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2022 In Review

12/28/2022

Michigan Outdoor Summit

In March, over 100 land, park, trail professionals, outdoor industry leaders, advocacy and policy movers, storytellers, and fresh air enthusiasts gathered in Traverse City for the MI Outdoor Summit! Chock-full of good conversations, presentations, discussions, adventures and some coffee breaks. Thank you to all who spent their weekend with us — hope you had a blast. Another MI Outdoor Summit will be coming in September 2023!

Exploring Access Along the Saginaw River

Every other month the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) Board and Staff conduct a public meeting to review and discuss grant proposals and internal business priorities. Meetings are held across the state with an opportunity the day before to showcase Trust Fund projects in the region. Heart of the Lakes hosted our partners, peers, and MNRTF Board and Staff in Bay City for an afternoon exploring partnerships between local organizations and the Trust Fund that have improved access along the Saginaw River.

Heart of the Lakes organized this tour in partnership with the Bay Area Community Foundation, The Conservation Fund – Great Lakes, Great Lakes Bay Regional Trail, Land of Outsiders, Saginaw County Parks & Recreation, and Spicer Engineering.

Investing in Farmland Preservation

Heart of the Lakes had the unique opportunity to share its members' priorities with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Senator Debbie Stabenow and Congressman Dan Kildee. This power trio was in Frankenmuth this month to announce that funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act, American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act will allow the USDA to invest over $20 billion to support farmland conservation programs providing more assistance to landowners.

Intersection of Conservation + Outdoor Recreation

Back in June, Heart of the Lakes' Executive Director co-moderated a panel session at Outdoor Retailer on strengthening outdoor recreation throughout the states. HOL believes that the conservation community and the outdoor recreation industry share mutual goals in protecting where we play. HOL continues to make connections and build relationships with industry partners who share the same affinity and voice their support for our outdoors.

Outdoor Recreation Generated $10.8 Billion for Michigan Economy

11/14/2022

Last week, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released statistics measuring the outdoor recreation economy. In 2021, outdoor recreation accounted for $862 billion in economic output (consumer spending), 1.9 percent or $454 billion of gross domestic product (GDP) and supported 4.5 million jobs. In Michigan, outdoor recreation in 2021 contributed $10.8 billion to the state economy, supported 109,000 jobs, and $5 billion in wages.

Heart of the Lakes, mParks, and Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance are thrilled to celebrate the 2021 report. The new data shows a $173 billion increase in consumer spending in 2021 vs 2020. This analysis demonstrates outdoor recreation's powerful and positive economic impact on the U.S. economy as the nation rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic and Americans prioritized time outside.

"In the last few years, we have seen so many new people trying new outdoor activities. The availability and accessibility of outdoor recreation have welcomed a whole new population of outdoor enthusiasts," said Clay Summers, executive director of mParks. "It's no longer exclusionary, and we welcome all new participants and stewards of our public spaces."

In 2021, Michigan ranked in the top ten in dollars generated from Boating/Fishing (#5) and RVing (#6), each generating $947,910,000 and $719,914,000, respectively. The state sits within the top 20 of all other measured activities: Hunting/Shooting/Trapping (#10), Motorcycling/ATVing (#13), Equestrian (#19), Climbing/Hiking/Tent Camping (#11), Snow Activities (#15), Bicycling (#20), Recreational Flying (#17).

"The year-over-year increase in value-added by hiking, biking, running, and paddling are proof that Michigan's investments in trails have big payoffs," said Andrea LaFontaine, executive director of Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance. "We continue to attract destinations for travelers while maintaining beautiful public lands for our residents."

Inflation-adjusted GDP for the outdoor recreation economy increased by 18.9 percent in 2021, compared with a 5.9 percent increase for the overall U.S. economy.

"The rate at which the outdoor recreation economy continues to increase is a great sign for our state. As more jobs are being created, more talent is moving to Michigan, more money is being generated, and in turn, more investments are being made in our outdoors spaces,” said Jonathan Jarosz, executive director of Heart of the Lakes.

Outdoor Recreation has sustained remarkable growth over the years, supporting people, communities, and economies in Michigan and across the country, especially in rural areas. The outdoor recreation economy came back stronger than ever after the COVID-19 pandemic and remained a steady source of strength nationally and a booming job creator locally. Coupled with the Outdoor Foundation's recent findings that outdoor participation levels are at an all-time high, the economic data reinforces the strength of the outdoor industry as both an economic and social force.

North Country Trail Association Seeks Director of Trail Protection

5/20/2022

The North Country Trail Association is seeking a full-time Director of Trail Protection to lead the efforts to securing permanent corridor for the North Country National Scenic Trail and surrounding landscapes. Full description and application details here.

Leelanau Conservancy Seeks Fund Development Director

5/20/2022

The Leelanau Conservancy is seeking a full-time Fund Development Director responsible for leading, creating and executing fundraising strategies, along with continuing to build, engage and retain a growing donor base. Full description and application details here.

Chikaming Open Lands Seeks Seasonal Workers

5/20/2022

Chikaming Open Lands is seeking a full-time, seasonal Stewardship Field Technician to participate in planning and implementation of land stewardship activities, and participation in education and outreach programs. Full description and application details here.

COL is also seeking a part-time seasonal Outreach + Marketing Intern responsible for assisting with planning and implementation of outreach and education programs. Along with participating in development, marketing and communication activities. Full description and application details here.

Chikaming Open Lands Seeks Education + Outreach Coordinator

5/20/2022

Chikaming Open Lands is seeking a full-time Education + Outreach Coordinator responsible for developing, planning and implementing conservation and stewardship education programs, community and member engagement, and increase awareness for the organization. This position is also responsible for website, social media and event needs. Full description and application details here.

Advice from Dogs on Pursuing an Outdoor Life.

12/28/2021

Dogs naturally live in the moment — unburdened from the everyday minutiae their outlook is simple; eat, drink, sleep and play. But arguably, they probably look most forward to adventuring with us. There's a reason we have to spell out "W-A-L-K" because they instinctively know that word directly correlates with being outdoors. Dogs are the best adventure buddies because they know the hype and receive the same influx of endorphins when they step outside. So that got us wondering, if dogs could talk, what would they say about living your best outdoor life?

We recruited the help of the dogs from Heart of the Lakes to share a "loose" interpretation of what this advice might be. Hit the plus signs (+) to see what they have to say!

Bark loudly for the places you love.

Despite a cool demeanor, Beau likes action. Running for miles along the trails and alerting his hooman to the sounds and scents he encounters along the way. Beau is most content outside in the fresh air, where he feels most wild and free.

If Beau could talk, we'd reckoned that he'd tell you to bark loudly for the places you love - because the outdoors is one giant playground, so why wouldn't you protect where you play?

Hooman: Jonathan J.
Favorite Open Space: Riverview Natural Area

find your stick.

Or, in Jack's case, the bigger, the better. Be curious and confident when finding your outdoor niche. It can be as relaxing as watching the birds or as exciting as hanging your head off the side of a boat. Whatever your adventure style, Jack says to stick with it and remember you can always find a bigger and juicier adventure when you're outside.

Hooman: Janet B.
Favorite Open Space: St. Johns Marsh

follow the scent.

Smells can trigger our memories. For Watson and Lily, having a full snout bank reminds them of the places they've been — forever connecting that specific scent with a location. Whether you flare your nostrils upwards or point them low to the ground, exploring new places keeps the memory collection going.

Hooman: Ginny L.
Favorite Open Space: Border to Border Trail

Bask in the sun.

Once a day, the sun will move into perfect position over your favorite spot, and when that happens, take Mulligan's approach and bask in it! The time is right for only a short period, take it all in while you can and look forward to repeating it all over tomorrow.

Hooman: Pete D.
Favorite Open Space: Hoffmaster State Park

take the path less traveled.

You can explore open spaces everywhere and some have more hooman traffic than others. Though he does enjoy the hooman interactions, Doc prefers to find the less popular places to recreate responsibly. Fewer distractions and more room to roam can make all the difference in enjoying the outdoors.

Hooman: Brad J.
Favorite Open Space: Huron Lake Shoreline

Get your tail wagging.

The outdoors is exciting, especially when you're going somewhere or trying something new. Honey encourages you not to fight it and let your tail wag wild! This is your own experience, don't let bystanders diminish the swiftness of your tail.

Hooman: Anne F.
Favorite Open Space: North Country Trail

Start 'em young.

It's never too early to introduce the littles to the outdoors. Even if they tend to eat anything they find on the ground like Daisy. We can learn so much from the outdoors — about ourselves and the natural environments around us.

Growing up with an appreciation for the outdoors develops us into better stewards and defenders of the outdoors.

Hooman: Steve M.
Favorite Open Space: Clay Cliffs

Save the snaptweet.

Whenever Sherman and Radar are outside, their only focus is what's around them. They don't know what Snapchat or Twitter is — instead, they wonder why your attention is on the device in your hand rather than immersing yourself in the sites, sounds and smells surrounding you. Take the picture, return to the moment and save the post for later.

As the hoomans might say, don't let FOMO take over, or something like that!

Hooman: Chris B.
Favorite Open Space: Cashion Lake

Bark when it counts.

Take it from Lexi, learning a new skill takes time and patience. You won't be an avid fisherman when you bark at the fish before the hook sets. Put your hours in and learn from others — then before you know it, you'll understand to bark as soon as that fish catches the line.

Hooman: Janet B.
Favorite Open Space: St. Johns Marsh

Welcome everyone.

The outdoors looks different for everyone and how you enjoy nature may not be the same for another. Leroy happily welcomes all to his play domain (the more the merrier if it were up to him!), but if your not into chasing and peanut butter kongs, he will respect your interests.

There's room for everyone outdoors — whether you're a dog, cat, big hooman, tiny hooman or even a chicken.

Hooman: Ross H.
Favorite Open Space: Boardman Lake Trail

Always Be Ready.

Adventures can come when you least expect it (and according to Schuyler — so can treats from the UPS hooman!). Keep your ears perked and remember that no adventure is too big or too small if you're always ready for a challenge.

Hooman: Pete D.
Favorite Open Space: Hoffmaster State Park

Be a good steward.

There's always time for fun, but there's also time to keep where we play exactly how we found it. Hudson would never leave his toy floating in Lake Michigan (c'mon, that defeats the whole purpose of fetch!). As thrilling as it is to find another's left behind toy, Hudson knows it's better to leave no trace — especially when you come across those smelly doggie bags.

Hooman: Tom N.
Favorite Open Space: Palmer Woods

Embrace your puppy.

The outdoors has the power to turn up a frown and make us feel young. Even the lowkey Zeke can find his inner puppy when he steps outside. It might take a few sniffs, but once that fresh air hits — it's on!

Hooman: Anne F.
Favorite Open Space: North Country Trail

take a break.

And take your time to stop and smell the flowers (and bush, tree — maybe that pole too). Everything moves so fast around us, so Greps likes to take his time, observe and appreciate the little things you find along the trail. The rush of every day can wait and sometimes so can the rest of the walk. So find a bench and take an extra break!

Hooman: Andrea L.
Favorite Open Space: Quarton Lake Trail

TNC Michigan Seeks Director of Land & Water Management

11/22/2021

The Nature Conservancy in Michigan is seeking a full-time Director of Land and Water Management. This position is responsible for overseeing and authorizing priority settings, planning, budgeting, project management and implementation, standard setting, legal monitoring and data management. Application deadline is November 25, 2021. Click here for full job description and application details.

Legacy Land Conservancy Seeks Business Manager

11/22/2021

Legacy Land Conservancy is seeking a full-time Business Manager responsible for supporting the Finance, HR and Development departments, keeping office systems functioning and working as a liaison between staff and IT provider. Deadline to apply is December 6, 2021. Click here for full job description and application details.

Friends of GR Parks Seeks Executive Director

11/22/2021

The Friends of Grand Rapids Parks is seeking a full-time Executive Director. This position is responsible for upholding the values of the organization and implementing policies set by the Board of Directors as well as annual goals and objectives, and financial, program, and administrative management of the corporation. Click here for full job description and application details.

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