The Wexford Conservation District would like to recognize the Wexford Sand Company, a subsidiary of Fairmount Minerals, for their excellence in conservation. Seven years ago, they acquired 350 acres located in Slagle Township. Of which, 270 of those acres were disturbed and not restored. It has become a mission of the Wexford Sand Company to restore those acres to a diverse, natural habitat for wildlife and plants. To date, 200 acres have been converted back to wetlands, sedges and future native prairies.

The Wexford Sand Company is privately owned with its largest customer being Ford Motor Company in Cleveland Ohio. Besides making a profit, this company is also committed to Sustainable Development. Its goal is to contribute back to the environment and society. This company has great pride in being Wildlife Habitat Council certified. This process began with an on-site visit from a wildlife biologist who recommended various conservation practices. After one year, the biologist returned to confirm the company’s compliance for certification. Also, it is ISO 14000 certified which is an international standard for environmental management systems. Only 2-5% of all businesses reach this stringent standard.

Consisting of 21 employees, the Wexford Sand Company places conservation in everyone’s job description. Each employee has a role in restoring habitat and wildlife. A minimum of one day, each year is committed to volunteer work in the community. In the last year, the employees have cleaned three miles of the Manistee River System.

While partnering with many local groups and agencies, the Wexford Sand Company has become a critical link in preserving our natural resources. These groups include the Wexford Conservation District, Steve Fouch with the MSU Extension Service, Save the Birds through Habitat and Wings of Wonder.

Some of the many past and current projects of the Wexford Sand Company include:

• Recreating acres of wetlands and sedges
• Planting orchards of hybrid apple trees, crabapples and nut trees
• Releasing Pheasants, Quail and Chukkas
• Emphasizing the importance of Native species for the benefit of wildlife
• Attempting to eliminate invasive plants such as Autumn Olive and Spotted Nap Weed
• Planting 1500 small aspen trees for woodcock and partridge habitat
• Stocking over 1500 fish in ponds including blue gill, large mouth bass, perch and fat head minnows
• Recently releasing a Red Tail Hawk on their property
• Establishing a nesting area for the Osprey which is on Michigan’s threatened specie list
• Working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on a grant to create a 15 acre native grass and wildflower prairie