Features

Partner Content Julie Baumgras

Girl Scouts is building girl leaders through accessible, easy, fun outdoor adventures

Outdoor education has always been a big part of Girl Scouting, but these days that goes beyond going away to Girl Scout camp for the week. Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan is putting particular focus on making access to outdoor adventure and the leadership skills that come with it available to girls in cities and towns throughout its nine-county service area.   

Feature Story Detroiters Stephen Merriweather (left) and Sharnita Johnson aim to build intergenerational wealth in their families and communities. Photo by Nick Hagen.

Announcing Model D and Metromode’s series ‘On the Ground in Detroit: Exploring Economic Equity’

This Model D and Metromode series aims to report on everyday Detroiters and their experiences as they live their lives and make choices about their neighborhoods, health, education, jobs, transportation, and other factors that relate to economic equity.

Development News The Michigan Trails Week Challenge wants participants to log their miles online.

Michigan Trails Week Challenge asks you to get outside and log your miles online

Thinking of getting out and enjoying local trails? Michigan Trails Week is the perfect time to make it happen!

Feature Story Heather Bendure and Matt Martus are trying to protect their Grosse Pointe Park bungalow from future flooding.

How Metro Detroit homeowners are protecting their properties from future floods

In the wake of widespread flooding across the region this summer, homeowners are taking matters into their own hands to protect their properties. From removable paneling and shelving options to waterproof furniture and insurance riders, Greg Tasker gets the best tips on water damage prevention as experts warn that “as a homeowner, you have to stop thinking 'I will fix this by building back like it was originally'."

Feature Story Th River Rouge Historical Museum's tale of survival reflects the city it represents.

Looking back: River Rouge museum's survival story reflects the city's own tenacity

It was the launch site of the ill-fated S. S. Edmund Fitzgerald and its historical museum's collection is "massive". But how will River Rouge's museum attract visitors amidst another wave of COVID-19 cases and deindustrialization?

Feature Story Path at Lake St. Clair Metropark.

Macomb County will be celebrating Meet Me on the Trail Day on Sept. 25. Here's how.

If you're looking to explore Macomb County's many trails, this is a great way to get started.

Development News Live music in Dodge Park is scheduled for Oktoberfest 2021 in Sterling Heights.

Sterling Heights gears up for Oktoberfest celebrations, including 5K fun run

“We’re encouraging people to come for the run and stay for the food and entertainment that begins at 11 a.m. when the Suds ‘n’ Sounds pavilion opens,” says Melanie Davis.

Development News Proposed plans for the new Mattie McKinney Hatchett Park in Pontiac.

Major renovations planned for Pontiac’s Neighborhood Park

"This opportunity will have an incredible impact on the city of Pontiac by enabling us to raise the necessary funds to create a state-of-the-art park for the city's residents,” says Pontiac Community Foundation founder and CEO Dustin McClellan.

Feature Story Detroit Heals Detroit. Photo courtesy of Sirrita Darby

Detroit youth help peers heal from trauma, rising amid the pandemicThe Nonprofit Journal Project

The need for healing continues to grow. The pandemic has negatively affected the communities we serve more than a lot of other communities. The need to combat trauma has been amplified. Yet, the young people here are giving me hope. We're big on "making a way, finding a way." We've been doing this since we started healing together, and we'll continue to.

Feature Story Audra Pieknik. Courtesy photo.

The Art Experience in Pontiac offers community opportunities to explore, create and healThe Nonprofit Journal Project

Since the pandemic, so many people have experienced loss, grief, and trauma and the use of art therapy can bring comfort and healing. I believe our organization provides a very accessible way for our community as a whole to work toward mental health and overall well-being.

Development News Riding a Biking at Lower Huron Metropark.

New Iron Belle Trail extension will help connect Belleville with Lower Huron Metropark

Riding a bike from Belleville to Lower Huron Metropark is about to get a whole lot easier.

Feature Story Mark Robey knows first-hand the pressures students face balancing studies and external responsibilities.

How a free community college program for COVID-19 frontliners is evolving

When COVID-19 hit, Mark Robey lost his job in an industry he had worked in for 40 years. With an initiative to support frontline workers through community college, however, he is one of 120,000 Michiganders heading back to school. 

Development News The historic Farmington State Savings Bank building

Farmington receives national accreditation in downtown development efforts

“During a challenging year, our Main Street communities worked tirelessly to ensure their downtowns and commercial districts remained open, vital and vibrant for their residents and visitors,” says Oakland County Executive David Coulter.

Development News Inside Villa Penna, the site of this year’s “Puttin’ on the Ritz” Gala

Sterling Heights to honor its healthcare workers at annual gala

“These thousands of hometown health care heroes we recognize are our neighbors, friends and acquaintances who represent the very best in our communities caring for everyone,” says Karl G. Oskoian, executive director and President Emeritus of the Sterling Heights Area Community Foundation.

Development News The award-winning East Residence Hall on LTU’s Southfield campus

New residence hall on LTU campus wins architecture award

“We are honored to be recognized by the AIA for our newest residence hall, a building that combines sustainability features, a striking, modern appearance, and a sense of true community and belonging for our students,” says Virinder Moudgil, president of Lawrence Technological University.

Development News Image promoting the Metropark Express transit service at Lake St. Clair Metropark.

New pilot program will soon offer public transit access to Lake St. Clair Metropark

Access to a Southeast Michigan Metropark will soon be a lot easier for many people, thanks to a new public transit partnership.

Development News Dearborn Music has been drumming up anticipation for their new Farmington location with appearances at the Farmington Farmers & Artisans Market this summer.

Dearborn Music to open new record store in downtown Farmington this week

“We like thinking that we're a fun shop to go to. We don't just have music. We have music, pop culture gifts and t-shirts; we have family-oriented games,” co-owner Rick LeAnnais said. “We like to think that we’re a great destination for all things entertainment, just in general.”

Longform A camper returns from a Detroit Outdoors camping trip to Pictured Rocks.

Southeast Michigan's parks work to be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive for all residents

Outdoor recreation professionals across our region have focused more attention on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and begun thinking about them in new ways, in recent years.

Development News Inside the new Red Hook cafe and bakery on Jefferson Ave.

The Red Hook cafe and bakery celebrates opening on the Dennis Archer Greenway

“We love the new location. We’re close enough to the other shops but not too close. And we love how close to the greenway and riverfront we are. It just seemed like a natural progression,” owner Sandi Heaselgrave says.

Longform Friends of the St. Clair River volunteers Barb Ford (left) and Chris Danner remove nightshade along the Blue Water River Walk in Port Huron.

Here's how an army of volunteers plays a crucial role in improving Southeast Michigan parks

Numerous volunteers help maintain, program, and advocate for parks and trails throughout the region.

 
Nonprofit leaders across southeast Michigan are contributing their thoughts via journal entries on how COVID-19 is affecting their organization. 
This series is made possible with the generous support of our partners, the Michigan Nonprofit Association and Co.ACT. Click here to read the journal entries.