Feeling thankful at Little forks conservancy

Read below as Little Forks Conservancy staff share what they are thankful for this 2024 year. 

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Elan Lipchitz, Executive Director
This Thanksgiving, as I reflect on the past year, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible people who make our work at Little Forks possible.
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To our staff, board, and volunteers—thank you. Your dedication and hard work are the driving forces behind our mission to protect land and water in our region.

Our board provides invaluable guidance and strategy, steering us toward success. Our volunteers give their time and energy to help us manage our lands, creating a lasting impact on our nature preserves. And to our dedicated staff—I am grateful for always going above and beyond to help make this year a success and always working together to help us meet our mission.
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Together, we are making a lasting difference protecting and improving land for current and future generations to enjoy. Thank you for being part of this journey.

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Benjamin VanDyke , Volunteer and Preserve Steward
I am thankful for the unique opportunity to play a role in the conservation of natural spaces, for both wildlife habitat and the enjoyment of our mid-Michigan communities. I'm fortunate that this means partnering with many volunteers and community partners who selflessly give of their time and energy to help us protect, conserve and improve our nature preserves in countless ways throughout the year. 

​An example that comes to mind are the hard-working volunteers who helped hand-build the new rustic trail at Nelson Woods over the course of the year. This new trail will be a great way for our local communities to enjoy nature at this preserve, and like so many other projects this would not be possible without on-going support.

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Shelby Gentle, Land Conservation Specialist
This Thanksgiving, I’m reflecting on the things that I am grateful for — and my job is high on that list. Growing up, I spent endless hours outside, exploring, and connecting with nature. Those childhood memories sparked a deep love for the environment and wildlife, which ultimately led me to this career.

​I'm so thankful for the opportunity to protect and preserve the land in this area, ensuring that future generations can experience the same joy of playing outside that I did. It’s a privilege to be part of this important work, and I look forward to what we will continue to accomplish moving forward.

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Lily Kelsey, Conservation Outreach Coordinator
Looking back at 2024, I realized I am truly grateful to know passionate people who care about making Midland inclusive for all.  Whether this be in our neighborhoods, in our downtown, in our schools, or in our natural areas.

​We as community members hold so much more power to make progress than we know, and I am thankful to be able to collaborate with some of these individuals to make a positive impact for everyone who lives in our region. 

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