Executive Director Glen Chown founded the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy in 1991 with a $100,000 grant from Rotary Charities.
 
Since then the Conservancy has protected more than 40,000 acres of land and over 121 miles of shoreline in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Manistee Counties.  The Conservancy's four pillars of conservation are:
  • Natural land protection
  • Farmland preservation
  • Access to nature, and
  • Stewardship--the "forever" part of the Conservancy's mission
Much of the activity of the Conservancy has occurred within Benzie County, not only in connection with with the massive Coastal Campaign south of Watervale, but also at places like Crystal Lake, Lake Ann, Beulah, Elberta and Honor.  Benzie County is also the home of many of the volunteers who look after Conservancy preserves.
 
In connection with its 25th anniversary the Conservancy produced a publication sent to all supporters entitled "Love the land. Pass It on." and Glen had several copies for those who had not received one.  He also recommended "The Trails of M-22," a guide produced by the Conservancy available on its website.
 
The questions and comments following Glen's presentation confirmed the members' familiarity with the Conservancy's great work within Benzie County and beyond.