Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Network and Fund
2005 Grassroots Citizen-Advocate Award
Outstanding Water Advocate Don Griffin
Receives First GLAHNF Award
Don Griffin has been active in protecting water resources in
the Great Lakes region since 1942 when he was involved in a
conservation club with a theme of “Preserving the Great
Lakes.” Don has been active in many organizations including
the Friends of the Rouge, Friends of the Detroit River, the
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service “Conservation in Action Summit,” and many
more.
Because he is a creative thinker and dynamic personality,
Don inspires people to volunteer to improve the quality of
community life for present and future generations. He is
generous in spending time and money or worthwhile causes.
He would like to see the Detroit River and its shoreline become
the magnificent natural resource it can be. He would also
like to see the St. Marys River, the St. Clair River and the
St. Lawrence all become International Wildlife Refuges. Don is
an eternal optimist. He celebrates each success and his
enthusiasm is contagious.
Projects on which Don has actively participated include
working to save Humbug Marsh in the Detroit River; working
to establish the first and only international wildlife refuge, the
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge; a Green Buildings
Forum to promote responsible building; and projects to
provide public access to our waterways. In addition he is
currently working to establish the purpose, mission, and vision
for the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and projects
to limit the expansion of a landfill with harmful potential.
A friend observed that “his tenacity and “no-holds barred”
commitment for [his] vision inspired others – individuals and
groups to join together in making that a reality almost beyond
belief. Not only was the National Wildlife Refuge created by
Congress, but also the Canadian Government, equally inspired,
created a refuge on the Canadian side of the river resulting in
the formation of an International Wildlife Refuge.” Another
noted “Don has a keen understanding of group dynamics, he
doesn’t hesitate to jump in when he senses…faltering and
cajole or bribe with food the key people he believes will right
the ship. I have never met anyone like Don, his background and
early life have together crafted a unique individual, tough,
pragmatic, and vitally aware, and protective of, the natural
cycles that make life on earth possible.”
Don states “I cannot wield a shovel or axe as well as I once
could, but by writing, speaking and coordinating to the best of
my ability, I may be able to be an effective advocate for the
Great Lakes for many more years.”
We can’t do justice to this award without mentioning, as Don
did as he accepted his award, that his wife Laurine has been
with him in this work every step of the way. thank you Laurine
for all you have done for this cause over the years.
The Friends of the Detroit River nominated Don Griffin,
of Dearborn Michigan, for the 2005 Grassroots
Citizen-Advocate Award.
Disclaimer:
The interpretations and conclusions presented in this newsletter represent the opinions of the individual authors. They in no way represent the views of the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, the C.S. Mott Foundation, subscribers, donors, or any organization mentioned in this publication.
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