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Canton signs four‑year agreement with Canton Nature Society for habitat stewardship
Summary
The board approved a four‑year service agreement (retroactive to Jan. 1, 2026) with the Canton Nature Society for $20,000 annually to support stewardship, volunteer coordination, habitat restoration and environmental education in township nature areas including the Zebes Nature Area; Trustee Michael Sechrist recused himself.
Canton Township approved a four‑year service agreement with the Canton Nature Society on Jan. 13 to formalize a co‑stewardship relationship for township nature areas.
Trustee Michael Sechrist disclosed his role as secretary of the Canton Nature Society and recused himself from the vote. The agreement, which the board authorized retroactively beginning Jan. 1, 2026, provides $20,000 annually through Jan. 1, 2030 and assigns the Nature Society responsibilities including habitat inventory and documentation, invasive species removal, habitat restoration support, volunteer stewardship coordination (including youth volunteers), and environmental education.
Deputy Supervisor said the agreement grew from community interest and volunteer engagement. Canton Nature Society President Susan Kennedy thanked the board and highlighted prior successful volunteer plantings at township facilities and strong volunteer sign‑ups.
Board members approved the agreement by voice vote. Staff said the arrangement aims to support preservation goals established when the board designated the Zebes Nature Area under the township’s Nature Area Preservation Ordinance.
