To the editor:
I appreciated the editorial on Earth Day that highlighted work of the Leelanau Conservancy.
There is another agency that receives far less attention, yet is also busy conserving the resources of Leelanau county. The Leelanau Conservation District (LCD) has been around for more than 75 years, working with landowners to protect the water and soil and woodlands of the county from damage. The goal of the Conservation District is wise use of Leelanau’s resources, and despite a small (but dedicated) staff, and low levels of funding, the District provides soil erosion permits, water quality monitoring, invasive species information, woodland assessments, educational workshops for adults and students, and a whole range of assistance to landowners. The LCD just held a successful seedling sale, and is presently offering orders for native plants on their website, leelanaucd.org, for pick up and additional sales on Friday, May 31 at the Bear Den on M22. ( These are native plants to support pollinators in your garden, not to be confused with the Conservancy’s rescued plant sale at a different date and location).
The Conservancy and Conservation District have similar goals in keeping Leelanau beautiful. The Conservation District works directly with landowners to further that goal.
Lynn Bakker LCD Board of Directors
