There’s freedom in walking. There’s art in walking.
And there’s time well spent in walking.
Those are outcomes of a liberated collection of docents, who are leading walks on Leelanau Conservancy nature areas with an emphasis on expansion of self.
“It’s fun that this group is thinking outside the box of a typical nature hike, and wants to experience nature in a myriad of ways,” said Lindy Kellogg, the first and only events and volunteer manager for the Leelanau Conservancy. The position was created four years ago as Kellogg left behind a career consumed by managing wineries, hotels and events “I never thought that I would work in a nonprofit,” she said. “Or that hospitality would transition into the nonprofi t world.”
Her rewards are knowing that Conservancy lands and practices will ensure a better earth tomorrow, and in drawing close to like-minded people within the Conservancy family — from donors to volunteers to administration. “They are really great people,” Kellogg said.
Included is the talented 19-member team of docents, some of whom have been leading hikes for 25 years and more. The volunteers, all nature lovers, have ideas that stretch the typical definition of a nature hike. Kellogg listened.
Hence, a second “Hike with a Poet” is planned in the fall due to its success in spring. Docent Cathy Stocker, herself a poet, led the way.
Walkers were encouraged to jot down their thoughts and feelings in what was described as a “cross pollination … between science and the arts with a focus on eco poetry from around the world.” Copies of poems were provided and read. Voices were freed to express a love of nature.
All openings were filled Tuesday for a “Leaf Rubbing Art Walk” at the Jeff Lamont Preserve. Supplies were provided to encourage participants to turn the outlines of leaves into works of art. The walk was also educational in that the names of trees were etched into the minds of hikers.
Docents Bert Thomas, Zachariah Johnson and Stocker know the value of time on the Leelanau Peninsula. They are starting their “Up the Back of the Whale” hike on Saturday at 9 a.m., and promise to have walkers back by 11.
“The hike starts a little earlier than usual to leave more of the day for other fun activities,” they wrote.
Kellogg credits the docents themselves with searching out new ways — and times — to explore nature.
“Someone will have an idea or a concept, then they get together to finalize a theme for the hike. They’ve been doing a bunch of new things. We did a Solstice paddle on the Cedar River. For that we had eight paddlers and three docents, which was just the right ratio,” Kellogg said.
Every year the Conservancy adds a few docents to its crew, with applications accepted in early winter. They need to complete 30 hours of training, then shadow hikes before becoming fully fledged docents.
Compensation is found in the smiles of people enjoying Leelanau Conservancy lands.
