2010 Grants — Protecting the Environment

Support for Phase 1 of the Berry Junction Trail connector (12.3 total miles), between Whitehall and Muskegon, which includes surface improvements and the development of 6.4 miles of non-motorized, multi-use recreational rail-trail.

Support for the development of a membership program for Blandford Nature Center with an incentive of matching dollars for members joining in 2010.

Support for an inventory of the City of Grand Rapids' street trees in an effort to establish an Urban Forestry Asset Management system.

Support for Kent County's Purchase of Development Rights program which aims to preserve 18 farms, totaling 2,000 acres in Kent County, over the next three years.

Support for an effort to convene a broad cross-section of stakeholders in a study of the Chicago Waterway System examining the feasibility and costs associated with ecological separation of Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River to prevent the spread of invasive species, including Asian carp.

Support for a comprehensive effort to develop a state-wide Conservation Vision for Michigan.

Support for the demolition and clean-up of the former Camp Pellston Corrections facility, in order to return it to wildlife habitat and public use.

Support for a multi-year signage and enhancement program for the Little Traverse Wheelway bike path in Emmet and Charlevoix counties.

Support for "The Great Lakes Legacy Project," involving a team of Michigan-based filmmakers who are partnering with PBS affiliate WTTW in Chicago to produce a television series based on the book, "The Living Great Lakes."