Helen Taylor

2022 Spring Field Notes

An introduction to Michigan's Spring 2022 Newsletter. 

March 30, 2022

I recently celebrated my 25th anniversary of working for The Nature Conservancy and I feel such gratitude towards this organization for providing me with the opportunity to contribute to this important mission of conservation. Every day, TNC achieves tangible, lasting results that continue to inspire and astound me. You only have to read our latest newsletter to see why!

Even with all we have achieved, my sense of urgency and dedication to this work only grew when I read the latest report from the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). What can each of us do, when the world’s leading scientists warn we have a “brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a livable and sustainable future for all”?

Here’s one easy thing to start with: Let TNC’s global science leader, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, inspire you with a recent talk she gave to Detroit business leaders—you can find the recording here. A renowned climate scientist and an extraordinary communicator, Dr. Hayhoe makes collaborative climate solutions accessible and outlines them as absolutely achievable.

Then, I invite you to read about our new Slate River Forest acquisition. This stunning 10,000-acre property was an extraordinary save—for wildlife and for climate action. The large, mature trees not only are breathtaking, but they also store a substantial amount of carbon.

Compared to most protection projects of this scale, the acquisition of Slate River Forest happened practically overnight. When the stakes are this high, you just have to go for it—and that’s exactly what TNC did. We didn’t have time to rally our supporters then, but we need your help now. See how you can support the Slate River Forest project.

As I look back at the past 25 years, it’s supporters like you who have always made everything possible. Without you, we couldn’t do this work, and I thank you from the depths of my heart. I hope you are proud of what we have accomplished together these many years, and I hope you are energized because there is so much more to do! I am inspired by what we can accomplish in the years to come—step by step, day by day, together.

Yours in Conservation,

Helen Taylor, State Director
The Nature Conservancy in Michigan

Reflecting on 25 Years with TNC

January 12, 2022

I am overjoyed to be celebrating 25 years with The Nature Conservancy. So much has changed since I started but one thing has remained consistent, I have the pleasure of working alongside a truly incredible community. From volunteers to donors to scientists, you’ve all had such an impact on Michigan and our Great Lakes. I’m humbled to have been there to witness it.

As I look back on these many years, it’s incredible to see the progress we have made together. I thought I’d share a few of my thoughts in the short video below. Thank you for taking the time to reflect with me as we turn our attention to the next 25.

In nature,

Helen Taylor, State Director
The Nature Conservancy in Michigan

A Statement on the Great American Outdoors Act

July 23, 2020

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 310-107 to approve the Great American Outdoors Act, which would fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and make critical investments in our national park system and other public lands. The bill, which passed the U.S. Senate last month, now goes to the president for his promised signature.

“The Great American Outdoors Act will not only help rejuvenate the outdoor-based economy in Michigan, it will aid in our state’s recovery from several of the economic, health and social challenges we are facing, said Madhu Anderson, director of government relations for The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Michigan.

This would not have happened without the dedication of many champions, including Senators Stabenow and Peters, as well as Representatives Dingell, Upton, Kildee, Bergman, Slotkin, Moolenaar, Lawrence, Huizenga, Levin, Stevens, and Tlaib, and they have our deepest gratitude.

“Fully and permanently funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund and caring for Michigan’s iconic national parks such as Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore or Sleeping Bear Dunes signals a recognition of all the benefits nature provides. This act provides critical support needed to protect and restore public lands and increase access to nature for all communities. This investment in conservation will pay economic, health and societal dividends for generations to come,” notes Helen Taylor, TNC’s state director in Michigan.

The bill combines two conservation proposals that each have strong, bipartisan support. The first would provide full and permanent funding of $900 million each year for LWCF, an amount derived from offshore oil and gas revenues – not tax dollars. A recent economic analysis shows that every $1 million invested in LWCF could support between 16 and 30 jobs. Additionally, research on the impact of the LWCF shows that $1 spent generates $4 in economic value from natural resource goods and services alone.

The second part of the bill would invest $1.9 billion annually for the next five years toward maintenance in national parks, other public lands and at the Bureau of Indian Education. Over $20 billion in direct visitor spending is disseminated each year to local communities adjacent to national park sites. A recent National Park Service study of maintenance investments in this legislation found that it will support an average of 40,300 direct jobs and a total of 100,100 direct and indirect jobs over the next five years.

Helen Taylor, State Director
The Nature Conservancy in Michigan

Statement on Racial Injustice from TNC in Michigan

June 12, 2020

It has been over two weeks since George Floyd was killed, and, in reflection on that and ensuing events, we must not be silent. One of the earliest taglines of The Nature Conservancy was “Quietly Conserving Nature” and that approach has often permeated our organizational culture to this day.  We like to keep our heads down and just get things done.  But the events of the last few weeks remind us again that sometimes being quiet is synonymous with being complicit, and we have a responsibility to add our voices to the chorus speaking out against police brutality and the systemic discrimination against our neighbors of color.

Michigan was the terminus of several routes of the Underground Railroad and many people of color have come here seeking freedom and a better way of life. Unfortunately, we in Michigan have often not lived up to our shared commitment in the Michigan Constitution “No person shall be denied the equal protection of the laws; nor shall any person be denied the enjoyment of his civil or political rights or be discriminated against in the exercise thereof because of religion, race, color or national origin.”  The last few weeks’ events demonstrate our failure to meet our obligations to end racial injustice, both as individuals and as an institution. We must commit to doing the deep work needed, to learn and engage in difficult conversations about racism, privilege, bias and inequity and understand the history of systemic racism in this country so we can be part of and contribute to change. 

At The Nature Conservancy we have made it our mission to “Conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends” and as we fulfill this mission in Michigan, it is even more important HOW we undertake our work. The Conservancy is guided by a set of Core Values that guide our focus, including “Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures” and a “Commitment to Diversity.”  Until all Michigan residents can access and enjoy those resources equally, without fear of discrimination or mistreatment, and until experiences in articles like this cease to happen, our job will not be complete.  In condemning the senseless killing of George Floyd and so many others, we pledge to work to truly conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends, for all people.  

Hope stirs as we see persistent protests across the country and around the world, that this is a watershed moment. I hope our members, supporters and partners will help us define our path, and work with us as an environmental community to be part of the change together. 

With deep sincerity,
Helen Taylor, State Director
The Nature Conservancy in Michigan