Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Whatever it is that you love about Leelanau, it all starts with the land and water. It all begins right there. Without our freshwater lakes and streams, our forests, our family farms, little else would mean as much as it does. Surrounded by all those blues and greens, they bring real magic to all we do, everywhere we go.
Leelanau is a way of life. It is a guiding light for our lives. It is as much a landmark of blue waters and verdant lands as it is a landmark in our hearts and minds. As much as Leelanau has been discovered by the rest of the world, it remains relatively—and remarkably— unchanged. That feels nothing short of miraculous. But it is no lucky accident.
The truth is that the forces of change are vast and unceasing. Climate volatility, poorly planned development, environmental degradation of immense proportions, and more have irrevocably altered the Earth. Across America, communities once rich in ecological integrity, rural charm, and scenic beauty have rapidly lost these treasures to profit-driven decisions. Though many people cared, few communities acted to protect these places. It is rare indeed when a community stands up for Nature. To have done so for the last 36 years here in Leelanau County is extraordinary. It has taken a mountain of effort, an ocean of action. You are the ones who are making it happen, and we celebrate you and your commitment to preserving what matters most.
If the forces of change are unceasing, together we must be tireless as well to continue to meet the challenges we face. The good news is that we are more enthusiastic than ever at the prospect of preserving Leelanau for all time. Because of you, we expanded our Natural Areas in the past year, adding 180 more acres and nearly 10 more miles of trails. We protected an additional 4.3 miles of shoreline and conserved over 1,000 more acres of family farms and forests home to wildlife.
In total, you have made it possible to protect more than 18,000 acres of Leelanau’s precious lands and waters, including 65 miles of shoreline and 50 miles of trails for all to enjoy.
Yet so many critical lands remain at risk. With your help, we are ready to step up to the challenge. As I write this, over 30 projects are in the works that would permanently preserve more than 3,000 additional acres. Just one current example is adding 99 acres to our Kehl Lake Natural Area. This unique land will extend a key wildlife corridor and provide a home for bobcats, bears, red-shouldered hawks, and many more native species. Growing the Kehl Lake Natural Area to 378 acres will expand the core of a network of over 2,800 acres of protected lands and help maintain a vital part of Leelanau’s natural world—where wildlife and plants that have existed for thousands of years can continue to live undisturbed, where change happens on the forest’s schedule, not the developer’s. With every acre protected, we are not only protecting land, but we are also preserving your stories, your memories, and the essence of what makes Leelanau County unlike anywhere else.
It all starts with the land and water. We plant trees whose shade we may never sit under, knowing our efforts will outlive us. That is the very reason we do it. Although we will not witness the full fruits of our labor, generations beyond us will—thanks to your enduring support. We do not know precisely what the future looks like, but we do know there will be land to farm, trails to walk, and a home for wildlife until the end of time.
Together—with all our might, enthusiasm, and soul— we can ensure that the Leelanau you love will always be the Leelanau you know.
Sincerely,
Tom Nelson
Executive Director
