We’re honoring Earth Day by providing you with area resources that help preserve, conserve, and protect our beautiful Northern Michigan home.

On Earth Day, you can go green by planting native flowers, composting, or joining a local cleanup group. Your small efforts today can make a big impact on our future.

Little Traverse Conservancy

Mission: To protect the natural diversity and beauty of northern Michigan by preserving significant land and scenic areas, and fostering appreciation and understanding of the environment.

Find Preserves and Reserves, Trails, Donate, Protect Your Land, and learn about projects that the Little Traverse Conservancy is working on. “The Conservancy” offers education for our future through free programs which can be found at their website under the “Education” tab in the “About” section. They serve Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Emmet, and Mackinac counties.

Emmet Conservation District

Mission: Our mission as stewards of the environment is to improve the quality of life for residents of Emmet County, by protecting and conserving our natural resources, promoting sound sustainable agriculture practices, and providing educational opportunities for the community.

The Emmet Conservation District offers (see website for all services):

• Bi-annual tree sale/ plant sale
• Education workshops
• Natural resource expertise
• Invasive species survey, control, and expertise
• Site assessments for landowners
• Vegetation assurance
• Forest and river cleanups

Freshwater Future

Freshwater Future is a catalyst for community action that strengthens policies designed to safeguard the waters of the Great Lakes region.

Programs offered by Freshwater Future include:

• Coaching and consulting
• Community water councils
• Great Lakes network
• Water watchers & wellness

In the news:

Feb 26, 2020 – “After PFAS discovery, Pellston students take their work further”,  Petoskey News-Review.

Feb 20, 2020 – “Should you be concerned about what’s in your drinking water?”,  Petoskey News-Review.

Feb 13, 2020 – “High levels of PFAS detected in Pellston well; two more wells being tested”, Upnorthlive/ABC7&4.

Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

Mission: “The Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council speaks for Northern Michigan’s waters. We are dedicated to protecting our lakes, streams, wetlands, and groundwater through respected advocacy, innovative education, technically sound water quality monitoring, thorough research, and restoration actions. We achieve our mission by empowering others and we believe in the capacity to make a positive difference. We work locally, regionally and throughout the Great Lakes Basin to achieve our goals.”

Check out their Earth Day Bingo Card!

Crooked River Club (Facebook Page)

The mission of the Crooked River Club is to conserve, enhance, protect and enjoy the Crooked River and its watershed.

Preservation Associations

Our area preservation associations work to protect, preserve, and improve the water quality of our lakes and rivers.

Pickerel-Crooked Lakes Association

Mission: Working, Educating, and Advocating for Quality Lake Living since 1963. PCLA guards our wetlands by working to reduce shoreline erosion. We also educate residents and visitors about what they can do to protect this irreplaceable natural resource. Pickerel and Crooked Lakes comprise a rich, beautiful habitat. We encourage you to keep it healthy for the next generation, while you enjoy it to the fullest.

Burt Lake Preservation Association

Mission: ​The Mission of the BLPA is the preservation and improvement of Burt Lake and its watershed for quality use by future generations. To do this we will unify the lake community to confront the key issues involving the lake and its watershed.   Working in cooperation with federal, state, and local government entities, educational institutions, foundations, conservancies, and other resources, the Association will contribute financial and human resources to fill this goal.

Douglas Lake Preservation Association

Mission: The purpose of the Douglas Lake Improvement Association is to preserve, protect and improve the quality of Douglas Lake and its environs and the quality of life of its residential community.

Paradise Lake Preservation Association

Mission: Promote community preservation and conservation efforts to ensure the healthy future of Paradise Lake and its surrounding watershed.  

Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy

Mission: Our mission is to deliver Walloon Lake, a place where people and nature thrive, to the next generations through the power of conservation.

Invasive Species Management

Charlevoix Antrim Kalkaska Emmet Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CAKE CISMA)

Mission: To protect the natural resources, economy, and human health in Northern Lower Michigan through collaborative outreach and management of invasive species.

Michigan Invasive Species Program

About: The Michigan Invasive Species Program is a joint effort of the Departments of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; Natural Resources; and Agriculture and Rural Development.

State of Michigan Resources

Michigan Eagle (Wetlands & Shoreline Permits)

About: Working side-by-side with partners at local, regional, state and federal levels, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) safeguards our state’s environment while supporting the economic growth and development crucial for Michigan’s future. 

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Mission: We are committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations.

Emmet County Resources

Planning and Zoning (Emmet County)

About: The Emmet County Planning and Zoning Department is responsible for protecting the health, safety and welfare of the people who visit, live, or work in Emmet County by planning and regulating land use activities to ensure compliance with the Emmet County Zoning Ordinance.

Emmet County Recycling

Mission: To provide opportunities and education for employees, residents, businesses, and neighboring communities to reduce waste, reuse, recycle and properly dispose of materials in order to preserve the natural beauty of our northern Michigan community.

How are you celebrating this Earth Day?

Have missed a resource we should have included? Please let us know!