Leelanau Conservancy holds “Strengthening Community” event

From staff reports

The Leelanau Conservancy is committed to playing a vital role in a strong and vibrant community. The Conservancy knows that preserving our natural landscapes, working farms and healthy watersheds is key to both our economic vitality as well as the incredible quality of life we enjoy here. While the Conservancy is a solid block in the foundation, what are the other elements, in your mind, that make for a strong community?

The Conservancy will explore that question at “Strengthening Community,” our Final Speaker Series event, which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 3 p.m. at the Suttons Bay Schools Auditorium. Mark Wyckoff, Director of The Planning & Zoning Center at Michigan State University will be the keynote speaker. Wyckoff was the planning consultant who guided the development and adoption of the Leelanau County General Plan two decades ago. He will bring a unique perspective back to our community, based on his personal knowledge of Leelanau and his work with communities throughout the state of Michigan. Wyckoff will join local panelists Chet Janik, Leelanau County administrator; Sarah Landry Ryder, president of the Redheads; and Derek Bailey, tribal councilor, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians to help answer questions.

The Conservancy has been soliciting questions from our community to inform this event:

What can we do to promote economic vitality year round?

How do we maintain the natural beauty of our landscapes as the county grows?

How can we attract young families to our county and to our schools?

What is your greatest concern about the future of Leelanau? Sign up to attend the event and ask your question: LeelanauConservany.org or call 231.256.9665.