A Brief History

1996
The Little Forks Conservancy is a 501c3 nonprofit that has been protecting Mid-Michigan's natural environments since 1996. Founded by an all-volunteer board of directors who hoped to protect the area’s key land features for future generations.

2007
Record year: 9 conservation easements protected and passed the 2,000 conserved acre mark!

2013
​Little Forks became a host site for Huron Pines AmeriCorps to assist in creating the next generation of leaders in conservation.

2017
The access for all project was completed at Averill Preserve. The George and Sue Lane Preserve was donated, marking the first Little Forks preserve in Gladwin County.

2019
Over 400 feet of boardwalk was constructed within Riverview. OUTdoors Together Hikes launched in the summer.

2021
LFC and Leon P. Martuch Chapter of Trout Unlimited hosted an official Ribbon Cutting at the George and Sue Lane Preserve in August showcasing 2-miles of hiking trail.

1999
​A remarkable man, by the name of Don Blades, signed on to be our first easement -- protecting 1.5 miles of riverbank, 200 acres of woodland, and 70 acres of farmland.  

2008
The 419-acre Riverview Natural Area was protected and a $1.5 million project to improve trails and develop a stairway commenced.

2014
The 8-acre Albert & Virginia Szok Preserve was donated by their children and Little Forks purchased and protected the 70-acre Forestview Natural Area.

2017 
Little Forks launched the Nature/Nurture program working with alternative high schools in Midland County and Stewardship Series a workshop series with a focus on land management!

2020
​Little Forks Conservancy's Office and three natural areas were impacted by the Edenville Dam Failure. Loss of the contents from three office rooms and large storage area. On natural areas, trash and flood debris a displaced walking bridge and downed trees was the extent of the damage. 

2003
Once the largest log banking grounds in the world, the 72-acre Averill Preserve became our first publicly-accessible nature preserve.

2010
Little Forks Conservancy became an accredited land trust through Land Trust Alliance meaning our work meets the national standards for excellence.

2015
Conservation@Home launched and 30 homeowners earned recognition. Conservation@Work followed the same year.

2018
Largest conservation easement donation in LFC history! 411-acres!

 2020
AmeriCorps Day of Caring
Twenty Three Huron Pines AmeriCorps members and staff from Huron Pines gathered in Midland to help LFC with Forestview Natural Area which had the most impact from the flood. A foot bridge was built and a large 30 yard dumpster was filled.