The statewide Michigan Nature Association (MNA) seeks a full-time experienced Land Protection Specialist (LPS) to develop and implement a diverse portfolio of real estate transactions to advance MNA’s conservation goals in priority landscapes.  The LPS is a key member of its conservation team and plays a central role in the success of efforts to protect threatened and endangered species and imperiled natural communities.  Resumes and supporting materials accepted until position is filled.  Complete position announcement and application instructions can be found here:  https://www.linkedin.com/jobs2/view/86407923

HeadWaters Land Conservancy serves 11 counties in northwest Michigan and seeks a full-time tech savvy, conservation minded, self-starter to fulfill the position of Development and Outreach Coordinator in a small but dynamic organization.  Primary responsibilities will be fundraising, grant writing, event planning, marketing and outreach to current members and cultivation of new supporters.  Administrative tasks include database management, mailings, quarterly newsletters and simple office management responsibilities.  Complete position announcement and application instructions can be found here:  http://headwatersconservancy.org/2015/09/24/headwaters-is-hiring/

BAY CITY, MICHIGAN-- Heart of the Lakes, a statewide nonprofit serving conservation organizations and Michigan’s land conservancies, is pleased to announce the award of a $51,710 grant from the Michigan Coastal Zone Management Program, Office of the Great Lakes, Department of Environmental Quality and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.   Heart of the Lakes will use the funds to produce a series of videos to help foster the next generation of Great Lakes coastal champions.

The Power of Nature videos will feature first-person stories of individuals affected by the nature of our coastal zones.  Combined with beautiful footage of land and water, powerful personal stories will encourage and motivate people to think differently, create dialogue, promote participation, and take action on behalf of coastal resource protection.  

“We want to connect with people who might access and enjoy coastal resources but who have yet to engage in action to help ensure their long-term protection and stewardship”, said Jonathan Jarosz, Executive Director of Heart of the Lakes. According to Jarosz, the premise for the videos is that places create stories, stories make connections, connections engender caring and caring leads to action.  “While people may enjoy the shoreline and have some awareness of the importance of our Great Lakes’ coasts to Michigan economy and environment, it’s still sometimes hard for people to see the relevance in their every day lives.  Good stories told through great videos can help people see themselves in the story and inspire action,” explained Jarosz. 

The high production value videos will be produced in a manner to make them adaptable for use by a wide variety of organizations, agencies, and local units of government as a call to get engaged in the stewardship of Michigan’s coastal resources.   The videos will be completed by December 2016.