Now that it is officially summer in Michigan and all COVID-19 outdoor restrictions have been lifted, more Michiganders will likely be enjoying outdoor spaces. 

Several CMF members are supporting outdoor engagement by enhancing and increasing access to outdoor spaces for their communities to enjoy. 

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County recently announced three grants in Marine City to support the development of a new marina project, the planning and engineering for the city’s initial work on the Bridge to Bay Trail and efforts to continue restoration work throughout the city. 

These efforts emerged through a collaboration with the Blue Meets Green Coalition, its mission is to develop the St. Clair region into a prosperous, sustainable economic environment. 

The marina project is the current priority for Blue Meets Green, which will be the first new marina added to the region in several years. 

In Port Huron, a tunnel at the Blue Water River Walk is getting a facelift with the goal of making the area more appealing to those who spend time there. 

The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan (CFSEM) is helping to fund the renovation project which will include removing graffiti, installing new lighting and cameras and adding more landscaping. 

CFSEM is helping to fund another project that provides maintenance support to already developed trails and greenways. 

In partnership with Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, CFSEM announced grants to six recipients through the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Trails Maintenance Fund.

“As an endowed fund, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Trails Maintenance Fund at the community foundation ensures that local trails and other public spaces are maintained both now and for years to come,”  Mariam Noland, president, CFSEM said in a press release.

Recently, Paddle Antrim, a nonprofit organization with a mission to protect water resources in Northern Michigan’s Chain of Lakes by using paddle sports to connect people to the waterways, completed the final elements of the over 100 mile trail.

“This project is a culmination of a region coming together to inspire people to be active and safe on the water, educate individuals on how to be good stewards of our water resources and provide avenues for economic development,” Deana Jerdee, executive director of Paddle Antrim said in an article. 

CMF members Rotary Charities of Traverse City, Consumers Energy Foundation, DTE Energy Foundation, Frey Foundation, Harry A. and Margaret D. Towsley Foundation and Charlevoix County Community Foundation have all funded this project. 

Want more? 

Connect with CMF’s Green & Blue Network.