We are dedicated to preserving and protecting the lands within the Walloon Lake watershed. Below are a few of our different land programs:
STEWARDSHIP
We actively steward over 2,300 acres of land within the Walloon Lake watershed – including 54 preserves and 20 conservation easements. These properties range in size from .25 to 153 acres.
Our stewardship programming includes maintaining 24 miles of trails, stream testing, Kestrel box monitoring, GIS mapping, and much more. Click here for information on our volunteer program and how you can help protect the land of Walloon.
INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT
The WLAC has historically made it a priority to effectively manage and treat terrestrial invasives within and around our protected lands. We survey, map, monitor, and remove common invasive species on our properties.
The WLAC has worked collaboratively with our other environmental partners to help direct the Charlevoix, Emmet, Kalkaksa, Antrim Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CAKE CISMA). To learn more about the invasives we, and CAKE CISMA, help treat please click here.
WANDER WALLOONS
Our Wander Walloon Series seeks to get community members out on our preserves for hiking, exploring, and learning. Whether it is our birding experience in the spring or our ever popular Mushroom Hike in the fall, these events are aimed at getting people outside and discovering something new along the way! Check out our events page for upcoming Wander Walloon adventures.
NATIVE PLANT SALE
Our yearly Native Plant Sale gives you the opportunity to purchase local native plants to help strengthen the resilience of your shoreline or add color to your garden. In addition to purchasing kits, you can talk with a Master Gardener or our staff about plants, shoreline restoration, and sustainable solutions for your garden. More info on our 2024 Native Plant Sale coming soon.
ACTIVITIES REQUIRING PERMISSION:
HUNTING
We allow hunting on a limited amount of our preserves and on a permitted basis (see below). Hunting is a time-honored tradition in Northern Michigan, and many of the lands we now preserve were traditionally used as hunting properties. We also allow hunting to help control the overabundant deer population which has negatively affected many of the natural areas we protect, as well as the State as a whole. Game management reduces deer-browsing in woodlands, and limits the detrimental impact that a high deer population can cause.
Please also note that during the annual hunting seasons, between September 15 and May 5, our preserves remain open to other recreational activities (hiking, cross-country skiing, etc.). It is important to be mindful and respectful of one another when out enjoying our properties.
OUR HUNTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
All hunters MUST come to the WLAC Office (4060 N. M-75) to complete a Hunting Request for Permission Form and show a valid Michigan Hunting License. Once this form is signed by a WLAC staff member, you will receive a placard for your car window to be displayed when hunting on our preserves.
Hunting on a preserve between May 5th and September 15th is strictly prohibited.
2023-2024 WLAC Hunting Agreement Form
FIREWOOD COLLECTION
The WLAC allows the harvest of deadfall on some of our preserves for firewood and woodworking. This helps keep our trails and preserves free from dead trees and limbs. If you have interest in cutting firewood for private use, download the Firewood Agreement Application below. Contact tanner@walloon.org with any questions or for more information.
Download the Firewood Agreement Form here