<p>
	<img alt="Louie's Pond this Fall" src="{filedir_5}%2315 Field - louie's pond fall 2008 - J_ Free.jpg" style="float: right; width: 200px; height: 267px; " />One of Au Sable&rsquo;s founding families has continued its generosity and commitment to the Institute.&nbsp; The Snyder family recently sold most of their land to Au Sable Institute, increasing the Great Lakes site from 65 acres to 116 acres. &nbsp;This addition adds all of Louie&rsquo;s Pond and the Beaver Pond, plus a pine plantation, northern hardwoods, and some old historical rail road grades to the Institute land. &nbsp;Au Sable purchased the land for approximately a third of its market value as the Snyders wish to see the Great Lakes site increase its natural study area and continue its mission of environmental protection. &nbsp;The Snyders will keep their home and approximately 5 acres to enjoy the northern area and participate in supporting the Institute in whatever way they can.&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&ldquo;Au Sable is deeply indebted to the Snyders for their vision and commitment to the Institute over these forty years,&rdquo; says Au Sable Associate Director Dave Mahan, &ldquo;The way I think about this purchase, which is more of a donation, is that the Au Sable property is now complete.&rdquo;</p>
