World-Class Lands and Land Management for World-Class Stewardship, Learning and Enjoyment

Under the guidance of Jim Mohr, YMCA Storer Camps is developing the Lands for Learning Project.  Through the development and implementation of proactive stewardship and land management, LFL will work to enhance and maintain Storer’s diverse ecosystems, thereby providing a world-class land base to support Storer’s mission, quality educational and recreational programming, and natural environment.

Storer’s 1200 acres consist of converted farmland, woods, wetlands and remnant prairie and savannah with approximately 780 acres being relatively wild and undeveloped.   Possibly 15 different ecosystems exist on our site and are home to the usual regional species of flora and fauna, as well as a number of rare species due to the extensive and relatively undisturbed wetlands.

Through collaborative efforts with universities, environmental agencies and organizations, volunteers and alumni, the LFL will address such issues as the impact of people and horses on the soil and surface and groundwater, the effects of non-native species, and the impact of the surrounding residential development and agricultural practices.  Projects will include inventorying all aspects of camp lands (ecosystems, species, features, etc…), enhancing interpretive facilities and developing high-quality educational and recreational programming that effectively uses the land with minimal environmental impact.  These projects, along with others will support program components in camp’s three core program areas (summer camp, Outdoor Environmental Education and Outdoor Retreat and Conference Camping), and will encourage an increase in natural diversity.  

LFL isn't a closed-end project.  There will always be other ways to provide stewardship for the land, more to learn, and more ways to enjoy the natural environment.  The participation of alumni and friends of Storer Camps is an essential and significant element for success.

 How can you help? 

Operation 600 will include projects that are land-based and focused on land management.  To volunteer for the upcoming Operation 600 weekend (April 13-15, 2007), call 1-800-536-8607, extension 204.

We are currently developing a resource base of experts, agencies, organizations and volunteers for technical support, funding, potential partnerships and labor.  If you are interested in becoming involved, or know of someone who might be, please e-mail you interest to: mking@ymcatoledo.org.

Watch this sight for on-going updates on the Lands for Learning Project!