Walk in Wonder Hike-A-Thon

Travel the Trails with SMLC in 2026

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 protecting and 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.

The Walk in Wonder 2026 goals are:

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

- Raise $15,000 (fundraising goal) for SMLC’s mission and programs in 2026

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

Significant Walk in Wonder dates:

· June 27th, Kickoff event at Lost Lake Nature Preserve, 1:30-3:30 pm

· August 24th, Event Hiking concludes

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

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 public access. 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!

Hiker Information:

Hikers register by clicking the Sign up as a Hiker green button above. Choose a fundraising goal for your team of supporters (suggested minimum is $270, and 5 supporters), and 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).

The 7 nature preserves you will be hiking are:

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

Learn More about the 7 Preserves

Track your Progress Hiking the 7 Preserves

By being a Hiker, you are eligible to attend the Celebration Event on August 30 at the Conservancy Farm.

Hikers will personalize their page 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.

Walk in Wonder

SMLC Hike-A-Thon 2026

Hikers