Page 59 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2016

Why support the Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain? “Conservation is much more than just buying and protecting real estate; it’s the epic story of nurturing a healthy relationship between people and the land,” Steckler said. “We cannot expect people to care about or support
the conservation of nature before they learn to love nature. A Land Trust is a nonprofit organization that actively works to conserve land by undertaking or assisting in land acquisition or the development of conservation easements.”
Protecting natural areas provides numerous benefits
that improve the health and quality of life for everyone living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Preserving land along streams is the most cost-effective way to prevent pollution from entering our drinking water supplies. It’s
essential to conserve natural areas, especially
healthy forests, given that trees and other
vegetation are the only source humans have for
the oxygen we breathe. And, as an added bonus,
trees soak up excess carbon in the atmosphere!
It’s hard to think of any other endeavor that
addresses so many basic human needs.
“Our society is increasingly sedentary, leaving millions of people unhealthy. People need more places to get fit through walking, paddling and other recreational activities,” Steckler said. “In addition to physical benefits, time spent in nature provides a peaceful place for contemplation and relaxation, a major boost for mental health.”
Before a place can become a public trail, greenway or blueway, it needs to be protected.
OPPOSITE PAGE: Paintings by Alison Henry will appear at the auction. THIS PAGE: Works by Bruce Seabolt (Top Left), Mary Moran (Bottom Left), Cissy McCabe (Top Right) and Kerr Grabowski will all be on display for the conservation cause.
Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain protects over 9,000 acres of diverse habitats and histories that can be found nowhere else in the world. These ecosystems are inter-dependent and play essential roles in the quality of life in South Mississippi.
“Your help and support is needed to continue the Land Trust mission of conserving and protecting the green spaces that we all love here,” Steckler said. “Become a member
of the Land Trust, a sponsor, make a donation, volunteer. Because if not you, then who is going to create a love of nature for future generations of environmentalists and leaders?”
FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
July 2016 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 59
An Enchanted Forest Evening presented by Beau Rivage Resort & Casino Wednesday, July 20, 6–9 p.m.
Music by Jonathan Brannon • Tickets: $100 Dress: Coast Business Casual Sponsorships are still available.
Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain 228.435.9191 • www.LTMCP.org