Stewardship Series continues this summer and fall with two additional all-ages workshops. 

Little Forks Stewardship Series builds momentum for Nelson Woods Nature Preserve

Little Forks Conservancy’s free 2025 Stewardship Series offers hands-on workshops at local preserves, teaching conservation skills from insect habitats to invasive species control and native seed collection.

Mateo Savedra.
Port Huron’s Urban Pioneer Program helps first-time home buyers plant roots

The Urban Pioneer Program in Port Huron is helping first-time, low- to moderate-income homebuyers become homeowners through $10,000 in down payment assistance and housing education. 

NEOMED launches dental program to improve statewide oral health access

NEOMED's new Bitonte College of Dentistry will embed dental students in Ohio communities to improve access and address shortages in rural and urban oral health care.  

A rendering of winter activities at the proposed 285-acre recreation park.
Saving Sugar Loaf: Leelanau Conservancy unveils ambitious recreation plan for former ski resort

The Leelanau Conservancy has big plans for the long-dormant ski resort property, transforming the 285-acre site into a year-round public recreation area.

Complete: The last stretch of the White Pine Trail is paved

The last section of the popular White Pine Trail has been paved. The trail is now the third longest paved trail in the United States. 

“Majestic Riverview Park will not only enhance the entrance to Cheboygan’s downtown, but it will also create a welcoming site for river activity viewing,” says Connie Rieger, Majestic River Park Development Volunteer.
Once site to a historic pavilion, empty lot to be activated as pocket park in downtown Cheboygan

“Majestic Riverview Park will not only enhance the entrance to Cheboygan’s downtown, but it will also create a welcoming site for river activity viewing,” says Connie Rieger, Majestic River Park Development Volunteer.

Small Town, Big Market: Wildflower & Wren returns to downtown Clare

Wildflower & Wren Markets is bringing its “Small Town USA Market” back to downtown Clare for the third year on Sunday, August 10, 2025. Featuring nearly 40 local vendors offering vintage goods, boutique items, handmade products, and farm-fresh favorites, the event draws hundreds of visitors and boosts the local economy. Held at the historic Johnston Elevator, the one-day market will also feature food trucks, live music, and community spirit—all organized by Clare local Lacey Badelt.

Nancy Roy, co-owner of C. Roy Processing.
Spreading the love of Bologna at small town festival

Partners of 37 years, C. Roy Processing and the Yale Bologna Festival, have made what Yale is informally called the “Bologna Capital of the World,” with its famous fried bologna sandwiches. Nancy Roy, who co-owns the business with her husband Richard, supplies two tons of bologna for the festival and has been a part of the community since 1924.

The Michigan West Coast Chamber team celebrates winning Chamber of the Year.
Holland-Zeeland Chamber earns national award for innovation and leadership

Michigan West Coast Chamber recognized for programs boosting careers, volunteerism, and community growth, earning national Chamber of the Year honors.

Julie Molenda
SBAM Nurture Benefits program enhances compensation for child care providers

The Small Business Association of Michigan Nurture Benefits will expand access to health insurance, life insurance, and retirement savings for Michigan's child care providers.  

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