Walk in Wonder Hike-A-Thon

Travel the Trails with SMLC in 2026

UPDATE: SMLC has raised more than $12,000 towards the hike-a-thon's $15,000 goal thanks to you! This includes sponsorships and gifts received outside of Givebutter. Help us get across the finish line this August by spreading the word and encouraging people to support your hiking or donate directly. Help raise $3,000 more to make our summer 2026 dreams come true :)

Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy (SMLC) invites YOU to take part in our Walk in Wonder Hike-a-thon, a fun event that connects people, preserves, and purpose. Event donations will fund conserving natural areas and open space across southeast Michigan and support SMLC's operational and sustainability goals. You can choose to participate as a hiker, a donor or contribute to attend the event's Celebration in August.

Learn more about SMLC (mission, purpose and programs)

The Walk in Wonder 2026 goals are:

- Encourage hikers to explore SMLC’s nature preserves and share their experiences with others

- Raise $15,000 for SMLC’s mission and programs in 2026

- Promote the wonder and beauty of southeast Michigan’s natural world

Remaining significant Walk in Wonder dates:

· August 24th, Event Hiking concludes to be eligible to win cool prizes from Walk in Wonder Sponsor, REI.

· August 30th, Celebration Event at the Conservancy Farm, 12:00-3:00 pm

Note: the Farm is located at 8383 Vreeland Rd., Superior Township, MI 48198; park alongside Vreeland Rd.

How to Participate:

Hike: Sign up to be a hiker for a $45 donation, and experience SMLC’s most scenic nature preserves – all 7 are representative of SMLC’s land conservation work including protected wildlife habitat, land restoration project areas, and farmland. Event hikers will travel through diverse scenery representing southeast Michigan’s varied natural areas and open space. Invite family and friends to join you and take a hike through cool woods, blooming prairies, or alongside a lake or wetlands. See below for more Hiker information.

Give: Support and Champion SMLC by clicking the green Donate button at the top of the page. Your gift will provide needed summer funds and help us reach the campaign goal. A donation of $45.00 allows you to attend our Celebration Event on August 30 at the Conservancy Farm.

Connect: Encourage your friends to become Hikers for SMLC too! Reach out on social media to help SMLC reach a larger audience. Share your love of nature and publicly accessible natural areas. Press that Share Fundraiser button at the top of the page to earn feel-good points!

Win: Add some extra fun to your summer by becoming eligible for great prizes from our event sponsor, REI. Among the prizes are camp chairs and day packs that are perfect for your next outdoor adventure. You can qualify in several ways: raise the most funds, gather the most individual pledges, or be entered into a random drawing by visiting all 7 SMLC preserves - don't forget to log your visits on the tracker (link below). Plus, keep an eye on our social media throughout the summer for surprise chances to win even more prizes.

Hiker Information:

Hikers register by clicking the Sign up as a Hiker white button above. Choose a fundraising goal for your team of supporters (suggested minimum is $270, and 5 supporters), and submit a short story as to why you are participating. Hikers then share their page link with supporters for event donations.

Hiking Locations:

Seven of SMLC’s key nature preserves: 5 are located in the Superior Greenway (Washtenaw County), plus Lost Lake (Oakland County), and Sibley Prairie - West Prairie (Wayne County).

Learn More about SMLC's Preserves

The 7 preserves you will be hiking are:

Conservancy Farm
Jack R. Smiley
LeFurge Woods
Lost Lake
Secrest
Springhill
Sibley Prairie - West Prairie

Track your Progress Hiking the 7 Preserves

Hikers personalize their pages with photos and a message about why SMLC and saving natural lands matter to them. Then, they share it with friends and family through social media, email, or text to ask for donations. Hikers can track how much they raise, thank their donors, and see how they’re helping SMLC reach the campaign goal.

Hikers are eligible to attend the Celebration Event on August 30 at the Conservancy Farm.

Celebration Event:

All hikers and event donors are invited to the August 30th Celebration event and hike. SMLC will provide good food and drinks, and fun prizes. SMLC will also present our biennial awards to key volunteers and partner organizations. Anyone is welcome to sign-up, $45/person, if they are not a hiker or event donor. See above for sign-up and more event information.

Questions?

info@smlcland.org

734-484-6565

www.smlcland.org

We look forward to seeing you out on the trails!

Walk in Wonder

SMLC Hike-A-Thon 2026

Hikers