Service Learning Pilot Project Launched. This spring, the Little Traverse Conservancy launched a Service Learning Program with upper middle and high school students.  The purpose of the program is to provide educational opportunities to supplement curriculum goals while the students assist with a stewardship project or activity at a selected nature preserve.   For the pilot program, education and stewardship staff teamed up with teachers in the Les Cheneaux A.C.E program to create a project which benefitted both the educational needs of the school and the stewardship needs of the Conservancy.  A.C.E. is an alternative community education program in the Les Cheneaux area, currently enrolling nine students in grades 8-12.   The newly acquired Mertaugh addition to the Birge preserve was in need of an established parking area and viewing area.  The students were first educated on the area and the Conservancy before forming work teams and creating project plans.   All are invited to visit the Birge-Mertaugh preserve to enjoy the viewing area that is the result of the students' hard work.  The Conservancy would like to thank the students and teachers of the A.C.E. program for their participation and efforts.