Transcription
Rebekah Warren: This is 89.1 WEMU. For more than three decades, Issues of the Environment has explored the environmental challenges and opportunities that affect our communities, our state and our planet. I’m Rebekah Warren, and today, we’re looking at what it takes to protect land permanently and why that work matters long after the original conservationists have stepped away. In January of this year, the Raisin Valley Land Trust completed a six-year transition, transferring its remaining assets and conservation easements to Legacy Land Conservancy before formally dissolving. The result is continued protection for approximately 600 acres of natural habitat across 16 properties in Washtenaw, Lenawee and Jackson counties. That achievement represents decades of grassroots organizing, volunteer service and a recognition that protecting land is about much more than acquiring property. It also requires the long-term commitment and resources to ensure those protections endure. Joining me today is Sybil Kolon, a long-time local conservationist and one of the co-founders of the Raisin Valley Land Trust. Sybil has spent decades working to protect Michigan’s natural resources, including land in the River Raisin watershed. Sybil, welcome to Issues of the Environment!
Sybil Kolon: Thank you, Rebekah. I really appreciate covering this topic. It’s near and dear to my heart…