Please Note: We are pleased to offer this schedule of outings at no charge led by our knowledgeable volunteer docents. Do dress according to weather. So that we may provide the best experience possible and be fully prepared, we require (and appreciate!) advanced registration by calling 231-256-9665. Most hikes last around two hours unless otherwise noted. Directions (both written or via our Google mapping feature) can be found on our website. If your schedule does not mesh with ours, or you have a special event such as a family reunion or wedding, our docents may be available to lead groups of five or more if given two week’s notice to plan. School groups also may be accommodated with enough notice. If you have a question about a hike or want to register for a weekend hike after the close of business on Friday, please contact the docent who is leading the hike. Click here for a list of emails and phone numbers of our docents.

Workbee Basics: Workbees are fun and a great way to get exercise, fresh air and meet new people. They generally take place every other Wednesday through the summer. Please bring a water bottle, sunscreen and bug spray along. Directions (both written or via our Google mapping feature) can be found on our website. If you have questions about the planned work or want to learn more about upcoming stewardship volunteer opportunities, email Fields Ratliff at fratliff@theconservancy.com or call 231-256-9665.

Please note: there are no toilet facilities at most Conservancy natural areas.

Saturday, August 28th 10 am
The Fruits of Summer at Chippewa Run

Come and enjoy a leisurely hike through the fields and forests at this natural area in Empire. We will look for ways in which the plants of summer exhibit themselves by displaying their fruits. Who knows what other wonders will be revealed to us at this diverse property? Docents Jack Schulz, Ann Mason, Holly Pharmer, and Roland Drayson will lead the way.

Wednesday, September 1st 10am
Birdiology 203—Family Matters at Kehl Lake

Peek into the fascinating and diverse lifestyles of some of the birds who call Kehl Lake “home.” Docents Bobbie Poor and Judy Hoeffler will share some avian profiles as we watch for resident birds going about their family business.

September 1st   9:30 - 11:30 am
Wednesday Workbee at DeYoung Natural Area on Cedar Lake

We need volunteers to help us cut, treat, and remove Autumn Olive from the property. Volunteer work will mostly entail moving cut Autumn Olive to brush piles and treating stumps with herbicide applicators. This job may be labor intensive at times and no prior herbicide application experience is required to attend. If possible, please bring good work cloths, boots, and gloves.

Getting there:  From Traverse City and the intersection of M-72 and M-22 (Tom’s West Bay) go north on M-22 1.2 miles, turn left onto Cherry bend Rd.; look for barn, sign and parking area on your right. We will meet in the parking lot next to the barn.

Saturday, September 4th 10am
Explore Lighthouse West

Why is Lighthouse West a birder’s hot spot? Join docents Ann McInnis and Judy Smart and hike ancient glacial beaches to reach the modern Lake Michigan Beach while keeping an eye out for migrating raptors and songbirds heading South for the winter. This former farmland is being restored, ecologically, in order to improve habitat especially for birds and other native wildlife.

Sunday, September 19th 1pm
Waltz into Winter on the Village Green

A long, cold winter lies ahead; the perfect season for some great fireside reading. Cozy up to some favorite books about our natural world that are shared with you by Bobbie Poor and fellow docents as we gather where Conservancy successes all began, our much-loved Village Green. Each of us will give a brief summary of one or two of our favorite nature books—field guides, essays mysteries, novels, you name it! There is SO much to share. If it rains, we’ll meet inside the Conservancy’s offices just down the street.

Sunday, September 12th 1pm
What’s Blooming at Chippewa Run?

Let's talk about goldenrod. The Chippewa called it gizisomukiki or 'sun medicine'. It helped calm stomachs, cure wounds, and relieve sore throats. Did you know there are at least 11 goldenrod species that bloom in Leelanau? Goldenrod has a bad reputation, but it is not the pollen source that stirs up your fall allergies. Join docents Lou Ricord and Ann Mason on their trek to locate and catalog the many species of goldenrod and other late summer wildflowers here. We'll also keep an eye out for wild birds during our hike; bring binoculars.

Wednesday, September 15th 9:30am to 11:30am
Stewardship Wednesday Workbee

Activity and locale will be determined closer to the date.

Saturday, September 18th 2 pm
Tamaracks, Chestnuts, and More at Teichner Preserve

Enjoy an early fall outing at the northeastern corner of Lime Lake with docents Jack Schulz and Dave Amos as we look for one of Leelanau's largest American chestnut trees. We'll also see some large tamarack trees as well as little ones striving for their place in the sun on our way to the shore of Lime Lake. The red maples may well be on display in the wetlands. We'll be on high ground all the way.

Tuesday, September 28th 10am
Fall Mushrooms at Kehl Lake Natural Area

Join Ed Reinert and Judy Hoeffler for a look at fall fungal activities here. Ed is the local mushroom expert and, if the conditions are right, hikers will get a close up look at the different species of mushrooms that grow around Kehl Lake.

Wednesday, September 29th 9:30am – 11:30am
Stewardship Wednesday Workbee

Activity and locale will be determined closer to the date.

Sunday October 10th 2pm
Houdek Dunes Natural Area

Coyotes, Cougars, and Bears, Oh My! What are some of the magnificent animals that called Leelanau “home” before people did, and are they still here? Explore the different ever-changing wildlife communities in this 330 acres with docent Ann McInnis and David Amos and discover what preparations the inhabitants are making for winter.

Saturday, October 16th 10am
Fall Colors at Chippewa Run Natural Area

Why do leaves turn colors and ultimately fall to the ground? Did you know leaves have a natural sunscreen? Bug repellant? Docents Lou Ricord and Judy Hoeffler will discuss these and other fall color topics as we explore these 110 acres of wetlands, streams and ponds, old fields, red pine and spruce/fir stands, hardwoods, and an old apple orchard. We'll also keep an eye out for wild birds so bring binoculars.

Sunday, October 17th 2pm
How Many Colors Can We Find at Teichner?

Are we having an early fall or a late fall? Either way, come see the colors of Lime Lake and the fall shades in the wetlands with special plants and trees. Then we will cross the road to check on the health of a magnificent old chestnut tree and its colorful supporting cast of maples and oaks. Docents Sharon Oriel and Jack Schultz will guide you on this colorful afternoon amble. We may also see the results of the Conservancy’s work to reconnect wetlands. And that is another story!