2005
Scott and Kathryn Whalen, 119 acres
Butman Township, Gladwin County

When Scott and Kathryn Whalen purchased 119 acres of intensely farmed land in Gladwin County, Mr. Whalen began restoring the land with native grasses and trees. Over the past several years, almost half of the previously farmed land has been converted to provide wildlife habitat, improve water quality and enhance the scenic view of the land.

“Many hands have contributed to what is now [on the property],” said Mr. Whalen. “Developing this land would tarnish the hard work of the previous stewards of the property.”

The Whalen property is The Little Forks Conservancy’s second project completed on land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. In the Whalen’s case, they wanted to protect not only the 13 acres of CREP-enrolled land but the entire farm. Using the Conservancy’s Land Fund as well as funding from the State of Michigan under CREP, the Conservancy purchased a conservation easement from the Whalens in 2005.