GINLC Newsletter: Reflections from the President

As you read this, I hope that spring has truly arrived, not only on the calendar, but also on the thermometers and in the greening of the outdoor areas on Grosse Ile. The extra light in the evening hours this past month really makes us want to say goodbye to winter and we get anxious to start spending more time outdoors. The onservancy has a few outdoor events scheduled for April and it won't be long before the Grosse Ile Nature Area re-opens in May.

As the new president of the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy, I want to thank you for your membership in our organization. I also want to recognize. the wonderful work done by my predecessor, Doug Thiel. The conservancy has benefited in untold ways from his knowledge, organizational skills, and willingness to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life in the downriver area. As president, I am both relieved and delighted that Doug will continue as a board member, now contributing to the organization as Secretary, to help me learn the ropes of my new role.

Since January, the board has been meeting to establish goals and budget for this year. One of our goals is to complete a guided organizational assessment facilitated by a representative of the Land Trust Alliance, which is the national organization that land conservancies join for management support and operational guidance. By the end of March our board members will have completed a 4-hour retreat to identify the strengths and weaknesses of GINLC and to determine steps to build a more effective organization. In addition here's a brief summary of additional goals set for the year.

Education Landscape for Learning projects are continuing while we also work on developing and implementing environmental programming for children and the community as a whole. We'll again sponsor an Arbor Day program for local 4th graders and a water monitoring field trip for 6th graders. In addition, we'll continue to host groups at the Nature Area and participate in the Recreation Department's Discovery Day Camps. We'll also work more closely with the Grosse Ile school staff to determine ways of incorporating environmental education into the curriculum in an interdisciplinary manner.

Fundraising & Membership We plan to obtain new corporate members this year along with sponsors for our newsletters. We will continue to hold "meet & greet" events for those interested in learning more about conservancy projects with their friends and neighbors.

Land Acquisition & Stewardship As in past years, GINLC will pursue acquisitions as opportunities arise. We'll also continue to maintain our properties as needed, including the control of phragmites. Another big endeavor planned is the planting and care of new trees. See page 5 to help us on April 14th.

Nature Area Projects for 2007 have already started. The Nature Area committee has plans for birdwatching. Please read Margarete Hasserodt's articles for details (page 3).

0ffice Space Now that we have a small office at Centennial Farms we're organizing our materials so that the space can be used efficiently to store our many drawings, documents and educational outreach supplies. We've already had many committee meetings there and we're working with the Township Recreation Department on joint programming.

As you see, we have an ambitious agenda set before us. We hope that you will continue to support our efforts. We can always use financial help and help from volunteers to successfully complete out goals. if you would like to assist, have questions, or suggestions for future projects, please contact us through our website, or through any of the Board members. Feel free to drop me a note at the or give me a call at 734-552-8950.

Liz Hugel
President, GINLC