Base Lake Farm Hike with Farmland Preservationist Barry Lonik

Join us for a scenic 2-to-3-mile hike and guided tour of Base Lake Farm on May 17th, a beautifully preserved 204-acre farm in Webster Township, led by renowned farmland preservationist Barry Lonik. This diverse landscape,

protected under a conservation easement, including 180 acres of prime agricultural soils, 18 acres of
woodlands, and six acres of wetlands—all safeguarded from development.

Owned by Bill Brinkerhoff and Kathy Sample, the founders of Ann Arbor’s Argus Farm Stop, the farm is part of
a 554-acre block of permanently protected land. Barry Lonik will walk us through the property, sharing insights
on land conservation, farmland preservation, and the ongoing efforts to keep Washtenaw County’s natural
spaces green and thriving.

With over 30 years of experience in land conservation, Lonik has played a pivotal role in preserving thousands
of acres across Michigan. He has led groundbreaking initiatives, securing over $250 million in public funding for
land protection and recently closed his 100th preservation project.

🔭 Bonus! Bring binoculars if you have them—early spring migratory birds are often spotted in this area!

After the tour and hike, those interested may gather for lunch at a nearby restaurant to continue the conversation.

Registration:
Base Lake Farm Hike (Washtenaw County)

Meeting Time and Location:
Base Lake Farm Outing, 7861 Strawberry Lake Road, Webster Township, MI. Please arrive at 9:45 a.m. so we can begin promptly at 10:00 a.m. on the hike.

Hike Leader:
For questions, call or text hike the Southeast Michigan Group of Sierra Club leader Ken Jacobsen at (248) 302-8275.

Participation Details:
For all our hikes, please remember to bring comfortable hiking shoes, a water bottle, snacks, and appropriate clothing. Participation in Sierra Club activities requires registration and acceptance of a waiver, which you can complete online at the link above. Electronic copies of the required waiver are available online or by request and will be accepted automatically by signing-in to the event.

Cancellation Policy:
The hike will proceed rain, snow, or shine. However, if an Extreme Weather Warning is issued by the National Weather Service, the hike will be canceled for safety reasons.

Park Pass Information:
When visiting a Michigan State Park, a Recreation Passport is required. The cost per vehicle is $14 when purchased during license plate registration renewal through the Secretary of State. Entrance to Metroparks requires a $40 annual pass or a $10 day pass. You may be able to purchase a day or annual pass at the park entrance booth.

Location:
Location Name: Base Lake Farm Outing
Address: 7861 Strawberry Lake Road, Webster Township, MI