Story by Carolyn Faught, Senior Writer for the Conservancy. Before moving to Leelanau in 1987, my husband and I owned a tiny cottage on South Lake Leelanau. We were in […]
Category Archives: Landowner Stories
“Highest and Best Use” Philosophy Leads to Protection of 80-Acre Fleese Farm
For years, Cedar businessman Walter Jedena had long admired the Fleese Farm on the corner of French and Hohnke Roads. He had driven by it many times, always intrigued by […]
Gallagher Family Protects Beloved Farmland
John Gallagher Jr. says that he and his family “have been blessed” to own more than 400 acres of breathtakingly gorgeous farmland in Leelanau’s Elmwood Township. Panoramic views from the […]
Moving From the City to the Swamp
Jen Superson and Trevor Smith were living in Brooklyn when a listing popped up on Zillow for a home with 35 acres near Cedar. The listing was so compelling that […]
74 Acres Protected Along Brewery Creek
Richard Swan grew up climbing trees and playing in the pristine stream on the land that has been owned by his family for the last 140 years. As an avid […]
A Natural Wonder: Omena Couple Protects Ecologically Rich 115 Acres
Ralph and Nancy Kalchik have been married for 62 years. They met at Northport High School and other than a few years away at MSU and an army stint for […]
Parker Family Protects Beloved Trout Stream
From our Fall 2018 Newsletter–At 87, Keith Parker shows no signs of slowing down. He’ll drive a combine for eight hours, harvesting corn that feeds his 120 head of beef […]
10 Years Later…What Happens After the Farm is Protected? A Q & A With Steve and Pam Bardenhagen
The back story: In 2008, Gary and Christi Bardenhagen preserved their 184-acre farm, which produces the much-celebrated local strawberries that are sold at area grocers and farmers markets. The farm […]
180-Acre Putnam Farm in Omena Forever Protected
Having moved to Omena over 30 years ago, the Putnam farm just up the road from where I live is a place I have long worried might turn into a […]
Hatlem Creek Preserve Grows to 72 Acres Thanks to Waldenmyer Family
Close-knit Family United in Desire to Protect Fragile Hatlem Creek For everyone who loves Glen Lake and its clean, azure waters, here’s some great news. A close-knit family with a […]
