Protecting the Lake Michigan coastline, restoring prairies and conserving fen wetlands -- that's the work that comes to mind when people think of the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, says Peter D. Ter Louw, SWMLC executive director.
"The work we do inspires people and makes Southwest Michigan a better place to live," Ter Louw says.
Now the Conservancy's efforts not only are an inspiration but have been recognized by accreditation from the
Land Trust Accreditation Commission, a distinction that has gone to only 181 of 1,700 land trusts in the nation. For a land trust to be accredited it must demonstrate that it meets national standards for excellence, upholds the public trust and ensure that conservation efforts are permanent.
"The accreditation seal lets the public know that the accredited land trust has undergone an extensive, external review of the governance and management of its organization and the systems and policies it uses to protect land," says Tammara Van Ryn, Land Trust Accreditation Commission executive director.
Her organization says conserving land helps ensure clean air and drinking water, food security, scenic landscapes and views, recreational places, and habitat needed to maintain a diversity of life on earth.
The
Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy has seven full-time staff and is governed by a volunteer board of directors. It works with federal, state, county and municipal governments to protect natural areas.
What many people who enjoy the lands protected by SWMLC don't realize is that most of the land conservancy's time is spent in managing the myriad of legal, financial, and real estate details that are critical for the long-term success of any land trust, Ter Louw says.
"Undertaking the accreditation process allowed us to examine our organizational processes and make improvements to ensure that our work is permanent and of the highest quality," Ter Louw says.
To see first hand what the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy does, area residents are invited to explore the new 70-acre nature preserve on KL Avenue, Saturday, Sept 15. Oshtemo Township resident and WMU professor Dick Malott donated the property with scenic rolling hills to the land conservancy this winter.
The land conservancy is seeking feedback from township residents to determine the character and extent of potential future amenities and to create a master plan for the site.
"The whole area west of Kalamazoo is delightful and, though I hate clichés, a big part of it for me is the beauty that accompanies the changing seasons,” says Malott. “I always enjoy my drive to and from the university year round."
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave Media
Sources: Peter D. Ter Louw, Pamela W. Larson, Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy
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