Dear Friends,

This summer has been another season of meaningful progress for the Thumb Land Conservancy, with new land protected, stewardship efforts expanding, and exciting improvements taking shape across our preserves. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, grant partners, volunteers, and members, we continue to strengthen our capacity to protect the natural landscapes that make Michigan's Thumb so special. In this issue of the Thumb Naturalist, you'll read about a newly acquired forest preserve, ongoing restoration projects, the vision for future nature parks, and fascinating stories from the field that celebrate the region's remarkable biodiversity. Together, we're not only conserving land—we're building a lasting legacy of stewardship, education, and outdoor recreation for generations to come.

Community Foundation of St. Clair County Grant

A major investment is helping protect one of Michigan's most remarkable coastal ecosystems. Learn how this grant will strengthen stewardship, restore habitat, and expand opportunities for people to experience nature. Read more here.

The Carls Foundation Capacity Grant

One milestone down, one more to go. Discover how community support is unlocking transformational funding that will expand the Thumb Land Conservancy's impact for years to come. Read more here.

Are you interested in partnering in this vital work? Please consider donating today. We also accept checks which can be mailed to Thumb Land Conservancy, 4975 Maple Valley Road, Marlette, Michigan 48453.

Donate

New 32-Acre Forest Preserve

A hidden forest filled with wetlands, rare northern plant communities, and winding streams has found a permanent guardian. Explore why this newly protected preserve is a win for wildlife, clean water, and future generations. Read more here.

Croissant Sanctuary Conservation Easement

Sometimes conservation means finding creative solutions. See how a land sale still resulted in lasting protection for a cherished natural area. Read more here.

The Village of Lake Huron Woods Stewardship

Years of planning are finally turning into action. Find out how dedicated stewardship will restore this important coastal forest and tackle one of its biggest invasive threats. Read more here.

Bidwell Sanctuary Entrance

First impressions matter—even in nature. A new entrance kiosk is taking shape to welcome visitors and tell the story of one of the region's most remarkable landscapes. Read more here.

Touma Family Sanctuary Trail

A simple trail is becoming a gateway to one of the Thumb's growing network of protected lands. See how improved access will help connect people with nature while supporting future restoration efforts. Read more here.

Dead End Woods Sanctuary Garlic Mustard Removal

Sixteen years of persistence are paying off in the fight against invasive species. Along the way, one unexpected wildlife rescue made this year's work especially memorable. Read more here.

Morley Sanctuary Nature Park

What does it take to create public access without compromising a rare ecosystem? This article explores the challenges—and the vision—behind transforming a globally significant prairie into a place for learning and recreation. Read more here.

Brian Palik Introduction

Before diving into ecological forestry, meet the scientist whose work has inspired conservationists for decades. His research has changed the way forests are understood and managed across North America. Read more here.

The Ecological Forest

What if forests were managed by following nature's own blueprint instead of treating trees like crops? This thought-provoking article explores a new approach to forestry that benefits wildlife, ecosystems, and people alike. Read more here.

Full Circle Sanctuary Spring Inventory

Big discoveries can come from small places. A spring botanical survey reveals that this modest preserve is home to an extraordinary diversity of native plants and remarkably intact habitat. Read more here.

Sibley Prairie Update

Twenty percent of Michigan's remaining lakeplain prairie hangs in the balance. Learn why protecting Sibley Prairie is one of the state's most urgent conservation opportunities—and how your support can help secure this irreplaceable landscape before it's lost forever. Read more here.

London State Fish Hatchery and Ohio Streams

A road trip becomes an exploration of remarkable waterways, native fish, and the people working behind the scenes to protect them. Journey through Ohio's rivers and discover why freshwater conservation matters more than ever. Read more here.

You Got the Power to Restore Nature's Matrix, in 2026

Every protected acre starts with someone choosing to make a difference. Discover how your support helps reconnect habitats, restore biodiversity, and build a healthier future for wildlife and people. Read more here.

New TLC Website

The Thumb Land Conservancy's online home is getting a fresh new look. Take a peek at the improvements designed to make it easier than ever to explore preserves, follow projects, and support conservation.

Like what you read? Please consider donating today to support this vital work. We also accept checks which can be mailed to the address below.

Donate