There is no shortage of tasks on the to-do list at the Leelanau Conservancy.
Whether it is collaborating with a trusted partner, deepening our understanding of the natural world through science-based tools, or striving to ensure conservation-friendly recreational activities are available to the public, the action items are voluminous. Life has a way of reminding us of what is truly important, though, when we are mired in the day to day of all those moving parts.
Recently I had the honor of attending a closing with farmer partners and spouses, Toddy Rieger and Jim Nugent. They donated a 75-acre conservation easement on their Suttons Bay farm, Sunblossom Properties, LLC. Farmland protection is a critical component of climate resiliency due to the high number of conservation drivers present. Farms contain soils and microclimates unique for growing crops, support biodiversity, and act as wildlife corridors and buffers which help protect wetlands and maintain water quality. They also provide the resplendent rolling views which we all enjoy on our rambles around the county.
Jim was district horticulturalist and coordinator of the NW Michigan Horticultural Research Station, chaired the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission, and served on Michigan Farm Bureau’s environmental policy committee and AgBio Research State Council. He also chaired the board at Leelanau Conservancy.
Toddy and Jim have been farming in Leelanau for almost 40 years and have been deeply engaged and supportive of the Conservancy. Experts in their field, they have acted as mentors and educators to many of the folks farming in Leelanau today.
When thanked by Farm Protection Director Kim Hayes and Executive Director Tom Nelson, Toddy’s response was succinct: “We are grateful we are in a position to do this, and our children are in full support of the gift.” What truck me was not only the humility of the statement itself, but the weight of this family’s selfless decision. It would positively affect countless others for years to come.
In this newsletter, you will read about committed volunteers, important stewardship efforts, farm protection projects, and how our interconnectedness with all people can benefit the natural world around us.
The attention given to the seemingly small task of digging native wildflowers is the same intention devoted to a complex land transaction or caring for a trail system. The Conservancy views them all as integral to the outcome: protection in perpetuity, for everyone. The
work is today. The “why” is tomorrow. I thank Toddy and Jim for the reminder of the “why” and invite you to join us as we continue the work of those who came before, for those who come next. Our numbers are our strength, and our actions now affect the Leelanau of tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Cammie Buehler
Board President
