Message from 2025: Be a Trailblazer for SMLC

Local land conservation needs your help. Saving and stewarding land requires big money and SMLC’s mission of conserving land is a forever endeavor. Once nature preserves and conservation easements are acquired, SMLC is responsible for preserving and monitoring them in perpetuity. However, funding for nonprofit land conservancies, including SMLC, is tighter this year. In addition, environmental giving (including animals) is one of the lowest charitable categories in terms of U.S. giving, receiving only 3% of all charitable gifts as of 2023*. This issue of limited reach is compounded this year by the funding uncertainty at the federal level.

But hope remains because YOU can help!

Why Participate and Fundraise for SMLC? Add in 2026 Reasons

To help SMLC stay sustainable in 2026 by supporting local land conservation in the midst of turbulent times.
To raise awareness about the importance of local land conservation and SMLC’s mission.
To encourage people to visit SMLC’s key nature preserves this summer.
To move SMLC forward faster through new donor engagement – tell your friends!

SMLC's Purpose: To conserve and manage wildlife habitat in order to foster healthy ecosystems, protect air and water quality, and provide scenic enjoyment. To promote appreciation of the natural world; educate the public about conservation options; and engage communities throughout southeast Michigan in land protection and stewardship activities.

SMLC's History: the organization was founded in 1988 to protect land in the 7-county southeast Michigan region: Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. To date, SMLC has protected almost 3,500 acres in 7 counties plus Genesee. The Superior Township Chapter (STC) was established to assist SMLC with land protection and community relations in Superior Township.

SMLC's Conservation Priorities: our conservation work is focused on 3 main priority areas: the Superior Greenway in Washtenaw County, a more than 3,500-acre greenbelt between Ann Arbor and metro Detroit; the Sibley Prairie complex in Wayne County, a globally rare remnant of lakeplain prairie habitat; and the Lost Lake region in northern Oakland County, a 500+ acre mosaic of lakes, wetlands, hardwood swamps, forest, and prairie.

SMLC Supporters: SMLC relies on the many ways our supporters contribute to local land conservation through their gifts of time, money, and expertise. These contributions enrich our organization, support operations and our sustainability goals, and foster success in meeting our mission. SMLC greatly appreciates our amazing supporters!

Walk in Wonder

By Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy

Walk in Wonder

SMLC Hike-A-Thon 2026

Team Members