Agency Spotlight
Each month ESMI will highlight the activities of two of its member agencies
so that you can gain a better understanding of their environmental and
conservation efforts here in Michigan. This month we highlight the efforts of the
Huron River Watershed Council and the Michigan Nature Association.
Your path to the
Huron
River
begins with HRWC!
Did you know that the
Huron
River
is the cleanest urban river in Michigan? Since 1965 the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC) has been protecting the
river and its tributary streams, lakes, wetlands and groundwater. HRWC
coordinates programs and volunteer efforts that include pollution prevention,
hands-on river monitoring, wetland and floodplain protection, public outreach
and education, and natural resources planning.
As delicate as it is beautiful, the
Huron
River
watershed covers 910 square miles, has 74 municipal governments and over
500,000 residents. The river offers solace and delight for all of us, and
elevates our quality of life. The watershed supports fish, insects,
wildlife and native plants. It provides habitat and drinking water for all
of these, and for you.
HRWC has a history and reputation of working
creatively and cooperatively to tackle a wide variety of issues. HRWC
helps local governments enact wetland and groundwater protection ordinances and
develop storm water management plans. Statewide, HRWC was instrumental in
passing several of
Michigan
's wetland and water quality protection statutes, and in designating the Huron a
State
Natural
River
. Key HRWC programs include Adopt-A-Stream, the Bioreserve Project, and
the Millers Creek Film Festival.
HRWC is the only environmental organization
dedicated solely to the health of the Huron River. Individuals, local
businesses, and 40 communities support our work through voluntary membership.
With your help we can insure that the Huron stays clean for future generations.
To become a member or learn more about the
HRWC’s river protection programs, visit their website at www.hrwc.org,
or call 734-769-5123, extension 19.
Whatever your interests and enthusiasm are for clean water, we welcome
your involvement.
Michigan Nature
Association
The
Michigan Nature Association (MNA), established in 1952, is a private, nonprofit
organization dedicated to acquiring, protecting and maintaining
Michigan
’s unique natural habitats and rare or endangered species, and to carry on a
program of natural history study and conservation education.
MNA is supported by individuals like you.
MNA
distinguishes itself as the state’s first land preservation organization, and
remains the only statewide land preservation organization devoted solely to
Michigan
. The organization holds its own
deeds and conservation easements and manages its properties to benefit the
natural ecosystems. MNA currently maintains 165 nature
sanctuaries in 56 counties across
Michigan
. These properties encompass over 9,000 acres of forests, prairies,
wetlands and other native habitats, and protect a vast majority of
Michigan
’s species.
MNA
has an active land acquisition program that seeks to preserve and protect
unique, generally pristine
Michigan
habitats and plant and animal species listed as endangered, threatened, or of
special concern. The land acquisition process is stringent
in order to ensure that the potential acquisition meets criteria that are in
keeping with the mission of the organization.
Once a property is acquired by MNA, it is protected in perpetuity.
MNA has an extraordinary stewardship program that actively maintains its
sanctuaries. Through this program, it protects rare and endangered native
species, removes invasive species, conducts controlled burns, constructs trails
and boardwalks, erects signs, and otherwise enhances MNA’s many properties
throughout the state. MNA also trains and works with over 100 volunteer stewards
who, together with our stewardship staff, contract workers and other volunteers,
MNA
believes that good stewardship of the land also includes educating the public
about our natural resources. With
the information and resources available to them, MNA undertakes numerous
activities and events and provides educational resources for students, community
members, and other interested parties.
To become a member or learn more about the
Michigan Nature Association visit their website at www.michigannature.org
or call 517-655-5655.
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