Sue Topping wasn’t looking for a job when she visited the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy three years ago, but she got one.
Now she is executive director of an organization dedicated to conservation of natural resources by negotiating purchase of land and urging property owners to establish perpetual conservation easements.
‘It was on my conscience to see what I could do to help,? Topping said. ‘I just didn’t like to see every parcel getting developed.?
As it turns out, a good friend, Susan Balmas, was serving as the group’s interim director at the time.
‘She talked me into applying for the job. I saw a role that I needed to fill. I really wasn’t there for the job; I was there for the cause.?
Prior to taking the position, Topping was a satisfied stay-at-home mom with a degree in industrial management. Now she enjoys being part of a group ? and she stresses the work of the group, not just herself ? in their work with municipalities and developers.
Calling herself a ‘green Republican,? Topping believes in working through the free market system to preserve wetlands, farm land and open space.
‘The whole concept of conserving makes sense,? she said. ‘Simple economics says if the country doesn’t protect its resources, then you’re bankrupt.?
Affiliated with the national Land Trust Alliance, the conservancy has just under 1,100 acres under its protection in northwest Oakland County, either through outright ownership or through conservation easements established by property owners.
Topping believes more developers should recognize the value of cooperating with open space zoning guidelines. That value comes both in tax benefits and future property value appreciation.
With an 18-member board of directors and 30 to 40 active volunteers, the land conservancy is a great group of people, Topping said, and that’s another source of encouragement and fulfillment.
‘It is the coolest,? she said. ‘They’re good people. There wouldn’t be anything without the group.?
The same challenges facing families and government also face the land conservancy these days, Topping said. The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments estimates maximum ‘build out? within 15 years, so there is a sense of urgency to the work of the conservancy.
‘What we need is large sums of money. Somehow we need a solution for how we can raise money to buy land that’s for sale.?
There’s always room for more volunteers and more donations. Those interested are invited to visit the Web at www.nohlc.org or call (248) 846-6547.
Volunteerism has been important to Topping for years. The mother of three children used to be active in scouting and parent groups at Cedar Crest Academy. Now that her children are older (the youngest preparing for graduation), she serves on the board of directors for the Clarkston Conservatory of Music and (in association with her husband’s work for a Detroit advertising agency) assists with activities of the Women’s Committee for Hospice and Oakland Family Services).
She said she learned about the importance of volunteer work from her parents? example, and she hopes the lesson will be passed to a new generation.
‘By example, I learned leadership, and that’s what I’m hoping my kids pick up,? she said.
‘Spare time? is rare, but Topping and her husband enjoy the ‘mental therapy? of boating on Lake St. Clair. Gardening (when there’s time), art and reading are among her pastimes, as well.
She also enjoys traveling, and is toying with the idea of accompanying her daughter’s orchestra from the Flint Institute of Music when they travel to France during Easter break.
While she loves family, she said there is some anticipation of having all three children on their own.
‘It’s going to be kind of nice to go back to just us,? she said. ‘I’m looking forward to keeping tighter control of the wallet.?
She’s not too worried about empty nest syndrome yet, however, because there’s plenty to keep her busy in the meantime.
‘In my golden years, I’ll sit there and do my reflecting, but right now there isn’t time,? she said.