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Saginaw Basin
Land Conservancy News and Projects
The latest news and information on programs and projects
at the Conservancy.
CONSERVANCY MAKES RAIN BARRELS AVAILABLE
TO RESIDENTS
On July 24 the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy coordinated a rain barrel sale
with EnviroWorld, a manufacturer of rain barrels. Three hundred and forty
residents purchased more than 500 rain barrels during the 6-hour sale.
Special thanks to EMCOR for providing the location for the sale and to The Dow
Chemical Company for volunteers who helped that day.
Barrels are no longer available for purchase, but the Saginaw Basin Land
Conservancy is offering them as an incentive to join the organization.
With a membership of $100 or more, the member is entitled to a free rain barrel,
thanks to the generosity of The Dow Chemical Company.
SAGINAW BASIN LAND
CONSERVANCY WELCOMES TWO NEW VOLUNTEERS: JUSTIN SELDEN AND LAUREN SEQUIN
Justin Selden is the Conservancy’s newest
Huron Pines AmeriCorps member. Justin is serving 900 volunteer hours as
the Outreach and Stewardship Coordinator over the next six months. He will
assist with volunteer recruitment, education and outreach regarding stewardship,
bringing public awareness to SBLC and its mission, as well as the annual photo
contest. He is looking forward to working with, and getting to know, the
landowners, volunteers, staff, and contributors that are the backbone of the
Conservancy.
Justin is a graduate student at the University of Toledo, where he will finish a
Master’s of Biological Sciences, with a focus on Ecology, in the fall. He
completed his undergraduate work at Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s
of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife, and a Bachelor’s of Science in Zoology.
He grew up in Reese, MI and graduated from Reese High School. Justin enjoys
outdoor recreation activities such as fishing, hunting, camping, hiking,
wildlife photography and spending time with his son.
Lauren Sequin will be completing a six week internship the Education
Coordinator. S he will assist with education programming to help promote public
learning on wetlands and the wildlife at the preserves, as well as creating
biological inventories of the preserves.
Lauren is a senior at Central Michigan University where she is completing
Bachelor’s of Science in Biology with a concentration on Natural Resources, as
well as a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Studies. Lauren grew up in Bay
City, MI and graduated from John Glenn High School. At CMU, she is involved in
Alpha Gamma Delta and the Student Environmental Alliance. She also enjoys
kayaking, hiking, and volunteering at the animal shelter.
WONDERS
OF THE WATERSHED DISPLAYED AT SAGINAW BASIN LAND CONSERVANCY ANNUAL EVENT
Ninety-five people attended the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy's Third Annual
Photo Contest event on Monday, October 26 at the Alice & Jack Wirt Public
Library in Bay City. Entitled “Wonders of the Watershed," the event was designed
to showcase the natural resources found within our region.
The goal of the Conservancy’s photo contest is to encourage people to capture
the images of nature in the Saginaw Bay Watershed. Categories include
Landscapes; Plants & Flowers; Wildlife; People & Nature; and Students.
“The Saginaw Bay Watershed is an extremely valuable resource,” said Valerie
Roof, executive director of the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy. “Through the
contest we wanted to encourage people to get out and explore its natural beauty
then share with others through their photos.”
The Watershed is the largest contiguous freshwater coastal wetlands system in
the United States. It features more than 175 inland lakes and about 7,000 miles
of rivers and streams. It is home to large populations of waterfowl, birds,
snakes, turtles, amphibians and more than 138 endangered or threatened species.
Roof said 180 photos were entered into the contest. There were a record number
of entries from students, as well as family groups who entered the contest. A
photo of two Sand Hill Cranes taken by Jeanne Moeller of Essexville won third
place in the Wildlife category, while her daughter Brooke, age five, received an
honorable mention for a summer sunset. Brothers Evan, 12, and Ben Prevost, 8,
of Bay City were both recognized for photos they took of area wildlife. The
youngest participant this year was four years old.
The top three winners in each category received cash prices (1st place was $50,
2nd place was $25; and 3rd place was $10). In the student category, all
who received an honorable mention received a $10 prize. An anonymous donor
sponsored this year’s contest.
Taken in the Saginaw Bay Watershed, the photos were judged on use of color,
creativity, subject matter, originality, relevance to the watershed and overall
"wow" factor. The judges were Anne Trahan from Anne E. Trahan Photography; Mike
Randolph, chief photographer for The Bay City Times; and Kimberly Norris, vice
president of administration for Glastender.
See the list of winners.
Photo
by Tony Soave II
SAND POINT NATURE PRESERVE DEDICATION CEREMONY
Dark skies and
increasing winds weren’t enough to keep people from attending the October 6th
dedication ceremony for the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy’s Sand Point Nature
Preserve. Despite rain storms on the horizon, 54 people came to celebrate the
acquisition and permanent protection of the 139-acre preserve, located at the
base of Sand Point near Caseville, MI.
The ceremony drew a crowd, first and foremost, because the Sand Point Nature
Preserve is a remarkable piece of coastal property. Approximately half of the
preserve is wetlands, attracting wildlife that includes Bald Eagles and rare
Marsh Wrens. The State of Michigan has recognized the importance of the
preserve by officially designating it an "Environmental Area," a title placed on
only about 8.5% of the Great Lakes shoreline.

Perhaps
a more important recognition of importance has been given by the residents of
the Sand Point area; who have shown their support time and again by helping with
preserve clean-ups, volunteering to monitor the preserve, visiting on a regular
basis, and by contributing to the dedication ceremony. “We visit the preserve
nearly every day,” states Peggy Mangan, who along with her husband John,
regularly monitors the property for the conservancy. “It is a beautiful place,
and we are glad to help protect it.”
The acquisition and permanent protection of the property was a
cooperative effort of the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy, U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program, Michigan
Department of Natural Resources, The Dow Chemical Company, Lone Tree Council,
former owners Clarence & Donna Osentoski, The Nature Conservancy, and Ducks
Unlimited. Further support for preserve improvements was provided by the Huron
County Community Foundation and many local businesses have donated in-kind
services to help with special projects.
Conservancy board president Larry Frisch opened the ceremony by expressing his
appreciation to all contributors and invited the community to use and enjoy the
property. “This is your preserve,” he expressed to the crowd, “we hope you will
enjoy it and help us care for it.” Valerie Roof, Conservancy executive
director, expressed her personal thanks before opening up the floor to several
guest speakers.
Huron County Commissioner Clark Eftman and Caseville Township Supervisor Larry
Degg, who both volunteered at this year’s spring clean up; spoke about the
benefits the preserve provides to the community. Doug Reeves of Michigan
Department of Natural Resources wildlife division spoke about the persistence
and cooperation that was required to establish the preserve. Karen Osentoski,
daughter of Clarence & Donna Osentoski, closed by explaining what the property
meant to her family, “It was my parents, and especially my father’s dream to see
this land protected. As he was battling cancer, he told all his doctors, ‘I
have to stay alive long enough to see my land protected.’” Fortunately Clarence
lived to see his dream come to fruition when the SBLC acquired the property in
the fall of 2008.
GEOCACHING EVENT A SUCCESS AT SAND
POINT NATURE PRESERVE
Thanks to the Saginaw
Basin Land Conservancy there are some new caches and new Geocachers in the
Saginaw Bay area. On Saturday, September 12th the Saginaw Basin Land
Conservancy (SBLC) hosted a “learn to Geocache” day at its Sand Point Nature
Preserve to celebrate the introduction of Geocaching at the property.
The event was
organized by Saginaw resident Darlene “windrose” Elias, a long time area
geocacher, who volunteered to place and monitor caches at the SBLC’s Sand Point
and Pinconning Nature Preserves. Darlene and other experienced geocachers
explained the sport to the newcomers. “Geocaching is a type of scavenger hunt
in which people use GPS coordinates to find a hidden prize,” Darlene started her
speech. Twenty-five people were in attendance, seven of which were first time
geocachers.
After the lesson the
crowd set out into the 139-acre preserve with their GPS units in hand in search
of the caches. Experienced players helped guide the rookies and offered
practical advice on mastering the art of finding small hidden containers in the
middle of the woods. As the players explored the property, “I never even knew
this preserve was here” was a frequently repeated phrase, “this place is
incredible.”
Once everyone had
learned the game, Darlene handed out the GPS coordinates for the permanent Sand
Point Nature Preserve cache and the race was on to be the first person to make
the find. The honor went to Adam Romzek who stated that he enjoyed geocaching
because, “It's fun. It’s exciting to use modern technology to help explore the
great outdoors. Geocaching has taken me to a lot of great places that I
wouldn’t have visited otherwise.”
The
Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy introduced geocaching at two of its preserves,
Sand Point and Pinconning, to
inspire more recreational use and to increase awareness of SBLC’s conservation
efforts. The idea was proposed to the Conservancy by Huron Pines AmeriCorps
member Neil Sauter who has spent the summer helping SBLC with its education
and outreach campaign.
In geocaching, players hide small containers filled with simple prizes in areas that are open
to the public and list the GPS coordinates on the internet for other players to
find. “Geocaching is about the fun of the search,” states Neil Sauter. “It’s a great way for people to explore their
community and often introduces people to beautiful natural area they might not
have visited otherwise.”
Established in 2007,
Huron Pines AmeriCorps was developed to strengthen conservation organizations in
Northeast Michigan. Huron Pines AmeriCorps members provide assistance with
developing new community services, volunteer coordination, on-the-ground
restoration and habitat improvement projects, and public outreach and
stewardship. Huron Pines AmeriCorps is supported in part by the Corporation for
National and Community Service, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, DTE Energy Foundation,
Huron Pines and contributions from host sites. For more information, visit
www.huronpinesamericorps.org.
To learn more about
GeoCaching or to find the coordinates of the SBLC preserve caches visit
www.geocaching.com.
PRESSPRICH NATURE PRESERVE
DEDICATED
Au Gres,
MI -The Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy officially dedicated the Pressprich
Nature Preserve on Saturday, August 8, honoring Saginaw resident Charlotte
Eickholt Pressprich for her land donation and inviting the public to enjoy the
recently established preserve trails.
In 2006
Charlotte Eickholt Pressprich donated the 48.2-acre parcel in honor of her late
husband Robert Pressprich. The property is of high ecological value because it
serves as a ground water recharge area and because more than half of the
preserve is classified as wetlands. Wetlands provide habitat for a variety of
species and improve water quality by filtering out pollutants.
At the
ceremony SBLC unveiled a new sign describing the important features of the
preserve and recognizing Charlotte Pressprich for her donation. Mrs. Pressprich
and members of her family took the opportunity to pay tribute to Robert
Pressprich. “[My father] was constantly looking for ways to serve in his
community” stated William O. Pressprich, Charlotte and Robert’s eldest son. “He loved the Au
Gres area, its natural beauty and the people that live and vacation here. He
would have loved to see the land preserved and the beauty of it shared with
future generations.”

Charlotte Pressprich
and Valerie Roof unveil the new sign.
In
addition to honoring Charlotte Pressprich the dedication provided an opportunity
for the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy staff and board members to express their
commitment to protecting the preserve. Mike Stoner, vice president of the SBLC
board stated, “The Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy is dedicated to the
preservation of natural areas. Natural areas, such as the Pressprich Nature
Preserve, provide numerous ecological benefits and improve quality of life for
the people who visit. We promise to protect and preserve this property,
forever.”
The
Conservancy will enlist the help of volunteers and other environmental based
organizations in caring for the preserve; some of whom were on hand to explain
their role. Volunteer preserve coordinator Cathy Washabuagh will provide
regular monitoring, Conservation Officer Nick Atkin will investigate any
reported illegal uses, and members of the U.S. coast guard will patrol the
nearby shoreline to prevent illegal dumping. Neighbors of the preserve have
also provided support to the Conservancy. The new trails were mowed by Au Gres
resident Charles Appold and St. Paul Lutheran Church was gracious enough to host
the ceremonial event.
At the
conclusion of the dedication, attendees participated in a wildflower walk on the
newly developed trails. The walk was led by another valuable volunteer, local
wildflower expert Pat Bilbrey. The preserve is open to the public from dawn to
dusk for anyone who wishes to explore the new trails for themselves.
SAGANING NATURE
PRESERVE RECEIVES OFFICIAL DEDICATION

“The purpose of our dedication ceremony is to celebrate this
preserve and to let the community know it is here for their enjoyment,” stated
Valerie Roof, executive director of the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy (SBLC),
during Monday’s dedication ceremony at the Saganing Nature Preserve. And enjoy
the preserve the community did. Neighbors, local officials, community leaders,
thirty-five people in all, were in attendance to celebrate the occasion, walk
along the shore of the Saganing River, and take in the beauty of the 38.4 acre
landscape; all while being blessed with warm weather and a cool breeze.
The ceremony began with Larry Frisch, president of the SBLC
board, explaining the benefits of natural areas – improving water quality,
reducing the risk of flooding, providing wildlife habitat and recreational
opportunities – and SBLC’s role in natural land preservation – protecting more
than 4,500 acres of natural lands through seven nature preserves and
conservation agreement with 57 land owners in the Saginaw Bay region.
Ms. Roof followed by thanking the many individuals and
organizations who helped fund the acquisition and improvements to the preserve,
before opening up the floor to the conservancy’s closest neighbor, the Saginaw
Chippewa Indian Tribe. Craig Graveratte, the tribe environmental response
specialists, spoke next about the value of preserved land. “Without Mother
Earth’s blood we would not have the beauty of the trees, the lands, the rivers,
the abundant wildlife, and most important of all Life…so, it is an honor that we
are here today to help with the dedication of this nature preserve for all to
enjoy.” He spread Selma (tobacco) at the preserve entrance as a traditional
gesture of thanks and respect to mother earth. His dedication was followed by a
round of applause from the audience.
The Tribe is not the only neighbor glad to have the conservancy
next door. Floyd Bender, SBLC member and owner of nearby Whites Beach Resort
reported that, “Visitors are always asking me what there is to do in the
community. I always recommend they come here.” But the preserve is not just
for the tourist. Chamber of Commerce vice president Ruth Caldwell said, “The
preserve is beautiful it is a great place for tourists and local residents alike
to come and take pictures, take hikes, access the river, and enjoy nature.
Chamber president Andy Radatz, shared that he used to fish on what is now
preserve property as a kid, as did several other attendees. Now that the
preserve is owned and maintained by the conservancy it will remain open to
public use for generations to come.
The ceremony closed with SBLC board members and key community
officials cutting a ceremonial ribbon and inviting guests to tour the property.
Many guests took the opportunity to explore the property and walked back to the
Saganing River which borders the preserve for 2,000 feet before emptying into
the Saginaw Bay.
SUMMER CLASS
STUDIES NATURAL RESOURCES AT SAGINAW BASIN LAND CONSERVANCY’S PINCONNING
NATURE PRESERVE

It’s not unusual to
see students heading to the waters during summer; we just expect them to be
playing, not collecting scientific data. On Monday, June 22nd, 16
students from the Bay-Arenac Summer Academy traveled to the Saginaw Basin Land
Conservancy’s Pinconning Nature Preserve for a day of hands-on learning. The
students, who are part of the Natural Resources and the Environment class, took
a wildlife hike through the preserve, learned about the value of wetlands, and
collected data on the water quality of the Pinconning River.
“The purpose [of the class] is to increase high school students'
knowledge in the areas of natural resources and present environmental issues,
including natural science, wildlife, energy and renewable sources, forestry, and
agriculture,” said Cathy LaLonde, class teacher. “The students will
discuss and compare many pressing environmental issues affecting our community,
state and country.”
During the field trip
the students collected data on water temperature, turbidity (clarity), pH levels
(acidity), and dissolved oxygen (oxygen availability for aquatic species). The
data indicated that the waters of the Pinconning River running through the
nature preserve are of good quality. The Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy
reported the student’s findings to the International Water Association, which
collects water quality data from samples around the world.
“The Pinconning Nature
Preserve is an ideal place for this type of classroom activity,” stated Neil
Sauter, a Huron Pines AmeriCorps member who led the field trip as education and
outreach coordinator for the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy. “Wetlands are
essential for protecting water quality and I’m excited I had the opportunity to
help students learn about their importance here on site.”
The students also took
turns wading into the river to collect aquatic species using kick nets.
Different aquatic species have varying levels of tolerance to pollution.
Finding aquatic species that can not tolerate pollution indicates that the water
is healthy. Students stood upstream of their nets and stirred up sediment with
their feet, hoping to capture aquatic species living near the river bed.
Students left on shore then identified the captured aquatic species using bug
identification cards and looked up their level of tolerance to pollution.
Cathy LaLonde,
Bay-Arenac ISD Career Center teacher, was pleased with the visit.
“Students could see for themselves the importance and beauty of the wetland
area. They were able to complete important measuring data for a deeper
understanding of the factors that contribute to water quality and help to
monitor our precious water resource.”
The field trip is one
part of larger hands on classroom approach that will also include studying fish
of the Great Lakes and correct fishing procedures, examining bird and other
wildlife habitats including building bird houses, evaluating pollution, soil
testing, conducting experiments such as decomposition of common landfill
materials, recycling, identifying Michigan plants, correct planting
procedures and propagation of native plants and understanding renewable energy
sources.

VOLUNTEER
TEAM ENHANCES SAND POINT NATURE PRESERVE

Take four
generations of a family and combine with 30 more volunteers from Pigeon,
Caseville, Kinde, Bay City, Saginaw, Linwood, and then mix with generous
donations. Next, add a passion for celebrating Earth Day in a practical way,
and the result was major enhancements at the Sand Point Nature Preserve. On
Sunday, May 3, Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy staff, board members, and
volunteers gathered to install signage, benches, gates and clear the preserve of
trash and debris, amounting to about two dump truck loads.
“The response
to our request for volunteers was extremely heartwarming,” indicated Valerie S.
Roof, executive director of the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy. “We appreciate
all of the support that has from Caseville Township, Huron County, and the
residents here.”
The story
began two years ago when Clarence and Donna Osentoski agreed to sell 139 acres
in Caseville Township along Wildfowl Bay to the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy
to ensure that it would be protected forever. After applying for and receiving
funding from U.S. Fish & Wildlife, Ducks Unlimited, The Nature Conservancy, and
PIRGIM, and receiving a generous donation from the Osentoskis, the property was
transferred to the Conservancy in 2008.
The Huron
County Community Foundation took a leadership role in funding the enhancements,
especially the hand carved sign that serves as the hallmark of conservancy
preserves. Funds for lumber and hardware were also provided. The Caseville
Subway and Caseville IGA Food Pride assisted by providing sandwiches for the
volunteer workers. Timber and hardware were donated by
Central Michigan Railroad
and Carter Lumber, and Richfield Equities donated the disposal of the debris.
Comprised of
mostly wetlands (over 50%), the land is the last large undeveloped parcel on Sand
Point. It provides important habitat for migrating birds, serves as an estuary
and nursery for Saginaw Bay fish, and contains rare species of concern, such as
the bald eagle and marsh wren.
The Saginaw
Basin Land Conservancy invites the public to visit the preserve, hike the
trails, and explore the sights and sounds of birds, animals, insects, plant life
and fish that make their home on the Sand Point Nature Preserve and its waters.
Those who have experienced the quiet, enjoyable peaceful setting of the preserve
will agree; it’s a wonderful way to give back to a community and its people, and
something that can be enjoyed for many generations to come.
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