[highland-conservancy]Highland Conservancy Holiday Party/Open House

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

Highland Conservancy E-Newsletter
Happy Thanksgiving!

Our Mission Statement:  "To encourage and facilitate the conservation of land and natural resources to preserve the rural character of Highland Township."

HIGHLAND CONSERVANCY ANNUAL MEETING AND HOLIDAY PARTY
You are invited to join members of the Highland Conservancy and our friends for a relaxed evening of food, good company and interesting conversation: Saturday, December 6, starting at 4pm (or when you can get there) until ? at Jim Lloyd’s house2280 White Lake Road, Highland, MI  48356.  Jim will have a delicious ham.  Bring a dish to share and BYOB.  Everyone is welcome.  Please RSVP to Jameshlloyd at hotmail.com or call Jim or Mary at 248-887-3952.  
 
NATURE PARK STATUS – There have been numerous postings on our blog: www.highlandconservancy.typepad.com in favor of protecting the 25-acre nature park just north of the library.  Jim Lloyd has met with the Beautification Committee, township officials, and there are several additional meetings planned about this parkland.  Our biggest concern is protecting it from development or changing the nature of this land from what it already is.  This is a beautiful area of land with dirt trails that meander through woods, meadows and a marsh.  Many native Michigan species already exist at this site.  Much to our surprise, at the Board Public Hearing about protecting this park on July 23 there was significant opposition to the plan voiced by several members of the Highland Downtown Development Authority (DDA). They want to leave the parkland up for grabs (unprotected) in the future to allow for future annexation to the DDA district, rezoning and sale as commercial property. 
The Highland Conservancy is strongly against the idea of selling off  parkland. This land belongs to the residents of the Township and we believe that it is a very high priority for the quality of life in the community. When parkland is lost, it is unlikely that it will be replaced. This parkland is particularly valuable because of its location within walking distance of  the Township Civic Center properties and to the Highland Station community.  We will continue to strive to protect this land and welcome your support.
NEWS FROM OUR FRIENDS:
Visit Tall Trees Community Farm Open House to select a fresh-cut wreath or swag, take the family on a walk through the woods, and enjoy a hayride and hot cider.  If you want to be adventurous you can try making your own wreath or swag....kids can make a
small swag ($5), bundles of greens will also be available to purchase for your decorating. Dress warm and call first if the weather is inclement, as this event is mainly outdoors...We'll have a nice hot bonfire to warm up around!  Sunday, Nov. 30 and Sunday, Dec. 7th, 2 – 5pm at Tall Trees Community Farm, 7600 Hitchcock, White Lake.  For more info, contact Fay (248-894-2841) or Terry (248-515-7784) http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M19487 
 
MEETINGS
We meet on the first Tuesday of every month (except this coming Dec.) at 7pm at the old library, 205 W. Livingston Road, Highland, MI 48357.  Our meetings are open to the public.  Please join us to learn about what we are doing to protect Highland and its natural beauty!  
 
DONATIONS:
Its almost time to renew your membership.  Get those tax deductions before the year ends by going to our website:  http://www.highlandconservancy.org and click on Make a Donation.  If you prefer, you can print out the form below and mail in your tax deductible contribution today:
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Yes, I want to ______join or _____renew my membership to the Highland Conservancy to encourage and facilitate the conservation of land and natural resources to preserve the rural character of Highland Township with my donation.

Please make checks payable to:  Highland Conservancy 
and mail them to:  Highland Conservancy, 205 W. Livingston Road, Highland, MI 48357 

________ Call me regarding a gift of property.
 
Name__________________________________________________________________

Address________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________
 
Phone_________________________________________________________________
 
Email_________________________________________________________________
 
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
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