Mission: To conserve natural land and open space - including forests, wetlands, meadows, agricultural lands, and places of scenic beauty - to provide habitat for wildlife and to enrich the lives of people.
Programs: Conservation initiatives - activities that increase the organization's ability to preserve and steward land and conservation easements including conservation planning, networking and collaboration with potential and current partner groups, and general land protection education and outreach.
land acquisition - the organization acquires real estate and holds natural land and open space in trust for the public. Land held in trust is open to the community free of charge. The organization also holds conservation easements on private and public lands that protect valuable natural features.
stewardship activities include trail creation and maintenance, property cleanup, and the removal of exotic species. The organization also has ongoing projects that seek to restore wetlands, forests, and prairie habitats.
regional initiatives - the organization currently has two local steering committees who work with groups made up of individuals from specific communities who are dedicated to carrying out the work of the organization on a more local level. Volunteers work with the smlc staff and board of directors to plan for and implement projects to save land, care for land, and help with fundraising. Public education and outreach - the organization offers hikes, tours, campfires, and other family-friendly events that are free and open to the public. These events are a great way to connect with nature and learn more about the importance of land conservation. In addition, local businesses, clubs, schools, and community groups participate in their own work days and help with special stewardship projects. The organization also runs a community organic garden project.
Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy became an accredited land trust February 2024, a status that can be renewed every five years. Accreditation means Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy meets national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy demonstrated to the Land Trust Accreditation Commission its commitment to excellence. Accredited land trusts meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. These land trusts demonstrate the commitment to excellence by adopting Land Trust Standards and Practices, the ethical and technical guidelines for the responsible operation of a land trust, and meeting the accreditation requirements drawn from them. To learn more about land trust accreditation and the current accreditation status of Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy, visit http//www.landtrustaccreditation.org/about.
