After raising money for almost three years, the Michigan Nature Association will start using the funding to facilitate the maintenance of 10 natural properties, seven of which were also purchased with the funding.
The Statewide Land Protection Campaign began Aug. 1, 2004, and ran through the end of July.
According to the MNA, the campaign’s success would not have been possible without a $20,000 donation from the Consumers Energy Foundation in the last days of the campaign, along with a generous donation from the Four County Community Foundation.
The Morgan-Porritt Plant Preserve, located in Orion Township, will find itself as one of the properties benefitting from the over $3 million raised.
A new addition to the thriving cedar swamp will help the area to remain safe from nearby development. The natural areas are open and will remain free to the public.
Funding from the campaign will also go toward sanctuary signs, trail restoration, removal of invasive species, and general sanctuary maintenance.
The newly-created, Bertha A. Daubendiek Sanctuary Preservation Fund, which facilitates ongoing stewardship at new and existing MNA sanctuaries throughout Michigan, is also being funded by the campaign.
After raising $3 million, the MNA will now receive a $225,000 challenge grant from the Kresge Foundation and a $150,000 grant from the Carls Foundation.
This money will help the MNA protect land throughout the state for years to come.
For more information about the Michigan Nature Association, contact (517)655-5655 or visit them at www.michigannature.org.