It was in the 1980s that I first became aware of the Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council (NMEAC) and sent in my membership to help with their mission of “education and action” on behalf of the earth.

It became personal in the 1990s when the Michigan Department of Transportation wanted to widen Peninsula Drive to four lanes, which would have meant the loss of more than 65 mature trees and many flowering shrubs and would contribute to more air pollution. That’s when I joined the NMEAC board.

Another issue that came to our attention was the realization of the pollution of Boardman Lake by predecessors of Cone Drive and cooperation with the city litigation for cleanup. It is still being monitored.

And, yes, we still have more superfund sites that need remediation.

Next, in the 1990s, was the opposition along with several other groups and the city to the construction of the Hartman-Hammond Bridge that would have opened up acres of virgin land for development and destroyed a critical wetland.

Many other assaults over the years have kept NMEAC involved and working for more than 43 years to protect what is critical for human life.

Until humans recognize the basic need to protect our natural world by living within its boundaries, there will be a need for NMEAC and other organizations who work to protect clean air, water, soils and trees and to deal with the ravages of the climate crisis.

As part of the solution, NMEAC is currently also working to promote green, renewable energy.

We also are collaborating with other groups and the tribes to shut down Line 5, the 70-year-old toxic pipeline in the Straits.

On Friday, April 19, NMEAC will be celebrating those who have given their time, efforts, expertise and caring to Mother Earth.

They are the real heroes of our times, and we honor them with music, a talk by David Milarch of Archangel Ancient Tree Archive and individual recognition.

Come join us. Go to www.nmeac.org for more information.

If you care about the future for our children and grandchildren, hopefully you too will join this effort and take an active part. Be a part of the solution by joining NMEAC or another group that fits your passion.

Earth is calling. Will you heed the call?

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This article appeared in The Record-Eagle forum section on April 12, 2024.