For over 100 years, the Crystal Conference Center, established by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), has welcomed generations of families and community members to Crystal Lake’s shoreline for day camps, spiritual retreats, seminars and community gatherings. The easement protects approximately 69 acres of undeveloped forest, which surrounds the Conference Center on three sides. It is one of the few remaining large, undeveloped landscapes along Crystal Lake.
The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has identified this property as a priority for protection due to its location as a critical link in an expansive, largely forested corridor stretching from Crystal Lake to the Betsie River. The proposed Crystal Beach Forest Conservation Easement aims to permanently preserve this land’s natural and scenic values while allowing for carefully managed, sustainable forestry to support its long-term financial viability. Protecting this land will safeguard this natural corridor for wildlife movement, sustain species diversity and strengthen the region’s resilience to stressors, including changes in our climate.
The property’s diverse northern mesic forest habitat supports a variety of high-value species, including sugar maple, Eastern hemlock and American beech. With trees of many ages and structures—including a multi-layered canopy, standing snags and downed logs—this forest also provides excellent wildlife habitat. It is a known location for Bald Eagles and Cooper’s Hawks, both state species of special concern.
Moreover, the property plays a crucial role in protecting water quality within the Crystal Lake watershed. Its proximity to the lake allows it to perform essential ecosystem services, such as stormwater abatement, filtration and the prevention of nonpoint source pollution, erosion and flooding.
With potential for numerous home sites overlooking Crystal Lake, this forested landscape could be fragmented without protection, harming wildlife habitat, degrading water quality and forever altering this scenic bluff. Thanks to the generous landowner, who has agreed to a $425,000 bargain sale, this project offers an incredible opportunity to protect this irreplaceable landscape for generations to come.