Traverse City, MI (September 2026)—On a summer afternoon at Marshville Dam County Park, nearly 100 people gathered at the edge of Stony Creek. There was a ribbon to cut, a platform to dedicate and a creek flowing freely for the first time in 160 years. For the rural communities that have long relied on this waterway, it was more than a restoration project. It was a statement: someone wanted to invest in this place.

This

Saginaw, MI (December 2025)—At the edge of Michigan’s Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, five rivers converge, their waters winding through farmland before spilling toward Saginaw Bay. Here, where rivers and sky meet, thousands of birds migrate, feed and rest — mallards, pintails, trumpeter swans and bald eagles tracing wide arcs over the marsh.

This

Ocqueoc, MI (December 2024)—It’s an uncommon experience to catch a glimpse of the endangered Emerald dragonfly — when you do, its vivid emerald eyes and intricate wings make for an unforgettable encounter with nature. Along the rare dune and swale ecosystems on the shores of Lake Huron, moments with species like these are still possible. And worth preserving. Headwaters Land Conservancy is on a mission to protect northern Michigan’s most vulnerable landscapes and the remarkable species that inhabit them. Without conservation, these sensitive ecosystems face the threat of development, which could alter the land and put its fragile biodiversity at risk.

Saginaw County, MI (August 2024)—Nestled in the heart of Michigan lies the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary teeming with wildlife, wetlands and birds galore – song birds, herons, wood ducks, egret, eagles, tundra swans and even pelicans. The refuge, sometimes referred to as the “Everglades of the North,” comprises 10,000 acres of natural habitat, a birder’s paradise that beckons nature enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.

For

Gaylord, MI (August 2024)—Michigan’s lakes and rivers hold a special significance for both Huron Pines and the Walters Family Foundation. This shared appreciation has forged a partnership spanning over seven years and multiple grants – all dedicated to restoring and revitalizing our region’s precious natural environments. One of the key benefits of this long-standing partnership is a shared understanding of the impact of this important environmental work and the ability to uncover new opportunities together.

Nowh

Ypsilanti, MI (November 2023)—As Michiganders, we define ourselves by the Great Lakes that surround us. The beautiful inland waterways that feed our Great Lakes contribute to that identity. For more than 50 years, Huron River Watershed Council has been dedicated to the protection of the Huron River, monitoring its tributaries, lakes and groundwater, to ensure healthy and vibrant communities.

Over

Detroit, MI (November 2023)—On a November evening in 2022, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy was preparing to host a community sneak peek of the evolving Southwest Greenway — a pathway that would eventually connect Southwest Detroit communities to the riverfront. Weather forecasts pointed to a blustery winter night with bursts of bitter cold. It was a worry if anyone would attend. Little did the Conservancy anticipate that on that evening, an astounding 400 people would show up to hear about the project's progress. Neighbors, community leaders, and visitors alike bundled together, eager to learn about the community connector that would change the face of the neighborhood.  “It was an amazing moment to see the community respond to this space with so much love from the very beginning,” says Wallace. Six months later, the greenway formally opened to the public, linking the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park with the Michigan Central mobility innovation district, a key part of the 27.5 mile Joe Louis Greenway.

Grayling, MI (May 2023)—If you’ve ever dipped your toe into a sparkling Michigan stream or cast a line in one of our state’s magnificent rivers, you know how unforgettable the experience can be. Memories are made on the banks of these freshwater treasures, and ensuring their sustainability is so important for communities, and the aquatic wildlife that call them home.

For

Traverse City, MI (January 2023)—Think of the most pristine Michigan rivers you’ve seen. Imagine the clear blue-green water with brook trout and sculpin able to swim and spawn freely within. Now imagine crumbling overpass structures and outdated boiler pipes impeding these aquatic passageways. Picture tons of sediment from rain and snow melt accumulating over dozens of years and woody debris piling up over fish and insect habitats. These are the kinds of problematic environments that the Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA) has been repairing and restoring to health for more than five decades.

Foun

Detroit, MI (April 2022)—In 2003, a small group of local leaders presented a bold vision for Detroit’s waterfront. The vision was inspired by the belief that all Detroiters should have safe, clean, accessible, and welcoming places to gather on the river. From this vision, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy was born, and a plan emerged for a five-and-a-half-mile public space spanning the Ambassador Bridge to the MacArthur Bridge at Belle Isle. Today, the riverfront welcomes more than three million visitors annually.

Buil