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2020 in Review

1/26/2021

 
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As we eagerly welcome a new year, we take a moment to look back on a year with so many buzz words — Unprecedented. Uncertainty. Challenging. But Heart of the Lakes would like to share a different list of words that can be summed up by the events below — Community. Opportunity. Restlessness. Gratitude.

A Historic Proposal + protectMI + Vote Yes

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​In November, Michiganders overwhelming passed Proposal 1 to update and expand the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund so it can continue supporting the places that make Michigan unique – from Great Lakes beaches and public lands to our trails, paths, parks and playgrounds. 

The success was shared with a group of conservation partners, including Heart of the Lakes, who spent countless hours speaking with local and state officials, community foundations, news outlets, media and within our own networks.

Heart of the Lakes and the other partners launched an educational campaign geared towards telling the stories of the projects funded by the MNRTF. protectMI is still actively sharing stories and urging the protection of our public lands. A political campaign was also launched to educate voters on the proposal. 

Social-Distancing Adventure Hub

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​When the Stay Home order was enacted, Heart of the Lakes scoured the internet to provide up-to-date resources on federal, state and local policy, business tools, inspiration to keep you active in or outdoors, COVID-19 statistics and responsible and safe outdoor activities during the pandemic. The Adventure Hub was widely used by Michiganders throughout the state (and some outsiders!) to help navigate restrictions and for ways to occupy their time. 

Recreate Responsibly Coalition

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​Newcomers and veteran outdoorists alike were spending more time outside and on public lands over the duration of the year's events. This prompted a national group of conservation-minded folk to develop and share guidelines to promote safe recreation. Heart of the Lakes joined the national Recreate Responsibly coalition early on and later became the champion for the state's coalition. 

Staying Restless with Friends

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​The year of virtual events and zoom calls! Heart of the Lakes was no stranger to the new phenomenon and hosted multiple virtual events including film screenings. In the Spring, Heart of the Lakes held a virtual gathering for our members and supporters to celebrate the passion and purpose that drives Michigan's outdoor culture. Heart of the Lakes was also involved in the screenings of Purple Mountains and The Ground Between Us.

Outsiders Film Festival

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​Heart of the Lakes, in partnership with Six Rivers Land Conservancy and Land of Outsiders, launched the first Outsiders Film Festival this past October. The film festival was held at a drive-in theater in Novi and featured films on outdoor adventure, conservation and family. The film festival is set for an annual appearance in Southeast Michigan!

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Heart of the Lakes strengthens the collective efforts of organizations dedicated to the conservation of Michigan’s environmentally and economically significant land and water. We provide leadership, innovative ideas, and advocate for smart public policy for the benefit of our communities and for generations to come.
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Heart of the Lakes
PO Box 1128
Bay City, MI  48706
Heart of the Lakes is a statewide organization that concentrates and strengthens the efforts of Michigan’s land conservation community. Founded by Michigan’s land conservancies, Heart of the Lakes does what no individual organization can do on its own-- unites them under the common goal of protecting Michigan’s land. 

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Heart of the Lakes
P.O. Box 1128 Bay City, MI  48706
989-292-3582

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