Plymouth Township's Environmental Leadership Commission elected Ben Kronk as its new chair Monday, Aug. 24, at Township Hall.

The commission voted unanimously on all three officer positions at its organizational meeting, according to meeting minutes. Eric Geerlings was elected vice chair. Joseph Gacioch was elected secretary.

The meeting's forward-looking moment came during public comments. Historic District commissioners Carol Souchek and Wendy Harless attended to invite the ELC to help mark Plymouth Township's 200th anniversary. The celebration is planned for April 10, 2027, at the three-season pavilion in Township Park.

Plymouth Township was organized in 1827. The anniversary event will feature the naming of the township at Tibbitt's Barn that year, according to Historic District Commission minutes from April.

Souchek and Harless asked the ELC to consider hosting a table at the event and said the Historic District Commission is seeking volunteers for anniversary activities. The Plymouth Historical Museum has already received a $25,000 "America 250 Michigan" grant from the state and the Historical Society of Michigan to create a museum display on the township's history.

The two commissions have a history of collaboration. Former ELC chair Mary Ann MacLaren expressed interest in anniversary planning as early as 2023.

In other business, commissioner Jessica Knarian shared a positive update on rain gardens at Golfview Park and recognized volunteers supporting the project. Joanne Lamar reported that broader Rotary networks have expressed interest in coordinated pollinator-garden efforts across multiple communities.

Gacioch asked about the ELC's role in providing feedback on the township's Master Land Use Plan. Kronk and commissioner Anita Yeager discussed preparing the September agenda, with a possible overview of the commission's activities for newer members.

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m. The ELC meets the fourth Monday of each month at Plymouth Township Hall, 9955 N. Haggerty Road.