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!
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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 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. 

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. 

The Detroit Parks Coalition is seeking a Coalition Leader responsible for hiring and managing DPC staff, securing contractural support, build the DPC's identity and reputation, advocate for increased resources and expertise throughout Detroit's park system and maintain strong relationships with State, regional and City government. For the full description and how to apply - click here. 

This week, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released new data showing the economic impact of outdoor recreation in 2020. This analysis demonstrates outdoor recreation’s powerful and positive economic impact on the U.S. economy during a difficult and uncertain year defined by the pandemic which led to restrictions and closures. 

Despite the challenges, the BEA found outdoor recreation accounted for $688 billion in gross output (consumer spending) and 1.8 percent ($374 billion) of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020.

As outdoor spaces became respites during the pandemic, outdoor recreation participation in 2020 was record-setting. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, 53 percent of Americans ages 6 and over participated in outdoor recreation at least once, the highest participation rate on record. Of those who started or resumed walking, bicycling, fishing, or running/jogging during the pandemic, more than 60 percent intend to continue once restrictions lift. The study found that new participants primarily sought socially-distanced outdoor activities in order to spend time with loved ones safely, to exercise, stay healthy or to reduce screen-time fatigue.
 
Additionally, the study found that the new participants did not mirror traditional outdoor recreation participants. The new participants are more likely to be female, younger, living in an urban area and slightly more ethnically diverse than existing participants. New participants were also largely motivated by outdoor recreation opportunities with low barriers to entry that are available and accessible within 10 miles of their homes, including walking, running, biking and hiking.
 
“Identifying these new outdoor recreation participants and their values is a huge step in moving our spaces to be more inclusive and accessible,” said Jonathan Jarosz, executive director of Heart of the Lakes, “we have a whole new audience to serve now, and we are excited to welcome them.”

In Michigan, BEA found that outdoor recreation in 2020 contributed $9.5 billion to our economy, supported 108k jobs, and $4.6 billion in wages. Outdoor participation soared, especially close-to-home recreation, highlighting the importance of better access to the outdoors for all communities. The prioritization of outdoor recreation continues into 2021 with strong numbers in participation and sales data. 
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“We’re always thrilled to see the impact outdoor recreation has in our state, but the focus on close-to-home recreation is especially exciting,” said Clay Summers, executive director of mParks, “this really puts an emphasis on the importance of local parks.”

In 2020, Michigan ranked 13th among all states in ORSA value-added and in the top 20 in value-added dollars for each of the identified activities: Boating/Fishing, RVing, Hunting/Shooting/Trapping, Motorcycling/ATVing, Equestrian, Climbing/Hiking/Tent Camping, Snow Activities, Bicycling, and Recreational Flying.
 
“Amidst these challenging times, Michigan’s outdoor recreation economy grew in certain key segments,” said Brad Garmon, director of the Michigan Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, “proving that our strong outdoor recreation sector will be essential in the recovery of our economy."

“The increase in value truly reflects the amenities Michigan has to offer,” said Andrea LaFontaine, executive director of Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, “people discovered our multi-use trails and waterways and used them all year long.”

BEA launched its outdoor recreation economy project in 2017 to “deepen the public’s understanding of the economic impact of outdoor recreation, inform decision making, and improve governance and long-term management of public lands and waters.” In 2019, the agency announced it would also start sharing prototype statistics on state-level data. The BEA’s data joins long-standing work from the Outdoor Industry Association’s compilation of key national and statewide data informing on the economic impact of outdoor recreation.

Legacy Land Conservancy is seeking a full-time Easement Stewardship Coordinator to provide leadership to Legacy’s conservation easement stewardship program: conservation easement landowner communication, education and engagement; facilitation of annual conservation easement monitoring objectives including coordination of Legacy’s volunteer photo-monitoring team; and management of conservation easement violations. Deadline to apply is October 18th. Review full job description and application details here. 

The Leelanau Conservancy is seeking a full-time Major Giving Officer, responsible for growing and managing a prospect portfolio to secure major and planned gifts. Applications are due October 22nd. Review full job description and application details here. 

Huron Pines is seeking a full-time Community Education Project Manager to identify strategies, develop programming and oversee all logistics related to place-based education programming -with an emphasis on adult learning opportunities – to advance conservation efforts in Northern Michigan. Applications are due October 22nd. Review the full position description and application details here. 

Huron Pines AmeriCorps members are being recruited for the 2022 service year. There are 22 openings at 14 host sites across the state. Deadline to apply is October 29th. Huron Pines AmeriCorps is a program of Huron Pines and is supported in part by the Corporation for National Community Service, Michigan Community Service Commission, Huron Pines and contributions from host sites. Review position descriptions and submit application here.