Greenbelt Victory in Ontario
After 10 months of public outcry over the Provincial Government’s decision to remove lands from the protected Greenbelt, Premier Ford is reversing his decision. This victory is the result of loud and sustained public outcry, collaboration between NGOs across the political spectrum, and tireless advocacy from environmental leaders. Freshwater Future celebrates this victory and will continue to advocate for the protection and restoration of the Great Lakes and the lands that surround them.
Limited Spots Left: Register to Join Us in Benton Harbor for the All About Water Convening on October 4th, 2023
You can still register for the Fall 2023 All About Water Convening in Benton Harbor! There are a limited number of spots left, and we want to make sure you can join us for our first in-person event since the pandemic. The convening will have interactive breakout sessions to explore specific threats to water, networking opportunities with fellow attendees and experts, and insights into advocacy and governance for sustainable water solutions. We will have food, music, and many friends at this free event – Register here today and view the agenda. We can’t wait to see you there.
Deadline September 29th: Your Voice is Needed to Improve New York and Michigan Water System Funding!
America’s water infrastructure is aging and failing. Many communities are facing massive payments to keep their drinking water systems safe and water bills affordable – Drinking Water State Revolving Funds are the primary source for funding local water systems and infrastructure projects. Yet if changes aren’t made to the New York and Michigan programs, this money may not reach the communities that need it the most. You can help by taking action through Freshwater Future today. Right now, New York and Michigan have their annual plans open for public comment until September 29th – Submit comments for New York and Michigan today! Stay tuned for more actions as your Great Lakes state’s drinking water fund program goes up for public comment.
Need Funding? Freshwater Future Fall Project Grants Deadline is September 30th!
The deadline for Freshwater Future’s Fall Project Grants is just over a week away – get your application in by midnight on September 30th! If your community’s or organization’s advocacy efforts focus on protecting or improving drinking water, rivers, lakes, wetlands, shorelines, and groundwater in the Great Lakes region, you may be eligible for these grant funds. Please watch the recording of our Grants Q&A Webinar or visit our grants portal to learn more.
We’re almost there! Help us meet our Walk, Paddle, and Roll goal and make a difference.
Freshwater Future staff and board are hiking Pictured Rocks Lakeshore, walking 5Ks, biking and running a mini biathlon, and even giving up the use of a car to help raise funds for our work to ensure that everyone has access to clean and affordable water. We are now just over the halfway mark in our fundraising goal of $8,000! Thank you to everyone who has donated already. If you haven’t please consider donating to our work protecting the Great Lakes waters and people today! Thank you for your support!
Detroit Free Press: “Stormwater infrastructure must play a role in our climate future”
Hilliard Hampton’s recent opinion piece in the Detroit Free Press was a breath of fresh air. The Associate Director of Urban Programs at Freshwater Future and the former 16-year mayor of Inkster brought to light the realities of our delayed infrastructure updates in the face of a changing climate. Hilliard underscores the importance of including climate adaptation and mitigation in city planning and budgeting, urging leaders to view infrastructure through a climate lens. Given the history of disinvestment and discrimination in Wayne County, Hilliard calls for funding for better water infrastructure that doesn’t disproportionately burden local taxpayers.
Growing Your Capacity and Wellbeing – Join Freshwater Future’s Free Water Watchers and Wellness Sessions!
Each month, Freshwater Future offers Water Watchers and Wellness customized online sessions designed to meet the unique needs of grassroots environmental and community group leaders who are ready to grow their organization and create the change they envision. Join us next Thursday, September 28th for a guided movement practice and relaxation followed by an informational session on email outreach campaigns. Register here
