Thomas 

Sharon Vanderbout 

Robert Vanderkamp 

Randy VanDragt 

Jon VanWyk 

Dave Warners 

Austin Weih 

Andy West 

Chad Wiersma 

Katelyn Zalewski 

Matthew Zimmerman 

George & Gretchen 

Zuiderveen 

Our sincere apologies 

for any omissions.

Land Protection & 

Project Support 

Alcoa Foundation 

Anonymous 

Carls Foundation 

Community Fnd for Muskegon Co. 

Crane Foundation 

Driesenga & Associates 

Dyer Ives Foundation 

Fremont Area Community Fnd 

Frey Foundation 

Grand Haven Area Community Fnd 

Grand Rapids Community Fnd 

Grand Rapids Label Fnd 

Hansen Charitable Foundation 

J.A. Woollam Foundation 

Korth Family Foundation 

Marion A. & Ruth K. Sherwood Fnd 

McShane & Bowie, P.L.C. 

Michigan DEQ 

Nonprofit Tech. Assistance Program 

North Bank Communities Fund 

Progressive AE 

Ruth & August Homeyer Trust 

Steelcase Foundation 

Varnum, Riddering, 

Schmidt & Howlett 

Wege Foundation 

Wolverine World Wide Foundation 

Zondervan 

Business Members 

Annual contributions of $500 or more 

Alcoa Howmet 

Aquinas College 

Center for Sustainability 

Baker Book House 

Bata Plastics 

Cirrus Environmental 

Fairly Painless 

Foremost Insurance Group 

Forest Hills Foods 

Founders Bank & Trust 

Grand Rapids Convention & 

Visitors Bureau 

Grand Rapids Label Foundation 

GVSU Annis Water Resources 

Institute 

Jack Dykstra Excavating 

Magna Donnelly 

McShane & Bowie, PLC. 

Meijer, Inc. 

Progreesive AE 

Reusch Design Services 

Rooks Landscaping 

Saint Mary’s Health Services 

Trace Analytical Laboratories 

Universal Forest Products 

URS Corporation 

Valley City Environmental 

Varnum Riddering Schmidt & 

Howlett 

Warner Norcross & Judd 

Webtecs, Inc. 

Williams & Works 

Wolverine World Wide, Inc. 

Zondervan 


2008 Report to Members & Friends by Peter Homeyer, Executive Director 

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan 

faced new challenges in 2008, but thanks to our 

members and supporters we experienced another 

exceptional year for land preservation. 

Important new records were set despite critical 

changes in the wider economic climate and key 

personnel within LCWM. Together we passed 

two notable milestones for the first time with 

membership topping 2,000 and total protected 

acreage passing 5,000. Both numbers continue a 

recent trend which has seen each double within 

the past five years. These accomplishments 

remain the direct result of our champions within 

the community including the over 400 volunteers 

who contributed countless hours to keeping nature 

nearby during the past year. 

Land Protection Successes 

Campaign to Save Lost Lake: The community 

raised over $250,000 to assure 68 acres, including 

a small lake, wooded ravines, wetlands, and trails 

would be added to Muskegon State Park for the 

public to enjoy. Over 400 separate donations were 

made toward this project, including a $50,000 

closing gift from the Alcoa Foundation. 

Kalamazoo River: Near the mouth of the 

Kalamazoo River two properties were protected 

through conservation easements. At 110 acres 

the first occupies the u-shaped oxbow between 

the Kalamazoo River and the adjacent lagoon. 

The second is located directly across the river. 

Hikers enjoy scenic views of Lake Michigan from the towering 

dunes at Castle Park Reserve. Photo: Peter Homeyer 

Together they provide a connected greenway in 

an area under immense development pressure and 

within sight of the dune property formally owned 

by the Denison family. 

Pere Marquette River: Another three 

conservation easements were created in 2008. 

A total of twelve easements, covering almost 

1,200 acres, have now been completed within the 

watershed since adding it to our service area in 

2005. As a nationally designated scenic river with 

well established trout habitat, the Pere Marquette 

offers an exceptional opportunity to protect the 

region’s character. 

Ada Township Park: Neighbors raised funds to 

purchase a new 34-acre Township park, the Carl 

Creek Wetland Preserve. Open to the public, 

the park provides high quality natural habitat on 

a small tributary of the Grand River. The Land 

Conservancy holds an easement on the property 

to assure it remains in a natural state. 

Additional Government Assists: We continue 

to work for the public acquisition of numerous 

properties throughout the region. The Land 

Conservancy filled the role of fiduciary for a 

successful drive to purchase a parcel along the 

Grand River at the M-21 bridge in Ada. 

We also assisted with Cascade Township’s 

successful grant application to the Michigan 

Natural Resources Trust Fund which will provide

Page 

up to $1.2 million for a 197-acre natural park in the Grand River 

corridor. With voters passing a township millage dedicated to parks 

this last fall the project is slated for completion this year. 

A second approved grant from the Michigan Natural Resources 

Trust Fund, for $428,300, sets the stage for efforts to double 

the size of Meinert County Park in 2009 (see page 13). The 

95-acre addition to this Muskegon County Park includes critical 

dune habitat and will provide robust hiking opportunities. Local 

contributions will be needed to finish this project. 

Conversations were also rekindled with the owner of the former 

south Denison property about potential public acquisition of this 

magnificent piece of Lake Michigan shoreline. 

Stewardship 

Preserves: In 2008, 353 volunteers contributed 735 hours and 

completed workdays on nine of our thirteen nature preserves. 

Work consisted of a wide variety of activities including the removal 

of invasive species and rubbish, the marking of trails, and the 

building of bridges. With leadership from the Land Conservancy 

and our partners in the Stewardship Network, garlic mustard was 

eradicated from four preserves and over 17 tons of the plant pulled 

in West Michigan. 

At Saul Lake Bog a new interpretive sign providing background 

on its unusual bog ecosystem was installed and the native prairie 

project expanded by another acre. 

We completed our first two prescribed burns including one at the 

Maas Family Nature Preserve to increase the habitat of the federally 

threatened Karner blue butterfly. After the burn, the second year’s 

survey found their population had increased significantly. 

Conservation Easements: The Land Conservancy holds 51 

easements protecting over 3,200 acres of land. Like every year, 

each of these parcels was monitored to make certain that the rights 

entrusted to our care remain intact. Data from these site visits 

is documented for future reference. No critical violations were 

discovered. 

Community Connections 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

We hosted eighteen field trips at our nature preserves and at 

current projects, connecting more than 500 individuals to the 

natural world. 

Nearly 30 workdays, dedications, presentations, and displays 

reached thousands of people in our community. 

Almost 200 attended the annual Korth Conservation Speaker’s 

Series held at Frederick Meijer Gardens. 

135 joined us at the Beardsley Theatre in Muskegon for our 

annual Membership Meeting and beautiful nature photos of 

Ludington State Park presentation by Todd and Brad Reed. 

The City of Grand Rapids considered, and then passed in early 

2009, a new ordinance allowing prescribed burns within city 

limits. 


Partnerships 

2008 partners in conservation included: 

• The Michigan Chapter of the Nature Conservancy for 

negotiations regarding the former south Denison property as 

well as work on Newaygo prairies. 

• Green Infrastructure Leadership Council of the West Michigan 

Strategic Alliance. 

• West Michigan Stewardship Cluster of the Michigan 

Stewardship Network (including Kent and Ottawa County 

Parks, JF New, Howard Christensen Nature Center, Michigan 

Department of Natural Resources, and Calvin College). 

• Muskegon River Watershed Assembly, Annis Water Resources 

Institute (Grand Valley State University), Muskegon County 

Conservation District, Rogue River Watershed Council, Pere 

Marquette Watershed Council, Conservation Resource Alliance, 

Ada Open Space Task Force, and many others. 

• Muskegon County, City of Saugatuck, Cascade Township, Ada 

Township, and Ox-Bow School of Arts and Artists’ Residency. 

Strengthening the Organization 

Early in 2008 the Board of Directors completed new policies 

for governance and executive limitations to provide the Land 

Conservancy’s leadership with an updated framework for addressing 

upcoming challenges. A new five-year strategic plan flowed from 

this work and was approved in September. 

Financial Report to Donors 

The generosity of individuals, families, businesses, and foundations 

to the Land Conservancy remains the critical element for continuing 

to meet our mission. We remain deeply grateful to all of you for 

your commitment and support. A list of 2008 donors can be found 

on pages 10 & 11 of this newsletter. 

Sources of Funds (July 2007 – June 2008) 

Membership & 

Contributions 

$264,181 

Expenses (July 2007 – June 2008) 

Fundraising 

$48,394 

Grants & 

Other Gifts 

$256,472 

Contract 

Services 

$24,913 

General & Management 

$58,599 

Donated 

Materials & 

Services 

$16,294 

Investment 

Income 

$2,616 

Program 

Services 

$469,132 

An audit was prepared by the independent certified public 

accountants from the firm of Ferris, Busscher & Zwiers, P.C. The 

full financial report, or our 990 Report to the Internal Revenue 

Service for fiscal year 2008, is available on request. Please call the 

Land Conservancy at 616-451-9476 for copies.

Landmark Leaders 

$2500 + 

*Judy & Kenneth Betz 

Edith Blodgett 

*Conrad & Margaret Bradshaw 

Carls Foundation 

Curt Chambers 

Community Foundation for 

Muskegon County 

*Anne H. Copps 

*Mr. W. Dale Crooks 

*Elizabeth J. Crosby 

Robert W. Daverman 

Jan & Christine Deur 

Richard & Helen DeVos 

Pat & Julie Donahue 

*Frey Foundation 

Ms. Martha Giacobassi 

*Grand Rapids Community Fnd 

George Haga 

*Sandy & Dick Hansen 

*Mr. & Mrs. Martin F. Johnson 

Christina Keller 

Mr. & Mrs. Tom Korth 

*Korth Family Foundation, Inc. 

*Jamie & Penny Ladd 

*Jody Mastroeni & Frank Garber 

*Barbara Mayo-Johnson 

Mr. & Mrs. Hank Meijer 

*Joan Newberry 

*Rudolph & Fernande Pruden 

Richard S. & Elisa M. Rasmussen 

*Karen & Robert Schermer 

Doug & Nancy Schrank 

Dawn & George Schumann 

Peter & Joan Steketee 

Valley City Environmental 

Services 

Warner Norcross & Judd 

*The Wege Foundation 

*Wolverine World Wide 

Foundation 

Patrons $1000-$2499 

Anonymous 

Christopher Albertson & 

Sally Gajda 

George & Josephine Anacker 

Scott Brew 

Jim & Donna Brooks 

Tom Clinton 

Douglas & Leigh Conant 

Stephen & Sue Conway 

Randall S. Damstra 

J. Lawrence & Margaret 

Dannemiller 

Stanley & Betsy Dole 

Forest Hills Foods 

Dr. John Fox 

Thomas S. & Maxine J. Fox 

Charles & Bette Fuller 

Don & Diane Geese 

Grand Rapids Label Foundation 

Doris G. Griffith 

Charles & Sara Homeyer 

Peter & Lynne Homeyer 

*Mrs. Marilyn Hunting 

*Mr. & Mrs. Allen Hunting 

J.A. Woollam Foundation 

Richard Johnson 

Robert & Wendy Kersman 

Fred Kraft & Gayle Davis 

Steve & Mary Kretschman 

Louise & Jan Leestma 

Kathy Neff 

Nichols 

Phil Miller & Suzy Richardson 

Daniel & Barbara Molhoek 

Veronica & Ray Muscat 

*Richard S. Norton 

*Elise & Thomas Roe 

Joan Schleef 

Rubin & Mary Schmidt 

Lynne Sherwood Foundation 

Jack & Susan Smith 

Robert Soltess 

Howard & Carla Sutton 

Jim & Ginny Sytsma 

Bernard R. Veldkamp, Jr. 

*Mr. & Mrs. Jim Vogt 

Ann & Christopher Wilson 

*Bob & Aleicia Woodrick 

Benefactors & Sponsors 

$250-$999 

Anonymous 

Kevin & Kay Aardema 

Robert & Cindy Ackerman 

Donald & Cindy Anderson 

*Lawrence & Christine Baer 

William & Jennifer Baguley 

*Dwight Baker 

*Jerry & Linda Bakke 

Jim & Betsy Barton 

Bata Plastics 

Betsy Ratzsch Pottery 

Jeanine A. Biese 

*Senator Patricia L. Birkholz 

Mark & Cathy Bissell 

Mr. Thomas Blackwell 

Thomas & Anne Blair 

Tom Blandford 

Jon & Jane Blyth 

Keith & Judy Boonstra 

Thank You 2008 Land Conservancy Donors! 

Glenda & Florian Borowski 

John Brocci 

Bob & Carolyn Buboltz 

Mary & Gordon Buitendorp 

Steve & Krystal Bulthuis 

Chris & Maureen Bunch 

*Timothy & Bridget Bureau 

*Paul & Denise Busman 

William Byl 

*Mr. & Mrs. John Cameron 

Ron Cammel 

Pat & Shelley Cannon 

Janet Carbonneau-Jones 

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation 

*John & Patricia Chipman 

Cirrus Environmental 

Dotti Clune & Jill Henemyer 

Michael Condron & 

Patricia Denner 

*Tom & Wendy Copps 

David & Janice Cornelius 

Nancy & Donald Crandall 

Ms. Mimi Cummings 

Lois DeBacker 

David & Amy DeGraaf 

Matt & Kim DeJongh 

*Gary and Linda DeKock 

Ms. Gina DeLapa 

*Ms. Kate Dernocoeur 

Mr. & Mrs. John Dettloff 

Greg & Judith DeWeerd 

Dennis & Carol Dornbush 

Dave Dunneback & 

Lisa Wolterink 

Jack R. Dykstra 

Dr. Doug Ellinger & 

Dr. Karyn Gell 

Carl Erickson & Mary C. O’Neill 

Ms. Linda K. Ernst 

Jeff & Cindy Euscher 

Chris & Mary Eyke 

*Jim & Jeanne Ferro 

Foremost Insurance 

Founders Bank & Trust 

Robert & Ruth Fountain 

Chris & Bob Gamble 

*Don & Laurie Gardner 

Grand Rapids Convention & 

Visitors Bureau 

Grand Valley State 

University-AWRI 

Peter & Virginia Gustafson 

Carol Hall 

Nancy Hamlin 

Robert & Kay Hammond 

Rudolf & Erina Hanka 

*Paul & Peg Haviland 

Michael P. Hayes 

Timothy & Charlene Hill 

*Mr. & Mrs. Dirk Hoffius 

Theresa Hogerheide-Reusch 


Hugh & Barbara Hornstein 

Howmet Castings 

JFNew & Associates, Inc. 

Don & Martha J. Keller 

*Jay & Arda Kilpatrick 

*Carol & Andy Kok 

Jim & Martha Kropf 

Blake & Mary Krueger 

Bob & Joan Kullgren 

Keith & Bernice Lamkin 

Rick & Gayle Lipsig 

Dr. & Mrs. Michael Lojek 

Ms. Elisabeth Loos 

Carl & Judi Manning 

Bruce & Cathy Martin 

Tom & Dawn McDonald 

*Mr. & Mrs. John McGarry 

Mark & Bonnie Meengs 

Meijer, Inc. 

Mr. Bernie Mulder 

*Jon & Carol Muth 

Bill & Fran Myers 

Gerald Nehra 

*Thomas & Jill Newhouse 

Marti O’Brien 

John & Lynn O’Donnell 

Judge & Mrs. W. Baldwin Ogden 

Kenneth & Merilee Otto 

Veronica Petty, MD & 

Steve Bawks 

Pfizer 

Mr. & Mrs. John H. Pimm, Sr. 

Mrs. Thurston Powell 

*Amy Price 

Progressive AE 

Gary & Mary K. Proos 

*Marcia Rapp 

Ms. Nancy S. Reschke 

Ms. Deanna Ray 

Mr. Steve Reschke 

Barbara A. Robinson 

Mr. Matt Roe 

*Barbara & Milt Rohwer 

Mr. Tom Rooks 

Mr. Fritz Rottman 

Scott & Anne Rush 

Saint Mary’s Health Services 

Dean & Elaine Salisbury 

Mr. Hans Schonenberger 

Darell & Mary Schregardus 

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Schulz 

Dick & Lu Schwikert 

Clay Stauffer 

Alan & Annoesjka Steinman 

John Swirczek 

The Louis and Helen 

Padnos Foundation 

Mr. & Mrs. Charles E Tindall 

James Tobleck 

Paul & Dee Tomandl 

Peter Turner 

Universal Forest Products 

*Janet Vail 

URS Corporation - Great Lakes 

Jeff VandenBerge 

*Fred & Carol VanOeveren 

*Mr. & Mrs. Werner Veit 

David & Nancy VerMerris 

Michael & Lisbeth Vortruba 

Keith Walker 

Brian & Colleen Walker 

Dr. Bruce Warber 

Carolyn Weng 

Douglas & Deborah West 

Western Michigan Herb Society 

George Wickstrom 

William Byl Family Fund 

Steve Wilson & 

Susan Byl Anderson 

Mr. Charles N. Wooding 

Drs. John W. Worst & 

Ruth Tucker 

*Bruce & Susan Young 

Donors $1-$249 

Anonymous 

*Henk Aay 

Pamala Abbey 

Kenneth Achterhof 

Daniel L. Achterhoff 

Robert & Mary Ackerman 

*Mrs. Ardie Adams 

Hans & Kathy Agard 

Dr. Kirk J. Agerson 

*Lin Ahlstedt 

Brad & Allyson Ahrens 

James & Marguerite Alden 

*Emily Alderden 

*Pat Allen 

Mr. & Mrs. Martin J. Allen, Jr. 

Lucinda Alt 

Robert N. Alt, Jr 

*Barbara Amberg 

Ruth Corlett Amstutz 

Susan Anacker 

Leonard & Wanda Anderson 

Ann Piet Anderson 

Clarence & Doris Anderson 

Kristen L. Anderson 

Melissa Anderson 

James & Priscilla Anderson 

Frances E. Andrews 

John & Judy Anthrop 

Roma Appell 

*Mary Appelt, MD 

Merritt Archer 

Linda Armock 

Charles Armstrong 

*Peter & Glenna Armstrong 

James Arringdale 

Kimberly Arsenault 

Ms. Kim Arter 

Timothy & Cheryl Arter 

Mr. Charles Aschbrenner 

Ralph & Mary Anne Askam 

Jeff & Dawn Auch 

*Mary & Lawrence Austin 

*Janet R. Bacon 

*Mr. & Mrs. Carter S. Bacon 

*Tom & Judy Baer 

Tam Bagby 

Gerald & Zona Bajema 

John & Maria Bajema 

Ms. Irene Baker 

*Lori Baker & David Koski 

Ms. Shirley A. Baker 

Bruce & Paula Baker 

Gerald & Barbara Bakker 

Mr. Matthew Bakker 

William & Carol Ann Balcom 

Steven & Tiffany Balk 

Dr. Sandra Balkema 

Leon & Paula Ballast 

Douglas & Pat Bard 

Andrea Bard 

*Susan Barnes & James Beaver 

*Julian & JoAnne Baron 

John & Nancy Barrows 

John & Jackie Bartley 

Mr. James Barton 

Liz Bartz 

Shirley Batchelder 

Philip & Shirley Battershall 

Ms. Sherry Batzer 

Kenneth & Kristin Bauer 

Annamarie & Tom Bauer 

Nancy & Ronald Bauer 

Ms. JoAnn Bayne 

Bazzani Associates 

Mr. Rob Beahan 

Ms. Laurie Beard 

Raymond & Joyce Beckering 

Ms. Betsey Beckman 

*Adela Beckman 

Joe & Shirley Beda 

Alan & Nancy Bedell 

Mr. Dave Bee 

*Kathy Bego & Jack Schneider 

Ralph & Belinda Bekker 

*Judith & Franklyn Beltman 

Dave & Cathy Benedict 

Bob & Karey Benedict 

*Nancy Benner & Joe Oleniczak 

Mr. Eric Bennett 

Ms. Rosemary Bennett 

James & Lynn Benson 

Ryan & Ellen Berends 

John and Susan Bergin 

William Berls 

Bernie & Cathy Berntson 

Claudia and John Berry 

*Charles and Marcia Bertsch 

Ms. Hermina Besselsen 

Jean Paul & Anne Marie Bessette 

Ronald & Helen Beuker 

Dr. William Beute 

Bopi Biddanda 

Dan & Jann Bidwell 

Mr. Thomas E. Bigford 

Jacob and Mary Bishop 

George and Eunice Bitner 

Larry & Marilyn Blackburn 

Dan & Bonnie Blackledge 

Lincoln & Barbara Blake 

Mr. Edward Blankespoor 

*Bert & Janet Bleke 

Randy and Marla Bliss 

Ms. Mary Block 

*Charles & Pat Bloom 

Pam Blough & Kevin Kane 

Jim and Prudy Blue 

Mr. & Mrs. William Bobier 

Mr. Brian Bodenbender 

George & Sibilla Boerigter 

Bruce & Mary Boes 

Eric & Kathi Boeschenstein 

Arn & Lynne Boezaart 

Phil and Sue Bohlander 

Randy & Geri Boileau 

Mr. & Mrs. Joel Boland 

*Edward & Kathryn Bolt 

Mr. Donald Bont 

Peter & Judith Boogaart 

Mr. John Boon 

Roger & Ruth Borr 

Jim & Laura Bos 

Ms. Bonnie Bosgraaf 

*Bosgraaf Builders 

Mr. David Boshka 

John & Bette Bosma 

*Will & Joyce Bottje 

Ms. Joyce Bottum 

Ms. Suzanne Bouchard 

Charles & Gretchen Bouwsma 

Mr. Robert Boven 

*Les & Patti Bowen 

Ms. Rita Bowen 

Margaret Bower 

Rose and Andy Bowman 

Shirley M Boyd 

Ms. Mary Brace 

James & Hope Bradley 

Wiliam & Alexis L Bradow 

Ms. Catherine Bragdon 

Troy & Karen Brandel 

Mr. James D. Bratt 

Doug & Kathy Brehm 

*Mr. & Mrs. Don W. Brenner 

C. Larry & Kay Briggance 

Mr. Rick Brigham 

Bruce & Rebecca Brink 

Ms. Emily Brink 

Arthur & Caryl Brintnall 

Ms. Susan Bromley-Roh 

Paul & Madeline Brooks 

Ms. Cathy Brott 

Thorne & Estella Brown 

Ms. Judi Brown 

Mr. Ron Brown 

Lisa Brown 

*Ernie & Carole Brumbaugh 

Mike & Joanna Buboltz 

*Jim & Kitty Buck 

Mr. Michael Buechin 

Ms. Mary Buist 

*Teresa Buist 

Mr. Fred Bulford 

Ken & Kevin Burchfield 

*Dr. Peg Burke & Ed Wietecha 

Lyne & Peter Burkey 

Tom & Sue Burmeister 

Mr. Sterling Bushnell 

Mr. Wayne Buskirk 

Mr. Donald Bussies 

Becky Butela 

Mr. & Mrs. John Byl 

Mr. Ray Byle 

Mr. David M. Byrne 

*Chuck & Lucy Caldwell 

David & Luise Calkins 

*Mr. Bill Callow 

*Nora Callow & Barry Christian 

Cheryl Cammenga 

Norman & Maureen Campbell 

*Robert J. & Emily Campbell 

Ms. Geraldine A. Caplan 

Ms. Sabra A. Carl 

Robert & Barbara Carr 

Mike & Char Cary 

Dave and Sue Chambers 

Jerry & Linda Chambers 

*Ms. Julianne Chan 

Rick & Willow Chapla 

Dean & Shirley Chapman 

Ms. Lu Chappell 

Keith Charak & Sue McIlwaine 

Floyd & Kathleen Chase 

Robert & Loree Chase 

Ms. Judy Chesley 

Rudolph Chmelar 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Chovanec 

Norman & Anita Christopher 

Ms. Diane Cisler 

Mr. & Mrs. Victor V. Claar 

Dave & Beth Clark 

Ms. Caroline Clark 

Mrs. Terrel E. Clarke 

Ms. Sue Clements 

John & Michelle Cleveland 

John & Julie Clough 

Ms. Stella Clove 

Charles & Jane Clover 

Ms. Janice Clum 

Bryce and Marilynn Cobb 

Mr. William E. Cochrane 

Mr. & Mrs. Dean C. Coder 

Donna & Bruce Cohen 

Mr. Roger A. Cole 

*Rob & Diane Collier 

Fred & Gail Colvin 

Comerica Bank 

Julie & Robert Connors 

Consumers Energy 

Company Foundation 

Ms. Joan Conway 

Dr. & Mrs. John R. Cook 

Dave & Sharon Cooke 

Barbara & Jim Cooley 

Mr. Clinton Coombs, Jr. 

Randall & Irene Cooper 

Burt and Gina Cooper 

Robert & Ann Cooper 

Paul & Barbara Cooper 

Michael & Joni Corbett 

Ms. Maxine S. Corder 

Ms. Pat Cornelisse 

Mr. John Coulter 

Thomas & Carol Cousineau 

Peggy Covert 

Ms. Janet Coyle 

Steve & Christine Crandall 

Ms. Barb Crandell 

Creative Benefit Systems, Inc. 

Ms. Mary Cronenwett 

Charles and Patricia Cubbage 

Tim & Anne Cusack 

Ms. Dorothy J. Custer 

Mr. Tim Cygeirt 

David & Joan Cywinski 

Don & Kathy Dahlstrom 

Mr. Thomas Dalgleish 

Mr. Jonathan Damon 

Thomas and Patricia Dancey 

Ms. Cyane Dandridge 

Elizabeth Danigelis 

Ms. Roberta Dardi 

Ms. Andrea Darling 

Mr. Bill Darooge 

Mr. Robert Davidson 

Bob & Jacqueline Davidson 

Gary & Sandra Davis 

*Mark & Becci Davis 

John & Janet Day 

*Robert & Catherine Day 

Ms. Sonya Dean 

Pete & Mandy DeBoer 

Roger & Florence DeGraaf 

Mark & Deidre DeHaan 

Ms. Darlene Ann DeHudy 

Edgar DeJong & 

Diane VanWesep 

Mr. Dan Dekker 

Thomas & Mary DeKorte 

Phil & Theresa DeLange 

Mr. & Mrs. Pete DeMaagd 

Mr. Timothy DeMarse 

Mr. & Mrs. Clair DeMull 

Mr. David DenBoer 

Ms. Jill DenHerder 

Ms. Marianne Derby 

Pat Dettmer 

Paul & Valerie Deur 

*Mike Devarenne 

Leo and Sue Devarenne 

Carol & Norman Devendorf 

Daniel & Patsy DeVol 

Mr. Mike DeVries 

DeVries Construction, LTD. 

*Ron & Jeanne DeWaard 

Gary & Joyce DeWitt 

Kelly & Kristen DeWitt 

Mr. & Mrs. Roland DeWitt 

Kelly & Jeanne DeWys 

Carole & Kent DeYoung 

Ms. Gail DeYoung 

Steve & Mary DeYoung 

Rhoda & Johan deZoete 

Len, Carol & Chris Dibble 

Laurence & Jane Dickie 

Ms. Diana Dieckman 

Mrs. Terry Dikker 

Mr. & Mrs. John Dillbeck 

Mr. & Mrs. A. Newton Dilley 

Mr. Stewart Dinger 

Glenn & Janet Dirkse 

*Mary Jane Dockeray 

Ms. Linda Dodge 

Bill & Carol Doezema 

*Timothy Donahue 

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Donahue 

Mrs. Dick B. Donker 

Dorathy Swift Guild of 

Butterworth Hospital 

Dan & Ruth Dorn 

Ms. Shirley Downer 

Kathleen & Joseph Doyle 

Mrs. Shirley A. Draft 

Leon & Carolyn Drew 

Ms. Doris Ducey 

Kelly & Barbara Duff 

Mr. Martin Dugan 

Mr. Duane Dunlap 

Ms. Kayem Dunn 

Lawrence & Sharon Dunn 

Dwight & Gloria Durkee 

Bruce & Pat Dutcher 

*Jennifer & Lawrence Duthler 

Dr. and Mrs. Timothy B. Duthler 

Ms. Janice Dyer 

Mrs. Nancy Dykehouse 

Ms. Theresa Dykhuis 

Don & Eileen Dykstra 

Beth & Matthew Dykstra 

Arline Dzwonkowski 

Eco Print 

Mr. Melvin Eddy 

Ms. Nancy Edelmayer 

*Sharon Edgar 

Ms. Joan Edson 

Thomas M. Edwards & 

Annie Wassmann 

Dawn and Paul Eggerding 

*David Eggerding & 

Jackie Neerken 

Elizabeth Jane Eggleston 

*Vernon & Johanna Ehlers 

Mr. Robert D. Eklund 

*Patricia Elders 

Al & Marcia Elders 

Clark & Carroll Elenbaas 

Ms. Suzanne Elles 

Cari & Jeff Elliott 

*Elzinga & Volkers, Inc. 

Dennis & Sue Emmons 

William & Cheryl Endres 

Jim & Harriet Engbers 

Mr. & Mrs. Joel Engel 

Mr. Joseph Engel 

Mr. Gerald Engle 

Ms. Lana Eringaard 

Mr. Thomas Erwood 

Ms. Kathy Evans 

Mark & Shelley Evenhouse 

Mr. Douglas Everse 

Mr. Lance Evert 

Dr. Wallace Ewing 

Frederick & Sue Eyer 

Roger & Carol Faber 

Craig & Kimberly Faiman 

Caron & Floyd Farmer 

Mr. William S. Farr 

Ms. Joan Reel Farrell 

Ms. Sharon Fase 

Diane & Sam Federoff, Jr. 

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Fee 

Mr. Matt Fenske 

Julie Ferrier 

Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Fethke 

Sara & Maurice Fetty 

*Warren & Cathleen Feyt 

Chris & Anne Ficeli 

Francis & Janice Fike 

John and Anne Fiore 

Stephen and Linda Fiorenzo 

Jack & Mary Fisher 

Rick & Gretchen Fisher 

Mr. Charles R. Fisher 

Ms. Frances F Fisher 

Ellen & Kevin Fitch 

Mr. Mark Fitzpatrick 

*Mr. John M. Fleming 

Robert & Sue Fles 

Mr. Robert Flink 

Max & Lois Flowerday 

Danielle & Josh Fogel 

James & Bonnie Fogel 

Gladys & Jay Folkema 

Daniel & Penny Folsom 

*William & Mary Ford, III 

Carl & Anne Forslund 

*Mr. & Mrs. Jon Forslund 

Mr. Gene Fortune 

Pat Foster 

Rick and Barbara Foster 

Fountain Street Church 

*Ben & Judy Fowler 

Mr. Floyd N. Fox 

John & Lois Foxworthy 

Gerald & Donna Foy 

Mr. & Mrs. Lynn Francis 

*Mr. & Mrs. David Francisco 

*Chip & Julie Francke 

Ms. Vicky Frantz 

Ruth Frechen 

John (Drew) & Barbara Frecka 

K. Frederick 

David Frederick & Hildi Paulson 

Ms. Karen Frederiksen 

Ken & Lorma Freestone 

Mr. & Mrs. Walter Freihofer 

Ms. Jean K. Freye 

*Alexandria Fricano 

David Fridsma & Ashima Saigal 

Ms. Lindsey Frye 

Richard & Stephanie Fryer 

Steve Frykholm & Nancy Phillips 

Dr. & Mrs. Edward Fugate 

John & Judith Fuller 

Dr. John Gabrosek 

Mr. David Gaebel 

Karen Garber & John Desmarais 

Ms. Joan M. Garety 

*Melissa & Brian Gary 

Ms. Linda Gary 

*Mr. Ray Gates 

Ms. Barbara Gauthier 

John & Paula Gaylord 

*Alan I. Gebben 

John & Pat Gelderloos 

Mr. Jeff Genzink 

Mark George 

Mr. Daniel George 

GFWC - Woman’s Club of 

Grand Haven 

Ms. Deborah Gibson 

Ms. Susan Gilbey 

Mrs. Fran Gilcrest 

Ms. Marjorie Gilde 

Bill and Janis Gill 

*Anita M. Gilleo 

*Robert & Nancy Gillette 

James & Donna Gilliom 

Mr. John F. Gilmore 

*Gene & Tubie Gilmore 

Ms. Terri Glenn 

Dr. Christopher Glisson 

Mrs. Marilyn Godfrey 

Brent & Marilyn Godfrey 

Ms. Meg Goebel 

Ms. Candi Goldman 

Ms. Mae A. Golenbieski 

Mr. Wayne Golomb 

Melanie Good 

Ms. Lynne Goodwin 

*Barbara Gordon 

Ms. Kelly Goward 

Mr. Daniel S Grady 

Ms. Jessica Gragg 

Ms. Mary Louise Graham 

Ms. Elizabeth S. Graham 

John & Nancy Grant 

Mr. Jared Green 

Ms. Jane B. Greenwood 

Ms. Gloria A. Gregory 

Ms. Loraine Griffin 

Robert & Jane Griffin 

Mrs. Susan Griffioen 

Mr. Jack Grimes 

Paul & Judith Grischke 

Ms. Barbara L. Grob 

Wayne & Sandra Groesbeck 

*Bernard E. Grysen, MD 

Dr. & Mrs. James A. Gunn 

Ms. Carol Gunneman 

Eugene J and Barbara A Gutting 

Richard & Christine Guzorek 

Peter & Mary Haab 

Roger & Pat Haadsma 

Ms. Jean Haase 

Mrs. Eugene Haase 

Scott & Gail Haebich 

Susan & Jerry Hagans 

Wendell & Vicki Hahn 

John & Mary Hamberg 

Ms. Nancy Reel Hamilton 

Ms. Nancy Hamlin 

Tom & Sally Hammond 

Albert & Mindy Hamstra 

Dona & Laura Hansen 

Mr. Garrett Hanson 

John & Mary Harberts 

Ms. Connie Harbison 

Lisa & Jim Harger 

*Mr. & Mrs. George Harper 

Robert & Tammy Hartman 

Dr. & Mrs. T. Hartwig 

Ms. Mary T. Harvey 

Kurt and Madelon Hassberger 

Mr. Don Hasselbring 

Jim & Barbara Haveman 

Lillian Havenga 

*Dan & Kate Hawkins 

Mr. Charles Hayden 

Glen & Christi Hayden 

Mr. Dennis Hayes 

Rod & Lidia Hayhurst 

Ms. Chris Haynor 

Michael & Barbara Hayward 

Mr. Hugh Hazelton 

*Stephen & Dolores Heeger 

Jim & Pam Hegarty 

Donald & Judy Hegedus 

*Madeline Heibel 

Ms. Amy Heilman 

William & Roxanne Helder 

Todd and Diane Helle 

Ms. Sheryl Helmus 

Mark & Julie Helsen 

Mr. Blake Heminger 

Mr. & Mrs. Boyd Henderson 

Timothy & Karen Henderson 

Mr. George Hendricks 

*Glenn Hendrix 

*Dellas Henke & Mariel Versluis 

Ms. Carol Hennessy 

Mark & Judy Herman 

Larry Herrington & 

Linda Glaza-Herrington

Lonnie & Kim Herrington 

Ms. Renae Hesselink 

Rick & Kim Heuvelman 

Mrs. Alfred W. Hewitt 

John & Wava Heyboer 

*Jack & Rose Heydenburg 

*Brad & Anne Heyl 

Mr. & Mrs. Ed W. Hiaeshutter 

Mr. Scott K. Hibbard 

Gwen & John Hibbard 

*John D & Gwen Hibbard 

Mr. Patrick J. Hickey 

Lukas & Teresa Hill 

Wendell & Sandra Hill 

Brenda & Dick Hilt 

Tom & Kris Hinken 

Ms. Catherine Hintz 

Alice and Bill Hirt 

Mats & Tami Hjelm 

*Barbara Hoag 

Brad & Holly Hoare 

Ms. Susan Hoekema 

Ms. Denise Hoeksema 

Roger & Paula Hoffman 

Jack & Rebecca Hoffman 

Denny & Fay Hoffman 

Ronald & Heidi Hofman 

Steve & Joy Hohmeyer 

Mr. Greg Holcombe 

Ms. Susan Holkeboer 

Annette Hollister-Papp & 

Bob Papp 

Ms. Karen Holt 

Ms. Dawn Holtrop 

*Jim & Jeanne E. Holzbach 

Mr. Craig Hondorp 

Michael & Jan Hood 

James & Barbara Hoogeboom 

Barbra & Martin Hoogterp 

Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Hoopes 

James & Linda Horan 

Horizon Environmental Corp. 

Mary Hornby 

Dan & Jane Horton 

Bob & Donna Houskamp 

Ms. Marcia Howe 

Mr. Matthew Howell 

Charles Howie & Wendy Stock 

Richard & Elizabeth Hubbard 

Fred & Connie Hubbell 

John & Janyce Huff 

Mr. Richard Huff 

*Ms. Trudi Huizenga 

Ms. Nancy Hulka 

Gary & Cynthia Humphries 

Gerald & Mary Hunsburger 

Ms. Jodee Hunt 

Joe & Marcy Hunter 

*James & Karen Huyser 

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen 

Huyser-Honig 

*Mr. & Mrs. Win Irwin 

Elaine & Paul Isely 

Mark J. Ivey, MD 

Sue Ann Jabin 

Phillip & Cherry Jacobus 

Mr. Donald Jandernoa 

Mr. Michael Janisse 

Sr. Lucille Janowiak 

Ms. Margaret Jaruzel 

Joel & Kathleen Jarvis 

David & Karri Jasperse 

Jawor Bros Blueberries Inc 

Mr. Andrew Jefchak 

Jon & Betsy Jellema 

Ms. Mary E. Jellema 

*Mary Jean Jennings 

Mrs. Elsie Jocz 

May & Virgil Johanningsmeier 

Ms. Bari S. Johnson 

Mr. Brian Johnson 

Meggan & Gary Johnson 

Dan & Barbara Joldersma 

Mark Jones & Kathy O’Brien 

Thomas & Jennifer Jorgensen 

Julian & Judith Joseph 

Terry & Susan Judd 

Michael & Sarah Julien 

*Christopher & Martha Kaiser 

Shirley Kallio 

Mr. Ken Kammeraad 

Ms. Lois Kamps 

Rein & Minnie Kansman 

*Mr. Robert W. Karsten 

Mr. Haig H. Kassouni 

Ms. Judy Kauffeld 

Mr. Don Keegstra 

Bob & Jeralyn Keeney 

Ms. Bonnie Kegley 

Paul & Barb Kehnle 

Ms. Judy Keller 

Scott R. Keller 

Paul Kellermann & Pat Hartsoe 

Brian & Mary Kelly 

Dr. & Mrs. Thomas Kelso 

Kentwood Library Staff 

Irene Kerekes 

Ms. Elizabeth M. Kernahan 

Jack & Martha Ketchum 

*Pam & Jim Key 

Ms. Majorie Kibbey 

Paul & Barbara Kidd 

Garry & Francine Kieft 

Jim & Deb Kiekover 

Larry & Lorraine Kietzman 

Mr. Robert King 

Mrs. Mary Jane King 

Mr. Karl Kinkema 

John & Shirley Kison 

Mr. & Mrs. Ross Kittleman 

Kevin & Jan Klco 

Susan & Andrew Kleaveland 

John & Karen Kleinheksel 

Richard & Lois Klempel 

*Keith & Susanne Kloet 

Ms. Kristi Klomp 

Joni Kloote 

Bill & Peg Klungle 

Ms. Colleen Knape 

Jean & Harry Knudsen 

Ron & Nina Kobryn 

Ms. Jan Koebbe 

Mr. Kurt Koella 

Mr. Gordon Koetje 

*The G. Milton Koets Family 

Jeff and Kate Koeze 

Ms. Mary Beth Koeze 

Mr. Robert P. Koeze 

*Mr. and Mrs. Egon Kohl 

*Gary & Shirley Kok 

Jeff & Jenny Kommit 

Andy & Barbara Koning 

Dale Anne Korbecki 

Ms. Jane Kostal 

*Mr. Gary D. Kovitz 

Emily Kozlowicz 

Mr. & Mrs. Ned Krohn 

Ms. Diane Kroll 

Mr. Albion Kromminga 

Henry & Cassandra Kroondyk 

Dick & Margaret Kruizenga 

Ms. Wendy Kuenzel-Kapolka 

Rex & Rebecca Kuhn 

Tom & Margie Kuhn 

Ms. Janelle Kuiper 

Charles & Beatrice Kulier 

Jeffrey & Kelly Kurburski 

Mr. John F. Kurfess, Jr. 

Ms. Elizabeth Kurth 

David & Lee Kurzhal 

Paul Kutsche 

Richard & Janet Kutschinski 

Ann & Jim Kuzee 

Mr. Frank Kwiatek 

*Brian & Gwen Laarman 

Scott & Donna Lachniet 

Douglas and Molly Lachniet 

Mr. Samuel Lacina 

Mark & Lori LaCroix 

Paul & Patricia Ladas 

Ms. L. J. Lamb 

Ms. Anna P. Land 

Ms. Pam Landes 

Mr. Benjamin Lane 

Mr. & Mrs. Jerry T Lang 

Calvin & Yvonne Langejans 

Mr. Vernon Laninga 

Thomas Lapinski 

Ms. Robert Lascko 

Mr. & Mrs. Fredric Laskowski 

Ms. Deborah Lass 

Ms. Sandra Last 

*Jean Laug Carroll 

*Pamela J. Laureto 

Scott & Jennifer Lautenschlaeger 

Daniel, Suzanne & Erika Lavin 

John & Mary Ellen Lawlor 

Mrs. Margaret Burrows Le Grand 

Frederick & Charlotte Leaske 

Mr. & Mrs. Andre Lebaron 

*Joseph & Helen LeCuyer 

*Ms. Susan Ledy 

Mr. Philip M. Leech 

Mr. John Legge 

Jeff & Sally Leinicke 

*Ms. Marlene Leistico 

Dr. John Leitner & 

Cynthia Krause 

Jeffrey Lende & 

Carole Lende-Svec 

*Mr. Thomas E. Leonard 

Mr. Timothy Leugs 

Michael & Amy Leugs 

Ms. Michelle Leveque 

Ms. Bridget Lewakowski 

James & Elizabeth Lieberman 

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Lievense 

Mr. Jesse Lincoln 

Mr. Bernard F. Link 

John & Barbara Lloyd 

Mr. Thomas H. Logan 

Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Lorch 

Mark & Stacey Lorin 

Susan & Chris Loughrin 

*Ms. Irma M. Love 

Bob & Sally Lowry 

Dr. & Mrs. Don Lubbers 

Ms. June Lumley 

Timothy & Tess Lundgren 

*John & Sheryl Lunn 

Ms. Muriel Lutes 

Michael & Suzanne Lutz 

John & Alison Lynch 

Danny Lynn 

Frank & Jennifer Lynn 

Dr. Neil MacDonald 

Ms. Mary S. MacDonald 

Mr. Bruce MacDonald 

Mr. Stephen J. Macedo 

James & Patricia MacLellan 

*Robert & Janice Mahaney 

Shawn & Joanne Mahoney 

Mr. Joe Maile 

Jim & Mary Malek 

Ms. Rosalie Mancier 

David Marckini 

Ms. Gudrun Marcotty 

Phillip & Deborah Margules 

Lee & Pauline Marmion 

Mr. & Mrs. William Marossy 

Ronald and Selene Marsteiner 

Mr. Mark S. Marszal 

*Chris & Laura Martin 

Lynn Martin & Tom Dandridge 

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Martin 

Lloyd & Mary Martin 

*Wm & Shirley Martinus 

Robert & Mary E. Mason 

Dr. Lois A. Matheson 

Ms. Nancy E Mathews 

*Doris May 

Lesley Mayer 

Derek & Angela Mazurek 

*Claudia & John McAinsh 

Mr. John A. McAree 

Ms. Mary Jo McCann 

Terri & Steve McCarthy 

Ms. Karen McCarthy 

Mr. Michael McCrimmon 

Mr. Don McDaniel 

Kevin & Kathy McDowell 

Richard & Noel McGarrity 

Ms. Carol McGeehan 

Ms. Jane McGookey 

*Barbara McGuirl 

Ryan & Donna McHenry 

Jim McHugh 

Roy & Carol McIlwaine 

John & Nancy McIntyre 

James McKay & Twink Frey 

Mr. Patrick McKearnan 

Mr. F. William McKee 

Edward and Lois McLean 

Sharon McManus 

Mr. Don McMaster 

Mr. James McMaster 

*Mr. & Mrs. Gerald McNeive 

Bob McParlan 

Tom & Janice McWhertor 

Dale & Connie Mead 

Mr. Judson Mealy 

*Jennifer & Douglas Medema 

Ruth Meinert 

William and Jill Mendenhall 

Mr. Kevin Menken 

Bob & Donnell Mersereau 

Jim & Cynthia Metcalf 

Mr. Philip Meyer 

Andrew & Jackie Meyers 

David & Merry Kim Meyers 

Dan & Dawn Michaels 

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Micka 

*Greg & Jin Milkins 

Jack & Faye Miller 

Mr. George Miller 

Vickie & Matt Miller 

Patrick & Sheila Miller 

Dolikian & Katherine Minnich 

Henry & Lois Mishler 

Mr. & Mrs. Roger Missimer 

Mizpahs- Forest Hills 

Presbyterian Church 

*Jim & Sue Molhoek 

Ms. Sue Molhoek 

Brenda Monday & Jack DeHorn 

*Hester Monsma 

Mr. Stephen Monsma 

Ms. Brenda Moore 

Moore & Bruggink, Inc. 

H.R. & Nancy Morgenstern 

Ms. Kathryn Mork 

Barbara J. & John S. Morrison 

*Patrick & Johanna Morrissey 

Leslie Mosher 

Ms. Joy Muehlenbeck 

Steven J. Mueller 

Steve & Nancy Mulder 

Christine & Patrick Muldoon 

Lureen Mullally 

*James & Mildred Muller 

Mr. William Mungall 

Ms. Sally Munley 

James & Catherine Murphy 

Muskegon Conservation District 

Muskegon County Nature Club 

David and Kathy Myers 

Greg & Rhonda Myers 

Duane & Nancy Nagel 

Mr. Kevin Nauta 

Mr. William Neal 

Mrs. Willis J. Nelson 

Richard A. Nelson 

Joseph & June Nelson 

Ms. Eileen Newman 

Ms. Leslie Newman 

Mr. Charles Nicholson 

Craig & Jennifer Niemann 

Mr. William Nienhuis 

Fred & Audrey Nietering 

Mr. Platt Nobel 

Mr. Gary Noble 

Lea Norbotten 

Eileen & John Nordstrom 

Mr. Thomas Noreen 

Fred & Joanna Norris 

Douglas & Elizabeth Notman 

Craig & Natalie Nykiel 

Mr. & Mrs. Gordon R. Obenauf 

Mrs. Arlene Obetts 

Brian & Karen Obits 

Ms. Ruth O’Keefe 

Sean & Nancy O’Neill 

Ken & Jan Oosterhouse 

Colleen & Matt Ortwine-Boes 

Ms. Kay Ostrom 

Ms. Jane Otrhalek & 

Tonya Rund 

Larry & Deb Overbeek 

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Overeem 

Ms. Amy Overeiner 

Chris Overvoorde 

Marvin & Daphne Overway 

Jim Overzet & Gail Hill 

Ms. Beverly Oyler 

Dr. & Mrs. Vicente Pacheco 

Mr. & Mrs. Martin Packard 

Waldemar & Bonnie Palutke 

*Douglas & Gretchen Paprocki 

Jean Parker 

Tom Parker 

Brian & Karla Parkhurst 

Parkland Development of 

West Michigan, Inc 

Rick & Katie Parks 

Mr. Jeff Parks 

Dr. & Mrs. Walker Parmalee 

Mr. Steven Parsh 

Mr. Richard W. Partridge 

*Randolph C. Paschke 

Mr. & Mrs. John Pastoor 

Amy Pattullo & 

Steven G. Walters 

Mark Pattullo & Anne Montague 

Mr. Lee W Paull 

Mary C. Payne 

Mr. Allen Pearson 

Lars & Kimberly Peek-Jensen 

Richard & Liz Peel 

Dirk & Sharon Pegman 

Patricia Jane Pennell 

Mark & Jane Pennington 

Harold and Phyllis Penny 

Mr. Louis Pepoy 

Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. Peters 

Richard & Nancy Peters 

Stuart & Tia Peterson 

Stephen & Marcia Peterson 

Mr. Jim Peterson 

Paul & Sally Peterson 

Mr. Steve Petrides 

Jim & Julie Petrie 

*Stephen & Sharon Piersma 

Ms. Beth Pierson 

Mr. Stan Piotrowski 

Ms. Marilyn Plank 

Mr. Carl Plantinga 

Arthur & Sue Plewka 

Charles & Mary Ploughman 

Ms. Dolly Plowman 

Joyce & Eddy Plummer 

Cal & Carolyn Pomarius 

Dr. & Mrs. James E. Ponitz 

*Jim Ponshair 

Roy & Britta Portenga 

Mr. & Mrs. Gary A. Post 

Jean & Nancy Powell 

Ms. Margaret Pressey 

James & Marie Preston 

Mr. Lawrence A. Price 

Kathy & Dan Price 

Daniel & Judith Printz 

Mark & Timmy Sue Puisis 

Mr. Tom Pushaw 

*Henry Raad 

Ms. Judi Rabbai 

David & Betsy Randall 

Drs. Monica Randles & 

Andrew Maternowski 

*Herb & Kathy Ranta 

Alan Rapoport 

Daniel & Anne Rapoport 

Richard & Patricia Ratcliff 

Ms. Valija Rauceps 

*Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Raymond 

Robert & Marilyn Rector 

Robert & Vicky Reed 

Clare Reeds 

Garry & Nancy Reenders 

Bruce & Marilyn Reichardt 

Russ & Pat Reid 

Rhonda Reider & Michael 

Halprin 

Evan & Lois Reinders 

Reliant Professional 

Cleaning Contractors 

Mrs. Herbert C. Remien, Jr. 

Mr. Peter M. Rhein 

Richard & Nancy Rhem 

Steven & Kelly Rice 

Al & Charline Rice 

Robert Richards & Ethel Stears 

Stanley & Mary Ries 

Ms. Joan Riggs 

David & Patricia Rinard 

River City Wild Ones Natural 

Landscapers, LTD 

Rockford Lions Club 

Mr. Brian Roelof 

Mr. & Mrs. Donald Roelofs 

Henry Roesler 

Linda & Monte Rogers 

Karel Rogers 

Mr. Conrad Rohrer 

Gary & Sheri Rokos 

Wally & Karen Rooks 

Stan & Elaine Roose 

Ms. Karen Roth 

Mr. Donald Roy 

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Royce 

Paul & Sue Rozeboom 

Ms. Janice Rozema 

Ms. Roberta Rubin 

Robin Rudden & John Vrieling 

Rudicil Family 

Mr. Alan Rumbaugh 

Austin & Janet Rund 

Mr. Walt Rusin 

*David & Laurie Russell 

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Ruzicka 

Ted & Betty Rycenga 

Bobbi & Charles Ryman 

Mr. & Mrs. Donald Rypma 

Ms. Nellie Sabin 

*Bob & Bobbi Sabine 

Ms. Nancy Sabolish 

Stanley & Phyllis Saganski 

Mr. Ron Sakowski 

Gary & Eileen Samek 

Nancy & Chester Sanders 

Aaron & Rachel Sanders 

Mr. Thomas P. Sarb 

Mr. A. Charles Schaap 

Tim & Cindy Schad 

Michael & Elizabeth Schanhals 

*Roger P. Scharmer 

Mrs. Gwen M. Scheerer 

Joan Scheifele 

William & Beatrice Scheltema 

Mr. & Mrs. Ernie Schenk 

Ms. Jean Schilleman 

Ken & Yvonne Schilling 

Mr. & Mrs. Ray Schlaff 

Ken Schmidt & Bill Russell 

Mr. William Schmiedicke 

William & Barbara 

Schmuggerow 

John & Judith Schneider 

*Charles G. Schoenknecht & 

Ward Paul 

*Will & Kathy Scholtz 

Paul & Deborah Schultz 

Howard & Paula Schultz & 

Family 

Dr. Daniel G. Schultze 

Marie and Ron Seamans 

Ms. Evelyn Searl 

Ms. Donna Seastrom 

*Jim & Susie Sebastian 

William & Mary Seeger 

James Sellman & David Balas 

*Tracey Shafroth & Michael 

Elam 

Mrs. Frances Shaw 

Mr. & Mrs. Lyle F. Shaw 

Ms. Gloria Shay 

Bob & Margaret Shay 

John & Kim Shea 

*Mrs. Eileen Shedleski 

Ms. Lee Ann Shedleski-Holmden 

Mr. Donald Sheill 

Ms. Arlene Sherman 

Ms. I. Joyce Sherrell 

*Ms. Mary Sherzer 

Mr. Martin Shields 

Mr. Bob Shrauger 

Mr. & Mrs. Abdou Sickrey 

Steve & Laura Sikkenga 

Ms. Janice Simon 

Daniel & Julie Sjogren 

Janet H. Skeberdis 

Mr. James Skipper 

Phyllis Slater 

Gerald & Judy Slicker 

Max & Kathy Slisher 

Gary & Barbara Slover 

*Katherine Smalley 

*Jerome & Helen Smith 

Monica Smith 

Jeffrey & Sandra Smith 

Dud & Marty Smith 

Kenway & Deloras Smith 

Julie Stoneman 

Scott Smith & Elena Tislerics 

Ms. Sandra Smithey 

Daniel & Kara Smolek 

*Mr. & Mrs. Hilary E. Snell 

Robert & Jennifer Snideman 

Mr. Donald R. Snyder 

Jan Snyder 

*Darlene Snyder 

Mr. Bernard E Sobie 

Dr. & Mrs. Chris Southwick 

*Henry Spenski, Jr. 

Mr. Roger Spoelman 

Jarvis & Mary Spreng 

Ms. Jean Springer 

Mr. Milton Stahl 

Mr. Ken Stanton 

Roman Starr 

Ray & Alma Statema 

Gordon & Sherry Stauffer 

*Robert & Gail Stegmier 

Rick & Sue Steketee 

*Fred & Deb Steketee 

Aimee Sterk & Joe Kurnik 

Thomas Stevens & 

Suzanne Dixon 

Ms. Joan Stewart 

Mr. Michael Stewart 

Marge Stidham 

John & Julie Stivers 

Ms. Barbara Stockman 

James & Karen Stokes 

Mrs. Heidi Stoneman 

Bob & Ruth Stoppert 

Brian & Marisol Stork 

Ms. Doris Stovall 

George & Dottie Strabel 

Ms. Jan Strait 

Dr. William Stratbucker 

Gloria Stratton & Julia Malpass 

Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Stuecken 

Richard Sturgis 

Mr. Gerrit Sturrus 

Ms. Rene Sundquist 

*Susan L. Supanich 

Mr. & Mrs. Verne Sutherland 

*Robert & Mary Swain 

Marta Swain 

Robert and Bonnie Swan 

Howard & Marilyn Swanson 

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Swanson 

Mr. Bill Sweetman 

Don Swick & 

Kathy DuBois-Swick 

George & Marianne Swick 

*Joyce Swierbut & 

William Cunningham 

Mr. & Mrs. Larry D. Swisher 

Ms. Mary Switzer 

*Ms. Lisa W. Symons 

Robert Synk & Theresa Pawloski 

Robert & Mischelle Sytsma 

Susan Tabor & 

Thomas Wahman 

Bob & Linda Tarte 

Bernie and Nancy Tassin 

Neil & Cynthia Taylor 

Mr. Cal Taylor 

Steele A. Taylor 

Ms. Marilynn Tenbroek 

Scott & Marnie TenCate 

Mr. Steve TenElshof 

*Curtis TerHaar 

Mr. & Mrs. John E. Terhune 

Joanne and Cotter Tharin 

*Roger & Marilyn Tharp 

Peter & Judy Theune 

Ms. Louise Thomas 

Mr. & Mrs. Harry Thomasma 

Mr. Tom Thompson 

Mr. Howard Thompson 

Peter Thomson 

Mr. & Mrs. John Tierney 

Daniel and Betsey Tinkham 

Ati & Jennifer Tislerics 

Ms. Marilyn Titche 

Lydia & John Tobian 

Mike & Kathy Toczydlowski 

Dan & Linda Toelle 

Dr. & Mrs. David Tomczak 

Mr. Crosby Tompkins 

Rick & Michelle Topp 

Ben & June Toshalis 

Ms. Carol Townsend 

Trace Analytical Laboratories 

Anthony Travis & Jeannie Hosey 

*Elise & Steven Tripp 

Ms. Karen Trudell 

Norman & Marjorie Tubbs 

*Mr. & Mrs. John Tully 

Mr. Richard Tuttle 

Edward & Margaret Twohey 

Tyco 

*Ms. Pamela Tyler 

UAW Conservation Committee 

Ms. Jane Underwood 

Ms. Ann Usakowski 

Mr. Robert Vaccaro 

Mary & Phillip Valentine 

Kent & Judy Vana 

Mark & Esther VanAllsburg 

Mr. Paul Vanbeek 

Ms. Nancy VanBenthuysen 

Mr. & Mrs. John VandenBos 

Ms. Dot Vander Pol 

*William & Susan Vanderbilt 

William & Abigail Vanderbilt 

Ms. Barb VanderHaak 

Mr. Robert A. Vanderkamp 

A.C. Vanderkolk & 

Melanie Scholten 

Mr. Tom VanderKuy 

Mr. Chuck Vanderlaan 

James & Linda VanderSchaaf 

Kathy VanderStel 

Mr. David Vanderveen 

Ms. Marilyn VanderVeen 

Edward and M. Jade 

VanderVelde 

*Jim & Mary Ellen VanderWerp 

Terry Vandewater 

Ken & ChiChi VanDyke 

Mr. William VanDyke 

James & Susan VanDyke 

Mr. & Mrs. Michael VanHaren 

Ms. Geraldine M. VanHerp 

Mr. Phil VanHuis 

Mr. Dennis VanLoo 

*Ron & Sue VanPortfliet 

John & Margaret VanRyn 

Mr. George Vanstrien 

Ms. Susan E. VanTimmeren 

Theresa & David VanVeelen 

Mr. Dean VanVelsen 

Rebekah VanWieren & 

Brent Rosso 

Glenn & Jackie VanWieren 

Gerald & Valerie VanWoerkom 

*Gordon & Margaret VanWylen 

Mr. Aaron VanZee 

Gary & Pat Vargas 

John & Gwen Varineau 

David & Janice Varney 

*Charlotte Veenstra 

Ms. Lois Veenstra 

Ms. Diane Veneklasen 

Ms. Gail Venner 

David & Jayne VerLee 

Gary & Vicki Verplank 

Neil Versluis 

Ms. Elizabeth Villaverde 

Mrs. Sylvia Vink 

Richard & Joy Visser 

Joseph & Linda Vogan 

Russell & Susan Volz 

Mr. & Mrs. Frank K. Voris 

Ron & Mary Voss 

Mr. & Mrs. Gary Vruggink 

Ms. Joyce Vugteveen 

Ron & Lin Wabel 

John & Phillis Wahlberg 

*Laurin & Lois Waldecker 

Mr. John J. Walhout 

Margaret & Paul Walkendorf 

Dr. Dan Walma 

Roy & Helen Walters 

Ms. Caroline Waltz 

Maria Ward & Tracy Wright 

Mr. John Warners 

Dr. Dave P. Warners 

Kathy Wassink 

Robert & Emily Watts 

Tracey & John Weatherwax 

Tom & Barbara Webber 

Mr. William Weber 

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Weber 

Clark & Shirley Weersing 

Patrick & Sheryl Weiland 

Dan & Lynee Wells 

Ms. Carol Welz-Gustafson 

Ms. Barbara Wepman 

West Michigan Christian 

Foundation 

Dan Westhoff & 

Susan Rhem-Westhoff 

Kathy Whalen 

Phillip & Louisa Wheeler 

Don & Ann Whitmore 

Thomas & Melissa Whitney 

W. J. and Corinne Widdis 

Mr. John Wier 

Scott Wierenga 

*Nancy Wierenga 

Burnie & Elinor Wiersma 

Michael & Eileen J. Wigen 

*Carol & Lars Wigert 

Dr. & Mrs. Richard T. Wilcox 

Jeff & Katherine Wilcox 

Mr. Kenneth Wilkinson 

Larry & Betsy Willey 

Ronald & Judy Williams 

Eleanor K. Williams 

*Patricia Willick 

Phil & Judith Willson 

Lew & Jill Wilson 

Ms. Dorothy Wimmer 

Mr. William Winglar 

Dr. C. N. Winnick 

Ms. Marguerite Winter 

Mr. Jim Winter-Troutwine 

Ms. Cheryl Wisdom 

Mr. Robert Wisneski 

Ms. Sue Wisneski 

David & Susan Wittenbach 

John Wojciakowski & 

Jenny Flanders 

Ms. Susan Wold 

Ronald & Shelly Wong 

Phil & Carolyn Wood 

Ms. Lynne Wood 

George & Sharlotte Worthington 

Nancee & Tom Woudstra 

Ms. April Wright 

Robert & Mary Wygant 

Ray & Barb Wygant 

Mr. John Wynbeck 

Buzz & Linda Wynbeek 

Chris & Heather-Lee Wysong 

Paul & Alicia Yeiter 

Ms. Betty Yonkers 

*William G. & Mary L. Yost 

Richard & Barbara Young 

Cindy & Terry Zaagman 

Garrett & Marilyn Zack 

Mr. Hilary Zack 

*Joseph and Judith Zainea 

Mr. Walter A. Zarnoch 

Robert & Joanne Zayko 

Raimonds Ziemelis & Paula 

McClurg-Ziemelis 

*Ned & Susan Zimmerman 

Ms. Charlene Zoet 

Mr. Brian Zuber 

George & Gretchen Zuiderveen 

Barbara Zulauf 

If your name does 

not appear on this list 

and you feel it should, 

please contact us at 

616-451-9476. Business 

Members are listed on 

Page 8. 

Our sincere apologies 

for any omissions. 

* Donor for 10 years 

or more.

Land Conservancy of West Michigan Page 1 

Working in Partnership to Keep Nature Nearby 

The Land Conservancy’s mission is to keep nature nearby 

and permanently protect natural land. Many times the best 

way to achieve this goal is to work in partnership with local 

communities to create publically accessible natural areas. 

We have a history of providing community assistance. In 

1976 a dedicated group of volunteers gathered to form 

our organization. One of their first actions was to identify 

the ecological significance of the dune ecosystem north of 

Saugatuck and work for state acquisition and preservation 

of what is now the Saugatuck Dunes Natural Area. Since 

then we have continued to partner with our communities 

and have helped protect 1,338 acres as township, county, 

and state parks. 

The Land Conservancy can provide expertise and 

experience our local governments may not have available 

to them. We may help identify important natural areas, 

negotiate an agreement with the landowner, and assist with 

private fundraising and grant writing. 

One of the first projects the Land Conservancy of West Michigan (know then as the Natural 

Areas Conservancy of West Michigan) worked on was the preservation of Saugatuck Dunes 

Natural Area. 

When a community’s conservation and open space preservation goals and our mission of preserving natural areas coincide, we are able to 

save more land than if either one of us were to take on projects alone. Here is a sampling of our past and future cooperative projects: 

North Ottawa Dunes 

Property Owner: Ottawa County 

Parks & Recreation 

Description: In 2005 the Land 

Conservancy of West Michigan helped 

Ottawa County obtain a $3.9 million 

grant from the Michigan Natural 

Resources Trust Fund and raise over 

$1.4 million from local donors. The 

magnificent 500 acres of coastal forested 

dunes links P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, 

Coast Guard City Park, and North 

Beach County Park. 

Upcoming Event: Ottawa County is 

planning a formal dedication ceremony 

for the property this spring. Event 

details will be sent to our email listserv. 

If you are not on our email list and would like 

to be, please email danielle@naturenearby.org. 

The Land Conservancy helped Ottawa County 

acquire the North Ottawa Dunes property and 

create a county park. Photo: Danielle Fogel

Page 1 

Roselle Park 

Property Owner: Ada Township 

Description: The Land Conservancy assisted Ada Township 

in raising funds for the bargain sale purchase of this 242-acre 

park on the banks of the Grand River. Visitors to the park can 

enjoy the view from the wildlife observation tower and walk the 

developing trail system. 

Muskegon State Park: Lost Lake 


In the Works! Meinert County 

Park Expansion 

Property Owner: Muskegon County 

Description: The Land Conservancy is in the 

process of helping Muskegon County raise funds 

and secure grants for the purchase of 95 acres 

adjacent to Meinert County Park. The proposed 

addition consists of critical forested dune habitat, 

seasonal wetlands, and a small undeveloped lake. 

Visit www.naturenearby.org for more information 

on how you can help! 

Upcoming Event: LCWM will be leading a guided 

hike at the property on June 27, 2009 at 10 am. See 

page 16 for details. 

The proposed 95-acre addition to Meinert County Park protects 

forested dune habitat and provides outstanding views of Lake 

Michigan. Photo: Pete DeBoer 

Property Owner: State of Michigan, Muskegon State Park 

Description: 68 acres of woods and rare wetlands, were added 

to Muskegon State Park at the end of 2008. The LCWM played 

a key role in negotiations with the landowner and the State, and 

raised more than half of the project purchase price. 

Upcoming Event: A dedication ceremony is planned for 

summer 2009. Watch your next newsletter for details. Above: Rob Woodrick memorial overlook at Roselle Park. 

Below: Lost Lake, a recent addition to Muskegon State Park. Photo: April Scholtz

Gifts were made in memory of: 

Harold Anderson 

by Mr. & Mrs. Andre Lebaron 

Jim Benson’s father 

by Rockford Lions Club 

Angeline Deur 

by Kristi Klomp 

Robert Eggleston 

by Elizabeth Jane Eggleston 

Evelyn Fox 

by Floyd N. Fox 

Fritz, Axel & Niko 

by George VanStrien 

Helen Hammond & Betty Gill 

by Tom & Sally Hammond 

Her father (memorial benches) 

by Jessica Gragg 

Dr. Arthur Hamp 

by John & Lois Foxworthy 

William Hayes 

by Heather Schanski 

Casey Hartz 

by Mary Jo McCann 

Marilyn Kerry 

by Jim and Prudy Blue 

Gary S. Kok 

by Gary & Shirley Kok 

Land Conservancy of West Michigan Page 1 

Memorials & Honorariums (November 2008 - March 2009) 

John Makowski & 

Esther Flowerday 

by Max & Lois Flowerday 

Rick Mosher 

by Randy & Marla Bliss 

Dan & Ruth Dorn 

Connie Harbison 

Leslie Mosher 

Jan Snyder 

Valley City Environmental Services 

Gary & Pat Vargas 

Marie Piontek 

by James & Patricia MacLellan 

Melissa Reynolds 

by Kevin Nauta 

Penny Sherwood 

by Reini Moser 

Mame Steketee 

by Stephen Boice 

Her mother 

by Marge Stidham 

James Tierney 

by John & Patricia Chipman 

Edwin VerBerkmoes 

by Scott & Ellen Gravelie 

Irene Kerekes 

Norman Merrow 

Mizpahs- Forest Hills 

Presbyterian Church 

Thomas & Joan Rehwoldt 

Diane Rider 

Button bush Photo: April Scholtz 

Marilynn Tenbroek 

Dean VanVelsen 

Robert & Barbara Williams 

Lorraine Demorest Wood 

Gifts were made in honor of: 

Thom Coder 

by Mr. & Mrs. Dean C. Coder 

Anne Copps 

by Tom & Wendy Copps 

Environmental Educators 

by Marvin & Daphne Overway 

Doug & Joani Griffith, Kim 

Griffith, Kay & Bob Hammond, 

Doris Griffith 

by Marti O’Brien 

Robert Hammond, Doug & 

Joani Griffith, Marti & Joe 

O’Brien, Kim Griffith, Doug & 

Kathy Conklin, Doris Griffith 

by Kay Hammond 

Heart & Vascular Inst. At Mercy 

Health Partners 

by Rod & Lidia Hayhurst 


by Sonya Dean 

Penny & Jamie Ladd 

by Mrs. Ardie Adams 

Ruth Frechen 

Joni Kloote 

Mrs. Thurston Powell 

Amy Leugs 

by Timothy Leugs 

Lynn Martin 

by Cyane Dandridge 

Gordon McLouth 

by Julie Ferrier 

John McGarry 

by Kenneth Wilkinson 

William Fowler Nelson 

by Aaron VanZee 

John & April Scholtz 

by Peter & Judy Theune 

Dr. Kay Smalley 

by Jane Underwood 

Victoria Brown-Stark 

by Lisa Brown 

Miriam & Cam Steketee, Mary 

MacDonald, Sandy Simmons & 

Chris Chaffee, Penny & Mike 

Sidor, Steve Steketee 

by Fred & Deb Steketee 

Robert Venner 

by Gail Venner 

Ken, Liam & Nalani Walits 

by Jodee Hunt 

Helen Wisneski 

by Sue Wisneski 

Recurring Gift Schedule 

We would like to thank our members who generously 

support our organization by donating automatically 

through their checking account or credit card on a 

recurring schedule. 

Kenneth & Kristin Bauer 

Bob & Karey Benedict 

Les & Linda DeJong 

Beth & Matthew Dykstra 

Nancy Hamlin 

Gary Kovitz 

William Nienhuis 

Elise & Thomas Roe 

Nancy & David 

VerMerris 

If you would like participate in our recurring gift 

program, please contact Diane Sampson at 

616-451-9476 or diane@naturenearby.org.

Page 1 

The above illustration of a swamp sparrow was 

created by artist Amelia Hansen for the new 

interpretive sign at Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve 

in Kent County. Amelia will be one of the 

featured presenters at this year’s Nature Nearby 

Celebration on April 19th. Reservations for this 

event are required (details to the right). 

www.ameliahansen.com 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Landmark 

Leader $2500 

Patron $1000 

Business 

Member $500 

Sponsor $500 

Benefactor $250 

Sustainer $100 

Supporter $50 

Contributor $30 

Other $_______ 

□ 


Donor Challenge Reaches New High: 

$40,000 Match Offered! 

Several of our most dedicated members 

stepped forward this winter with a 

challenge grant to match donations 

and encourage others to support our 

land-saving work. 

Since then, the J.A. Woollam Foundation 

has also made a commitment to the 

challenge, increasing the match to 

$40,000 for our Program Fund, a 

new record! This will make the fifth 

consecutive year the foundation has 

participated in our donor challenges. 

Our deadline for meeting the $40,000 

challenge is June 2009 and we need 

your help getting there. Each year your 

enthusiastic response to this challenge 

keeps us working on land protection 

projects throughout West Michigan. 

Yes! I want to help keep nature nearby with a gift of $_______. 

Name__________________________________ 

Address_________________________________ 

City__________________State_____Zip______ 

Phone__________________________________ 

Email__________________________________ 

Those eligible for this year’s match 

include: 

• New members 

• Lapsed members 

• Increased gifts 

• Donations of $1000 or more 

Please help us spread the word about this 

wonderful opportunity. Qualifying gifts 

not only help preserve West Michigan’s 

natural lands, but go twice as far with 

this dollar-for-dollar match. 

Thank you to our challenge grant 

donors, the J.A. Woollam Foundation, 

and all of our contributors for helping us 

keep nature nearby in West Michigan. 

Nature Nearby Celebration & Membership Meeting 

Featuring Nature, Art & Local History 

April 19, 2009 from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm 

Ox-Bow Summer School of Art & Artist’s Residency (Saugatuck) 

Space is limited. Reservations are required. Please call 616-451-9476 or email 

lcwm@naturenearby.org. For additional information visit www.naturenearby.org. 

Please help the Land Conservancy protect West Michigan’s 

forests, fields, wetlands, & dunes! 

□ Gift enclosed 

□ Please bill my credit card 

Card (please circle): Visa Mastercard 

Card #_____________________________ 

Exp. Date___________________________ 

Signature____________________________ 

Billing Address: □ Same as on left 

___________________________________ 

Donate online at www.naturenearby.org or make check payable to the Land Conservancy of West 

Michigan and mail to: 1345 Monroe Ave. NW, Ste. 324, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.

Parade of Preserves & Land Protection Projects! 

Please join us for our fourth annual Parade of Preserves! Enjoy naturalist-0guided tours of beautiful natural areas you have helped protect. 

For additional information, including maps and directions, visit www.naturenearby.org or contact us at 616-451-9476 or lcwm@naturenearby.org. 

Heasley Family Conservation Easement (Allegan County) 

Saturday, May 16, 2009 from 9 am – 11 am 

In 2000 the Heasley family protected 80 acres with a conservation 

easement. Thanks to the family’s generosity, we have been granted 

special permission to lead a guided hike of this private property. 

Highlights will include many grassland species of birds and a visit to 

their recent wetland restoration project. 

Location: Because this is a private property we request that you contact 

the office at lcwm@naturenearby.org or 616-451-9476 for directions. 

Bradford D. White Nature Preserve (Lowell, Kent County) 

Saturday, June 6, 2009 from 9 am – 10 am 

The White Preserve harbors 2,000 feet of a cold water stream, steep 

hills and ravines covered in mature deciduous forest. A diversity of 

Photo: Danielle Fogel 

In This Issue 

Nerheim Family Protects PM (Page 1) 

From the Director (Page 2) 

Family Legacy Protected in Saugatuck 

(Page 3) 

Stewardship Update: Wege Natural 

Area & Workdays (Pages 4&5) 

Thank You Volunteers (Page 7) 

Annual Report to Members (Pages 8&9) 

2008 Donors (Pages 10&11) 

Working in Partnership (Page 12&13) 

Memorials & Honorariums (Page 14) 

$40,000 Match Offered (Page 15) 

Parade of Preserves & Hikes (Page 16) 


1345 Monroe Ave. NW, Ste. 324 

Grand Rapids, MI 49505 

(616) 451-9476 

web site: www.naturenearby.org 

email: lcwm@naturenearby.org 

native trees and shrubs provides an excellent variety of fruit and seeds 

throughout the year for wildlife. 

Location: 12589 36th St., Lowell, MI 49331 (Parking and the trailhead 

are located on 36th St., just ½ mile from Alden Nash St..) 

Wege Natural Area for the Study of Ecology (Lowell, Kent County) 

Saturday, June 6, 2009 from 10:30 am – 12 pm 

Enjoy spring wildflowers and picturesque trails during this spring 

hike. Learn about forest succession and the restoration efforts that are 

currently underway at the preserve (see page 4 for details). 

Location: 11715 Vergennes Rd., Lowell, MI 49331. Parking is available 

at the Wittenbach Agri-Science Center across from Lowell High School 

off of Vergennes Rd. 

Special Current Project Hike! 

Meinert County Park Expansion 

June 27, 2009 at 10 am 

LCWM is helping Muskegon County expand Meinert Park 

(see page 13). Join us for a special tour of the proposed 

95-acre expansion. Please note, this land is extremely 

rugged and the dunes are very steep. Wear sturdy 

shoes and be prepared to traverse uneven and steep terrain. 

Directions: Meinert County Park is located on Lake 

Michigan north of Montague at the end of Meinert Road. 

Take U.S. 31 to the Fruitvale Road exit, go right (west) on 

Fruitvale Road to Old 31, turn right (north) and follow 

Old 31 one mile to Meinert Road, turn left (west). The 

park entrance is approximately 5 miles at Lake Michigan. 

Please note you will need to purchase a motor vehicle 

permit to enter the park ($5 for the day). 

Non-Profit 

Organization 

U.S. Postage 

PAID 

Grand Rapids, MI 

Permit No. 906

Nerheim Family Enjoys Pere Marquette River for Over - Land ...

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