In this issue...

Reflections from the President

DelRay Visits the Nature Area

2004 Raptor Banding in the Grosse Ile Nature Area

A College Student's Survey of Bugs in Our Nature Area

Your Conservancy Quietly in Action

13th Annual Meeting Saturday, November 5 10AM

Upcoming Events...

November 5
Annual Meeting
10:00AM - Noon
Centennial Farm

Fall Hours
Nature Area Open
Saturday 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Thursday 5:30PM - Dusk
Closed when raining
Last Day Open - October 29

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Reflections from the President
by Doug Thiel

The Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy (GINLC) has accomplished a great deal this year. A summary of these accomplishments will be presented at our annual meeting on November 5, 2005, to which all of you are invited. Please see additional information on the annual meeting elsewhere in this newsletter. This work has been completed by a dedicated group of board members and a number of hard working volunteers. There are no paid positions in the GINLC. All member donations, therefore, are used directly on projects to enhance the quality of life on Grosse Ile. A number of GINLC members have asked about how they can help the Conservancy beyond their annual membership dues. The following is a summary 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.

I hope to see you all at our November annual meeting!

Doug Thiel