Celebrate Earth Day 2004 by joining the Michigan Environmental Council on the Capitol lawn as we engage with lawmakers, environmental enthusiasts and friends to "Take a Stand for the Land" in Michigan.

Our unique freshwater coastlines, community schools, urban neighborhoods and favorite hiking spots are all at risk from urban sprawl. The time has come to stand up for the land in Michigan and redirect the course of Michigan's environmental future. On Thursday, April 22, 2004, you can be a part of the largest land use rally in Michigan's history while celebrating with live music and friends.

Participants will have the opportunity to meet with legislators to discuss hot land use programs and bills. Informational tables will be available on the lawn, providing environmentalists with the perfect venue to and share ideas. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to attend training sessions that will take attendees through the details of some revolutionary policy packages and give insight into starting, fighting and winning a land use battle. Speakers will include Mike Garfield, Executive

Director of the Ecology Center and one of the leaders of Ann Arbor's revolutionary Greenbelt campaign, Scott Everett of American Farmland Trust, and Tom Barwin, City Manager of Ferndale. Events begin at 9:00 AM and last until 5:00 PM.

With the Governor's Land Use Leadership Council Report readily available, and policy proposals ready to be enacted to save Michigan's landscapes and communities, it's time to get involved and tell your leaders that you want alternatives to urban sprawl, congestion and destruction of our most valuable community assets.

Sign up now at www.My Michigan.org and join environmental enthusiasts from around the state celebrating Earth Day 2004. Or register directly with Ben Stupka at the Michigan Environmental Council (benmec@voyager.net), (517) 487-9539, ext. 15.