North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy hosts a Wild Night Out, 6:30-9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9, at White Lakes Oaks Country Club.
The event will include dinner, barbershop chorus, vintage wine pull, and silent and live auctions.
“We have some fantastic auction items with a professional caller,” said Executive Director Jan Kulodge.
In addition to collecting donations, the annual fund raiser raises awareness of the conservancy’s thousands of acres its volunteers work to preserve, including Nels Kimball Sanctuary in Independence Township, off M-15 south of I-75.
The 41-acre property, which is named after the first director of NOHLC, was donated by developers in 1985.
“We’re thankful to the developer for donating this,” the executive director said. “It’s in a prime site on the headwaters. Our mission is to keep it as pristine as can be.”
It’s also a place to walk and enjoy wildlife, she said.
The volunteer group Kimball Keepers regularly inspect and work with neighbors to remove invasive species such as buckthorn.
They host a Restoration Day on Wednesday, Oct. 7, with volunteers working on walking paths, bridges, and a parking area.
Boy Scout Adam Zuelke, Troop 143, is also working on his Eagle Project to build and install signs along the walking path.
Kulodge joined NOHLC as executive director about two months ago, bringing 30 years of experience running non-profits in Europe and Africa. She lives in Lake Angelus but is familiar with Clarkston, having walked her dog around Depot Park for years.
She’s already worked with many business owners and representatives, donating items for the auction at Wild Night Out.
“I love Clarkston,” she said. “People in this community give their hearts and souls. That’s what you need.”
Upcoming NOHLC projects include a 10,000-acre challenge and capital campaign. The conservancy has about 6,000 acres now, with discussions underway for more properties along the Clinton and Shiawassee rivers.
For more information, check www.nohlc.org.