The Little Traverse Conservancy celebrated the groundbreaking of The Malcolm Center, which will serve as both Little Traverse Conservancy’s future home and a community gathering place, on July 8.
The Malcolm Center is located at the Offield Family Viewlands. Lead donors on the project are Mark and Patty Malcolm.
“This is our home and your living room,” said executive director Kieran Fleming in a press release. “The Malcolm Center will not only support our critical functions, it will also provide space to invite you into the conversation so that together we can do more.”
The new headquarters represents a major milestone for the conservancy, which has grown enormously since purchasing its current office in 1984. According to conservancy officials, they have gone from “protecting 1,400 acres with a staff of two to permanently protecting nearly 84,000 acres, stewarding more than 130 miles of trails, holding more than 350 conservation easements and providing environmental education experiences to thousands of children each year with a team of nearly 30.”
“We believe this place will attract, engage, educate and inspire more and more visitors and newcomers to LTC. The Center can become a ‘force multiplier,’ increasing awareness, support and ultimately the resources needed for Little Traverse Conservancy to significantly expand its impact,” said Mark Malcolm in a statement. “It’s our time to seize the opportunity and work together, with purpose and resolve, so Little Traverse Conservancy can achieve more than ever for the enduring enjoyment of everyone’s children and grandchildren.”
The conservancy also announced during the groundbreaking ceremony the launch of its comprehensive campaign, which is designed to strengthen the organization’s mission through investments in land protection, stewardship, education, endowment, annual support and The Malcolm Center. Gifts designated to The Malcolm Center are being matched dollar-for-dollar by the Terence and Jennifer Adderley Foundation. Donations can be made at landtrust.org.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Little Traverse Conservancy breaks ground on new headquarters
Reporting by Jillian Fellows, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jillian Fellows, The Petoskey News-Review | USA TODAY Network
