By Marie Zhuikov and Jane Harrison
The Lake Michigan Stakeholder’s annual spring membership meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 30, at the Urban Ecology Center-Menomonee Valley (3700 W. Pierce St.) in Milwaukee from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., focusing on “Youth and the Environment: Engaging the Next Generation in Conservation.”
The group will hear presentations by the Urban Ecology Center staff, the Student Conservation Association and learn about the Denis Sullivan schooner.
A noon-hour session is free and open to the public. It features Ben Thwaits of Northwest Passage who leads a therapeutic nature photography program for adolescents with mental health issues and behavioral disorders.
‘We’re especially excited to hear from Ben Thwaits,” said Jane Harrison, meeting organizer and social scientist with Wisconsin Sea Grant. “Ben transforms troubled youths by letting them explore nature-based photography in beautiful places like the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Yellowstone National Park.”
Morning sessions will feature presentations and the afternoon will offer field trips to youth work sites and the Denis Sullivan schooner. The full day meeting costs $20, which includes lunch. Pre-registration is required and is due by April 21. Register with Sherrill Anderson, sherrill@lnrp.org.
Formed in 2005, the Lake Michigan Stakeholders is a diverse network of people representing federal, state and local government, universities, non-profit environmental organizations, tribal nations and property owners working together to ensure Lake Michigan remains environmentally resilient and economically enhanced for present and future generations. Members meet each spring and fall to explore key topics, showcase restoration projects and network.
