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.
2023 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.
