Sharon Oriel - The Leelanau Conservancy

Sharon Oriel - Docent

Sharon and her husband, Pat, live on the Crystal River in Glen Arbor, across from the Stockman Conservation Easement. Leelanau County became their permanent home in 2005 after 20 years of being part-time residents. Sharon served on the Leelanau Conservancy’s Board for nine years, and is a longtime docent, showcasing our special places to hundreds of people. She says that the Preserves (Hatlem, Teichner, Swanson, Cedar River, Soper) are “special favorites because of their amazing variety of native plants and their role in preserving clean water. These properties also offer quiet places to soak in all that makes Leelanau a special place year around.”

Sharon also serves on the Housing Action Committee and Scenic Heritage Route Committee for Glen Arbor.  Sharon has degrees in biology from Albion College and Central Michigan University. Her 30-year career at Dow Chemical included experience in research, technical service, and marketing. She retired as Director of Intellectual Capital Management and continues to consult in the field. While living in Midland, MI, Sharon served on United Way, Affordable Housing, and Council on Domestic Violence boards.