Conservancy Day planned for August 3
From staff reports
The Leelanau Conservancy is proud to announce Conservancy Day set for Aug. 3—a day of appreciation for all that Leelanau has to offer. The Conservancy is encouraging the public to participate in a number of activities organized by the Conservancy. The day starts with a 10 a.m. workbee at Chippewa Run Natural Area in Empire, where volunteers can help to maintain the trail and remove invasive shrubs.
Also, at three preserved wineries throughout the day, the Conservancy is partnering to offer unique experiences. Starting at 10 a.m., Conservancy staff and 45 North Winery will lead a hike through the vineyard. At noon, Brengman Brothers Winery will feature a talk on solar power along with a vineyard tour. At 2 p.m. visitors to L. Mawby Vineyards can learn about farmland preservation and the winery.
Each vintner will choose a vintage of the day to benefit the Leelanau Conservancy. “So you can sip wine, and at the same time be helping to preserve a place you love,” says Tom Nelson, executive director of Leelanau Conservancy. The public is welcome at all of these activities, But the main idea is to encourage everyone to get out on August 3rd and appreciate Leelanau in the way you love most.
“That might be hiking Clay Cliffs or paddling the Crystal River—both are places where we are proud to have focused our preservation efforts,” says Nelson. Other suggestions include picking up litter along your favorite beach, pulling invasive plants, planting a tree on your own land or watching the sun go down at one of the Conservancy’s natural areas. You can learn more about the Leelanau Conservancy’s Natural Areas and download a copy of their guide here: Leelanauconservancy.org/natural-areas.
The idea for the day came about when the organization began planning for their Annual Picnic, which Conservancy Day replaces. “We wanted to shift the focus from a huge gathering to getting people outside and onto the land to connect with the work we’ve done together to protect this truly stunning peninsula,” says Nelson.
“No matter what you do on Conservancy Day, we hope that you will take a few moments to ponder all that Leelanau means to you,” adds Nelson. “On Conservancy Day, we’re asking supporters to post what they’re doing to appreciate Leelanau on social media, using the hashtag #conservancyday. We would love to see Facebook full of people celebrating Leelanau and raising awareness,” he says. A special Conservancy Day graphic will be made available to social media users.
Can’t be in Leelanau on August 3? You can still participate by posting a memory or photo to the Leelanau Conservancy’s website, Facebook or Instagram page, or sharing on your own social media.
For Leelanau Conservancy members, the day caps off with an invitation-only appreciation reception from 4-6 pm. To become a member, visit leelanauconservancy.org or call 231-256-9665.
