HASTINGS (WWJ) The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, a nonprofit conservation organization, has purchased the former Boys and Girls Club of Kalamazoo Camp in Hastings; and donated it to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
It will become a part of the Barry State Game Area, the DNR said in a release.
The 200-acre land will “enhance habitat connectivity and biodiversity”, the DNR said.
"We are thrilled to welcome this property into Barry State Game Area," Mark Mills, regional supervisor for the DNR Wildlife Division, said in the release. "Conserving this land is an important step in our ongoing efforts to enhance wildlife habitat, biodiversity and hunting opportunities in the region.”
To its north; the Boys and Girls Club Property has the Audubon Warner Sanctuary, deemed by the DNR as a “hidden gem”, “home to many breeding forest birds” and 108 acres of “primarily-wooded territory” with “old-growth beech, oak and tulip trees.”
To its south, there’s the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy’s limited access Freese Preserve; and to the west, the nearly 17,000 Barry State Game Area.
“The property has long been recognized as one of the most important parcels to protect in the Glass Creek Watershed due to its extensive wetland complex and significant frontage on Podunk Creek and Glass Creek,” the DNR release read.
“The addition of the property not only protects vital wetland ecosystems but also strengthens our commitment to conserving Michigan's natural resources for future generations,” Mills said.
The DNR and Southwest Michigan are holding a celebration on July 15th from 2 to 4 p.m. at the former Boys and Girls Club camp to celebrate the conservation of the property. Learn more and register for the event.