With the donation of a perpetual conservation agreement to the Washtenaw Land Trust, the family has protected the land forever in memory of their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.  

      Nancy was a true steward of the land and lover of wildlife.  Nancy’s husband, John, said, “She always felt that we were temporary stewards of our 86-acre paradise, rather than ‘owning’ it.  She knew someday others would follow us, as we had followed others.  We felt our farm must be allowed to endure in perpetuity for the future enjoyment of those who would come, and as permanent habitat for wildlife.  There could be no better memorial for her legacy than to protect the land she loved.”   

      The land is preserved in dedication to a compassionate woman and conservationist. Friends and family would tell you that Nancy poured tremendous energy into her love of family and helped maintain a healthy environment for future generations through her many work trips and service days with environmental and nature groups.   

      The Hand family bought this property on Bibbins Lake in Hanover Township (Jackson County) in 1980.  Over the years, they restored the 1836 Greek Revival house, which is listed on the National Register of Historical Places and as a State of Michigan historic site.   Nancy created beautiful gardens around their home, surrounded by woods and wetlands.

      “Our mother was a humble person and would not have sought recognition for this agreement, but she understood the importance of making others aware of conservation opportunities. My sister, Rebecca, and I are pleased that the fields and woods where our mother taught us to love and respect nature will be forever protected from urban encroachment,” said Nancy’s son Matt.

      The Hand family worked with the Washtenaw Land Trust to secure a conservation agreement, also known as a conservation easement, under which the land remains in private hands and will be protected as open space forever.  The Hand family conservation agreement represents the Land Trust’s 50th conservation project. 

      Property owners who are interested in learning more about conservation options are encouraged to contact the Land Trust at info@washtenawlandtrust.org or 734-302-LAND (5263).

More about this story: "A Lasting Love" (PDF)
(By Sandra Tassel. Originally published in the newsletter of the Land Trust Alliance, Exchange, "A Report on the Future of Land Conservation," Fall 2007, Vol. 26 No. 4)

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The first land trust established in Michigan, Washtenaw Land Trust protects the natural areas and rural landscapes that make our community a great place to live.  Since 1971, this growing organization has directly protected 50 properties totaling 2,616 acres throughout Washtenaw, Jackson, and Ingham counties through voluntary land conservation.  The Washtenaw Land Trust is a private, non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. For more information please visit www.washtenawlandtrust.org, or contact the Land Trust at info@washtenawlandtrust.org or 734-302-LAND (5263).

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