Brandon Twp.- A 35-acre parcel of land will remain pristine and protected in the township for years to come? a habitat for wildlife, and with help from the community, an education destination for students.
Mud Lake was bequeathed to the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy last fall by the estate of Charles McGrath, delighting environmental conservationists who plan to throw a celebratory party that will also raise funds to preserve the property.
‘Mud Lake is a wonderful habitat for ducks, beavers, and northern leopard frogs and it is the northernmost headwaters of Kearsley Creek as it comes off the high banks area,? said Lois Robbins, NOHLC member and township resident. ‘It is not buildable, but it’s important to wildlife and for the quality of the creek. There are expenses involved with taking care of it, which is why we are putting on a benefit, to raise funds for stewardship of the property.?
The NOHLC will host the Spring MudBall, a benefit for the Mud Lake Preserve, at 7 p.m., March 19, at Wojo’s Greenhouse.
Tickets, $45 each, must be purchased by March 12.
Funds from this event will be used for a variety of activities related to the newly acquired property, which is located east of Oakwood Elementary School, adjoining the state recreation area and is currently inaccessible as wetlands.
NOHLC will put the money in trust for the cost of property taxes, annual inspections and upkeep of the property, including management of invasive species in order to protect wildlife diversity.
NOHLC has a mission to ‘conserve woods, fields, streams, and other natural resources, focusing on the headwaters area of the Clinton, Shiawassee, Huron and Flint rivers.?
The non-profit organization is fully accredited by the Land Trust Alliance and the state of Michigan.
Mud Lake will now be part of more than 1,450 acres of open space preserved by the NOHLC and protected from future development.
‘In the future it may be possible to create some sort of pathway or overlook so that students in the adjoining elementary school can have a site for studies that complement the curriculum,? said Sue Julian, NOHLC Board of Directors. ‘For now it is a reserve for the diverse wildlife’beaver, migratory ducks, frogs’and the varied wetland plants that surround the lake.?
The March 19 MudBall will feature music by the Stardusters Big Band, appetizers and ‘Mud Pie? desserts, as well as a cash beer and wine bar. Additionally, there will be a ‘mud-slinging? competition, with guests invited to deliver their ‘most eloquent, hyperbolic, inflammatory insult, hurled at a nameless adversary.? Submissions should be in writing and accompany reservations to the MudBall. Upon acceptance, they can be thrown during verbal competition at the event. Deadline for reception of submissions, as well as for ordering of $45 event tickets, is March 12.
Checks can be made payable to NOHLC and mailed to NOHLC, P.O. Box 285, Clarkston, MI 48347. You can also register at www.nohlc.org or by calling 248-795-2808.