The Harbor Springs community lost a longtime friend and coworker with the passing of Brian Granger. Brian was known as a kind-hearted friend who loved everything about northern Michigan. In addition to his many years working at Walstrom Marine — and more recently with Down East Yachting — Brian was a familiar face in the boating community, the hunting community and through his many outdoor adventures with friends and family.
When he died unexpectedly in late 2021, those who loved Brian sought a way to honor his life. The result has become a project to create the Brian Leonard Granger Nature Preserve.
“Brian was a true outdoorsman and loved everything about northern Michigan,” said Kate Granger, Brian’s wife. “Together we spent countless hours outdoors fishing, hunting or just enjoying nature. Snowshoes in the winter, flushing birds in the fall, honing Mac’s [Brian’s dog] bird-hunting skills in the pasture during the summer months — each season brought joy, and nothing made Brian happier than being outdoors and sharing these moments with his friends. I can’t think of a better way to honor Brian’s memory and ensure that future generations can enjoy the wonders of nature on the same land that brought Brian such peace. I’ll be forever grateful for the community support that’s making this happen.”
The Little Traverse Conservancy has partnered with the local Al Litzenburger Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) to raise $65,000 to protect these 31 acres in memory of Brian. Down East Yachting and the Baiardi Family Foundation led the fundraising effort. The Conservancy is in its final stage of fundraising for the project.
The new preserve will be located just west of Crooked Lake and will adjoin the Sally & Art Hailand, Jr. and Helstrom Family nature preserves. In true Brian fashion, the land includes many wetlands, meaning it’s home to a multitude of waterfowl. It also includes uplands that provide habitat for woodcock and the other upland birds Brian and his dog Mac loved to pursue.
“Brian volunteered with the Conservancy for many years, with a particular interest in protecting the land and wildlife that he loved so much,” said Kieran Fleming, the Conservancy’s executive director. “He was a dedicated member of the RGS & AWS and was instrumental in getting our two groups to join forces for conservation.”
If you’d like to contribute to protecting this land in memory of Brian, visit Landtrust.org/Granger or call 231-347-0991.
