In the process of completing course work in landscape design, Sarah Earley realized that her adopted hometown of Detroit held one of the unpolished gems of Frederick Law Olmsted’s portfolio of urban parks. Having been born in Boston, lived in cities across the U.S., including New York, she was quite familiar with his body of work. Concerned that too few Detroiters recognized the historic and cultural significance of Olmsted’s only “island” park in the Detroit River between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, in 2004 she founded the Belle Isle Women’s Committee.  That organization has raised funds on a project basis to help restore and preserve Belle Isle. She has mobilized influential women across Southeast Michigan to raise awareness of the need to preserve this gem.

In 2009, Sarah garnered support from the Kresge Foundation to begin the process of merging four existing non-profits, all of whose focus was Belle Isle, into a Conservancy for the park.  The merger was concluded in January 2012.  After 10 years as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Belle Isle Conservancy, Sarah “retired” from the Board and now serves as Chair of the Conservancy’s Comprehensive Campaign.

In addition to serving on the board of Michigan Women Forward, Sarah serves on the boards of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and the International Women’s Forum Michigan chapter.  In addition, Sarah serves as Tri Chair of “Ring Out, Ring True” the campaign at Saint Mary’s College.  She has also served as Trustee for the City Parks Alliance, Saint Mary’s College Board of Trustees, and past President of the Alumnae Association at Saint Mary’s College.

She has a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College, an MBA from San Diego State University and a Certificate in Landscape Design from Oakland Community College.

In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her four sons, her daughters-in-law, and 10 grandchildren.