[highland-conservancy]Annual Report and year-end recap

[highland-conservancy at hyrule.one-point.com]

January 11, 2008
 
Dear Friends:
 
We invite you to renew your support of the Highland Conservancy again this year.  Your past generosity has helped the Conservancy in our mission to facilitate the conservation of land and natural resources to preserve the rural character of Highland Township.
 
The Highland Conservancy continues to work hard to protect the incredibly rich and diverse land, water and natural beauty that attracted each of us to live here.  With a small but dedicated group of volunteers we have accomplished a great deal this past year. Some Annual Report highlights for 2007:  
 
Spearheaded the establishment of our newest park, Highland Oaks, protecting a total of 265 beautiful acres.  This park was finally opened in October of 2007.
 
Participated in Milford’s first Earth Day Celebration and were grand marshals at the annual Hi-White Parade, passing out over 300 trees.

Created a new blog providing a venue for dialogue and debate on issues related to conservation and land use, environmental and local news.  This is part of a larger educational effort including information disseminated through monthly E-newsletters, articles, our website: www.highlandconservancy.org and our blog: www.highlandconservancy.typepad.com 
 
Ongoing stewardship activities in the township park north of the library to clean up this sensitive nature area.  Our efforts have helped remove over 200 pounds of trash from these beautiful rolling meadows and woods.
 
Sponsored a local Global Warming seminar with a top notch keynote speaker from Al Gore’s Climate Change project to provide dialogue and educate the public on issues related to climate change.
 
Partnered with Oakland Land Conservancy.  Our president, Jim Lloyd, was seated on the OLC board of directors to establish a more effective liaison with our sister conservancy.  Together we continue to work to protect critical parks, acquire conservation easements and delineate land for various levels of protection.
 
Ongoing watchdog activities through attending most township Planning Commission meetings to provide input and feedback with regard to conservation issues and future development in Highland.  
 
Contributed to the new Natural Features Ordinance, part of the revised Zoning Ordinances now before the public for comment, including strategies for a “greener” site plan review process, protection of trees, and more natural, open-space type residential land development.
 
Facilitated the Green Infrastructure Plan in Highland Township.  This model is now being used by others as an ecologically friendly blueprint for protection of natural hub areas and connected wildlife corridors as part of a broader effort to protect land throughout Michigan.
 
 Key to our ongoing work is the fact that the natural beauty of Highland is precious and in danger of disappearing.  We all love Highland for its lakes, woodlands, horse farms, parks and recreation areas, the wildlife, and our star filled night skies.  We all stand to lose if these scenic features are destroyed.  Working together we can protect Highland’s natural beauty.  Your support of the Highland Conservancy plays an important role.  We hope you are able to continue as a member of the Highland Conservancy again this year.  You can either mail your $25, $50, $100 or $500 donation made payable to “Highland Conservancy” to the address below or simply go to our website www.HighlandConservancy.org and click on the “Donate” button.  Your support helps ensure there will always be a legacy of natural beauty in Highland for future generations to enjoy!
 
Sincerely yours,
 
Katheryn Krupa
The Highland Conservancy                               
205 W. Livingston Road
Highland, MI 48357
248-887-4643
www.HighlandConservancy.org 
www.HighlandConservancy.typepad.com 
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