Canton Nature Society was founded by Canton residents who believed that caring for local natural spaces is a community responsibility, not something to leave to chance or to someone else.

We started small, with a shared conviction that stewardship of the land is a community responsibility. That belief still drives everything we do.

Today CNS is an active organization with a service agreement with Canton Township, ongoing restoration projects, and a growing community of volunteers and supporters.

Canton Nature Society exists because a few people decided to do something about it.

More than three years ago, Michael Siegrist had the insight to recognize that Canton residents wanted more natural spaces, not fewer. He dug into resident survey data, actively lobbied to protect open land that was slated for a large sports complex, and made the case that stuck. The land was saved and Zibiwes Nature Area was created. Out of that effort, CNS was born.

Michael built the relationships, established the formal partnership with Canton Township that gave CNS its foundation, and continues to serve as our Township Liaison.

Jim Kosteva and Joan Noricks are Canton Hall of Fame honorees and longtime pillars of this community. They stepped up to help found CNS and continue to lead the way — their experience and dedication set the tone for everything we do.

The rest of our volunteer board brings the organizational capacity, project expertise, and day-to-day energy that keeps CNS moving forward.