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.
2024 Annual Report
Click the image below to open/download the report
Latest News Update - November 2, 2024 - Click HERE for more information
*** 2024 Hunting, Fishing and Maritime Days - see News page for more info
The Thumb Land Conservancy was formed in 2008 to provide an organization dedicated to filling the
gap of nature preservation in Michigan's Thumb. Although much attention has been given to a few
areas near Lake Saint Clair, the Thumb has been largely ignored. In recent years, we are happy to
see that some new lands have been preserved, but so much remains unprotected.
There is a popular misconception that little is worth saving north of Detroit because of urban
development and agriculture. While much of the landscape has been drastically altered, many high
quality natural areas remain. A few places are nearly pristine, resembling conditions that existed
before European settlement about 200 years ago.
The extensive destruction of natural areas in the Thumb makes preservation even more critical.
Small, degraded fragments can be restored and expanded, and often serve as isolated havens for
rare plant species. We believe all natural landscapes are important locally because they reflect a
unique combination of history and features particular to that location. Many benefits of nature are
obtained and enjoyed only locally. We believe it is especially important for children to have natural
areas nearby where they can play, grow, and learn.
We have not forgotten what it’s like to see that treasured woods in your neighborhood cut down, or
wetlands carved up for more development. The TLC wants to work with you before these places are
lost. If you are interested in nature preservation and you’re willing to work for it, please contact us.
The TLC is carrying on a legacy in the Thumb. In 1952, Macomb and Saint Clair Counties were the
birthplace of what became the Michigan Nature Association, the first statewide land preservation
group in Michigan. The MNA was led for many years by the late Bertha Daubendiek of Kenockee
Township in Saint Clair County, and is one of a very few organizations that has protected land in the
interior of the Thumb, with 18 sanctuaries here. Read more about the history of the MNA here:
The Lakeshore Guardian, February 2004
As an interactive addition to The Thumb Land Conservancy's online presence, TLC also maintains a web blog at
http://thumbland.blogspot.com. Please visit
our blog for additional news and event information.
TLC Supporters
Grant Funders
The Carls Foundation
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
2020, 2023
Consumers Energy Foundation
Jackson, Michigan
2020, 2023
Ducks Unlimited
Dexter, Michigan
2024
North American Wetlands Conservation Council
2024
Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
Detroit, Michigan
2020
Community Foundation of St. Clair County
Port Huron, Michigan
2020
Franklin H. & Nancy S. Moore Donor Advised Fund
Community Foundation of St. Clair County
Port Huron, Michigan
2020
Cargill Salt & Cargill, Inc.
Saint Clair, Michigan & Minneapolis, Minnesota
2020
Full Circle EcoHouse of Prayer
Bioregional Reparation Fund
Port Huron, Michigan
2022
Four County Community Foundation
Romeo, Michigan
2022, 2024
SEMCO Energy Gas Company
Port Huron, Michigan
2020, 2023, 2024
Land Trust Alliance
Washington, D.C. and Michigan
2024
Algonquin Power & Utilities Corporation
Oakville, Ontario, Canada
and
Huron County Community Foundation
Bad Axe, Michigan
2016-2023
Land Donors
Dr. Paul Croissant
Clarkston, Michigan
2023
Richard Loznak
Lonak Real Estate Enterprises, LLC
Saint Clair, Michigan
2019
Michigan Nature Association
Okemos, Michigan
2019
Raymond & Nancy Peltier
Port Huron, Michigan
and
Dr. Syed Latafat Husain Hamzavi
Fort Gratiot, Michigan
2010
Lois M. Gerrits
Saint Clair, Michigan
2009
Saint Clair County Drain Commissioner
2008
Conservation Easement Donors
Michael & Gail Anderson
Fort Gratiot, Michigan
2023
Andrew & Natalie Ellis
Cass City, Michigan
2023
Darrin & Kim Koester
Fort Gratiot, Michigan
2020
Bob Putze
North Street, Michigan
2017
Sustaining Members
Dorothy Craig
Fort Gratiot, Michigan
Pete & Angelene Catlos
Fort Gratiot, Michigan
Christine Powell & Bern Smith
Washington, D.C.
Elizabeth "Bess" Touma
Washington, D.C.
William & Cheryl Collins
Marlette, Michigan
John Schomaker
Saint Paul, Minnesot
Randy & Kathleen Schein
South Bloomfield, Michigan
2023-24 Contributing Members
Tom & Laurie Dennis
Fort Gratiot, Michigan
Connie Bates
Clyde, Michigan
Connie Neese
Fort Gratiot, Michigan
Judith & William Rader
Tucson, Ariona
Peggy Thorp & Jerry Orlowski
Lakeport, Michigan
Amy Martinez
Marine City, Michigan
Kirsten Lyons
China, Michigan
Dr. Brian Palik
Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Mike Kubacki
Ubly, Michigan
John Hartranft
Linden, Michigan
Carol Kasprzak
Troy, Michigan
Jeff Ronan
LochanDe IT Services
Port Huron, Michigan
Cathy Rovano
Sterling Heights, Michigan
Dave Ladensack
Summit Realty
Lakeport, Michigan
Timothy Lozen
Lozen Davidson and Kovar, P.C.
Port Huron, Michigan
Richard Duthler
R.A. Duthler Land Surveyor
Imlay City, Michigan
John Fody
Marysville, Michigan
Kay Cumbow
Lynn, Michigan
Dr. Scott Ferguson
Clyde, Michigan
Fred Fuller
Yale, Michigan
Dan & Wendy Rhein
Port Huron, Michigan
Blake Short
Port Huron, Michigan
Chris Walker
Fargo, North Dakota
Business Supporters
Lozen Davidson & Kovar, P.C.
Port Huron, Michigan
R.A. Duthler Land Surveyor
Imlay City, Michigan
Summit Realty
Lakeport, Michigan
Cathy Rovano, Accountant
Sterling Heights, Michigan
LochanDe IT Services
Port Huron, Michigan
Lighthouse Lawncare & Irrigation
Lakeport, Michigan
RBF Construction
Flint, Michigan
Presbyterian Villages of Michigan
Southfield, Michigan
Tri-County Bank
Brown City, Michigan
Amy's Relation To Creation & Botanicals
Marine City, Michigan
Knights Insurance
Cass City, Michigan
Meijer
Grand Rapids,Michigan
C. Roy & Sons
Yale, Michigan
