Welker Woods have been under the long and loving care of Ann and Floyd. Their generous gift of a conservation easement helps to protect their woods as wildlife habitat.

Dick relayed that he’s always been a farm boy at heart. “Conserving my land was the perfect solution to my situation. The farm is a sacred place for me, and I’m proud to say it will remain that way forever.”

Rue Mapp, Founder and CEO of Outdoor Afro, visited Rochester on September 19, 2019 to discuss Diversity, Equity, and Leadership Outdoors. See the video from her keynote address here…

The first time we talked with Hank, one could tell that he had been worrying about the future of the land and the rural character of Ionia. When he talked with his neighbors, they were also thinking about the changes that might come as development continued to creep closer.

For some teenagers, sitting around messing with their phone is what they live for. Indeed, research has shown that kids often spend as little as seven minutes outside, a day...and the results aren't good. But not these teenagers, at least not today.

From a vacant lot, to a vegetable garden, to its newest incarnation as a flower garden, the new Garden of HOPE mirrors Conkey Corner Park expanding the green space in the neighborhood.

John and Liz Albright. It is their hope that generations beyond their children and grandchildren will love and cherish this land as much as they do. "I wanted to find a way to protect this place," John states. "No matter what, so the land will still be here. This was my grandfather's land, and his grandfather's before that."

With time, this land could have become another subdivision, but Eleanor Maguire Diamond was determined that it should be there for wildlife and for everyone to enjoy.  "I wanted to do something that honors my family's long history to this place," she said.