We love our volunteers. Their work is an essential part of our conservation efforts and we are so grateful for the time they share with us.
Kat Palms has been selected as our 2023 Volunteer of the Year. Every year for the last seven years, she has hosted a summer yoga series benefiting the Leelanau Conservancy. We caught up with her to talk about her time volunteering with us!
What was your first experience with the Leelanau Conservancy?
My initial encounter with the Leelanau Conservancy holds a special place in my heart, dating back to my childhood. Growing up, my parents instilled in me a deep reverence for the land, water, and picturesque landscapes of Leelanau County long before I even knew what conservation meant. They introduced me to the Conservancy’s trails, where every step was a lesson in the dedicated efforts to preserve the region’s natural beauty. This early immersion sparked profound affection and admiration for this area, a sentiment that continues to resonate within me to this day.
Tell us what inspired you to start volunteering with the LC?
My interest in volunteering for the Leelanau Conservancy has been longstanding. However, I initially felt uncertain about how to contribute amidst the remarkable efforts of staff, docents, volunteers, and generous donors. Fortunately, a conversation with Claire Wood in 2017 opened my eyes to the potential of yoga as a means of support. Together, we launched classes on the Village Green in Leland, which quickly gained traction. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, we found creative solutions to continue our efforts. I am immensely grateful for the support and collaboration of Lindy Kellogg and Claire, who have worked alongside me for years, adapting to various creative approaches to ensure that yoga, meditation, and breathwork can effectively raise donations and awareness for the Conservancy’s important work. It has been a truly enriching journey.
What do you love most about the summer yoga series?
One of the aspects I love most about the summer yoga series is the chance it offers to embrace stillness and reflection. I find it incredibly fulfilling to encourage participants to reflect on treasured moments spent with loved ones at places like Van’s Beach, which is adjacent to the protected Hall Beach, or one of the other 28 natural areas maintained by the Conservancy. Using the class as a platform to express gratitude for the conservation efforts underway and to evoke smiles and fond memories among fellow practitioners fills my heart with peace. I also find great joy in teaching a class that empowers individuals to feel fantastic in their bodies. And concluding the session with a sunset on Lake Michigan never fails to take my breath away!
Thanks for all you do, Kat!
