Nestled in the heart of Newaygo County, Brooks Township (just one of Newaygo County’s 24 townships) is a testament to nature’s splendor, boasting over 81% of its land adorned with forests, prairies, lakes, streams, and a rich tapestry of wildlife. This natural beauty not only defines our community but also draws people from far and wide, making it imperative to preserve the very essence that makes Newaygo County unique.
However, the rapid population growth—from 1,330 residents in 1970 to over 3,670 in 2000—and a significant increase in residential land use pose a looming threat to our cherished natural landscapes. Projections suggest continued growth and development, risking further encroachment on our natural lands unless we take decisive action.
Brooks Township realized this in 2001 and embarked on a proactive journey to safeguard its portion of Newaygo County’s environment for future generations. Their plan focused on key water resources and aimed to minimize environmental impact and maintain natural habitats, demonstrating their commitment to preserving the township’s rural and natural character and ensuring all residents’ high quality of life.
However, that was 23 years ago, and Newaygo County has seen continued growth throughout. More than ever, private landowners in all of the 24 townships of Newaygo County are needed to help with environmental management, and preservation is imperative.
The path to sustainable growth and environmental stewardship must extend beyond governmental planning. The real change-makers are you—the private landowner. Your property is vital to the larger ecological puzzle, providing essential habitat for diverse plant and wildlife species. By embracing the role of a natural steward, you have the power to make a lasting impact.
We invite you to explore the various management options available for your forest, prairie, or barrens lands. Every action counts, whether maintaining open spaces, preventing sprawl, protecting significant natural features and wildlife habitat, or simply preserving the county’s rural charm.
This is not just about preserving land; it’s about preserving a way of life. By working together, we can ensure that Newaygo County’s natural beauty and biodiversity remain intact for generations to come. Let’s unite in this noble cause and make a difference in our community. Turn the page, and let’s embark on this stewardship journey together.
Your involvement can help prevent the loss of our natural landscapes and maintain the high quality of life we cherish. Please reach out for more information on how to contribute to this vital effort. Together, we can protect the natural wonders of Newaygo County for ourselves and future generations.
Address: 490 Quarterline St, Newaygo, MI 49337
Email buzz@nc-ec.org
A cloud of road dust blanketed the car behind me from my excited acceleration as I passed the Newaygo Prairie Nature Sanctuary. Ignition time was in less than an hour. This was my very first burn.
“Vernal Pools are like our Coral Reefs of the Forest,” states Katie, Vice Chair and Program Manager of the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition (NCEC). “They are small, important wetlands that appear in spring and dry up during the fall. They are ideal breeding grounds for a variety of amphibians and invertebrates that would be vulnerable to lake or stream fish; the fairy shrimp, wood frogs, spotted and blue-spotted salamanders can only breed in Vernal pools. They even travel back to their birth Vernal pool to spawn.”
As humans, it makes sense that we often think of the Earth from our own point of view. We imagine it as a place with trees and meadows and houses and highways. We think of cities as places for people, roads as ways to get from one place to another. But this is only our experience, and there are about a billion others.