The Hildner-Bearce Preserve dedication was one of those moments that affirmed for me what the Little Traverse Conservancy is all about. When we try to evaluate or prioritize our land protection opportunities, we attempt to compare it to all kinds of measurable attributes: number of acres, type of habitat, scenic qualities, water frontage, and so on. Scientists among us can even assign numeric values to land with floristic inventories, species richness, and other formulas. Our attempts to measure the conservation merit of a particular piece of property are important and we certainly have to use our criteria to guide us away from projects that, in the name of balance, should not be "protected." Still, I can't help but be moved by what happened at this 11-acre preserve in a sleepy little cottage community on the east side of Burt Lake on Sunday, July 5.

Over 80 people came out to dedicate this new nature preserve. Eighty people, go figure. The longer I work in this field the more I am struck with how this "conservancy business" is as much about communities and the people that compose them as it is about rare species, habitats, or the need to protect a watershed for the common good. Fortunately, the preservation of an ecosystem and the preservation of the "sense of place" people associate with our northern Michigan slice of heaven go hand in hand.

I think the presence of the eighty people had as much to do with their respect and admiration for Gretchen Bearce and her family from the Bearce and Hildner sides. They are clearly thought of highly in their community and if you had a chance to meet them, this comes as no surprise. Many of them showed up in early cottager attire because immediately after the preserve dedication, Gretchen was hosting a play to interpret the history of the local area. All were invited to attend the play and an "old timers" luncheon after the dedication.

This is a fun group of people and this community is part of what we all have and love about our "up north." It's all connected: the people, the land, the positive and fun attitude.

While the crowd was assembling on Sunday morning, we watched three pileated woodpeckers bicker with each other as they made their way out of the preserve into an adjacent forest. I hope they appreciate what was done for them by the generosity of the Hildner-Bearce families - I know the other 80-plus attendees sure did.

Photos right from top to bottom: Gretchen Bearce shares the history of the Bearce property at the preserve dedication; The whole crowd; Participants in the living history play held later at Gretchen's home.