Monday we all should be admiring Earth’s beauty and give back to the planet that we call home.
Just like we should be doing every day, as the climate always changes.
The Leelanau Conservancy is hosting an array of events in recognition of Earth Week 2024.
Amid concerns of climate disruption, our annual series of events aims to foster community resilience and environmental stewardship. Join the Leelanau Conservancy from April 22 to the 28 as they engage in hikes, volunteer opportunities, and community gatherings, all emphasized by a collective commitment to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect Leelanau for generations to come.
• Monday: Earth Week kickoff to celebrate the Conservancy’s 9th Earth Week. Sign up to volunteer, or become a member!
• Tuesday, 4 p.m. : Volunteer Trail Crew Open House . Participants will learn about volunteer trail stewardship opportunities.
• Tuesday , 8:30 p.m.: Tera John Full Moon Hike, Ingraham Preserve at Cedar River.
• Wednesday:Follow the Conservancy on Instagram.
• Next Thursday, April 25: Learn more about the work the Conservancy is doing to combat climate change
• Friday, April 26 10 a.m.: Earth Week Tree Planting with Conservation Resource Alliance at DeYoung Natural Area.
• Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m.: Docent Guided Hike How has Earth Day impacted you? Join docents at one of the Conservancy’s newest Natural Areas as they walk the trail through woods and fields, using the landscape as our impetus to discuss the many ways in which Earth Day and the environmental movement have manifested conservation values in our lives.
• Sunday, April 28, 3 p.m.: Earth Week Celebration Concert with Elizabeth Landry at Tandem Ciders. Celebrate Earth Week with friends, live music and local cider. All ages welcome, no cover.
Panel discusses risks and challenges of Microplastics In keeping with the national theme for Earth Day 2024, “Planet vs. Plastics”, the Leelanau County Energy Futures Task Force will host a panel discussion in observation of Earth Day in Leelanau entitled: “Microplastics: They’re in Our Air, Water, Land and Us” on Monday from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Munnecke Room of the Leland Township Library.
Since the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, discarded plastic has degraded in ever increasing amounts throughout all the earth’s ecosystems. Over time, it breaks down into microscopic bits, but never disappears.
These bits are inhaled and consumed by all living creatures, including humans. Because plastics are woven into every aspect of our lives, it can seem overwhelming to find a way to live free of plastic. Most plastic manufactured today (using 4-8% of the world’s oil production) is single use, traveling from use to waste stream in moments. However, working together, this ecosystem crisis can begin to be mitigated.
Come listen in person or via Zoom to a panel of experts discuss both the challenges posed by microplastic pollution and the steps we can take toward remediation. Mala Hettiarachchi, senior engineer for Environmental Resources Group; Heather Smith, Grand Traverse Baykeeper; and Sue Chapman, Green Suttons Bay will present on the urgent risks of microplastics and answer your questions.
