Dear Friends,

Executive Director Diana Kern and Legacy supporter Fran Laird are all smiles at a Beckwith Preserve workday.

When we started thinking about what Legacy’s 50th anniversary year would look like, we dreamt of connection, laughter, and sharing our love of land with everyone. Especially with those who made our first 50 years possible. What we didn’t dream of was a pandemic! Thankfully though, through the support of dedicated staff, board, volunteers, partners, and donors, what was initially seen as a challenge, became a wonderful opportunity.  

And, while celebrating our milestone year and our gala virtually was not part of our original vision, we are grateful that it gave us the chance to connect in unconventional ways with many more of our current and past supporters than we ever thought possible.

As Legacy’s 50^th year comes to a close, we are feeling incredibly thankful and proud of all that Legacy has accomplished in 50 years with the support of so many people like you. Since 1971, we have:

• Protected nearly 10,000 acres in the greater Jackson and Washtenaw areas
• Worked with 71 landowners to protect over 3,900 acres of private land via conservation easements
• Protected 320 acres as public nature preserves that include over 9.5 miles of trails
• Completed 48 projects with partners resulting in 5,288 acres protected
• Worked with 742 volunteers who recorded more than 34,500 volunteer hours

As we wrap up our celebration, join us with a gift of $50, $150, $250, $550 or whatever you can afford. [DONATE]

Our stroll down memory lane over the past year has taken us on an amazing journey, and we have emerged refreshed and recharged. Celebrating this remarkable milestone, our accomplishments, and the wonderful people—like YOU—who made it possible, has given us new energy and focus for the upcoming year.

As we face a long list of pressing issues—climate change, the loss of family farms, dwindling wildlife habitats and species degradation, a lingering pandemic, and the increasing risks to Michigan’s clean, fresh water—this new energy and focus is even more important. And, Legacy is putting boots to the ground and rolling up our sleeves! We’ve officially added Lenawee County to our service area, and are jumping in to help with land protection in an area critical to farmland and water protection in southern Michigan.

Each of us has a critical role to play in addressing these issues and protecting and preserving land is a responsibility we all share. Join Legacy with a gift today of $50, $150, $250, $550 or whatever you can afford.

As we enter our 51^st year, Legacy is embracing the next phase of our work. We are committed to innovative land protection and making a larger collaborative impact as a trusted, professional partner. With an expanded service area, new partnerships, and additional staff, we are poised to close on two conservation easements in Washtenaw and Jackson counties and assume multiple conservation easements in Lenawee County in 2022. 

Our trustees, staff, and volunteers are united in helping to tackle the urgent challenges currently in front of us. But, we can’t do it without you. With your support the next 50 years will be transformative as we build a future of clean water, healthy ecosystems, accessible recreation, and a thriving farming community together.  

Yours in Conservation,

Diana Kern

PS – Our birthday and the party may be over, but we’re celebrating all year long. Join us with a donation today in honor of our 50^th! [DONATE]