Partnership continues conservation and educational opportunities
North Central Michigan College (NCMC) and the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy (WLAC) formally renewed a partnership aimed at expanding conservation efforts and education to students and community members.
Representatives from both organizations gathered recently to reaffirm their commitment to continue working collaboratively toward these shared goals. The signing event took place in the Borra Learning Center on North Central’s Petoskey campus.
Over the past five years, North Central students have gained field experience in any of the 50 nature preserves under WLAC’s care. Biology students have also visited two of WLAC’s preserves, Postle Farm Preserve and Mill Pond, documenting biodiversity and establishing sentinel trees for Michigan State University’s Eyes on the Forest tree monitoring program.
"We're delighted to continue our partnership with the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy, said Sara Glasgow, dean of Arts and Sciences. “Collaborations like these are vital for offering students authentic, experiential learning opportunities that excite and inspire them, and for nurturing an ongoing commitment to land and resource stewardship.”
WLAC Executive Director Jon Breithaupt said the partnership demonstrates how higher education and conservation organizations can work together to advance water quality research, land stewardship, and experiential learning.
“We're excited to build on our partnership with North Central to strengthen our capacity to protect natural resources in the Walloon Lake watershed while giving NCMC students meaningful real-world experience in the field,” Breithaupt said.
North Central President David Roland Finley said the collaboration benefits both students and the broader community.
“This partnership is a powerful example of how student success and environmental stewardship go hand in hand,” Finley said. “Students gain invaluable, hands-on experience learning the science behind our local watersheds — knowledge they will carry with them throughout their lives and future careers. At the same time, WLAC benefits from the energy and commitment of engaged students who understand the importance of protecting our natural resources for generations to come. It’s truly a win-win collaboration for everyone involved.”