Greenwood’s beginnings date back to 1964 when George and Jo-Ann Jury decided to seek out a natural retreat where they could leave the busy city life of southeast Michigan. “We were concerned about environmental issues at that time and it was a particular dream for Jo-Ann to create a haven for wildlife,” George said. The couple first purchased 760 acres, a large parcel of land that had been heavily hunted. “It was six months before we saw the first deer,” George said. Over the years, more and more land was purchased and added to the Sanctuary as opportunities arose, and today it includes more than 2,000 acres. The property consists of a remarkable mixture of habitats representing many of those found throughout northern Michigan. Several years after their initial purchase, the Jurys made their permanent home at Greenwood. Part of their efforts included wildlife rehabilitation and, for many years, orphaned fawns were brought to Greenwood where Jo-Ann would lovingly care for them until they were old enough to be released to the wild. A large fenced enclosure was constructed to allow the fawns to safely roam until they matured. “We had a small window of time during which we could ensure they would remain wild and know how to care for themselves,” George explained.

Other wildlife such as elk and various birds came to Greenwood for healing under the guidance of local veterinarians. George recalls an orphaned baby swan that Jo-Ann took into her care, even teaching it how to fly. “That swan would return every year and was so possessive of the lake, not allowing other birds to land,” George remembers. One day, a white duck landed on the lake and for some reason, this particular duck was accepted and became the swan’s companion. Unfortunately the duck’s fate ended when a coyote discovered it. “The swan became so depressed that just a few days later, we watched it circle the lake one last time and head north, never to be seen again.”

Throughout the years, George provided significant feed for the deer, at times seeing hundreds at a time. However, the spread of bovine tuberculosis, which is known to be transmitted and spread through deer, put an end to the feeding. Now, planted feed plots are all that remain and are regularly enjoyed by deer, elk, and turkey. George recalls the days when just a few turkeys were introduced by the Department of Natural Resources. “It didn’t take long for the coyotes to get them,” he said. But soon the turkey population began to flourish and the DNR decided to trap some for relocation. “They came out with this rocket net that you would shoot over the flock and I remember one time they did it, and the net landed nicely on top of the flock. All of a sudden, the birds starting rising up from the middle of the net and flying out, making us realize there was a large hole in the center!”

In the 1980s, the Jurys attended seminars at the University of Michigan Biological Station on Douglas Lake and there met Mark Paddock, then the associate director of the Station. Mark (who currently serves as board chair of Little Traverse Conservancy) began working with George to bring classes from the biological station to Greenwood for research projects. Today, Mark serves on the board of the Greenwood Foundation and has helped its board understand the significance of placing Greenwood into conservation easement. “With its wonderful diversity of wildlife habitats and its location adjacent to and surrounded by the Pigeon River State Forest, the permanent land protection of this land is a personal dream come true,” he added.

Fellow trustees, Jack and Claire Findlay, agree. “This Conservation Easement provides an extra measure of protection that ensures the conservation and wildlife protection goals will be maintained in the future. It also helps define the guidelines for future Foundation Trustees,” said Jack, who serves as Vice President of the Greenwood Foundation. “We believe that this Conservation Easement is a key part of maintaining this valuable property for future generations.”

Conservancy Land Protection Specialist Ty Ratliff hopes that other entities that own large parcels of land will follow Greenwood’s lead. “Many groups such as camps and other non-profits don’t understand that their large properties that have been set aside for enjoyment in their natural state are not secure for the future,” Ratliff said. “The conservation easement is such a unique tool that will allow these lands to legally stay undeveloped for all time.”

Today, a few things have changed at Greenwood, most notably Jo-Ann’s passing in 1998, and George remarrying in 2004. Yet George and Jan, who is now also a Foundation trustee, remain committed to the primary goal of leaving the land wild and natural. Hunting will continue to be forbidden on the property and, during hunting season, George enlists a crew to patrol the borders of the property — no small task. “I am not personally opposed to hunting,” George said. “It is just that from the start, we have always wanted Greenwood to be one place where wildlife can truly find sanctuary.”

Organized groups (scouts, schools, senior groups, etc.) are invited to visit Greenwood for a nature hike or cross country skiing or snow shoeing in the winter. To arrange for a visit, please call 231.525.8660.

An open field at Greenwood.