Contact the Founder
Heather Johnson, President and Founder
heather@beaverislandconservancy.org
724-992-8332
Beaver Island Conservancy
c/o Michigan Environmental Council
602 W Ionia Street Lansing, MI 48933
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
NEW NATURE CONSERVANCY LAUNCHES
Beaver Island Conservancy is raising funds and forming partnerships to protect and preserve the island
Beaver Island, MI — Founded in 2024, Beaver Island Conservancy began its mission to protect land, air and water, with a project to preserve a stretch of majestic Lake Michigan shoreline. Beaver Island, the largest island in Michigan, contains delicate natural features that provide important habitat for migratory birds and endangered species.
“We are currently seeking donations for the permanent protection of more than a third mile of wild beach and 21 acres of forested wetlands. Preserving this area will provide pristine water and shoreline habitat for generations of wildlife,” says Beaver Island Conservancy president, Heather Johnson. “Regional land trusts cannot always spare the resources necessary to tackle every project, so we formed this organization to supplement their efforts, as well as to initiate our own to restore and preserve the environment. No single organization or individual can do it alone, protecting the island we love takes a community effort.”
When a piece of land crucial to the success of the first project came up for sale, several organizations came together to assist the new conservancy. The nation’s top environmental nonprofit, The Conservation Fund, provided a $240,000 loan to secure the land until funds can be raised. Local business, Ed Wojan Realty, was a contributor to the project. Little Traverse Conservancy, the regional land trust, will manage approved conservation easements for permanent protection of the project area. Until the loan is satisfied, Michigan Environmental Council will hold title to the newly acquired land and is assuming fiduciary responsibilities such as overseeing use of funds and ensuring donors' contributions to Beaver Island Conservancy are tax-deductible.
“I look forward to working with the community to preserve our island. Development has threatened the area,” says Johnson, “but if we act now, the innocence of the land as it is at this moment, untouched and unspoiled, is the way we can keep it forever.”
Beaver Island Conservancy is seeking donations from individual and corporate supporters. To learn more, visit www.beaverislandconservancy.org or call 724-992-8332.
###
CONTACT: Heather Johnson, Founder and President, Beaver Island Conservancy
Cell: 724-992-8332
Email: heather@beaverislandconservancy.org
Website with Press Kit and Photos: www.beaverislandconservancy.org
To download our logo, click below
About Our Logo
Three Lines
The Three Lines in our logo are symbolic of Earth, Air, and Water. Three Lines have also been associated with a Rite of Passage, and Inner Peace with Clear Perception.
A quote from the Founder of Beaver Island Conservancy:
"The nice thing about the size and promise of Beaver Island is that even one person can make a difference...just imagine what an entire community can do."
-- Heather Johnson
OUR MISSION
At Beaver Island Conservancy, our mission is to support and initiate conservation and preservation efforts to restore and protect the environment, which will ensure clean water and conserved habitat for people and wildlife, as well as combat community deterioration, lessen the burden of government, and guarantee for future generations the ability to enjoy the natural environment. More specifically, we work to preserve plants, animals, and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Beaver Island by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.
ABOUT BEAVER ISLAND CONSERVANCY
Beaver Island Conservancy is a local environmental conservation organization which partners with individuals and regional organizations alike to restore and preserve land and the natural environment on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan. Led by President & Founder, Heather Johnson, Beaver Island Conservancy depends on grant monies and financial support from individuals. Michigan Environmental Council oversees use of those funds and ensures donors' contributions to Beaver Island Conservancy are tax-deductible. To make donations and learn more, visit www.beaverislandconservancy.org or call 724-992-8332
