The mission drives the work of the Leelanau Conservancy. But beyond the mission, another theme has emerged for me. It’s the way the work itself is conducted, and the culture of hospitality inherent to the organization. Having spent my career in the hospitality industry, I have learned that the way an organization conducts business is as important as the work itself.
Before joining the board at the Conservancy in 2018, I had no board experience, either corporate or nonprofit. I have never held an office job. My career has been in owner-operated restaurants and venues or as an owner-operator myself. The world of board governance and Roberts Rules was foreign to me, and I was nervous. That worry was all for naught. I was welcomed with open arms and given the tools, education, and support I needed to succeed.
The mission of the organization to conserve the land, water, and scenic character of Leelanau County frames decision making. This sounds simple, succinct. It is anything but.
The Land Protection team works closely with families who wish to conserve their properties for future generations. In doing so, the team has gained a body of knowledge about the county, its residents, and the challenges encountered by landowners when making such consequential decisions. The team is aware of and sensitive to these concerns and takes care that they are addressed.
Once land is under the purview of the Conservancy, it must be stewarded and monitored annually, whether it is one of 28 (!) public natural areas or more than 200 private conservation easements. The Stewardship team works with dedicated volunteers to ensure the flora and fauna of public natural areas are protected and the areas are safe for users, and that our conservation easement commitments to private landowners are being honored.
How do we keep the community informed of the efforts of the organization? Enter the Communications and Events team. Their mindful approach to relaying the importance and urgency of the work, with clarity and transparency, is no small task. Each event is a multifaceted endeavor, and each supports a specific facet of our mission. Hospitality is in the forefront!
Working hand in hand with individual donors and community members to relay the significance of our work while learning of their concerns and intentions is vital to advancing our mission. This is the charge of the Fund Development team.
With all these moving parts and interactions, what strikes me again and again is the hospitality mindset with which the staff, board, donors, and volunteers conduct the work, whether they are conscious of it or not.
The success of our mission depends on the time invested and strength of our mutual respect, relationship building, anticipating needs, fostering trust, and the guest experience. These elements are also the cornerstones of sound hospitality.
What sets our organization apart is the emotional intelligence inherent to the community that has coalesced around the Conservancy, bound by our connections to one another and our love for this peninsula. I experienced it firsthand when I joined the board and am proud to be on this team and to help extend the experience to others.
We are honored to be entrusted to do this work and could not do it without your support. There is a finite amount of land in Leelanau County, and it has never been under as much pressure as it is today. So, the time is now. We roll up our sleeves and continue our work, with your help and the humility and grace present with mindful hospitality.
-Cammie Buehler, Board President
