Petoskey has a New Nature Preserve, thanks to Sally Clark

Sept. 15, 2004

Having lived in Petoskey for 45 years in a house perched above a sweeping view south of the city of Petoskey, Sally Clark has seen many changes occur in the landscape.
“When we moved here, there were only two restaurants to go to, the Perry and a restaurant where La Senorita now is.” “And that was enough!”
Realizing the good fortune that she and her late husband John (“Jack”) had in purchasing and living at their property, Sally knew she wanted to do whatever she could to ensure the land stayed in its natural state. Her home is situated within Petoskey city limits, just off of Jennings Street and adjacent to land owned by North Central Michigan College.
When Clark started asking around for help in protecting her land, everyone told her to contact the Little Traverse Conservancy. After talking with Conservancy Executive Director Tom Bailey, Clark chose to donate five acres of natural land as a nature preserve. To doubly ensure the land’s protection, Sally had a conservation easement placed on the property.
“I wanted to do everything available to make sure it stays the way it is,” she said.
“Sally has given a marvelous gift to the Petoskey community,” said Bailey. “This land lies within a region that is being rapidly approached by expanding development. Instead of private development, Sally has expanded the boundaries of protected land that exists for all to enjoy.”
The Little Traverse Conservancy was established in 1972 as a non-profit land conservation organization working in five counties: Emmet, Cheboygan, Charlevoix, Chippewa, and Mackinac. Its mission is 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. With the support of more than 4,100 members, LTC has worked with landowners to protect more than 23,000 acres of land with nearly 70 miles of shoreline along northern Michigan’s streams, rivers, and lakes. For more information, visit www.landtrust.org.



Here come the Eddi Awards



The annual recognition of art lover eddi Offield’s impact on the quality of life in Northern Michigan will take place this Friday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. when the Crooked Tree Arts Center presents the fourth annual eddi Awards.
The annual event focuses on the artistic wellspring of Charlevoix and Emmet counties, with awards presented for Visual Artist, Performing Artist, Arts & Cultural Organization, Arts in Education, Arts and Cultural Leadership Individual Patron Award, Benefactor Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. This year’s selection committee includes Bev Holden and Joan Tebo, Walloon Lake; Nancy Porter, Charlevoix; Terri Warnos, East Jordan; Marilyn Davies, Melissa Keiswetter, and Maureen Nicholson, Petoskey; and Jim Gillespie and Kathy Lott, Harbor Springs. JoAnn Dalto of East Jordan and Steve Spencer of Harbor Springs are serving as co-chairs for the second year.
Sponsors include Gaslight Gallery, Spectrus, Inc., Bay View Association, National City Bank, North Central Michigan College, Victories Hotel and Casino, Little Traverse Conservancy and Northern Michigan Hospital.
Tickets are $40 per person and include champagne, beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, appetizer style dinner, dessert and awards ceremony; and $10 for the awards ceremony and dessert only. For info or to reserve a ticket, please call the Crooked Tree Arts Center at
231-347-4337 or visit www.crookedtree.org.