The Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition held its annual “Celebrate the UP!” series of presentations at the Landmark Inn, Peter White Public Library, Federated Women’s Clubhouse and First United Methodist Church over the weekend.

Overall, hundreds of interested folk attended the lectures, informational seminars and workshops.

A variety of programs took place throughout the weekend, starting with keynote speaker John Davis talking about “Continental Wildways: Reconnecting Natural Habitats for Wide-Ranging Species, Hikers and Paddlers” Friday.

The U.P. Land Conservancy was the topic of the Saturday program, “Permanent Protection of Private Conservation Lands.”

Other programs in the agenda included Programs on the weekend’s agenda included talks on loon migration in the Upper Great Lakes, wildlife corridors, a birch bark basket weaving workshop, wilderness survival and other topics.

Started in 2009, the annual gathering has grown from just a handful of events to several days worth of activities.

We support the educational effort the organization makes and believes it’s a valuable endeavor.