Stewardship Program
Silhouette in Greens – Rhonda Berger
Conservation and Stewardship Program
At Six Rivers Land Conservancy, we care deeply about protecting and nurturing the natural beauty of Southeast Michigan. From monitoring land and managing preserves to fighting invasive species and restoring habitats, our field team is always hard at work protecting the nature near you—now and into the future.
Monitoring and Data Collection
We protect thousands of acres of natural and agricultural lands over our five-county service area, and all of it needs monitoring to ensure that the conservation values are being upheld. Whether the land is privately owned, part of a park system, or owned by Six Rivers, our field crew surveys every protected property at least once per year taking note of exceptional species and keeping watch for encroachments and disturbances to the natural landscape.
Preserve Management
We own and manage ten preserves across our service area, each with its own unique needs. That might mean clearing trails, replacing bridges, or even organizing prescribed burns to help restore native ecosystems.
Looking to visit?
Sutherland Nature Sanctuary in Metamora (Lapeer County) is one of our most frequently visited properties featuring an extensive trail system, a pavilion with picnic benches, and restrooms. All Six Rivers preserves are open to the public, although some may have fewer amenities. For more information about visiting a Six Rivers preserve, feel free to reach out to our office!
Invasive Species Contracting
In addition to managing invasive species on our own preserves, Six Rivers’ field crew is contracted by both public and private landowners to create management plans and manage invasive species. Members of our field crew hold Certified Pesticide Applicator licenses for instances when invasive species must be managed through the careful use of approved and appropriate herbicides. By managing invasive species in a manner appropriate for the species and the size of the infestation, we are able to give native species the chance to thrive and strengthen the ecological health of the region.
Data Collection and Wildlife Surveys
Knowing what’s out there is just as important as protecting it! Between annual butterfly counts at Golden Preserve, monitoring bluebird houses on partner properties, collecting baseline species data for soon-to-be-protected lands, and more, we always strive to deepen our understanding of the ecology of Southeast Michigan to help us make informed conservation decisions.
Habitat Restoration
Reintroduction of habitat can be as simple as moving cut shrubs and trees into ponds to serve as turtle basking logs, or as monumental as the 40+ acre wildflower meadow restoration at Monarch Meadows park in Chesterfield Township. Our team works hard to bring back native habitats. In the heavily urbanized region of Southeast Michigan, even a simple native plant garden can make a huge impact on environmental health.
Want to make a difference in your own backyard?
Check out our Native Garden Certification Program—a great way to support pollinators and get recognized for your efforts in creating wildlife-friendly spaces.
Partnerships & Planning
Conservation is a team effort. We work with local governments, fellow nonprofits, and state and federal agencies to tackle some of the region’s toughest environmental issues facing our region. Six Rivers staff provides a perspective that always prioritizes our mission: to protect and steward the beautiful natural and agricultural areas of Southeast Michigan. Whether helping to prioritize land for protection or leading conservation education efforts, we’re proud to be a voice for the #nature near you.
