Tom and Loraine Hall walk their property nearly every morning. While traipsing the land, they can not help but notice how the surrounding area has changed.
Standing at the one of the highest natural points in Independence Township, the Halls look over paved roads and a subdivision that did not exist when they first moved to the township in 1965.
As the area develops, the Halls are a prime example of a conservation method which strives to preserve land while acknowledging development. The Halls have preserved over 10 acres of their original lot in five easements to the North Oakland Headwaters Land Conservancy, leaving the community a wooded preserve called Oakland Crest.
For their efforts, the Halls were selected to receive the NOHLC’s Blue Heron Award. According to a NOHLC press release, the award is merit based and presented to those individuals, businesses or corporations who exemplify the land conservation effort which benefits the citizens of North Oakland County.
‘Our community is enriched by the Halls, not only for their efforts in preserving their own and other natural lands, but also for who they are: warm, friendly and generous people,? said NOHLC’s Administrative Director Karen Krigbaum.
‘Obviously we are very pleased and honored. It was unexpected. Jim Reed informed us a couple of months ago,? said Tom.
The Halls point to an article they read in The Clarkston News in 1989 as pushing them to explore conservation easements. The article discussed the financial benefits and legal means of preserving their land and wildlife with a conservation easement.
Recognizing the recent debates over development in the community, the Halls think a balance can be struck.
‘It becomes a matter of education of adults and children. Making children and folks aware that land’s a declining resource. When it’s gone, it’s gone and not coming back? You have to work in concert with economics and the community. It becomes a matter of compromise and moderation,? said Tom.
‘We built the house in 1970. As you live here, you value the land more as time goes. You see the critters and it becomes far more special. We realize it’s a growing area, but as long as it grows with control, that’s fine,? said Loraine.
Tom points out land conservation is becoming more of a factor in township government and hopes others follow their example.
‘It’s becoming more of a factor in public thinking because we’re becoming more densely developed. As with anything, as a resource disappears, it becomes more valuable in the eyes and minds of the public,? said Tom.
The Halls encourage people to explore land conservation for themselves and savor the fact that many residents in the vicinity benefit from the easements.
‘We try to encourage others to see the somewhat personal mission behind conservation and preservation? There’s various ways of saving land without selling it or giving it away. And the most prominent one we use is preservation easements. We’ve done it with about half our acreage. There are trade-offs of development rights for keeping it natural and devaluing it. But you can retain the property and enjoy it in the natural state,? said Tom.
The Halls moved to the area looking for a place to build. They settled on the 20-acre hilly lot to raise their family.
‘We wanted a few acres and found it. The land did not even look buildable, but the two of us cleared out the brush so it could be built,? said Loraine.
Having completed their house in 1970, the Halls raised their two sons Tom and Jim to treat land with reverence and enjoy seeing their grandchildren visit their wooded oasis.
Tom and his wife Cathy live with their son Tom. Jim and his wife Eve have a 6-year-old son David.
Hidden amidst developing land, Tom and Loraine point out the old trees and rock lines that will be forever preserved. While the future of the remaining portion of their 20 acres is not set in stone, the Halls acknowledge they may consider leaving the rest of it to NOHLC.
The Blue Heron Award will be presented to Tom and Loraine Hall at the NOHLC benefit auction event on Oct. 14 at the Indian Springs Metropark Environmental Discovery Center located in Springfield Township.
The benefit will feature live and silent auctions, a buffet dinner and cash bar. The festivities start at 6:30 p.m. and cost $85.00 per person. The public is welcome, but should call 248-846-6547 for reservations. A list of auction items can be found at www.nohlc.org.