The Nature Conservancy’s Michigan chapter is a nonprofit organization that aims to protect nature and preserve wildlife throughout the state. With a specific mission to conserve the land and water on which all lives depend, TNC works hard to enhance Michigan’s preserves and protect clean water in both rivers and lakes. Two of their preserves, the Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve and the Nan Weston Preserve at Sharon Hollow, are among 10 receiving upgraded infrastructure. Over a three-year period, these preserves will receive new visitor kiosks, accessible parking lots, and trail upgrades including benches, boardwalks, and overlooks where appropriate. Additionally, TNC works to protect various bodies of water by improving water infrastructure, preventing sewer overflows, supporting healthy rivers, and finding ways to adapt to coastal flooding. In response to COVID-19, TNC has reinvented the way they collaborate and communicate by increasing the use of video calls among their team, partners, and supporters. For work that cannot be done remotely, such as fieldwork, TNC has increased safety precautions in keeping with Michigan’s stay-at-home order.
