Blue Heron Headwaters Conservancy
Preserving land, water, and wildlife right in your backyard since 1972
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Our Story
For more than 50 years, Blue Heron Headwaters Conservancy has worked to protect the land, water, and wildlife that define our region. What began as a small, volunteer led effort has grown into a community based organization caring for the headwaters that connect us all.
Blue Heron Headwaters Conservancy was founded in 1972 as the Independence Township Land Trust, one of the earliest land trusts in Michigan. From the beginning, the goal was simple and lasting: to protect the natural landscapes that define our region and sustain the communities around them.
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What began as a volunteer-led effort has grown into a trusted conservation organization working across the headwaters of the Clinton, Flint, Huron, and Shiawassee rivers. Over the decades, the Conservancy has helped protect wetlands, forests, and open spaces through land acquisition, conservation easements, and partnerships with landowners and local communities.
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Key moments along the way reflect both opportunity and urgency. Early projects focused on protecting local natural areas and building awareness of conservation tools. More recently, efforts such as the protection of fen habitat in Davisburg helped preserve critical ecosystems for the endangered Poweshiek skipperling butterfly. These successes have always been made possible through community support and strong partnerships.
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In 2022, the organization took an important step forward by expanding its geographic reach beyond northwest Oakland County. Rather than limiting protection by political boundaries, we chose to follow the natural flow of water, working across county lines to protect the headwaters that connect our landscapes. This shift led to the adoption of the name Blue Heron Headwaters Conservancy, reflecting both our mission and the broader region we now serve. The organization continues to operate legally as Independence Land Conservancy.
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Leadership has evolved alongside this growth. After years of dedicated service, Sue Julian stepped back from her role as Executive Director in 2025 and continues to serve as a board member and land acquisition lead. Today, under the leadership of Executive Director Jason Meekhof, the Conservancy continues to build on that foundation with a focus on stewardship, community engagement, and long-term conservation impact.
Our work has grown over more than 50 years. Here are a few key moments along the way
What We Do Today
Our work today centers on caring for land, supporting ecosystems, and connecting people to the natural world.
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Conservation
We protect land through conservation easements and direct ownership, working with landowners and partners to ensure that important natural areas remain intact. These protected lands safeguard water quality, wildlife habitat, and the ecological health of our region.
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Stewardship
Protecting land is only the beginning. Ongoing stewardship ensures that forests, wetlands, and fields remain healthy over time. This includes invasive species removal, native seed sowing, habitat restoration, and long-term land management. Much of this work is done alongside dedicated volunteers and community members.
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Community
Conservation is a shared effort. We work with landowners, municipalities, and local partners to support responsible land use and long-term planning. Volunteer days, events, and community programs provide opportunities for people to engage directly with the land and be part of its care.
Education
Through programs, events, and outreach, we help people better understand the natural systems around them. From native plants to wildlife habitats, education is a key part of building a conservation-minded community.
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Our Impact
Today, Blue Heron Headwaters Conservancy protects more than 1,625 acres across 62 properties.
These lands include wetlands, forests, and critical headwater systems that feed four major river watersheds. By protecting these areas, we help maintain water quality, support biodiversity, and preserve the natural character of our region.
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Each property represents a long-term commitment to conservation, made possible through partnerships with landowners, donors, and community members who value the land and its future.
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Looking Ahead
The landscapes we work to protect are increasingly at a crossroads. Development pressure continues to grow, and natural areas face ongoing challenges from fragmentation, invasive species, and changes in land use.
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At the same time, there is growing awareness of the importance of green space, clean water, and healthy ecosystems.
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Our role is to help guide that balance. Through conservation, stewardship, and community engagement, we are working to ensure that the lands and waters of our region remain connected, resilient, and cared for.
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This work is ongoing, and it depends on people who value the land and are willing to be part of its future.
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Together, we are protecting not just land, but the natural systems and shared spaces that make this region worth preserving.
Our Service Area
