Page 20 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2015

COASTNOTES PRESERVINGNAPROTECTING
ABOVE: THE LAND TRUST FOR THE COASTAL PLAIN works hard to preserve and protect our abundant natural resources through conservation efforts and education. BELOW: A GROUP OF WHITE PELICANS live within the close to 7,000 acres in permanent conservation.
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First ever Enchanted Forest Evening benefits Land Trust for the Coastal Plain
story by Lynn Lofton photos courtesy of LTMCP
An Enchanted Forest Evening is being presented by the Beau Rivage Casino Resort to benefit the Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain. This first-time fundraiser takes place July 23 from 6 to 9 p.m.
“It brings together a diverse group of attendees who
will gather to learn how important they are in the
process of preserving and protecting coastal lands,
making sure our green spaces and open spaces will be
here for our children and their children, and exactly
where in the process of leaving a legacy for future generations the Land Trust fits,” said Judy Steckler, executive director of the Land Trust.
There will be a silent auction consisting of 15 rain barrels painted by local artists and five live auction items. A special section will provide guests the opportunity to buy trees to plant in memory of loved ones on several Land Trust properties where tree canopies destroyed by Hurricane Katrina are being replaced.
The Land Trust’s mission is to conserve, protect and promote green spaces and open spaces of cultural, historical, and ecological significance in the counties of the Mississippi Coastal Plain. The organization was founded as the result of consensus among community leaders more than a dozen years ago as development gained momentum in the coastal counties.
“Recognizing that the abundant natural resources of our area deserve to be protected through conservation efforts and education, the LTMCP was organized and today accepts responsibility as a recognized leader in this effort,” Steckler said.
In the 14 years of the LTMCP’s operation, close to 7,000 acres have been placed in permanent conservation.
“But our gulf, rivers, forests and rich agricultural land are more than
just scenery; they’re also valuable resources that provide communities
with quality drinking water, local food sources, recreation, and places to bring families together, to relax and recharge,” Steckler said. “As the only nationally accredited land trust in Mississippi, the LTMCP is uniquely prepared to lead as crucial conversations take place that will affect not only our lives, but will form the legacy we leave for future generations. Your support will allow the Land Trust to expand this work.”
Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain An Enchanted Forest Evening
Limited Tickets are on sale for $75 228.435.9191 • www.LTMCP.org
20 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • July 2015
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