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Each year Heart of the Lakes' Board of Directors has the honor of awarding individuals who have gone above and beyond in their volunteerism and leadership for the conservation community. This year we celebrate the Conservation Hero. The Board has selected two individuals from several nominations — congratulations to Jim Lloyd and Sara Woodruff!
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Michigan State Parks to Receive $250 Million in Federal Funding

Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced $250 million will be invested into Michigan’s State Parks to address infrastructure needs. This monumental investment, which is part of the American Rescue Plan, comes at a time when we are experiencing record-breaking attendance and use of our public spaces met with limited funding.

According to the Michigan DNR FY 2021 Capital Outlay Five-Year Plan, the Michigan DNR Parks and Recreation Department has identified and documented the need for 558 priority renovation and upgrade projects, estimated at a cost of $278 million. News of this funding will support nearly all of those needs.

New Report Highlights Economic Benefits of Outdoor Recreation
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Outdoor business alliances across the country — known as the State Outdoor Business Alliance Network (SOBAN) — have joined forces to elevate the vital importance of a thriving outdoor industry. A new report highlights the many ways that communities across the country benefit from increased investment in outdoor recreation.

​Outdoor recreation in Michigan generates 26.6 billion in consumer spending and employs 232 thousand individuals. Nationwide, in 2019, outdoor recreation employed almost 5.2 million people who earned more than $226.3 billion dollars.  The report shares information from states around the country that illustrates the positive benefits of the outdoor recreation economy.
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The 2021 Internship Program with the Mott Foundation is open to undergraduate and graduate students. Candidates have the opportunity to apply for an internship in the civil society, education, environment and flint area programs. There is also availability as a communications intern. These are paid internships that run from June 21 - August 6. Deadline to apply is May 30, 2021.

The Conservation Fund is seeking a Midwest Program Associate to help support the implementation of the Illinois Working Lands, Water and Wildlife Regional Conservation Partnership Project and the Working Farms Fund. The associate help facilitate acquisition of key farms and farmland easements and install on-the-ground sustainable ag practices. Full details and application requirements here.

Chippewa Nature Center is seeking a full-time Natural Resources Technician to maintain land-related resources in a safe and secure manner with emphasis on invasive exotic plant removal. Trails, land maintenance and restoration, and program support such as the Sugarhouse operation will also be required. Applications are due by April 23, 2021. 

The Chippewa Nature Center and Central Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CM-CISMA) is seeking two full-time seasonal River Surveyors. The River Surveyor is responsible for surveying and cataloguing the impact that the 2020 flood has had on the Tittabawassee River ecosystems as well as those in the surrounding area, particularly in regard to invasive species. This position will start in May and end in August. Applications are due by April 30, 2021. 

The Chippewa Nature Center is seeking a full-time seasonal Invasive Exotic Plant Control Crew to serve from April through August. This position is responsible for controlling invasive plant species around the Nature Center, safely use power tools to remove brush and assist with land management and facilities work. Applications are due by March 26, 2021. 

Legacy Land Conservancy is seeking two part-time seasonal Stewardship Crew Members to serve from May to August. The crew members are responsible for on-the-ground implementation of management priorities on Legacy's public nature preserves. Applications are due by March 31, 2021. 

Legacy Land Conservancy is seeking a full-time seasonal Stewardship Technician. The position serves from mid-April to September and is responsible for training and supervision of seasonal stewardship crew and assisting the Easement Stewardship Coordinator in stewardship activities including conservation easement monitoring and completion of baseline documentation reports. Application deadline is March 19, 2021. 

CLOSED: The Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy is seeking two seasonal part-time Stewardship Interns to assist stewardship and land protection efforts including trail development, invasive species management, assisting volunteer workforce and general tasks associated with the conservancies preserves and land protection projects. The seasonal position operates from May to September 2021. Full job description and how to apply here. Deadline to apply is March 15, 2021.