The Thumb Land Conservancy is working to preserve natural areas in the Thumb of Michigan, a postglacial
landscape where northern forest blends with central hardwoods, bordered by Lake Huron, the
Saginaw Bay, the Saint Clair River, and Lake Saint Clair. The mission territory of the TLC is Saint
Clair, Sanilac, Huron, Tuscola, Lapeer, and Macomb Counties, but we can also work in adjacent
areas as opportunities arise.
Prior News
July 3, 2025
(click HERE to download PDF)
The Thumb Naturalist.......
The Thumb Land Conservancy had a very productive spring thanks to our staff,
volunteers, and donors, and we continue to push through the heat of the summer.
Work continued on the 11.5-acre Loznak Sanctuary in Marysville through the spring
with invasive shrub removal and native lakeplain prairie plantings. There were even
a few exciting plant discoveries on the preserve.
The Southern Lake Huron Coastal Park trail now extends a full mile through 160
acres of the Shorewood Forrest preserves in Fort Gratiot on a large dune ridge
from Carrigan Road up to Brace Road. Along the way, a large amount of invasive
honeysuckle and privet was cleared, improving habitat for native flora. Shorewood
Forrest has also given us some surprising new plant and animal discoveries.
The TLC worked with Ducks Unlimited to begin planning wetland restoration on the
113-acre Morley Sanctuary north of Bay City, which should get started this fall.
Our annual Garlic Mustard removal went very well this spring. We worked in the
Dead End Woods Sanctuary in Fort Gratiot the first four Saturdays of May. It's still
clear that our 16 years of work has paid off. On the last Saturday in May, we
returned to our old Garlic Mustard control area in the Port Huron State Game Area
near Ruby in Clyde, which is still looking good after four years of absence.
Since last December, Burtchville Township has continued to delay progress on
developing the Metcalf Road entrance of the 42-acre Bidwell Sanctuary. We are
awaiting further instruction, but until then, we are holding-off on proposed
improvements including a surfaced drive, small parking area, three small pavilions,
and an information kiosk for which the TLC received a grant of $4,500 in early 2022
from the Bioregion Reparation Fund (Full Circle EcoHouse of Prayer) of the
Community Foundation of St. Clair County.
In May, the TLC was awarded a grant of $20,000 from the Bay Area Community
Foundation to develop park facilities at the new Morley Sanctuary north of Bay City.
The grant allows the TLC to get a full start on our plans.
In June, the TLC was awarded a challenge grant of $100,000 from The Carls
Foundation to fund TLC staff pay. The TLC has 2 years to raise an additional
$100,000 required as match to receive The Carls Foundation funding. If successful,
this will ensure TLC workers will be able to continue their great work for several
years.
If you are interested in submitting anything for The Thumb Naturalist or have
questions, please e-mail or call.
- Bill Collins, Executive Director, TLC
Article Index For This Issue:
The Thumb Naturalist
Loznak Sanctuary
Shorewood Forest Southeast Sanctuary
Cunningham Connector Sanctuary
Annual Garlic Mustard Removal
Bidwell Sanctuary Entrance
Bay Area Community Foundation Grant
Morley Sanctuary Restoration and Development
The Carls Foundation TLC Capacity Grant
Teddy's Excellent Adventures
Botanizing With Blake
Brilliant, Eccentric, Naturalist, Rafinesque
The Inspiration for Woody Woodpecker
Dandelion
You've Got The Power
TLC Summer Stewardship
Friends of the St. Clair River Meeting
Clyde Historical Society Events
TLC Membership
TLC Fundraising
TLC Membership
With your membership, the TLC is better enabled to protect important natural areas in our region. We
offer two membership levels: Individual and Family $40, and Business $200. Members will receive
our e-mail news. Membership is also available in trade for volunteer help. You can also make
donations in honor or memory of someone or something. For donations of $100 or more, your name
will be listed on our web site. For larger donations, please contact us for details. Make checks
payable to “Thumb Land Conservancy”. Make sure you provide us with your mailing address
and e-mail address. Providing a phone number is optional but helpful.
Mail checks and forms to:
Thumb Land Conservancy
4975 Maple Valley Road
Marlette, Michigan 48453
You can also make a donation thru our Square link HERE
