Protecting The Places We Love

Power of Nature

*Recorded at the 2025 Michigan Outdoor Summit.* Nature shapes us, grounds us, and sparks the stories we carry. For Detroit-based artist-journalist and organizer Ian Solomon, the outdoors is more than a backdrop, it’s a driving force in his art, community work, and vision for belonging. In this closing keynote, Ian sits down with Dan Wanschura, host of Interlochen Public Radio’s Points North podcast, for a conversation about how nature inspires creativity, fuels resilience, and connects us to each other. They’ll explore the intersections of art, access, and the transformative power of being outside. Featuring: Ian Solomon – Artist + Communications & Engagement Manager, Detroit Parks Coalition Dan Wanschura – Host + Executive Producer, Points North

Are We Even Friends?

*Recorded at the 2025 Michigan Outdoor Summit.* The outdoors doesn’t live in a silo, and neither should we. From trails to tables, wellness to wilderness, many of us in the recreation, conservation, food, health, and outdoor sectors are already working toward shared goals. So why does it sometimes feel like we’re on parallel paths instead of walking together? This candid conversation with thought leaders sit at the intersection of these overlapping worlds. We’ll unpack the hidden connections that already exist between our fields and explore what it really takes to activate a more visible, inclusive, and powerful outdoor movement — from the inside out. Expect big questions, honest talk, and a few laughs as we ask: Are we even friends…and if not, what’s stopping us? Featuring: Eoin Comerford – Principal, Outsize Consulting Danielle Todd – Founder, Make Food Not Waste Katie Cruickshank – VP Advertiser Solutions + Client Service, Outside Rory Thibault – Land Protection Specialist, Land Conservancy of West Michigan Haley Bennett — Principal, Fresh Coast Strategies

You Know It When You See It

In this episode of Ramble & Mosey, we explore the intersection of land banks, vacant property revitalization, and urban conservation in Michigan. Featuring Janell O’Keefe, Associate Director for Technical Assistance at the Center for Community Progress, and Mike Kelly, Great Lakes Director for the Conservation Fund, our conversation discusses how land banks are repurposing vacant properties and how conservation organizations are bringing nature and recreation back into urban spaces. This episode highlights how partnerships and state-level support are helping transform neglected land into thriving community assets, showcasing what’s possible when conservation and community development work together. Featuring: Janell O’Keefe - Associate Director for Technical Assistance, Center for Community Progress Mike Kelly - Great Lakes Director, The Conservation Fund Episode Links: Urban Conservation and Community Fellowship Program [https://www.conservationfund.org/focus-areas/resilient-communities/urban-conservation/ucc-fellowship/] National Land Bank Map [https://communityprogress.org/resources/land-banks/national-land-bank-map/] 2026 Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference [https://communityprogress.org/rvp26/] The Conservation Fund [https://www.conservationfund.org/our-impact/impact-map/michigan/] Center for Community Progress [https://communityprogress.org/]

Protecting The Places We Love

In this episode of Ramble & Mosey, we’re joined by Megan Motil of Parallel Solutions for an inside look at the inner workings of Michigan’s land conservation community. From strategic planning to partnership building, Megan shares how organizations collaborate behind the scenes to protect land, water, and natural resources for the long haul. We discuss the challenges and opportunities facing conservation groups today, from funding and capacity to adapting to a changing climate, and explore how thoughtful systems and relationships are shaping the future of conservation.  FEATURING: Megan Motil – Principal, Parallel Solutions EPISODE LINKS: Parallel Solutions [https://www.parallelmi.com/]

How Trails Transform Places and People

In this episode of Ramble & Mosey, we sit down with Stacy Bare of Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, Julie Clark of TART Trails, and Gary Vernon of Oz Trails Bike Park to explore how trails shape both people and places. From Northwest Arkansas to Michigan, they share stories of community collaboration, the balancing act of recreation and conservation, and the lessons learned from building trails that honor the landscape. We explore how public support, thoughtful design, and long-term stewardship can create trail systems that not only invite adventure but also strengthen our connection to the places we love. Episode Links OZ Trails Bike Park [https://www.oztrails.com/oz-trails-bike-park/] TART Trails [https://traversetrails.org/] Friends of Grand Rapids Parks [https://friendsofgrparks.org/]