Northern Michigan is renowned for its expansive natural splendor and broad public access to outdoors spaces. But many of those trails, waterways, and undisturbed natural areas could not exist and persevere without the dedicated effort of several local nonprofit land conservancies.

In this week's Northern Express, sister publication of The Ticker, writer Drew VanDrie connects with a handful of these organizations to learn about recent exciting wins, foreseeable obstacles, and future objectives for conservation in northern Michigan. The issue features insights from the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Leelanau Conservancy, Little Traverse Conservancy, Headwaters Land Conservancy, and Cadillac Area Land Conservancy.

The Northern Express is available to read online, or pick up a free copy on newsstands at more than 650 locations in 13 counties across northern Michigan.