Next on our “1% for the Community” initiative is the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay.
The Watershed Center combines “expertise with education, advocacy, collaboration, and action to serve as a multifaceted resource for our community,” including “monitoring the water, on-the-ground projects, and engaging partners and volunteers to expand our reach.” Guided by scientists and policy experts, the Watershed Center is leading the discussion on water protection and restoration in the Grand Traverse region.
Founder, Brittany VanderBeek, has served on the board for the last three years given her passion for protecting water for generations to come. Brittany recently volunteered as part of the safety crew for the Swim By the Bay. Over 100 brave swimmers swam over 2 miles through the Grand Traverse West Bay, raising more than $22,000. With cool and windy conditions, she was amazed by the commitment and dedication of the swimmers to complete the swim with strength and optimism.
Are you also passionate about freshwater and interested in getting involved too?
There are many ways for you to support the Watershed Center:
VOLUNTEER
- Adopt-A-Stream: Assemble a team of volunteers — families, schools, neighborhood, office teams — to monitor water quality within the watershed twice a year. Stream sponsorships are also available.
- Beach Cleanups: Help remove trash and debris along our beaches, shorelines, and streambanks.
- Watershed Warrior: Become a citizen advocate by speaking up to oppose threats to water quality in your community and to support local decisions and efforts that protect water quality.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Wavemaker Sail aboard Manitou: Tuesday, August 20 from 6:30-8:30pm
- Freshwater Summit: Wednesday, October 30 from 9am-3pm at NMC’s Hagerty Center
DONATE
- Bay Guardians: individuals who commit to protecting local rivers, lakes, and beaches by pledging monthly, quarterly, or annual gift
- Sponsorships: Businesses and organizations that share our passion for healthy water and who can help us put that passion into action through their financial support, including benefits to support their business goals.
- Matching gifts, legacy giving, memorials, tributes, stocks, and securities: Contact Director of Philanthropy, Michelle Handke at mhandke@gtbay.org or231.282.9729
Check out the Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay website here to learn more!