In recent years, the Fund has helped add more than 230 acres to Shiawassee NWR. Most recently, in 2009, we helped protect nearly 120 acres situated along the Cass River. We partnered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and DTE Energy—with key support from Ducks Unlimited and the North American Wetlands Conservation Council. The land was added to the refuge as part of a partnership launched in 2007 with USFWS and DTE Energy to reduce and offset carbon emissions. We purchased the property in 2008 and held it until USFWS could secure the necessary funding to take ownership in 2009.

These acres includes a combination of bottomland hardwood swamp, shrub marsh and oak ridges that provide a home for a variety of wildlife, including wood ducks, barred owls, eastern wood-pewees, wood thrushes, American redstarts and scarlet tanagers.

Prior to 2009, in partnership with USFWS, we acquired 113 acres to establish a Great Lakes Visitors Center, trail complex and wildlife observation stations. The center provides interactive exhibits and presents information that offers a broader view of the Great Lakes Basin.

Federal Lands Livability Initiative

In 2013, our Conservation Leadership Network started work on the Federal Lands Livability Initiative in partnership with several federal land management agencies. The initiative assesses trends in livability associated with federal lands and their surrounding gateway communities.  The city of Saginaw along with Spalding, James, and other townships located adjacent to Shiawassee NWR, were selected as part of the initiative.

Learn More

• Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
• Places We Protect: Wild Havens