Preserving MichiganHow Michigan turned $1 billion in oil and gas revenue into conservation with the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund


“Preserving Michigan” is an ongoing series exploring the history and impact of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund on the people and communities of Michigan. The series is underwritten by the Michigan Environmental Council. Issue Media Group maintains editorial independence for all of our underwritten content. Please review our editorial underwriting policy for more information.

Feature Story ironwoodminersmural

Ironwood and other rural towns embrace placemaking


Feature Story The museum is part of a park, already popular with cross-country skiers.

Erwin Township museum connects past to future


Feature Story A mural depicting a chapter of Ironwood history.

Rural towns across Michigan embrace placemaking


Feature Story copperpeakramp

Copper Peak jumps to the future


Feature Story The James E. Bonine Carriage House in Vandalia served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Barn Believers work to save iconic farm structures


Feature Story The grand opening of the new Menominee Tourist Lodge in 1937.

Iconic cabin still welcomes tourists to the U.P.


TNC completes land acquisition in Keweenaw


Longform Solar panels are part of the village's SMART Park.

Cassopolis: A village reimagined


Longform Jack Deo at his Superior View Studio.

Portrait of an artist: Preserving the U.P.'s past


Feature Story The library has outgrown its current space on Main Street in Harrison.

Harrison District Library turns a new page


Longform Jack Deo at his Superior View Studio.

Portrait of an artist: Preserving the U.P.'s past


Longform vicksburgvillage

An honor for the whole village of Vicksburg


Longform The interior of the former Delft Theater, now Delft Bistro.

Now showing ... former theaters repurposed