Leelanau Conservancy features “The Future of our Forested Landscape”
From staff reports
The Leelanau Conservancy hosts a free speaker series event at the Suttons Bay School Auditorium on Saturday, May 3 from 3-5 p.m. titled “The Future of Our Forested Landscape” — part three of the Conservancy’s Leelanau: Looking Ahead Speaker Series.
Forests are an essential part of the beautiful Leelanau landscape mosaic — essential for water quality, wildlife habitat, buffers for farmland, scenic character, and our local economy. But our forests are changing. How will the combined factors of unpredictable springs, invasive species, over-browsing, and a changing climate affect our forests? Which trees will fill in the gaps as Ash continue to die and regeneration occurs? And how do these changes affect forest management practices and the wildlife that depend on these ecosystems?
We invite you to come learn from forest experts at our upcoming free speaker event. Matt Heiman Director of Land Programs at the Leelanau Conservancy, will discuss the history and significance of forests in Leelanau County. Then keynote speaker Jon Fosgitt, Forest Management Specialist at Compass Land Consultants, will address forest complexity, ecosystem management, and help answer our questions about changing forests.
A panel discussion will feature local forest professionals: Kama Ross, Leelanau Conservation District Forester; Eric Ellis, Biologist and Wild Link Program Manager; and Kevin Skerl, Natural Resources Chief from the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Panelists will discuss the biggest challenges facing our local forests and strategies for those working in forest management. Panelists will also answer questions from the audience.
Children of all ages are welcome at the Kids Planting Party (held on site during the speaker event) to pot wildflowers, taste maple syrup, and learn about our local forests. The event is free but registration is appreciated for planning purposes. Register and learn more at Leelanauconservancy.org or call (231) 256-9665.
After the speaker program, light refreshments will be provided and we welcome audience members to talk further with our speaker and panelists.
