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Harold Baker, 86, has resided near the Pinckney Recreation Area on Half Moon Lake (Dexter Township, Washtenaw County) since 1951. Over the years, he has consolidated several small lots totaling approximately 2 acres, directly adjacent to the 11,000-acre public natural area. This year, Baker protected these forested parcels through a permanent conservation agreement with the Washtenaw Land Trust.
Baker has been involved with Boy Scouts for 50 years. During that time he led countless projects to build and restore trails in the Pinckney Recreational Area. For Baker, the trail work enhanced his love of the woods and his appreciation for leaving things in nature the way that they are.
When asked why he decided to protect his land, Baker immediately responded, “Because of the trees.” A self-proclaimed tree-hugger, Baker explained that he wanted to protect the natural beauty of the wooded land. He said, “I love the woods, and I didn’t want anything to happen to them in the future. I want them to be able to stay the way they are.
“I think that what the Washtenaw Land Trust is trying to do in protecting land is wonderful.
“I urge anyone who has a piece of land and loves the land for the land, to do something about it before ‘progress’ takes hold of it.”
Susan Lackey, executive director of the Washtenaw Land Trust, adds, “It’s important to protect buffer parcels like this that are adjacent to already-protected lands. It helps keep these natural corridors intact. We’re grateful for Mr. Baker’s gift to the community.”
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Serving Washtenaw and Jackson counties, the Washtenaw Land Trust protects the natural areas and rural landscapes that make our community a great place to live. Since 1971, the Land Trust has protected 65 properties totaling 3,621 acres through voluntary land conservation. The Land Trust is a private, non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, please visit www.washtenawlandtrust.org, or contact the Land Trust at info@washtenawlandtrust.org or 734-302-LAND (5263).
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How You Can Support Local Land Protection
More great conservation projects are in the works. Your gift to the Land Trust will ensure that funds are ready for the next big opportunity. If you'd like to make a gift:
Thank you! For more information, please contact Suzie Heiney at 734-302-LAND (5263) or suzie@washtenawlandtrust.org.
Photo credit: Barry Lonik
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