Fred Sitkins, the executive director of the Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA), refers to the Leo Creek Preserve as an outdoor classroom. Located near Suttons Bay, this beautiful area has been a place for students to learn about protecting and preserving watersheds for the past five years. Recently, ISEA officially acquired the property, allowing them to enhance their educational programs even further.
The Leo Creek Preserve, situated close to the Leelanau Trail, has a rich history of education. Nearby, the Leelanau Montessori school once thrived. Students there enjoyed memorable experiences, from building stick forts to picking blueberries. In 2020, a generous donation led to the establishment of the preserve, which covers 8.7 acres of diverse land.
Kate Thornhill has long been connected to the property, having worked on its stewardship since the preserve’s formation. She recalls how much kids loved playing by the creek when the Montessori school was active. Now, with ISEA’s involvement, she is excited about bringing educational programs back to life.
Although ISEA is known for its sailing Schoolship programs, Sitkins emphasizes their desire to expand beyond the water. They want to develop year-round educational initiatives, especially related to watersheds. ISEA aims to teach children how their actions on land affect our water systems. Leo Creek, with its rich ecological resources, has served as a perfect venue for these lessons.
“The preserve is just a great fit for us,” Sitkins says. The area provides an ideal backdrop for hands-on learning, with 1,000 feet of creek frontage. It allows students to engage in activities like water sampling and chemistry testing while exploring the connection between land and water.
Thornhill plans to continue her involvement with the preserve by maintaining a garden and collaborating with ISEA on future projects. She expresses joy in fostering a space that people can enjoy and learn from, highlighting the satisfaction that comes from environmental stewardship.
Sitkins sees significant potential for growth at Leo Creek. With ISEA’s new ownership, there will be more volunteer opportunities and educational events for people of all ages. His hope is to inspire a community dedicated to caring for local watersheds.
“Our mission is to foster future stewardship of the Great Lakes,” Sitkins explains. “We want students to see the impact they can make, no matter how small.” Leo Creek Preserve is a perfect example of this vision, showcasing how individuals can contribute positively to the environment.
The collaboration between ISEA and the Leo Creek Preserve marks a new beginning. With educational programs set to flourish, both organizations look forward to inspiring future environmental stewards and nurturing a deeper understanding of our precious natural resources.
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