2010
Robert and Cheryl Duda, 24 acres
Grout Township, Gladwin County

For over thirty years, Robert and Cheryl Duda have brought their family to their 24 acre retreat in Gladwin County. The land, which has been used for family camping trips, has been carefully restored by the Dudas over the years. Mr. and Mrs. Duda recently donated a conservation easement to The Little Forks Conservancy to ensure their land is conserved forever.

This property has a variety of habitat types from upland woods, grassland, wetlands and a small intermittent stream. Originally, part of a larger cattle farm, the property had been used primarily as pasture prior to the Duda’s ownership. Since acquiring the land, they have worked very hard over the years to help restore the property with an emphasis on promoting biodiversity.

Trees have been planted throughout the property gradually coveting open grazing land to woods. Through these efforts, Mr. Duda said the property has changed “from a sea of queen Anne’s lace to nice stands of 40 feet high pines and deciduous forest.” Additionally, wildflowers have come back in abundance including asters and trout lilies.

The small pond which was used as a watering hole for the cattle has become surrounded by trees and vegetation providing habitat for several frog species and herons.

By protecting the land with a conservation easement, the Dudas hope to “let the property continue its evolution back to a natural state,” Mr. Duda said.