[highland-conservancy] Nature Park walk Weds July 23 6pm & enewsletter

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

Highland Conservancy E-Newsletter – July 18, 2008
GREEN DEALERSHIP IN HIGHLAND
Up to now, I have been reluctant to write about the new "green" LaFontaine dealership here in Highland due to my personal upset with losing that beautiful corner of green space and my distress at the increased night-sky pollution.  However, now that it is up and running, I think it is time to weigh the value of this new complex.  LaFontaine just completed their new facility on M59 near Hickory Ridge Road.  They tripled the size of their building to 63,000 square feet and, in the process, decided to make their dealership "environmentally friendly."  Various news write-ups point to some of the green aspects of the design:  the use of geothermal heating and cooling, lights that shut off automatically when not needed, native plants used in the landscaping, use of recycled water, a windmill that runs a pump motor for landscape watering using rainwater, and natural lighting are just a few.  Very impressive. [Personally, I'd still like to see them shut off all the lights late at night and
 use infrared cameras for security or something that creates less light pollution-though they are much better than many other nearby dealerships].  It is commendable that the entire complex is leaving a much smaller carbon footprint than it could have - awesome.  Now I think it is up to the car manufacturers to create cars the public really want!  Not inefficient gas-guzzlers that cost a fortune to drive…  What do you think?  To comment on the full article and other blog articles, visit our blog at www.highlandconservancy.typepad.com 
HIGHLAND’S NEW NATURE PARK
The Highland Conservancy is working with the township and Six Rivers Land Conservancy, to permanently protect a beautiful park north of the township library.  The land has rolling upland meadows, dense pine forest, ponds and marshland, and pristine waterfront alongside part of Downy Lake.  Join us for a hike of the park on Wednesday, July 23rd at 6pm.  We will meet outside the library at 6:00 and head out from there.  After the hike, there will be a Board meeting at 7pm at the township hall to address residents’ questions, issues and concerns.  PLEASE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT and attend this important event.  For more information or to comment, visit our blog:  www.HighlandConservancy.typepad.com or contact Jim Lloyd at 248-887-3952.
 
PAPER OR PLASTIC – NEITHER!
Most grocery stores are now selling recycled, sturdy canvas bags, often for less than a dollar.  I finally broke down yesterday and bought 10.  They were only 80 cents a piece at Kroger’s but the fact that I didn’t feel guilty anymore was well worth it.  The key is to empty them out and immediately return the bags to your car (so you don’t forget the next time you go shopping).  It’s one easy way to do your part for the earth.
 
Katheryn Krupa
Editor, Highland Conservancy E-newsletter
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www.HighlandConservancy.org 
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