The Leelanau Conservancy will hold its annual friends picnic and auction on Thursday, Aug. 6, at the Chippewa Run Natural Area in Empire. The picnic begins at 5 p.m. and features a silent auction, as well as pre-picnic field trips, a kids tent and a special program. A local foods-focused meal will be served, along with local wines. Tickets are $35 for adults until Aug. 3, when the price goes up to $40. Tickets for kids tent children under 12 are just $5.