Our community cares deeply about the natural spaces that surround us. Land preserves, parks and other scenic spaces dot the landscape. One of the driving forces helping to keep our natural areas pristine is the Little Traverse Conservancy.  Learn more about the early history of the conservancy with Thomas Bailey at the Historical Society’s next Harbor History Talk on Thursday, October 17.

Founded in 1972, the conservancy’s mission is to protect the natural diversity and beauty of northern Michigan by preserving significant land and scenic areas. Prior to creating the LTC, the organization’s founders were involved in litigation to regulate land development in the area. Their disillusionment with litigation as a solution to land use issues led to their adopting a new approach that would leave the old adversarial ways behind.

Thomas Bailey retired as Executive Director of the Little Traverse Conservancy in 2018 after 34 years in that position. Under his leadership, LTC protected nearly 60,000 acres of land. He was co-founder of Heart of the Lakes Center for Land Conservation Policy and the Top of Michigan Trails Council.

Bailey’s presentation will take place at 5:30 pm and  refreshments will be provided. Admission is $5 for Historical Society members and $10 for non-members.

Due to limited seating at the museum, reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling (231) 526-9771 or emailing info@harborspringshistory.org.