A land conservancy purchases the development rights on 80 acres along the river. A township parks department buys a new piece of land. The state owns a 1000 acre property. This land and water is now protected, right? Sadly, the answer is no.

We used to think purchasing land and setting it aside was enough to protect it and the nearby waters. We now realize that in order to preserve the ecological and cultural value that made these properties valuable in the first place, we have to care for them. This means active land management to preserve the native spring wildflowers; informed stewardship to keep the migrating birds returning; cutting-edge information to inform us of new threats to our natural lands and waters; and knowledgeable volunteer stewards to protect the quality of our water.

The Michigan Natural Features Inventory estimates that since the mid-1800s, Michigan has lost more than 99% of its prairies, savannas and oak barrens. What remains of our prairies, savannas, oak barrens and other important natural areas is owned by dozens of groups, both public and private, and by hundreds of individuals. These natural areas are fragmented in isolated patches, with little or no oversight.

That’s where the Stewardship Network plays a role. We help groups and individuals think differently about stewarding natural lands and waters. We train volunteers and professionals in science-based stewardship practices. We link conservation groups to preserve our natural and cultural heritage.

City of Ann Arbor, Natural Area Preservation; MI Department of Natural Resources, Parks Department, Stewardship Program; Oakland Land Conservancy; Southwest MI Land Conservancy; MI Department of Natural Resources, Landowner Incentive Program; The Nature Conservancy; Raisin Valley Land Trust; Michigan Nature Association; Michigan State University; Charter Township of Oakland Park Commission; PlantWise Native Landscapes; Huron-Clinton Metropark Authority; University of Michigan, Matthaei Botanic Gardens Nichols Arboretum; Huron River Watershed Council; and others

The Network has linked nearly a hundred diverse groups - private businesses, non-profits, local and state governmental units, dedicated volunteer groups - resulting in thousands of acres of natural areas being managed for native biodiversity.

We have trained over 100 individuals in science-based conservation practices.

The Network brought together over 50 researchers and practitioners to 1)  better acquaint academics, practitioners, the public sector, private sector working within the restoration field; 2)identify common interests among these various groups; 3)identify important research questions; 4) communicate research results to those who will use them in the field; and 4)improve the quality of restoration work being done.

Established and maintained four grassroots conservation communities (called clusters) that deliver on-the-ground training; increase communication; manage previously unmanaged land for native biodiversity and ecosystem processes; provide a support structure and lend credibility to conservation efforts underway.

Established tool-sharing program that organizations without the resources can use to run volunteer workdays to increase on the ground management.