Leelanau Conservancy launches 25th anniversary speaker series, May 4
From staff reports
To mark its 25th anniversary, the Leelanau Conservancy will hold a speaker series over the next two years that features national environmental and conservation leaders. The series is part of an effort to engage members and the public on topics important to Leelanau County. Topics will include: 1) Water and the Future of the Great Lakes: water levels and the changing food web; 2) Farming and Food: major trends in crops and climate and the response of farmers; 3) Changes in the Landscape: shifts in forest species and climate; and 4) Community: understanding our relationship to land and how to build stronger communities. Speakers and panelists chosen by the Conservancy will bring the perspective of scientists, experts and professionals to audience members, helping the public to understand how Leelanau fits into the bigger national and global picture.
“In undertaking this speakers series, we hope to lay out a vision for the future that recognizes the unprecedented challenges facing us, while at the same time fostering a sense of optimism about our ability to mobilize our community to face these challenges,” Conservancy director Brian Price said in a statement.
The Speaker Series will begin May 4 and the topic will be Water and the Future of the Great Lakes. Speakers will address what is stressing the Great Lakes and local panelists will focus in the discussion on current Leelanau County trends. Speakers and panelists will discuss not only large environmental changes but also positive steps we can take to meet current challenges. The public is invited to bring questions and leave with a better understanding of what we can do as individuals and collectively in the places we love.
Leelanau: Looking Ahead: Water and the Future of the Great Lakes
May 4, 3–5 p.m. Suttons Bay High School Auditorium
Participating organizations include The Nature Conservancy, Inland Seas Education Association and The Watershed Center
Speakers are Dr. Patrick Doran, Director of Science for Michigan and the Great Lakes for The Nature Conservancy (“How a Changing Climate is Impacting the Great Lakes and the Role of Conservation”), Thomas F. Nalepa, Research Scientist, Graham Institute, University of Michigan, Scientist Emeritus, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, NOAA (“The role of Invasive Species in Changing the Great Lakes Food Web”).
Panelists include J. Carl Ganter, Co-Founder and Director of Circle of Blue (Panel Moderator), Andy Knott, Executive Director of the Watershed Center, Tom Kelly, Executive Director and Founder of Inland Seas Education Association, Brian Price, Executive Director of The Leelanau Conservancy
Inland Seas Education Association will coordinate educational children’s activities to be provided in the Suttons Bay School cafeteria area (or outside, weather dependent) during the program. After the event, there will be a reception for audience members, speakers and panelists in the Suttons Bay High School Skylight Atrium just outside the Auditorium.
