January 20, 2025 - 10:23
An outdoor classroom: It's how Fred Sitkins, executive director of the Suttons Bay-based Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA), describes the nearby Leo Creek Preserve. For the past five years, ISEA has utilized the space to teach students lessons about watershed protection and preservation. Thanks to a recent gift, the preserve now officially belongs to ISEA, marking a significant milestone for the organization.
The Leo Creek Preserve serves as an essential educational resource, providing hands-on experiences for students to engage with their natural environment. Sitkins emphasizes the importance of connecting young people with their local ecosystems, fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards the environment. This stewardship is critical in an era where environmental challenges are increasingly pressing.
With the official transfer of ownership, ISEA plans to expand its educational programs at the preserve, further enriching the learning experiences for students. The organization is committed to enhancing the natural beauty of the area while promoting conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and learn from this vital resource.