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: 8 conservation easements protected and passed the 2,000 conserved acre mark!

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!

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.

2017
Averill accessible loop is paved allowing universal access to nature. Little Forks also protects  the Lane Preserve.

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

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

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

2017 
Also was the launch for our Nature/Nurture program!