October 4, 2000

Disc Golf Fall Fest 2000 'fore' a good cause

Disc golf event benefits regional land conservancy

By JUSTIN CARINCI
Herald staff writer
       For those attending last weekend's disc golf benefit, protecting the region's habitats and beauty was easy as chucking a disc.
      Northwoods Disc Chuckers and the Timberlee Resort held Fall Disc Golf Fest 2000 Saturday and Sunday at Timberlee Disc Golf Course. The benefit raised money for the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.
      Ric Evans of Northwoods Disc Chuckers organized the event. "Land conservancy is a huge issue up here," Evans noted. He appreciates the work of the conservancy and also relishes the opportunity to interest people in the sport. "I like to do anything I can to promote disc golf."
      Anne Mudgett, communications/outreach coordinator for GTRLC, called the benefit a "good fit," educating disc golfers about conservancy.
      "It gives us an opportunity to reach out to a new audience," Mudgett said.
      Players received literature and a GTRLC member gave a presentation on conservancy Sunday.
      Disc golfers could enjoy scenic views of the area from the hilly, wooded Timberlee course. The 24 holes challenged disc chuckers, especially the final hole - its tee on a large hill and the hole all the way at the beginning of the course.
      Each team received generous player packages, including a T-shirt, sweater, cap and disc. The Traverse Brewing Company provided kegs of beer and the Ohio Hempery donated goods made from industrial hemp.
      Money raised by the benefit goes toward the Conservancy's general operating needs.
      The GTRLC protects significant natural, scenic and farm lands, now and for future generations, by acquiring land and educating people. The properties the conservancy acquires - those critical to the protection of the region's fragile habitats and scenic beauty - become nature preserves.
      Since its founding in 1991, the Conservancy has protected 9,277 acres of land and more than 25 miles of water frontage in Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Antrim and Benzie counties.