What’s happening: A nine-acre nature preserve situated south of Suttons Bay along the Leelanau Trail has changed ownership. The
Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) has received Leo Creek Preserve as a gift, with the Suttons Bay-based nonprofit intending to further utilize the preserve in its educational programming.
What it is: The nine-acre
Leo Creek Preserve was established in 2016 through a private family foundation and its conservation easement with the
Leelanau Conservancy, and has since remained under the stewardship of Kate Thornhill. The preserve features more than 1,000 ft. of Leo Creek waterfront with learning laboratories, native plant and flower gardens, and more.
Who they are: The Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) is an educational nonprofit based in nearby Suttons Bay, providing educational programming focused on the Great Lakes and local rivers, streams, and wetlands. The group utilizes traditionally-rigged tall ship schooners to provide hands-on experience opportunities on the water.
What it does: The gift allows ISEA to further and expand its
onsite watershed programming at Leo Creek Preserve, where the nonprofit began offering such programs in 2021; the creek is a groundwater stream that feeds into Grand Traverse Bay. The preserve will operate as an outdoor learning laboratory while also remaining open to the general public.
Why it’s important: “We are honored to continue the stewardship of Leo Creek Preserve, ensuring that it remains a jewel of Suttons Bay for students and the public,” says ISEA executive director Fred Sitkins. “As ISEA continues to expand our year-round educational programs, Leo Creek, just a mile from our Suttons Bay campus, will play a large role in making our Watershed Exploration programs come to life for the students we serve.”
Leo Creek Preserve is located south of Suttons Bay along the Leelanau Trail.
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