Foundation starts Lake Erie conservancy fund

MIDDLE BASS ISLAND — The Ottawa County Community Foundation recently announced the establishment of a new $25,000 fund by the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy. Regarding the sonservancy, its mission aims to conserve and protect natural and agricultural lands in the Lake Erie Islands region. The fund, invested to provide for growth over time, will support the conservancy's evolving needs: for operations, capital improvements, land preservation, matching grant opportunities or other priorities that advance its mission. "We're excited to offer a new way for donors to support our conservancy's efforts to preserve island lands for the future," said Lisa Brohl, chair of the conservancy's board of directors. "This partnership with the Ottawa County Community Foundation helps strengthen the organization for the long term," Brohl added. "Our work is both immediate and ongoing, and this fund gives us the flexibility to address today's needs while planning for what comes next." Kelly Faris, secretary and treasurer of the conservancy's board of directors, echoed those sentiments and added, "I was pleased that the board of directors of the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy approved an investment with the Ottawa County Community Foundation. That commitment supports both the mission of the conservancy, encouraging conservation and protection of natural and agricultural lands in the Lake Erie Islands, and the work of the foundation." Founded in 2000, the conservancy has helped protect more than 160 acres across South Bass and Middle Bass islands, including the: • Gravel beaches and reefs of Scheeff East Point Preserve • Spring wildflowers of the Jane Coates Wildflower Trail • Rocky cliffs of Massie Cliffside Preserve • Wet woodlands of the Middle Bass Forested Wetland Preserve These efforts are carried out in close partnership with the Put-in-Bay Township Park District, the Lake Erie Islands Historical Society and the Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center, reflecting a shared commitment to conserving the islands' landscapes, history and environment. The conservancy is also engaged in projects, such as pollinator habitat restoration and invasive plant removal, to help ensure these spaces remain healthy and accessible. Both the foundation and conservancy share a longstanding partnership. Over the years, the conservancy has received community grant support from the foundation, most recently to help restore historic agricultural buildings and install signage to enhance public understanding of the islands' landscapes. By establishing the fund at the foundation, the conservancy "creates a dedicated charitable vehicle that supporters can contribute to now and in the future." "We are proud to continue our relationship with the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy in this new way," said Shea McGrew, executive director of the foundation. "The Ottawa County Community Foundation exists to help organizations, individuals and families create lasting impact. This fund provides a permanent home for charitable support of (the conservancy) that will strengthen conservation efforts on the islands for years to come."