Chigidaaki: Place of the Big Hill

Little Traverse Conservancy protects 654 acres

June 21, 2025

Little Traverse Conservancy has been eyeing a property known as White Mountain in Charlevoix County since 2020. For years, they’ve been working to fundraise to purchase the 654 acres of hardwoods, meadows, and two tracks. This month, after an aggressive push to hit their $3 million goal, LTC announced that the property has been protected, making it the largest reserve in the Lower Peninsula. The anonymous lead donor asked that the name reflect the culture of the indigenous Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, so the property will be called Chigidaaki: Place of the Big Hill Working Forest Reserve. While LTC staff is now working to create a management plan—after which will come planning for any future trails—the reserve is now open to the public to enjoy the non-motorized two-tracks. Learn more at landtrust.org/bighill.