Leelanau Conservancy: “Palmer Woods is ours!”
From staff reports
The Leelanau Conservancy announced today that it has officially acquired the Palmer Woods Forest Reserve — 707 acres of contiguous hardwood forest that stretches over 2 miles north to south. Palmer Woods is located just over a mile from Big Glen Lake and just beyond the bluff that marks the western edge of Miller Hill.
The Palmer Woods Forest Reserve is the largest and most expensive land protection project in the Conservancy’s 27-year history. According to a news release issued by the Conservancy, these spectacular forestlands will help protect the water quality of Glen Lake and will also allow ecologically sustainable forestry practices to strengthen this quintessentially Michigan northern hardwood forest.
The Palmer Woods Forest Reserve, and how it demonstrates sustainable forestry, is the subject of a narrative video story by NatureChange.org, a new online magazine devoted to conversations about conservation and climate in Northern Michigan.
In the video, former Conservancy executive director Brian Price explains that the Conservancy expects to test new forest management processes to deal with a wide array of new diseases and pests as well as a changing climate. District forester Kama Ross also appears in this video to help explain why such learning and teaching sites are very valuable.
Read the story and watch the video here.
“Imagine miles and miles of trails through rolling hills and traditional northern hardwood forest as a place to go to spend a day hiking, skiing, and experiencing the rewards of being outdoors in Leelanau during any season of the year,” said executive director Thomas Nelson. “At the moment, we have marked two trails for cross-country skiers, hikers and snowshoers to enjoy. This spring we hope to expand the trail system further.”
Nelson cited overwhelming community support for the success of the acquisition — including nearly 600 families who contributed. “We have been talking with the Palmer family for over two decades, hoping to have the chance to keep this forest intact, and we are grateful for their partnership in this project,” he said. “I will be leading a hike at Palmer Woods during Earth Week; stay tuned for details. A dedication is planned for summer 2016.”
