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Free Field Friday A Fantastic Success

LANSING, MICHIGAN — September 30, 2008 — Despite studies in recent years showing a decline in the number of people participating in outdoor activities, more than 230 people participated in The Nature Conservancy’s first-ever Free Field Friday on Sept. 26, far more than expected from organizers.

But so many people called to register that second and even third trips had to be scheduled at some locations. In the end, every trip filled to capacity.

“We had no idea how popular this would be – we’re thrilled with the response,” said Dr. Christine Hall, director of conservation programs. “We’ve tried to do field trips a lot of different ways, and even had to cancel some last year because of low turn-out, but this just shows us how much people care about and want to learn more about our preserves.”

 

Field trip participants at Ross Coastal Plain Marsh

Conservation Director, John Legge, talks about the importance of wetlands at Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve.
Photo © Melissa Soule/TNC

 

Field trip participants at Swamp Lakes Preserve

Director of Conservation, Tina Hall, led hikers to an old growth forest during the Swamp Lakes hike.
Photo © Mac Miller

Hall led the ambitious hike at Swamp Lakes Preserve in the Upper Peninsula and said everyone enjoyed the wonderful weather and opportunity to learn from Michigan’s top scientists and conservationists.

“It’s a nice chance to see what my contributions support,” said Joel Anderson, who participated in the hike at Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve.

Anderson and 18 other members and Conservancy e-mail subscribers saw rare orchids, an example of an Atlantic coastal marsh plain remnant and even a ribbon snake on a tree at a southwest Michigan preserve.

Other backyard botanists, curious neighbors and long-time members of The Nature Conservancy got an up-close and personal tour at these seven preserves:

  • Helmut & Candis Stern Preserve at Mt. Baldy (Keweenaw County) – Upper Peninsula staff led hikers on a strenuous uphill hike to study the botany of this unique natural community while overlooking spectacular views of Lake Superior.
  • Grass Bay Preserve (Cheboygan County) – Hikers learned about the Conservancy’s work to protect shoreline habitat at this preserve accessible only with staff.
  • Swamp Lakes Preserve (Luce County) – This extremely challenging hike across very wet, uneven and thick brush terrain explored open wetlands and a very unique “hidden” old growth stand.
  • Paw Paw Prairie Fen Preserve (Van Buren and Kalamazoo Counties) – Visitors learned about the Conservancy’s work to restore this fen to improve its natural hydrological function.
  • Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve (Van Buren County) –West Michigan Conservation Director John Legge led hikers through diverse flora along wooded inland dunes, wetlands, small lakes and northern hardwood forests.
  • Nan Weston Nature Preserve at Sharon Hollow (Washtenaw County) – While walking through this popular preserve, visitors learned about the Conservancy’s work in the River Raisin watershed.
  • Grand River Fen Preserve (Hillsdale and Jackson Counties) – Visitors got a rare glimpse at the ongoing restoration work of this critical riparian watershed.

Keep informed on how you can see preserves in a different way, including volunteer stewardship opportunities, by subscribing to The Nature Conservancy’s free e-newsletter, Great Places Network.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.