New Endowment Fund Established to Support Keweenaw Community Forest Company
Photo collage with images provided by the Keweenaw Community Forest Company.
A long-term investment in protecting the forests, wetlands, and watersheds of the Keweenaw
The Keweenaw Community Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of a new endowment fund to support the long-term sustainability of the Keweenaw Community Forest Company (KCFC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and stewarding the forests, wetlands, and watersheds of the Keweenaw.
Founded in 2003, KCFC has worked for over two decades to conserve the region’s natural landscapes through land acquisition, scientific research, and collaborative stewardship. The organization partners with scientists, foresters, local governments, and community organizations to better understand and care for the Keweenaw’s unique ecosystems and the Lake Superior Watershed.
“The Keweenaw is our home—and it’s also internationally significant for its biodiversity, geology, cultural history, and much more,” said Gina Nicholas, President and Director, Keweenaw Community Forest Company Board. “As the region continues to grow and evolve, protecting the integrity of our forests, wetlands, and watersheds remains a priority.”
The new endowment fund will provide a stable, long-term source of funding to support Keweenaw Community Forest Company’s core operations and conservation work. While many grants support specific projects, sustaining the day-to-day work of land stewardship, research coordination, and conservation planning can be more challenging.
This fund helps address those needs by supporting essential functions such as land monitoring, ecological research, administrative capacity, and the evaluation of future conservation opportunities.
Keweenaw Community Forest Company’s work spans a wide range of impactful initiatives, including:
Protecting thousands of acres of forest and wetlands, such as the Little Gratiot River Wilderness
Supporting wetland mitigation and watershed protection efforts
Expanding conserved lands like the Bete Grise Preserve
Advancing research on migratory bird species, soil carbon, and regional geology
Partnering on outdoor recreation and education initiatives through the Keweenaw Outdoor Recreation Coalition
Together, these efforts help preserve the ecological health of the region while creating opportunities for research, education, and outdoor recreation.
Looking Ahead: Building Long-Term Conservation Impact
The establishment of this endowment reflects a sustained commitment to conservation in the Keweenaw. Through the next decade and beyond, the fund will strengthen Keweenaw Community Forest Company’s ability to respond to emerging opportunities, steward existing lands, and expand its impact.
“Having a permanent endowment at the Keweenaw Community Foundation provides another source of annual revenue that supports long-term sustainability,” said Gina Nicholas, President and Director of Keweenaw Community Forest Company. “Secure funds help keep base operations running and allow us to think long-term, while also managing up-front costs related to the many thousands of acres of land that Keweenaw Community Forest Company stewards each year.”
Why the Fund Matters to the Community
The Keweenaw’s forests and shorelines are not only ecologically significant—they are central to our region’s identity, economy, and quality of life. As economic growth in outdoor recreation and tourism continues, conserving these natural assets becomes increasingly important.
KCFC’s work helps ensure that these landscapes remain intact, accessible, and resilient—strengthening the conservation of native and migratory wildlife, protecting water quality, and providing meaningful connections to place for both residents and visitors.
“The economy of our area is highly dependent on being a place that attracts and retains talented people. If we’ve learned anything from the pandemic, it’s that talent can and will quickly migrate to areas of the country with an environment that supports a high quality of life,” said Glenn Mroz, Director of Keweenaw Community Forest Company. “Sustaining our environment while providing the aesthetic, recreation and economic benefits essential to quality of life is what KCFC is all about, and this endowment is critical to those efforts.”
How to Support
Community members are invited to support the new endowment fund through the Keweenaw Community Foundation at this donation link. Gifts to the fund provide lasting support for conservation efforts in the Keweenaw, helping protect its natural resources for generations to come.
In addition to donating, individuals can engage with Keweenaw Community Forest Company through volunteer opportunities, partnerships, and educational initiatives.
About the Keweenaw Community Forest Company
Keweenaw Community Forest Company (KCFC) is a Michigan 501 (c)(3) public charity corporation founded in 2003. Since its inception, KCFC has worked to acquire, manage and conserve forests, wetlands, watersheds, and native habitats and species of the Keweenaw.
Keweenaw Community Forest Company will be moving to a new permanent office at 5269 Gratiot Lake Road, Mohawk, MI 49950, later this year. More information is available at www.kcforest.org.
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