In early 1977 Grand Rapids Audubon Club President, John Ham, and Nature Conservancy President, John Will, learned that a Dr. James Maher was considering a gift of some real property to a charitable group. Several organizations were being considered among which was the Grand Rapids Audubon Club (GRAC). John Will, who also was a member of GRAC, and Dr. Alan J. Gebben, Chair of Biology at Calvin College, were following this matter closely, and President John Ham was monitoring the scene on behalf of GRAC.

 Following a presentation by President Ham before the Club, a willingness to accept stewardship of this property was voted, provided of course it could be obtained. At this point President Ham began to earnestly solicit the gift and became dominant in the negotiations.

 While negotiations were proceeding, GRAC now had a new president, Kenneth T. Hayes, a practicing attorney in Grand Rapids. He observed that as a voluntary unincorporated club, Grand Rapids Audubon could not legally accept title to real estate. The matter was discussed with the Board of Directors as to whether Trustees should be appointed, or if the Club should incorporate as a Michigan non-profit corporation. The decision was made by the Board of Directors to recommend incorporation.

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