Volunteer Photo-Monitoring Field Training Part II
2016-04-02 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Detroit) | NEW Center, 1100 N. Main Street, Legacy Land Conservancy, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
Volunteers will be going through a “practice run” monitoring session as a group at a local city park. Learn what things to look for in the field and the how to’s of monitoring forms and photo-management. Please bring your camera and GPS unit (if you have one). Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear if the ground is wet. NOTE: This training is part 2 of the Photo-Monitoring Training.
Please register for both training sessions with Dana at dana@legacylandconservancy.org or by calling 734-302-5263.

Presentation: The Great Water Divide, the Upper Grand and Permanent Conservation
2016-04-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Jackson District Library Carnegie Branch, 244 W Michigan Avenue, Jackson, 49201
Susan Lackey, Executive Director of Legacy Land Conservancy, will discuss the need for permanent conservation in the Upper Grand watershed at the Sierra Club’s Central Michigan Group meeting on April 11, 2016. This meeting will take place at the Carnegie Branch of the Jackson District Library located at 244 W. Michigan Avenue, Jackson, MI, 49201. Free and open to the public.

Presentation: Conserving the Land Around Us
2016-04-12 19:00 - 20:00 | Ypsilanti District Library-Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, United States
Join Legacy Land Conservancy executive director Susan Lackey and learn about private land conservation and the land/water connection. As Michigan’s oldest local conservancy, Legacy has played an important role in the uniquely American private conservation movement, just as the lands of our community play an important role in water quality in the Great Lakes. Presentation starts at 7:00 PM at the Whittaker Branch of the Ypsilanti District Library located at 5577 Whittaker Road in Ypsilanti.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival
2016-04-21 18:30 - 21:00 | MI
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is coming to Ann Arbor and you’re invited. Hosted through a unique partnership between six locally based organizations focused on the environment and nature, please join Legacy Land Conservancy, Huron River Watershed Council, the Stewardship Network, Leslie Science & Nature Center, the Ecology Center, and the School of Natural Resources and Environment through the University of Michigan as we work together we come together to host the Wild and Scenic Film Festival On Tour at the Michigan Theater on April 21st. Hosted on the eve of Earth Day, the festival is also a celebration of our community’s commitment to come together for the benefit of local ecosystems and the planet as a whole.
Motivation to take on the world’s most pressing environmental challenges often stems from a personal connection to nature and the resources involved. Through the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, we will present several short films that will inspire festival goers to get outdoors, appreciate the natural wonders in our local and greater environment, and work toward finding common ground and collaborative solutions for environmental problems. Attendees will be empowered and encouraged to take action, become volunteers and members of participating organizations, and find personally meaningful ways to affect positive change for the natural world we inhabit.
The Wild & Scenic Film Festival was started by the watershed advocacy group, the South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) in 2003. The festival’s namesake is in celebration of SYRCL’s landmark victory to receive “Wild & Scenic” status for 39 miles of the South Yuba River in 1999. Held the third week of January in Nevada City, CA, Wild & Scenic focuses on films which speak to the environmental concerns and celebrations of our planet.
Event Details:
Date and Time: Thursday April 21st. Doors open at 6:00 pm and show starts at 6:30 pm.
Venue: Michigan Theater, 603 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Ticket Prices: $10.00 General | $8.00 Students, Veterans, Senior Citizens, Members of Hosting Organizations | $7.50 Michigan Theater Members
Ticket Sales: Tickets on sale at the Michigan Theater the day of the festival.
For more information: Contact Legacy at info@legacylandconservancy.org or 734-302-5263, or visit www.aawildscenicfilmfest.wordpress.com.

Earth Day Ring in Spring Workday
2016-04-22 13:00 - 16:00 | Reichert Nature Preserve, Reichert Nature Preserve Dexter Pinckney Rd, MI, 48169, United States
Love the earth day! Help us clean up an antique glass pile in our newest preserve. The pile, mostly of old broken glass bottles from the nearby speakeasy-now private residence, is deep and wide. We need your help! Collectors welcome. There will be more than a few good finds. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle.
To find out more or register for this event contact Dana at dana@legacylandconservancy.org or (734)302-5263.

Catch Them If You Can: Spring Ephemerals at Creekshead Preserve
2016-04-29 13:00 - 15:00 | Creekshead Nature Preserve, Creekshead Preserve, MI, United States
Nature is difficult to schedule! As the snows of winter melt away and the days get warmer and brighter, nothing makes us feel that spring is in the air like those first colorful flowers poking up through the leaves. Join us as we explore these wonderful spring emphemerals at Creekshead Preserve some where in the late April to early May time frame. April 29th from 1-3pm.
Stay tuned to Legacy’s Facebook page to catch this possible guided event if the conditions are right. Announcements will go out 1-5 days before the event. Contact us if you would like to receive text messages with updates about dates, times and location for these events by emailing Dana at dana@legacylandconservancy.org or call (734 )302-5263.
Additional “Catch Them If You Can” events this spring and summer may include:
Salamander Dance at Black Pond Woods (first warm spring rain, just after dusk)
During the first warm spring rain, just after dusk, salamanders make their way from their winter hibernacula in the woods to nearby water in a mass migration to mate. Black Pond Woods boardwalk on the right night is an excellent location to see the mating dances!
Perseid Meteor Shower at Sharon Hills Preserve (July 17-August 24, peak on Aug 12-13)
Away from city lights view this annual light show as earth’s path crosses that of Comet Swift-Tuttle and we see bits of the comet hitting our atmosphere and burning up.

Garlic Mustard Pull and Falconry Presentation
2016-05-14 13:00 - 17:00 | Sharon Hills Preserve, Sharon Hills Preserve, Sharon Hollow Rd, Sharon, MI, 48158, United States
What do invasives and birds of prey have in common? Sharon Hills Preserve. Invasive species at Sharon Hills are reducing habitat for the animals needed by Falcons, Hawks, and other birds of prey to survive. Join us and spend the afternoon clearing out garlic mustard. End the day with a presentation by Falconer, Cynthia Avery with her Harris Hawk, Forest. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle.
To find out more or register for this event contact Dana at dana@legacylandconservancy.org or (734)302-5263.

Nature Photography Workshop
2016-06-18 11:00 - 13:00 | Reichert Nature Preserve, Reichert Nature Preserve Dexter Pinckney Rd, MI, 48169, United States
Laughing Duck’s local professional photographer, Victor Banta leads this workshop to explore Reichert Nature Preserve for 2 hours, while learning techniques to improve your nature photography skills and expand your creativity. Bring your digital camera and optional tripod, as well as comfortable walking clothes, hat, and water bottle. Stay late to join Ice Cream Social activities at the Preserve. Donations accepted for The Laughing Duck Nature Center.
Please register for the event by June 15th with Dana at dana@legacylandconservancy.org or call 734.302.5263.

Ice Cream Social - CANCELLED
2016-06-18 13:00 - 16:00 | Reichert Nature Preserve, Reichert Nature Preserve Dexter Pinckney Rd, MI, 48169, United States
We apologize for the inconvenience, but the Ice Cream Social has been cancelled. Instead, join Legacy at Robin Hills Farm’s Solstice event on Sunday!

Summer Solstice Festival: ZenTri hosted by Robin Hills Farm and Breathe Yoga
2016-06-19 09:00 - 12:00 | Robin Hills Farm, 20390 Michigan 52, Chelsea, MI, 48118, United States
Join Breathe Yoga and Robin Hills Farm on June 19 for a community celebration of the Summer Solstice, benefiting Legacy Land Conservancy and the United Way of Chelsea.
Beginning at 9 am within the beautiful Robin Hills Farm, enjoy an untimed and untamed 5K run or walk on the newly laid trail of this backyard oasis just north of Chelsea, water crossings included! Follow it up with a 45-minute yoga class designed especially for post-distance recovery, and cap it all off with a 20-minute guided meditation to leave you feeling energized, rested, and free to enjoy the rest of the day.
Discounted rate of $30 until June 9, or register later for $35. Registration fee includes t-shirt, water, and energy food during the event. Learn more and register here.

Perseid Meteor Shower at Sharon Hills Preserve, with optional add-on Medicinal Plants Walk
2016-08-13 19:00 - 22:00 | MI
Each year, the Perseid meteor shower makes an appearance as earth’s path crosses that of Comet Swift-Tuttle and we see bits of the comet hitting our atmosphere and burning up. Join us away from the city lights at Sharon Hills Preserve when the conditions are at their best.
Prior to viewing the Perseids, we will be hosting our rescheduled Medicinal Plants Walk at the preserve. You’ll take a stroll with Land Steward Allene Smith through the varied botanical communities of Legacy’s Sharon Hills Preserve to discover common plants used as medicine historically and today. Learn to properly identify some of these “herbal allies,” hear a history of their use as medicine, and gain insight into why today’s trained herbalists prize certain species. Expect to walk no more than two miles, with regular breaks for meeting and greeting our botanical companions.
Medicinal Plants Walk – 7:00 pm
Perseid Shower Viewing – 8:45 pm
Join us for one or both! If you’re interested in meteors or medicinal plants, this event promises an evening full of learning and connecting outdoors. Register by emailing Dana at dana@legacylandconservancy.org or calling (734) 302-5263.

45th Birthday Party and Meet-and-Greet with our new Executive Director
2016-09-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Waterloo Farm Museum, 13493 Waterloo Munith Rd, Grass Lake, MI, 49240, United States
Join us for this laid-back, family-friendly event to celebrate Legacy’s 45th anniversary and meet our new Executive Director, Doug Koop. Please RSVP to rsvp@legacylandconservancy.org or 734-302-5263. Hope to see you there!

Cranes, Colors and Cabernet Walks
2016-10-15 13:00 - 15:00 | MI
As part of the Big 400’s fall celebration, join Legacy for a guided wine tasting walk at one of our preserves: Sharon Hills Preserve just north of Manchester, or Beckwith Preserve in Stockbridge. Learn a bit about how and why trees change color in the fall. Each new bend or hilly alcove in the trail may feature a Sandhill Crane vineyard wine or show of anthocyanin color!
Register for either walk at stewardship@legacylandconservancy.org or 734-302-5263. Please be sure to let us know for which location you are registering.

Watkins Lake Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
2016-10-26 10:30 - 12:00 | MI
Get a sneak peek at Michigan’s newest state park, Watkins Lake State Park and Washtenaw County Preserve! This ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by DNR and Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation will take place north of Watkins Lake Road on Arnold Road, between Fay Lake Road and Horning Road in Norvell Township (see map below).
Legacy staff will be attending and would love to see you there!
RSVP by 10/21 to AmesP@michigan.gov. Please include Watkins Lake in the subject line.

Chocolate and Cheer
2016-12-15 16:00 - 18:00 | NEW Center, 1100 N. Main Street, Legacy Land Conservancy, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
Please join Legacy and the Huron River Watershed Council for delicious treats and lively conversation to share the warmth of the holiday season. Just drop in—no RSVP needed.
If you have any questions, please contact info@legacylandconservancy.org or 734-302-5263.

Legacy Presentation at Jewish Community Center
2017-02-08 07:00 - 20:30 | Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor, 2935 Birch Hollow Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108
The Jewish Community Center of Greater Ann Arbor is hosting Legacy’s Executive Director, Doug Koop, for a presentation about Legacy’s 45-year history and a compelling vision for the region’s future. Learn more.

Volunteer Photo-Monitoring Kick-Off and Training (Part I)
2017-02-28 19:00 - 21:00 | NEW Center, 1100 N. Main Street, Legacy Land Conservancy, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
What better way to see beautiful places than to volunteer to photograph them? The Photo-Monitoring Squad volunteers are a group of dedicated and hardy individuals interested in bush-whacking, GPS use, and photography to assist Legacy in upholding the terms of our conservation easements. (Hear from a current photo-monitor in this essay, “The simple pleasures of photo-monitoring.”)
Part I is an indoor orientation session. Part II is outdoor field training. Equipment provided. Join the squad by attending both trainings (Part II is on March 4). Register with Dana Wright at dana@legacylandconservancy.org.

Volunteer Photo-Monitoring Field Training (Part II)
2017-03-04 13:30 - 17:30 | NEW Center, 1100 N. Main Street, Legacy Land Conservancy, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
New photo-monitoring volunteers will have a ‘practice run’ by monitoring as a group at a nearby city park. Learn what to look for in the field and get comfortable with the monitoring technology. Snacks will be provided.
NOTE: This training is Part II of a two-part training series for new photo-monitoring squad volunteers. Join the squad by attending both trainings (Part I is on February 28). Register with Dana Wright at dana@legacylandconservancy.org.

Earth Day Woodland Stewardship
2017-04-22 10:00 - 13:00 | Beckwith Nature Preserve, Beckwith Preserve 2792 E M 106, Stockbridge, MI, 49285, United States
Every year Earth Day gives us a special opportunity to join together in celebration of the beauty and bounty of the living, breathing rock we call home. Join Legacy Land Conservancy for an Earth Day celebration to help care for Beckwith Preserve. We’ll remove garlic mustard and dame’s rocket to give our native woodland wildflowers more room to breathe.
Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle. We’ll provide gloves, tools, and snacks; you just bring your Earth-loving attitude! To find out more or register for this event contact stewardship@legacylandconservancy.org or (734)302-5263. Directions and parking instructions will be provided upon registration.

Oak Wilt Workshop
2017-04-28 14:00 - 16:00 | NEW Center, 1100 N. Main Street, Legacy Land Conservancy, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103, United States
Oak wilt, a disease affecting oaks, has been showing up more in our area, and most of us (including Legacy!) are just starting to learn how to deal with it. Come learn from experts how to identify and treat oak wilt. You’ll also hear from local practitioners who have recently delved into their own oak wilt projects.
To find out more or register for this FREE event, contact stewardship@legacylandconservancy.org or 734-302-5263. Hosted in partnership with The Stewardship Network.
Photo by Rebecca Finneran, MSU Extension.

Legacy of the Land—Summer Farm Soirée
2017-06-03 18:00 - 21:00 | MI
Please join us for Legacy of the Land—Summer Farm Soirée. Set on a beautiful farm protected in partnership with Legacy, this event is a chance to support our mission while taking it in directly. Featuring:

Sumptuous strolling supper by The Moveable Feast
Live music
Enchanting rural setting
Entertaining opportunities to learn how land protection is enhancing our community

When: Saturday, June 3, 2017 from 6-9 pm (rain or shine!)
Where: Doll Family Farm. Approximate address is 17410 Heim Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118. From I-94, take Exit 157 and drive southwest on Pierce Rd/Old US Hwy 12. After less than half a mile, turn left onto Sylvan Rd. After 2.2 miles, turn right onto Heim Rd. Drive 0.7 miles, and look for Legacy event signs indicating the turn-off (it will be on your right).
Tickets: $100/person. Update (6/3, 7:30 am): We have some tickets remaining. If you would like to attend, please call (734) 330-8149 to inquire whether there is still space. If yes, we would be glad to have you, and you can pay upon arrival.
Suggested attire: Classy lawn party. The venue is flat, grassy terrain. Wear comfortable shoes, and we recommend leaving the high heels at home.

Thank you to our sponsors!
Platinum

The Moveable Feast Catering

Silver

Bronze

Martin Family Foundation
Rural Reach

CANCELLED - Give a Bird a Home
2017-07-15 10:00 - 12:00 | CANCELLED, 48169, United States
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s NestWatch Project says, “Give a bird a home and they’ll show you their world.” If you’re interested in attracting more avian activity to your yard, build a birdhouse with us and take home an opportunity to learn more about the lives of Michigan’s cavity-nesting birds. Please dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes, and bring a hammer if possible. Family-friendly.
Cost: $10/birdhouse. Please register by 7/12. If attending with others, you may work together on a single birdhouse, or register to build multiple birdhouses. Please specify the number of birdhouses AND the total number of people in your group so that we can purchase supplies as well as plan for the total number of participants.
Register by calling Allene Smith, Land Steward, at 734-302-5263. We can charge your credit card over the phone, or you may follow up your phone registration by mailing a check.
This event has been cancelled. Please call Legacy with any questions. 734.302.5263

Medicinal Plants Walk
2017-08-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Sharon Hills Preserve, Sharon Hills Preserve, Sharon Hollow Rd, Sharon, MI, 48158, United States
Discover common plants used as medicine on a stroll with Land Steward Allene Smith through the varied botanical communities of Legacy’s Sharon Hills Preserve, near Manchester. Learn to identify some of these “herbal allies,” their historical uses as medicine, and why today’s trained herbalists prize certain species. Expect to walk no more than two miles, with regular breaks for meeting and greeting our botanical companions.
Free. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle. Register with Allene at stewardship@legacylandconservancy.org or 734-302-5263. You may also register with The Stewardship Network.

Legacy Open House
2017-09-28 17:00 - 19:00 | MI
Join us for an Open House at our new more spacious office!
Thanks to our supporters Legacy has grown significantly:
More acres protected…More land stewarded…More people engaged
…and more staff dedicated to carrying out this work.
Drop in to see our new space. No RSVP needed. Light refreshments will be available.

Cranes, Colors, and Cabernet Walk
2017-10-21 13:00 - 15:00 | Sharon Hills Preserve, Sharon Hills Preserve, Sharon Hollow Rd, Sharon, MI, 48158, United States
As part of the Big 400’s fall celebration, join Legacy for a guided wine-tasting hike at our Sharon Hills Preserve just north of Manchester. Learn a bit about how and why trees change color in the fall. Each new bend or hilly alcove in the trail may feature a Sandhill Crane Vineyards wine or show of anthocyanin color! Free. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle. Register with Allene at stewardship@legacylandconservancy.org or 734-302-5263.

Earth Day Woodland Stewardship at the Beckwith Preserve
2018-04-22 10:00 - 13:00 | Beckwith Nature Preserve, Beckwith Preserve 2792 E M 106, Stockbridge, MI, 49285, United States
Photo by Kateri Fahey.
Every year Earth Day gives us a special opportunity to join together in celebration of the beauty and bounty of the living, breathing planet we call home. This year, join Legacy Land Conservancy for a stewardship workday at Beckwith Nature Preserve in honor of Earth Day. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle. We’ll provide gloves, tools, and snacks; you just bring your Earth-loving attitude!
Learn more or register for this event at stewardship@legacylandconservancy.org or (734) 302-5263. Must register for parking information.

An Insiders’ Look: Reichert Nature Preserve
2018-05-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Reichert Nature Preserve, Reichert Nature Preserve Dexter Pinckney Rd, MI, 48169, United States
Join Naturalist and Legacy Trustee Neal Billetdeaux for an informative guided hike of Reichert Nature Preserve. Due to the sensitive nature of some of the habitats in this 92-acre preserve north of Portage Lake, written permission is required to visit the preserve on your own, but registration for this event is all you’ll need for access on May 5. Neal will share the preserve’s geological history while pointing out the plants and landscapes that make Reichert so unique. Learn more or register for this event at info@legacylandconservancy.org or call 734-302-5263. Parking information given with registration.

Medicinal Plants Walk
2018-06-16 13:00 - 15:00 | Sharon Hills Preserve, Sharon Hills Preserve, Sharon Hollow Rd, Sharon, MI, 48158, United States
Stroll with Amanda Klain, a native plant advocate and plant connoisseur, through a Legacy’s Sharon Hills Preserve to discover plants used as medicine historically and today. Learn to properly identify some of these “herbal allies,” hear a history of their use as medicine, and gain insight into why today’s trained herbalists prize certain species. Expect to walk no more than two miles, with regular breaks for meeting and greeting our botanical companions. Please dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle. For more information or to register, email rsvp@legacylandconservancy.org or call 734-302-5263.

Grassland Nesting Bird Hike
2018-06-23 09:00 - 11:00 | Watkins Lake State Park and Washtenaw County Preserve, 1220 Wamplers Lake Rd., Onstead, MI, 49265, United States
Henslow’s sparrow. Photo by Chuck Mekbel.
Gary Siegrist, a Legacy volunteer and naturalist, will help you identify the grassland birds of Watkins Lake during their nesting season. Grassland birds observed at Watkins Lake include: Henslow’s Sparrow (endangered in MI), Grasshopper Sparrow and Dickcissel (species of special concern, meaning they are rare or declining in number), Bobolink, and Northern Mockingbird. Grasslands are no longer a common habitat in our area and many birds depend on it, so Legacy is proud to have helped in protecting this land forever. For more information or to register, email rsvp@legacylandconservancy.org or call 734-302-5263. Park at the main parking lot off of Arnold Road.

Japanese Stiltgrass – The Michigan Invasion
2018-07-07 10:00 - 12:00 | MI
Courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The first instance of Japanese stiltgrass in Michigan was found in Scio Township by a private resident in 2017. This is a quickly spreading herbaceous invasive. Help keep additional populations from cropping up by learning what to look for and how to eradicate it. Andrea and Jim Matthies have opened up their home as a classroom for residents and professionals alike to learn. Held in partnership with The Stewardship Network. Register for this event by July 6 at dana@legacylandconservancy.org or call 734-302-5263. Registration required for location address.
