Dear Editor,

North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy (NOHLC) has reached its fundraising goal for the stewardship of Mud Lake in Brandon Township. Proceeds from two benefit events were combined to reach the $6,000 goal: an October Farmhouse dinner, hosted last fall by Bob and Suzy Fluck, and the spring MudBall on March 19. MudBall sponsors Kirk Falvay and Sue and Don Topping, along with donations from many local businesses and individuals helped to reach the goal. Wojo’s generously donated their greenhouse space for the MudBall and Dr. David Regiani sponsored the StarDusters Big Band. At the glitteringly wacky MudBall event, Township Supervisor Kathy Thurman was the recipient of the coveted Golden Glob for her entry in the environmental Mud-slinging spoof.

Funds raised will be used for the stewardship of the 35-acre property, recently bequeathed to NOHLC by the John Charles McGrath Estate. Mud Lake is the northernmost headwaters to the Flint River, feeding into the E/W branch of Kearsley Creek, a cold-water trout stream. As the owner of the property, the Conservancy has accepted the responsibility for monitoring the property with yearly inspections, handling property violations, controlling invasive species, and appropriate property improvements.

Additional funds raised will go toward the stewardship of other NOHLC properties and for improvements that will make the Mud Lake property more accessible to the public and for outdoor education. Donations may be sent to NOHLC, PO Box 285, Clarkston, MI 48347 or on-line at http:/www.nohlc.org/donate.

Sue Julian

NOHLC Land Specialist