Dear Friends,

On a beautiful June morning more than 80 friends, neighbors, and supporters joined us to celebrate the opening of our newest public nature preserve–Iron Creek.

Together, we walked trails through wetlands and wildflower fields, found shade beneath towering oaks and hickories, listened to the buzz of pollinators in the prairie fen, and heard stories of stewardship past from the families who’ve called this land home.

It took years of planning and hard work, more than 270 volunteer hours, and the generosity of people like you to bring it to life.

Iron Creek has become a beacon of hope in a challenging year–proof of what we can accomplish when we find common ground and work together.

Together, we make conservation possible. And today, your gift can go even further. Thanks to the generosity of two families–our friends at the Ardent Spirits Fund and long-time Legacy supporters Tom and Debby McMullen–every dollar you give this season will be matched up to $100,000!

Can you join us this giving season in planting more beacons of hope with a donation of $500, $250, $100, or whatever feels meaningful to you? DONATE

Like many of you, we’ve felt the weight of discouraging news from Washington D.C. and around the world. In June, we faced a setback when our federal $24.6M federal award to preserve 4,000 acres of forest and farmland in southeast Michigan was rescinded.

But Legacy is strong. Our staff, board, and partners are resilient, and we didn’t stop. We filed an appeal. And we remain committed to the Michigan landowners, families, and farmers who are counting on us.
Despite this setback, there is good news to share! We’re on track to close on three more conservation easements in the next six months protecting 90 acres of farmland, including frontage on two locally important creeks. And we’re in the home stretch of developing something new and exciting in Jackson County!

Next year Legacy will also be celebrating 55 years of land protection–a testament to our grit, resilience, and strong community.

We cannot do this work alone. We’re leaning on each other, our community–and on you–to keep moving forward. Donate $500, $250, $100 or whatever fits your family’s budget and help us protect our local farms, forests, and water. DONATE

Even in uncertain times, one thing remains constant: Legacy’s love for the land, and our unwavering commitment to protect it now, and always.

Our commitment to protecting the places we love starts where it began: with you. Our community. With you by our side, we know Legacy can endure the unexpected and build a future with cleaner water, fresh locally-grown food, lush forests to roam, and prairies full of pollinators.

With gratitude,

Diana Kern

P.S. Your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar—up to $100,000–through January 15 thanks to our friends at the Ardent Spirits Fund and the McMullen Family! Step up to the challenge and help us kick off our 55th year!