Author: sHq_LoGiNz

With the community’s help to raise necessary funds, generous landowners pledge to donate the historic Sugar Loaf property.

LEELANAU COUNTY, Mich., July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sugar Loaf, one of Northern Michigan’s most iconic landscapes, is poised for a remarkable rebirth. The Leelanau Conservancy must raise $1.6 million by the end of the year to transform the long-dormant site into a world-class public scenic area, permanently protected and open to all.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore a place that holds deep meaning for so many,” said Tom Nelson, Executive Director of the Leelanau Conservancy. “We envision Sugar Loaf as a place where people of all ages and abilities can hike, bike, cross-country ski, play, and reconnect with nature—where conservation and community come together on the mountaintop.” 

The vision for the new Sugar Loaf includes:

• A publicly accessible trail network for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
• Universal access features, including a universal access loop trail for people with restricted mobility.
• A summit pavilion for scenic views.
• Family-friendly features, such as a sledding hill, nature play area, and outdoor gathering space.
• Ecological restoration to protect native species, reduce erosion, and improve water quality in the Good Harbor Bay Watershed.

Thanks to the generosity of the anonymous landowner who acquired the property in 2020 and funded the clean-up of the shuttered hotel and abandoned ski infrastructure, Sugar Loaf is ready for its next chapter. Once the Conservancy meets its fundraising goal, the present owner will donate ownership of approximately 285 acres to the nonprofit, securing its protection and public access forever. The landowner will retain ownership of the currently closed airfield.

Funds will go towards stewardship, trail construction, restoration, and infrastructure to welcome the public back to Sugar Loaf. For now, the property remains closed to public access until the funding goal is met, and the property finds its final home with the Leelanau Conservancy.

“Ownership feels this land should belong to the community. Its goal has always been to see Sugar Loaf preserved and reopened to the public, not developed. By placing it in the capable hands of the Leelanau Conservancy, and through the support of its members and the community at large, ownership can ensure that future generations will enjoy Sugar Loaf’s recreation and cherish its views forever,” says Ross Satterwhite, who has represented ownership throughout the process. “It is an incredibly generous gift to the Conservancy and community,” he said.

The Conservancy is calling on the public to help raise the necessary funds to secure the donation and bring the vision to life. So far, $6.4 million has been raised; $1.6 million is needed to complete fundraising. Every contribution brings the community one step closer to protecting Sugar Loaf. More than a memory, Sugar Loaf will be a living legacy of conservation and recreation for everyone, forever.

Community Information Sessions will be held and are open to the public.

• July 30th, 6pm at Solon Township Hall.
• August 5th, 6pm at Glen Arbor Township Hall.

To sign up, learn more or donate, visit leelanauconservancy.org/sugarloaf 

About the Leelanau Conservancy
The Leelanau Conservancy is a nonprofit land trust. Founded in 1988, the Leelanau Conservancy has protected more than 19,000 acres of critical natural lands and working farms across the Leelanau Peninsula. Through land protection, stewardship, and community engagement, the Conservancy works to ensure that Leelanau’s natural beauty, ecological health, and rural character are preserved for generations to come. Learn more at https://www.leelanauconservancy.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leelanau-conservancy-seeks-to-revitalize-sugar-loaf-for-public-access-302508313.html

SOURCE Leelanau Conservancy

With the community’s help to raise necessary funds, generous landowners pledge to donate the historic Sugar Loaf property.

LEELANAU COUNTY, Mich., July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sugar Loaf, one of Northern Michigan’s most iconic landscapes, is poised for a remarkable rebirth. The Leelanau Conservancy must raise $1.6 million by the end of the year to transform the long-dormant site into a world-class public scenic area, permanently protected and open to all.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to restore a place that holds deep meaning for so many,” said Tom Nelson, Executive Director of the Leelanau Conservancy. “We envision Sugar Loaf as a place where people of all ages and abilities can hike, bike, cross-country ski, play, and reconnect with nature—where conservation and community come together on the mountaintop.” 

The vision for the new Sugar Loaf includes:

• A publicly accessible trail network for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
• Universal access features, including a universal access loop trail for people with restricted mobility.
• A summit pavilion for scenic views.
• Family-friendly features, such as a sledding hill, nature play area, and outdoor gathering space.
• Ecological restoration to protect native species, reduce erosion, and improve water quality in the Good Harbor Bay Watershed.

Thanks to the generosity of the anonymous landowner who acquired the property in 2020 and funded the clean-up of the shuttered hotel and abandoned ski infrastructure, Sugar Loaf is ready for its next chapter. Once the Conservancy meets its fundraising goal, the present owner will donate ownership of approximately 285 acres to the nonprofit, securing its protection and public access forever. The landowner will retain ownership of the currently closed airfield.

Funds will go towards stewardship, trail construction, restoration, and infrastructure to welcome the public back to Sugar Loaf. For now, the property remains closed to public access until the funding goal is met, and the property finds its final home with the Leelanau Conservancy.

“Ownership feels this land should belong to the community. Its goal has always been to see Sugar Loaf preserved and reopened to the public, not developed. By placing it in the capable hands of the Leelanau Conservancy, and through the support of its members and the community at large, ownership can ensure that future generations will enjoy Sugar Loaf’s recreation and cherish its views forever,” says Ross Satterwhite, who has represented ownership throughout the process. “It is an incredibly generous gift to the Conservancy and community,” he said.

The Conservancy is calling on the public to help raise the necessary funds to secure the donation and bring the vision to life. So far, $6.4 million has been raised; $1.6 million is needed to complete fundraising. Every contribution brings the community one step closer to protecting Sugar Loaf. More than a memory, Sugar Loaf will be a living legacy of conservation and recreation for everyone, forever.

Community Information Sessions will be held and are open to the public.

• July 30th, 6pm at Solon Township Hall.
• August 5th, 6pm at Glen Arbor Township Hall.

To sign up, learn more or donate, visit leelanauconservancy.org/sugarloaf 

About the Leelanau Conservancy
The Leelanau Conservancy is a nonprofit land trust. Founded in 1988, the Leelanau Conservancy has protected more than 19,000 acres of critical natural lands and working farms across the Leelanau Peninsula. Through land protection, stewardship, and community engagement, the Conservancy works to ensure that Leelanau’s natural beauty, ecological health, and rural character are preserved for generations to come. Learn more at https://www.leelanauconservancy.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leelanau-conservancy-seeks-to-revitalize-sugar-loaf-for-public-access-302508313.html

SOURCE Leelanau Conservancy

Hearing First, an initiative of the Oberkotter Foundation, shares step-by-step lessons designed by certified Listening and Spoken Language specialists to deliver key, research-backed information to build confidence in families of children with hearing loss.

PHILADELPHIA, July 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hearing First — an initiative of the Oberkotter Foundation dedicated to supporting families and professionals so children with hearing loss have the opportunity to listen, talk, read, and thrive — has launched First LSL Lessons. Designed to help families get started on the Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) path right away after learning their child is deaf or hard of hearing, First LSL Lessons empowers families with clear, sequential steps they can take to develop their child’s listening, talking, and literacy skills – at no cost to the families.

With 94% of babies with hearing loss born to hearing parents, many families report feeling overwhelmed or unsure about the next steps after their child has been identified as deaf or hard or hearing. Families are left to navigate new information, a range of emotions, and added responsibilities, all while determining how to move forward. Common questions parents face often include what hearing loss means for their child’s future and how they can best support their child’s development from the very beginning. means for their child’s future and how they can best support their child’s development from the very beginning.

“We’ve heard first-hand from families that the early days of navigating their child’s hearing loss journey are ones of uncertainty. Parents are eager for guidance on what to do next. First LSL Lessons is the first tool of its kind to break down the foundations of Listening and Spoken Language into easy-to-understand, ready-to-use steps in one place,” said Teresa Caraway, PhD, CCC-SLP, LSLS Cert. AVT, CEO, Oberkotter Foundation. “So no matter where a family lives, whether in an urban or rural location, families are empowered to take the first steps to teach their child who is deaf or hard of hearing to listen and talk by taking consistent, daily action.”

First LSL Lessons is designed to fit into the busy lives of families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. A 2023 Pew Research study found that 84% of families report feeling rushed for time, and between work, commutes, parenting, and complex family schedules, it can be difficult for parents to find time for an additional commitment. Each lesson inside First LSL Lessons takes less than 20 minutes to complete, allowing parents to learn at their own pace – whether completing the lessons all at once or gradually over time. By removing barriers to accessing qualified services, First LSL Lessons fills a critical gap – delivering trusted, expert Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) guidance to families wherever they are, on any device. guidance to families wherever they are, on any device.

Backed by evidence-based LSL principles, strategies, and techniques, the 12 curated lessons build upon each other to deepen parents’ knowledge and skills in supporting their child’s journey to listening and talking. The lessons are available at no cost and can be easily implemented into the daily routines of families by accessing real examples of LSL strategies in action, videos, printable handouts and checklists, and helpful visuals.

The lessons cover key areas of focus, including:

• Hearing Devices and Wear Time
• How to Talk and Read to Baby
• Building Language
• Understanding an Audiogram
• LSL Strategies
• And More

The release of First LSL Lessons aligns with the Oberkotter Foundation’s strategic plan for Hearing First to continue to equip families and caregivers with the right information at the right time to help their child with hearing loss thrive, while supporting the professionals who partner with them. To learn more about how Hearing First supports families and First LSL Lessons, visit HearingFirst.org/Lessons.

About Hearing First
Hearing First, an initiative of the Oberkotter Foundation, helps caring adults provide infants and toddlers who are deaf or hard of hearing with the same listening, spoken language, and literacy opportunities as their hearing peers through Listening and Spoken Language (LSL). Hearing First offers free educational resources and online learning experiences for families of children with hearing loss and professionals who seek to advance their LSL knowledge and understanding. With two free online communities, the Family Support Community and Professional Learning Community, Hearing First also helps members connect with other adults who share their same experience. The Oberkotter Foundation is a private foundation supporting opportunities for children who are deaf or hard of hearing to learn to listen and talk for nearly 40 years.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-lsl-lessons-launches-to-support-children-with-hearing-loss-during-early-days-302508343.html

SOURCE Hearing First