About Us

The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (SWMLC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit land conservancy created in 1991.  SWMLC works to permanently protect natural, historic and scenic landscapes in nine counties of southwest Michigan. 

SWMLC is governed by a board of directors and operated by a professional staff that works in concert with dedicated volunteers.  SWMLC helps individuals and organizations preserve land important to wildlife and people; encourages ecologically sound land practices; and provides opportunities for education, research, recreation, and nature study.  

Since its inception, SWMLC has protected more than 10,400 acres of dunes, wetlands, forests, savannas, prairies, farms and vineyards that give our region its distinctive character.  These landscapes have been safeguarded through a combination of donations and purchases of conservation easements and fee title land. 

In 2010, SWMLC received the Land Trust Alliance Land Trust Excellence Award for leadership in conservation for our collaborative approach and breadth of work in stewardship and conservation planning.

SWMLC currently owns 43 preserves, many of which are open to the public for passive recreational use.   It also holds 70 conservation easements on private properties that further ensure conservation of natural lands and open space.