As many of us may know, Earth Day is right around the corner on April 22. The annual event has been held on the same date since 1970 and is observed nation-wide and throughout Leelanau County as a way to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
While this day holds importance to raise awareness about the precious natural resources around us, we’re fortunate enough to have a number of local organizations, businesses, and institutions in the area that share this sentiment all year-long.
Without proper care and protections in place, the less chance future generations will have to enjoy this land that we call our beautiful home.
The Leelanau Conservancy is just one example of a nonprofit making those preservation efforts daily. Since 1988, the conservancy has preserved over 16,000 acres and over 53 miles of streams, rivers, and shorelines. It also established 28 natural areas and preserves with over 25 miles of trails that both locals and visitors enjoy. The nonprofit continues to offer programs to educate and teach others about environmental protection, and is supported by over 3,500 donors and 250 volunteers annually.
Starting on April 23, the conservancy will host several events to celebrate Earth Day, including a volunteer trail crew open house, tree planting at DeYoung Natural Area, and a celebration concert with Elizabeth Landry at Tandem Ciders on April 28.
Another active local nonprofit, Leelanau Energy, has a mission and goal to transform the Leelanau peninsula into a community 100% powered by clean, renewable energy sources. Members of the group come together for different events to educate and advocate for renewable energy and energy efficiency. It evolved greatly over the last decade and has since added a “Dark Sky” group and the “Green Suttons Bay’’ organization as separate chapters.
Even at the local government level action is being taken. Last year, Leelanau County Board of Commissioners approved the creation of an “Energy Futures Taskforce” to evaluate how to increase green energy production on the peninsula. On Earth Day, the task force is hosting a discussion panel event from 3 to 5 p.m. at Leland Township Library about microplastics and the risks and challenges they present.
Whether it’s on Earth Day or any day of the year, it’s evident that people in Leelanau care about the land here and want to help. Depending on how hands-on and involved you want to be, there’s opportunities to become a steward of the land or to volunteer at a workbee with organizations like the Leelanau Conservancy. But really, just being willing to learn about all the ways in which you can be a little more environmentally friendly at home or in public can help make a positive impact.
