A Northern Michigan Conservancy · Est. 1987
Where the pines remember us.
We protect the forests, inland lakes, and wildlife of Up North Michigan — acre by acre, season by season, generation by generation.
acres protected
Our purpose
Quiet work,
in wild places.
For nearly four decades, the Greenwood Foundation has steadily acquired and returned land to the northern wild. We protect old-growth pine, restore watersheds, and keep corridors open so elk, loon, and turtle can move as they always have.
Every protected acre is a promise that wilderness has a place to stay wild — a living classroom for the generations who follow.
Acres protected
Species supported
Students taught
What we protect
Five pillars, one northern landscape.
Wildlife
The Elk of Pigeon River
Monitoring herds and songbird populations across 12 preserves.
Waters
Inland Lakes
Protecting watersheds, shorelines, water quality.
Forest
Old Pine Stands
Preserving old-growth forests, wildlife habitats, natural heritage.
Heritage
Sacred Rock
Preserving cultural heritage, natural beauty, and history.
Wetlands
Vernal Pools
Protecting seasonal wetlands, amphibians, and biodiversity.
Education & study
The forest is
the classroom.
We open our protected land to students, researchers, and curious neighbors. Nature studied in its pristine state teaches what no textbook can.
Naturalist field school
Seasonal cohorts · grades 6–12
Research residencies
Year-round access for scientists
Family walk days
Free guided trails, every season
Community
The people who keep
the woods alive.
“
I never realized a single creek mattered so much until Greenwood showed me the whole watershed it feeds. Now I can't unsee it.
Maryam A.
Volunteer steward
“
Our students learn more in a morning here than in a month of lectures. The land does the teaching.
Daniel O.
Field-school teacher
“
Our students learn more in a morning here than in a month of lectures. The land does the teaching.
Wren M.
Wildlife biologist
Calendar
Gather in the woods.
12 JUN
Loon Lake Paddle & Survey
Help count nesting pairs across three protected lakes by canoe.
05 Jul
Pine Ridge Hike
A guided walk through old-growth white pine with our naturalists.
21 Sep
Autumn Stewardship Day
Plant native seedlings and clear invasive growth with the crew.
Get involved
Lend your hands to the land.
Stewardship is hands-on. Join a planting day, train as a volunteer naturalist, or adopt a trail. No experience needed — only care for wild places.
Let's connect
Reach out to us.
Let's protect it together.
Have a question, want to partner, or care about keeping wild land pristine? We'd love to hear from you — reach out and start the conversation.