Family's Decades-Long Dedication Blossoms into Nature Preserve

In a heartwarming story of environmental stewardship, a family's decades-long dedication to protecting their land in Ovid, Michigan has blossomed into a public treasure. As of November 2025, nearly 99 acres of the Kindel family's property have been donated to the Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy, creating the Kindel Natural Area, a new nature preserve.

The Kindel Natural Area, which borders Sleepy Hollow State Park, is a diverse ecosystem featuring a mix of savannah, forest, and wetland habitats. The conservancy plans to manage the site as both a wildlife refuge and a carbon sink, preserving the open-canopy grasslands and removing invasive species to help native species flourish.

"It has been a nature haven for us, our two sons, and daughter," said Paul Kindel, who donated the land with his wife, Judy, after caring for it since 1971. "We want to share the wonderful experience of connecting with nature on land that has not been developed and is near population centers."

The Kindels' generous gift not only provides a new recreational destination for the local community but also supports a global conservation goal. The donation aligns with the benchmark to protect 30% of the world's lands and waters by 2030, a target that conservationists say is vital for stabilizing ecosystems and preserving biodiversity.

Visitors to the Kindel Natural Area can now explore its scenic trails, enjoy viewing wildlife, and experience firsthand the couple's lifelong vision: land that remains wild, open, and accessible to everyone.