North Central Michigan College partners with local nature conservancy group to promote environmental stewardship
The Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy and North Central have formally entered into a partnership, funded by a local philanthropist, to provide learning experiences to students that will bring real world understanding to concepts taught in classes.
Representatives from North Central Michigan College and the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy (WLAC) gathered outside of the library on the Petoskey campus to sign an agreement to collaborate on shared conservation goals. The funding for the partnership came from the late Dr. Jack Postle, local outdoorsman and philanthropist. The purpose of the partnership is to provide opportunities for North Central students to gain field research experience and to bring awareness of conservation efforts to the community.
In a news release from North Central Michigan College, details of the partnership are provided. The collaboration will pool resources to protect Walloon Lake and its watershed area through education and community outreach. The first year of the partnership will bring Environmental and Sustainability Studies (ENVS) program students to one of the 50 nature preserves cared for by WLAC to enhance student understanding of concepts being taught in the classroom. As Professor Kerri Finlayson explains, "Spending time outside in local environs produces both a sense and a love of place, thereby leading people to care about and protect the land, water, air and species in their community."
Some students from the BIO 152 classes, taught by Professor Isis Arsnoe, have already visited Mill Pond and Postle Farm Preserve. Arsnoe elaborates on how their field research advances the cause of conservation, saying, "By interacting with WLAC program staff and performing field research, students practice research techniques, gain confidence in their abilities as scientists and researchers, and have opportunities to make professional connections in conservation fields."
WLAC Executive Director Josephine Roberts expressed enthusiasm for what the partnership will mean for the organization's conservation efforts. "We are excited to engage young people in our mission to protect and conserve Walloon Lake and its watershed. There may be no better source of inspiration than the work we do to protect the pure, turquoise waters of Walloon and the old forests that surround the lake," said Roberts.
President David Roland Finley of North Central Michigan College said, "The legacy created by this partnership will benefit North Central students for generations to come."