HARBOR SPRINGS, MI — Little Traverse Conservancy celebrated a major milestone on July 8 with the groundbreaking of The Malcolm Center for Little Traverse Conservancy, a new home that will expand the organization’s ability to protect land, care for preserves, and inspire future generations through environmental education.
Located at the Offield Family Viewlands, The Malcolm Center will serve as both Little Traverse Conservancy’s future home as well as a welcoming place for the community to gather.
“This is our home and your living room,” said Executive Director Kieran Fleming. “The Malcolm Center will not only support our critical functions, it will also provide space to invite you into the conversation so that together we can do more.”
The event celebrated not only a new building, but a vision for the future of conservation in northern Michigan. Since purchasing its current office in 1984, Little Traverse Conservancy has grown from protecting 1,400 acres with a staff of two to permanently protecting nearly 84,000 acres, stewarding more than 130 miles of trails, holding more than 350 conservation easements, and providing environmental education experiences to thousands of children each year with a team of nearly 30.
Lead donors Mark and Patty Malcolm shared why they chose to invest in the project after discovering Little Traverse Conservancy through a visit to the Offield Family Viewlands.
“We believe this place will attract, engage, educate, and inspire more and more visitors and newcomers to LTC,” said Mark Malcolm. “The Center can become a ‘force multiplier,’ increasing awareness, support, and ultimately the resources needed for Little Traverse Conservancy to significantly expand its impact.”
Malcolm also spoke about the urgency of conservation today.
“It’s our time to seize the opportunity and work together, with purpose and resolve, so Little Traverse Conservancy can achieve more than ever for the enduring enjoyment of everyone’s children and grandchildren.”
The groundbreaking also marked the public announcement of Little Traverse Conservancy’s comprehensive campaign, designed to strengthen the organization’s mission through investments in land protection, stewardship, education, endowment, annual support, and The Malcolm Center itself.
Community members inspired by the vision are invited to be part of it. Gifts designated to The Malcolm Center are being matched dollar-for-dollar by the Terence and Jennifer Adderley Foundation, doubling the impact of every contribution until the project’s goal is reached. Donations can be made by visiting Little Traverse Conservancy’s website (landtrust.org).
As children and volunteers tossed milkweed seeds into the air to symbolize “planting seeds for the future,” the ceremony concluded with an invitation for everyone to help ensure northern Michigan’s forests, shorelines, wildlife, and outdoor experiences remain protected for generations to come.
To learn more about the project, please visit www.landtrust.org/malcolmcenter.
The Little Traverse Conservancy is entirely member-supported and receives no government funding for its operations. Individuals, families, and businesses throughout the community make this conservation possible. For more information, visit www.landtrust.orgor call 231.347.0991.
