The Leelanau Conservancy manages two old-growth forest sites in Michigan -- which may surprise some who think “old-growth forests” are a thing of the past. On June 13 Becky Hill, director of natural areas and preserves with the Leelanau Conservancy, talks about the Conservancy’s program to protect the diverse ecosystems and critical habitat in which these ancients live. The program takes place at the Glen Arbor Arts Center, 1 pm, in conjunction with the GAAC’s exhibit American Tree. The program is free.

Palmer Woods Forest Reserve is a 1,000+ acre area. It was the first Leelanau Conservancy property to be recognized by the national nonprofit Old-Growth Forest Network [OGFN]. In 2025, the Conservancy added the Kehl Lake Natural Area, and it, too, was certified by the OGFN. Hill will talk about the characteristics of old-growth forests, and the vigorous community of botanical and animal life that make up these forests. The Old-Growth Forest Network is the only national network in the U.S. of protected, old-growth, native forests. It was established in 2012.

For more information about the American Tree exhibit, go to GlenArborArt.org/EXHIBITS. American Tree runs through August 13 in the GAAC Main Gallery.