Photo provided by John Griffith The North Woods Conservancy is raffling off a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, seen above at Ahmeek Streetcar Station, to raise money for existing areas and to build a fund to allow it to purchase new sites.

AHMEEK — When the opportunity to preserve a piece of land comes along, it can mean needing to strike quickly.

“A lot of times the seller does not have time for us to get a grant or raise the money,” said John Griffith, co-founder of the North Woods Conservancy (NWC). “We’re trying to get a fund going so we can be more proactive.”

North Woods is looking to support its existing natural areas — and begin raising money to acquire more land — through a new raffle of a truck.

The non-profit has purchased several areas in the Keweenaw to protect wildlife and preserve access for the public. Funds raised will also be used to pay money the conservancy owes toward the purchase of the Seven Mile Point and Gratiot River projects.

The six NWC nature areas include the Gratiot River County Park and Gratiot River north, where the conservancy partnered with Keweenaw County. The most active recent project has been Conglomerate Falls, which the conservancy has grown from 40 acres with a rental cabin to more than 275 acres including 7,312 feet of river.

“All areas are open to the public free of charge,” Griffith said.

The raffle prize is a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Z-1. Tickets are $145, and capped at 1,000. About 500 have been sold so far, Griffith said. The drawing will be held at 1 p.m. Sept. 3 at the Ahmeek Streetcar Station.

Tickets are being sold at the Streetcar Station and at the Bonfire Steakhouse in Houghton. can also buy tickets by 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. by calling the conservancy at (906) 370-9022.

“You don’t have to be present to win,” Griffith said. “We will deliver the truck to you anywhere in the lower 48 United States.”

The winner will also receive $20,000 towards taxes on the truck, Griffith said.

In addition to the high odds and the aid with taxes, participants can also enjoy aiding in a good cause, Griffith said.

“We’re going to be able to provide continued public access at our protected areas, and hopefully do more,” he said.

For more information on North Woods Conservancy, go to northwoodsconservancy.org. More information is available at keweenawtruckraffle.org.