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


THE HILTON & MARJORIE TIBBITS NATURE SANCTUARY

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

HISTORY
STEWARDSHIP DEMONSTRATIONS
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
TOURS AND VISITS
VIDEOS
LINKS
PHOTOGRAPHS
SITE MAP
GUEST BOOK
 
HISTORY

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

Opportunities are available to experience the Nature Sanctuary as an active learner.

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.

 
TOURS AND VISITS tepee.gif (34169 bytes)
People interested in seeing the Sanctuary's demonstrations may call and arrange a visit. In addition, the Center's pavilion can be used for small meetings, workshops, retreats, and other activities sponsored by community groups.  There is no charge for use of the facilities. 

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

 
VIDEOS
LSCPotluck.jpg (97340 bytes) Land Stewardship Center : Introduction to Land and Facilities.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boVDKHpwBTI
Solar.jpg (63637 bytes) Columbiaville resident uses sun to pay for electricity.
http://www.connectmidmichigan.com/news/video.aspx?id=472631
 
LINKS
Fellowship for International Community
Sutherland Nature Sanctuary And Land Stewardship Center
Lapeer Land Conservancy
Upland Hills Ecological Awareness Center
Six Rivers Regional Land Conservancy
VegMichigan
Former Volunteer's LSC Blog .

PHOTOGRAPHS

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