Leelanau Conservancy celebrates Earth Week, April 20-28
From staff reports
The Leelanau Conservancy is getting ready to kick off Earth Week, the annual week-long celebration in honor of Earth Day. Earth Week begins Saturday, April 20 and concludes on Earth Day, Sunday, April 28. The week’s events lineup includes a variety of opportunities to get involved with the Leelanau Conservancy and experience all that Leelanau County has to offer, like a kid-friendly hike and story time at Houdek Dunes with the Leland Library, or a hike with Executive Director Tom Nelson. Additionally, there are volunteer opportunities to help improve public natural areas, like tree planting workbees at Palmer Woods Forest Reserve and DeYoung Natural Area. The week will finish with a celebration at Tandem Ciders on Sunday April 28 from 2-5pm featuring the band Fauxgrass.
“There’s no place like Leelanau. Earth Week is a time of celebration for everyone who loves this special place, and an opportunity to give back to ensure it’s protected for future generations to enjoy,” said executive director Tom Nelson.
The Leelanau Conservancy is partnering with many groups to help raise awareness during Earth Week, including the Leland Township Library, Conservation Resource Alliance and the Grand Traverse Band of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians. Businesses are getting involved too, with Traverse City’s M22, Yen Yoga, BLK MRKT Coffee & The Little Fleet all offering special events or promotions. For the month of April, the Traverse City businesses will each feature a custom drink on their menu in support of the Leelanau Conservancy. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Conservancy to help protect the land, water and scenic character of Leelanau County.
The easiest way for people to make a difference in Leelanau during Earth Week is to donate to the Leelanau Conservancy. All gifts from new donors will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $25,000, through a generous match donation provided by members of the Leelanau Conservancy’s board of directors. “Healthy land and water provide the foundation for much of what we love most about Leelanau, but this doesn’t happen by accident,” said Nelson. “It’s thanks to the support of our members that we can work to protect this special place forever.”
EARTH WEEK ACTIVITIES
Leo Creek Earth Day Celebration Saturday April 20 1-4 pm
Explore with your family and learn about the Preserve’s unique habitat with a scavenger hunt, live music, and more.
Tree Planting Workbee at DeYoung Natural Area
Monday April 22 10 am
Volunteer to plant trees with the Grand Traverse Band.
Where the Wild Things Grow: Michigan Orchid Talk
Monday April 22 2 pm
Learn about native orchids and our efforts to protect them with Land Steward Emily Douglas at the Leland Library.
Aquatic Insect Sampling Workbee
Tuesday April 23 1 pm
Volunteer and learn about macroinvertebrates and water quality at the Mebert Creek Preserve.
Director’s Hike at Kehl Lake Natural Area
Wednesday April 24 10:30 am
Hike the Kehl Lake Natural Area with Executive Director Thomas Nelson.
Leelanau Native Plants Initiative Program
Thursday April 25 Noon
Learn about the decline in birds, pollinators, and other wildlife and how you can help through native plantings.
Hike it Baby & Story Hour with the Leland Township Library
Friday April 26 10:30 am
Toddler hike with Natural Areas & Preserves Manager Becky Hill, Laura Touhey and Brian Price at the Houdek Dunes Natural Area.
Tree Planting at Palmer Woods Forest Reserve
Friday April 26 1 pm
Volunteer to plant trees on Arbor Day.
Conservancy Yoga with Katherine Palms
Saturday April 27 8:30am – 3 pm
Northport Energy Solar Tour
Saturday April 27 9:30 am-3 pm
Tour Leelanau to learn about local solar installations, followed by a film and panel discussion.
Earth Week Celebration at Tandem Ciders
Sunday April 28 2-5 pm
Celebrate with friends, live music from Fauxgrass, and local cider. No cover, all ages welcome.
For more details and to sign up, visit leelanauconservancy.org/events/earth-week.
