John Wunsch has been involved in conservation efforts since the 1960s
when he was a part of organizing a group of citizens whom actively lobbied
for national legislation to protect the environment. That same group established
the first recycling effort in Northern Michigan, establishing a system of
glass recycling locations and coordinating the gathering and shipping of
the material to downstate manufacturers. John worked in the 70's to help
establish the Michigan Public Interest research Group.
Currently, in addition to his active music career, John is a successful
specialist in both primary school education on ecological concepts, and
in the field of land preservation. His award winning "Watershed Suite"
has been performed for thousands of elementary students in such locations
as the prestigious Cranbrook Academy, as well as many other public and private
schools. The Watershed Suite uses music in teaching the scientific concept
of a watershed, as well as ethics and technques of water quality preservation.
He has also worked for land conservancies as a consultant in developing
land preservation programs and funding, and is directly responsible for
the establishment of programs to preserve over 7,000 acres of farmland during
the last 10 years. In addition he has worked to support preservation of
unique natural habitats. John is nationally recognized for his preservation
work, being a published author on the topic*, and appearing as a presenter
in conference settings on education and conservation with such notables
as Robert Kennedy Jr., and Marion Wright Edelman.
John has worked on preservation projects and publications in collaboration
with and/or under funding from: American Farmland Trust, W.K. Kellogg Foundation,
Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Americana Foundation, Old Mission
Conservancy, Leelanau Conservancy, and Rotary Charities of Traverse City
In the interest of integrating his two areas of specialty John has established
land preservation as an area his musical work promotes. This theme is integrated
into much of his music and he frequently performs concerts to benefit organizations
in these and other related fields.
With its opening track Inspired by a vision of Northern Michigan's beauty,
his solo CD, "Timeless Beauty" is dedicated to the individuals
and organizations, which have worked toward preserving that beauty. The
opening track itself is specifically dedicated to Lou Ann Taylor, an important
figure in the Northern Michigan Conservation movement.
A percentage of the profits from sales help support the land acquisition
fund of the Grand Traverse Conservancy. His second solo release, "Looking
Toward Leelanau" benefits the Leelanau Conservancy.
John regularly performs his Watershed Suite in grade schools. It provides
a unique approach to building environmental awareness and the conservation
ethic among young students.
* Forging New Protections:
Purchasing Development Rights To Save Farmland
American Farmland Trust, 1996
Contact for John Wunsch: 231.313.7830, john@allguitar.com
A benefit concert in Madison Wisconsin to support the Aldo Leopold Nature Center.
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