HeadWaters is thrilled to announce we have closed on our 100th Conservation Easement that will permanently protect 328 acres of forest, wetland, and lakefront habitat in northern Michigan. This remarkable property, owned and lovingly stewarded by the Hansen family for nearly five decades, is now conserved forever.

The Hansens’ connection to the land began in the 1970s, when they purchased the original 80-acre parcel, which included part of a serene lakeshore and a modest home. Over the years, their vision grew, and so did their property, as they gradually acquired neighboring parcels to form a larger, contiguous natural landscape. The land has served as a cherished gathering place for family and friends, but it’s also a place they’ve carefully nurtured, protected, and improved.

Two primary forest communities are found here: mixed conifer swamp and hemlock–white pine forest. The mixed conifer swamp is dominated by northern white cedar, while the hemlock–white pine forest includes a diverse mix of species including hemlock, white and red pine, birch, and raspberry thickets that provide cover and food for wildlife. Over the years, the Hansens have observed an astonishing variety of wildlife, from bobcats and black bears to trumpeter swans and pileated woodpeckers. The lake and wetlands provide important nesting habitat for waterfowl such as wood ducks, loons, and sandhill cranes. The forest also contains rare flower sightings such as lady slippers and cardinal flowers.

The Hansen property is a remarkable example of private land stewardship. Over the past four decades, the family has planted more than 5,500 trees, enrolled in the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), and became a certified Tree Farm. Thoughtful forest management, including selective timber harvests, reflects their commitment to both sustainability and the health of the land. Today, the property remains largely undeveloped, with rich, intact habitat throughout.

This easement ensures that this special place, teeming with life and full of personal history,  will never be fragmented or overly developed. The Hansens’ goal in placing a conservation easement was to preserve the open space, habitat, and natural character of the land for future generations.

When asked about the milestone, Julie Rubsam shared, “Every conservation easement begins with someone who loves their land enough to protect it. The Hansen family’s commitment shows what’s possible when private landowners take that step. This partnership really captures what HeadWaters is all about—people and nature working together to keep northeastern Michigan wild, healthy, and whole.”

We are honored to partner with the Hansen family in this lasting conservation effort. Their foresight and dedication have not only protected a rich and diverse ecosystem but have also created a legacy of stewardship that will benefit wildlife and the broader community for years to come.

Thank you to the Hansen family for their incredible gift to conservation and for reminding us what it means to care deeply for the land.