P.O. Box 225
Columbiaville, MI 48421
(810) 793-5303

A PLACE WHERE THE INTERESTS OF ALL CREATION ARE GIVEN EQUAL CONSIDERATION AND WHERE HUMANS CAN LEARN TO LIVE MORE IN HARMONY WITH THE REST OF NATURE

In 1985 The Tibbits Farm became the first in Michigan to be protected by gift of a conservation easement to the American Farmland Trust.  This perpetual easement means that the land will remain as farmland and open space forever.  A non-profit organization, the Tibbits Land Stewardship Center, was formed in 1991 to help revitalize and maintain the land as a demonstration of good stewardship practices.  

Six years later, in 1997, the Tibbits Land Stewardship Center was folded into the newly formed Great Lakes Bioregional Land Conservancy, a 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission of protecting farmland from unwarranted development and encouraging land stewardship on a broader scale.  The Great Lakes Bioregional Land Conservancy is now known as the Lapeer Land Conservancy.  A link to the Lapeer Land Conservancy website is provided below.

STEWARDSHIP DEMONSTRATIONS

Area landowners interested in protecting and enhancing the health and beauty of their properties are invited to observe sustainable land stewardship practices at the Tibbits Nature Sanctuary.

Encouraging Biodiversity. Demonstrations underway include wetland restoration, reforestation, habitat creation, and ecological pond and lake management.  A pair of trumpeter swans have been given to the Sanctuary to  help reintroduce this once endangered indigenous bird in the thumb area of Michigan.

Organic Gardening & Landscaping. Permaculture design principles have been used to create a place of peace, plenty, beauty, and solitude. The gardening demonstrations include  herbs, flowers, fruits, and hearty vegetables, a small woodland garden, and an island meditation garden.

Solar Energy Usage. A greenhouse attached to the south side of the house on the property is used to start seedlings in the early spring and grow greens and other hardy vegetables throughout the winter months.  The greenhouse also contains a solar water heating system.  Fifteen solar panels on the roof of the house provide all of its needs for electricity.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Internships. Interns are given the chance to learn and apply practical land stewardship skills on an ongoing basis. This is an ideal program for college students seeking hands-on experience. 

Courses and Workshops. Interested groups can arrange for courses and workshops in organic gardening, permaculture, sustainable living, and nature appreciation.

Volunteers. The Sanctuary welcomes volunteers to help with ongoing projects and create new demonstrations.

Please call the Sanctuary office at (810) 793-5303 or e-mail to arrange for a visit or pavilion use.

PHOTOGRAPHS