A Remarkable Record of Public Concern
A Wetlands 101 Workshop held last Wednesday featured speakers Rob Zbiciak, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Land and Water Management Division and Nate Fuller, Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy. They were met with an attentive audience of 78 people.
Hosted by Lake Michigan College, we’d like to thank all those involved in making the event happen: Amy Lockhart, Administrator, Van Buren Conservation District; Erin Fuller, Black River Watershed Coordinator; Marcy Colclough, Southwestern Michigan Planning Commission; and Janice Varney, Suzanne Trenkle, and the others from Lake Michigan College.
The main message was clear. Water quality affects us all. Wetlands provide guaranteed water quality because they naturally filter groundwaters at no cost to us, that is, if we don’t disturb them.
Drawing participants from South Haven, Bangor, Douglas, Saugatuck and other towns in the Black River Watershed which covers hundreds of miles and many communities, the gathering confirmed that there is a growing awareness over the key issues of clean water and wetland preservation. Many also expressed a need to know more about how the natural balances work and are sustained.
There were also questions that asked how to challenge the local politicians/developers who do not want to save the wetlands. More details on what-to-do will be forthcoming.
Two years ago this program would probably have taken in only a handful of people, especially on such a cold, windy March night. The upsurge of interest is truly a remarkable record of public concern.
Celery Pond has a future as a preserved wetland, only if we move forward to preserve it. We need your comments and we need your support. Start a dialogue on the blog to share your thoughts (click on “Comments”).
Our next fundraiser is on Friday, April 20, 2007, 6-8pm. Tickets can be purchased at Whimsy (415 Phoenix) and Wolverine Hardware, across the street.
Give us your support by attending a Strolling Light Dinner of 16+items, including desserts, wine and champagne. Annie Brown and Jeff Filbrandt have generously donated their lovely “new” home for this benefit. Suzie Blair donates her creative cuisine. Celebrate Earth Day. Become an Advocate to save Celery Pond.
your blog is very nice !