Each year the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy accomplishes a great deal to enhance the environment and quality of life on Grosse Ile and in the downriver area. The work is completed by a dedicated group of board members and a number of hard working volunteers. There are no paid positions in the GINLC and all member donations are used directly on projects. For GINLC members who want to help the conservancy beyond their annual membership dues, here is a list of other possible ways to support the GINLC:

• Join the GINLC Board of Directors. We are always looking for conservation minded individuals who would like to become more involved and help set priorities for the Conservancy.

• Volunteer your time and energy. We have seven committees actively working on a variety of projects. They can always use additional help. The list of committees and the contact information for the Committee Chairpersons are listed on our website, www.ginlc.org so you can contact them to offer assistance. The specific area and amount of time you spend is completely up to you.

• Donate land to the Conservancy. This is truly one of the finest legacies someone can leave to future generations. Donation of land will relieve you of the responsibility of taking care of the property and can offer you substantial income tax deductions and estate tax benefits. Most important, if the land is donated because of its conservation value, it will be protected.

• Establish a conservation easement on a land parcel, which has a high conservation value. A conservation easement is a legal agreement between a landowner and GINLC that permanently limits uses of the land in order to protect its conservation values. It allows the owner to continue to own and use their land and to sell it or pass it on to their heirs. A conservation easement can qualify as a tax-deductible charitable donation. For income tax purposes, the value of the donation is the difference between the value of the land's value with the easement and its value without the easement.

• Donate land or assets to the conservancy through a will. This will allow you to control the land or assets during your lifetime, but assure its protection or use after your death. In regards to properties, the Conservancy should evaluate the property to ensure it meets the Conservancy's criteria for protection prior to including it in your will for donation to the GINLC.

• Make a targeted donation. In addition to the regular membership donation, individuals may designate a donation for one or more projects of their choice. This will ensure that your donation is used on only the designated projects.

• Donate equipment or other items. The conservancy always welcomes specific equipment or other items that would assist with various projects. Some examples would be chain saws, weed whips, shovels, rakes, office space or furniture, etc. The GINLC Newsletter often lists equipment and other items which are needed.

• If you are pleased with our efforts to improve the quality of life on Grosse Ile, pass on the word about the Conservancy to neighbors and friends. We are always looking for new members and would be happy to have an informational meeting at your home to talk about our many projects.

Volunteer .

Compiled by Doug Thiel for the Fall 2005 Newsletter.