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OGEMAW COUNTY– For more than 30 years, HeadWaters Land Conservancy has partnered with private landowners to protect the forests, wetlands, farms, shorelines, and wildlife habitat that define northeastern Michigan. The organization has now permanently protected more than 20,000 acres across the region, with several recent projects focused in Ogemaw and Arenac Counties.
In September 2025, HeadWaters completed its 100th conservation easement, protecting 328 acres in Ogemaw County through a partnership with the Hansen family. The property includes forest, wetlands, lakefront habitat, and wildlife habitat supporting species such as black bears, bobcats, loons, and sandhill cranes. The Hansen family carefully managed the land for nearly 50 years through sustainable forestry and restoration efforts.
“Every conservation easement begins with someone who loves their land enough to protect it,” said Executive Director Julie Rubsam.
In March 2026, HeadWaters completed two additional easements. In Arenac County, Janet Allen and Mark Gillen permanently protected Hygieia Homestead, a 55-acre organic and veganic farm featuring wetlands, orchards, forest, and wildlife habitat. That same month, Mary Repar protected approximately 50 acres of family farmland in Ogemaw County, preserving active agricultural land and waterways while supporting long-term food security.
HeadWaters is also working to establish its first nature preserve in Ogemaw County, east of Rose City.
“These projects show why conservation easements matter,” Rubsam said. “They protect forests, wildlife habitat, farmland, and the legacies landowners want to leave for future generations.”
For more information about conservation easements or land protection efforts, contact HeadWaters Land Conservancy at 989-731-0573 or [email protected].
