2006
Collaborating to Extend Outreach
The Stewardship Network, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan and The Nature Conservancy were the driving forces behind the launch of the West Michigan Cluster of the Stewardship Network.
A Vision Takes Shape – West Michigan Cluster
The original planning team of Chris Hoving of MDNR, Brian Majka of JFNew, John Legge of The Nature Conservancy and Melanie Manion with Land Conservancy of West Michigan provided the vision and leadership.With a grant from the Frey Foundation for a part-time coordinator, the group was off to a strong start, extending stewardship owrk through collaboration.
2007
Public and Private Organizations Work Together
By 2007, the Cluster had brought together a diverse group to provide education about land stewardship, with a special focus on managing invasive species.
2009
A New Early Detection, Rapid Response Plan
The West Michigan Cluster developed the EDRR Plan to “work within…the area to detect new invasives on private and public lands in an attempt to eradicate them before they are widespread…”
2016
The Cluster and its Partners Offer Support and Services in Seven West Michigan Counties
The Cluster and its forty-plus partners offer educational outreach and sustainable land management support in Allegan, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana and Ottawa Counties.
The West Michigan Conservation Network is Created
The WMCN is formed as a new “umbrella organization” to enable the Cluster and its Partner group the support they need to continue learning and engagement supporti of habitat restoration and management. The West Michigan Cluster and The Stewardship Network remain core partners of the WMCN.
West Michigan Conservation Network 