Leelanau Conservancy

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Leelanau Conservancy announces $75 million “Leelanau, Protected” campaign to preserve peninsula’s land and water

The Leelanau Conservancy today announced the public phase of its most ambitious campaign in the organization’s history—a $75 million effort to protect the lands, waters, and wildlife that define life in Leelanau County. With $9 million left to raise, the Conservancy invites the broader community to help complete this transformative initiative. The campaign—titled Leelanau, Protected: A Campaign for Today and Tomorrow—focuses on three top priorities: protecting natural lands and working farmland; restoring ecological health and resilience across conserved habitats; and expanding meaningful access to nature for all people.

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French Valley Vineyard announces partnership with Leelanau Conservancy to benefit Sugar Loaf

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French Valley Vineyard, part of the Harmony Estate Wineries of Leelanau portfolio, announced the release of two new wines: Sugar Loaf Red and Sugar Loaf White. Created in partnership with the Leelanau Conservancy, the wines support the long-term stewardship of Sugar Loaf, the iconic Leelanau County landmark recently protected from development for generations to come. French Valley Vineyard invites the community to celebrate the launch with a release party on Friday, July 31, from 7-9 pm at French Valley.

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Glen Arbor Arts Center recognizes 250 years of American trees

American Tree is an exhibit that explores the role trees played in the formation of the United States 250 years ago—and the role trees will play moving forward into this nation’s next 250 years. This exhibition opens Friday, June 5, in the Glen Arbor Arts Center’s Main Gallery. It features the work of 28 artists and continues through Aug. 13. An opening reception is June 5, from 5-7 pm.

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Leelanau Conservancy hosts Earth Week events

Earth Week is a time to slow down, step outside, and reconnect with the natural world. Join the Leelanau Conservancy from April 22–25 as they explore local trails, gather with fellow nature lovers, and discover simple ways to make a lasting impact—one step at a time. Click here for Earth Week events facilitated by Conservancy staff.

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Leelanau Conservancy holds Native Plant Rescue

Leelanau County is well-known for its population of earth-caring individuals among its members, and those that care for wildflowers and native growing plants are no exception. The Leelanau Conservancy, the county’s land preservation group, started its wildflower/native plant rescue program in the fall of 1999. Its singular purpose is to save native plants, keeping them from bulldozers and from other sources of destruction. The Conservancy summons volunteers for its annual kick-off at the Old Art Building in Leland on Wednesday, April 15 starting at 10:30 a.m.

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Leelanau Conservancy completes Palmer Woods trail system

After eight years of development and more than 42 miles of pathways constructed, the Leelanau Conservancy has completed the multi-use trail network at Palmer Woods Forest Reserve, the Conservancy reported in a press release in early April. The finished system includes more than 27 miles of purpose-built mountain bike trails and 15 miles of hiking trails. These pathways are open year-round, guiding hikers, bikers and skiers through the peaks and valleys of this glacially formed landscape. Palmer Woods, a 1,115-acre Old-Growth Forest, is the Conservancy’s largest property and was acquired in 2016. Trail development began in 2018.

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Leelanau Conservancy completes land transfer of Sugar Loaf from Ball family. Stewardship work to begin this year

The Leelanau Conservancy announced in a press release today the successful transfer of ownership of Sugar Loaf, marking a major milestone in the community-led effort to permanently protect this beloved landscape. Plans for Sugar Loaf include a thoughtfully designed trail network for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country and backcountry skiing, along with universal access features, including a trail for visitors with restricted mobility. Plans also include a summit pavilion with sweeping scenic views, family friendly features like a sledding hill and nature play area, and ecological restoration efforts to protect native species, reduce erosion, and improve water quality within the Good Harbor Bay Watershed. The Edmund F. and Virginia B. Ball Foundation, through its subsidiary, SPV 45 LLC, purchased the 288-acre Sugar Loaf property in 2020, and then subsequently funded the significant investment required to demolish the hotel, remediate the blighted property, and plan for its future.

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Meet Me at the Loaf: Leelanau Historical Society celebrates Sugar Loaf stories

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The Leelanau Historical Society, in partnership with Here:Say Storytelling, will present Meet Me at the Loaf: A Celebration of Sugar Loaf in Stories. The Jan. 29 event at Solon Township Hall near Cedar will feature memories and voices connected to one of Leelanau County’s most beloved landmarks: Sugar Loaf Mountain. Doors open at 5:30 pm, offering guests the chance to reconnect with old friends, neighbors, and fellow “Sugar Loafers.” The storytelling program begins at 6:30.

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Leelanau Conservancy reaches $8 million goal to protect Sugar Loaf

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“French toast.” That was the codename that Leelanau Conservancy executive director Tom Nelson created for the top-secret project, 3.5 years in the making, to acquire Sugar Loaf, and turn the County’s once popular ski resort into a community gathering place. The Conservancy announced on July 17 that it will permanently protect the hill and 285-acre property in the heart of Leelanau County and bring this cherished location back to life for the first time in a quarter century. On Sept. 26 the Conservancy announced that it had reached its $8 million fundraising goal. Nelson said that more than 1,100 individuals have donated to the campaign. “This achievement is nothing short of historic,” said Nelson. “And it belongs to all of us. Overwhelming community support has made it possible to reach our $8M goal. We’re thrilled with the support and excitement.”

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Earth Week includes rally in support of National Parks, Leelanau Conservancy events, Seth Bernard concert

This week is Earth Week, with Earth Day honored on Tuesday, April 22. It’s also National Park Week. Events in Leelanau County include a rally on Tuesday at 3 pm in Empire to support Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore—which has faced deep spending cuts and a hiring freeze by the Trump administration. Meanwhile, the Leelanau Conservancy offers opportunities each day this week, starting tomorrow, to join hikes, volunteer, attend a trivia night, and learn about local efforts to preserve trees.

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