Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy
Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy is a local nonprofit conservation organization that works with people in the community to improve habitat, protect water quality, support biodiversity, strengthen our region’s climate resiliency, connect people with nature, and help families conserve the land they love.
Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy
Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy is a local nonprofit conservation organization that works with people in the community to improve habitat, protect water quality, support biodiversity, strengthen our region’s climate resiliency, connect people with nature, and help families conserve the land they love.
PLEASE NOTE: Wau-Ke-Na, W.E. Smith Preserve – South Tract will be closed for habitat management on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. We expect to reopen it the following day, Wednesday the 5th. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
What’s going on? SWMLC is working on an ambitious restoration project to provide more high-quality habitat for grassland birds, whose populations are in distressing declines. This initiative continues an effort that Wau-Ke-Na’s former owner, William Erby Smith, started prior to generously donating the preserve to us in 2005.
Follow this link to learn more about the project.
protecting nature
acres protected!
public nature preserves
refuge preserves
private conservation easements
preserve acres protected
conservation easement acres protected
acres protected thru partnerships
Take a hike, buddy!
SWMLC has 18 public nature preserves that are open to the public every day from dawn to dusk.
Got a question? Check our FAQ page for answers!
What’s going on at SWMLC?
Events & Activities
Porter Legacy Dunes is Now Open!
Learn more!
Birdathon 2026 Highlights
Our best Birdathon yet – thanks to your support!
Waldeinsamkeit
A new refuge preserve protects forest solitude.
Birdathon 2026
Team Birdathon is just around the corner!
Spring Wildflowers
Spring goes by in a blur . . . don’t miss the wildflowers!
Lawrencia Farms CE
Celebrating the addition of Lawrencia Farms CE to the Boudeman Family CE!
SWMLC members are a Force for Nature – and with your support, the possibilities are endless!
Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy proudly partners with
