Latest On The Conservation Gateway

A well-managed and operational Conservation Gateway is in our future! Marketing, Conservation, and Science have partnered on a plan to rebuild the Gateway into the organization’s enterprise content management system (AEM), with a planned launch of a minimal viable product in early FY26. If you’re interested in learning more about the project, reach out to megan.sheehan@tnc.org for more info!
Why it Matters: Dunes are one of Michigan’s most unique and iconic natural systems. Restoring and protecting the biodiversity of Eastern Lake Michigan’s dune systems, wetlands, coastal forests, and near-shore areas benefits threatened and endangered species as well as major economic drivers of recreation and eco-tourism in coastal areas.
 
Strategies: 
• Restore key dune ecosystems at the Conservancy’s preserves.
• Collaborate with statewide and regional stakeholders to increase awareness, enhance resource availability and expand public support of coastal conservation by strategically engaging regional communities.
• Develop and improve strategic policy that supports restoration efforts, including those to reduce future invasive species introductions and prevent coastal habitat degradation.
• Conduct research to connect the economic and environmental impact of invasive plant species in coastal ecosystems.

Conservancy preserves in this region:
Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve
Zetterberg Preserve at Point Betsie

 

Eastern Lake Michigan Project Area
ELM_CBPmap_04212015.png 

Relevant Documents:
2015 Dunes Fact Sheet
Restoration Ecology: "Aboveground and Belowground Impacts Following
Removal of the Invasive Species Baby’s Breath (Gypsophila paniculata) on Lake Michigan Sand"
​​

Michigan Dune Alliance Strategic Plan​

Contact: Shaun Howard │989.859.4602