Tomorrow is World Water Day!
Freshwater Future is so grateful to you and our network of water protectors fighting for the water and people of the Great Lakes region. We remain committed to supporting our grassroots partners to advocate for clean, safe, and affordable water in the face of unprecedented challenges. As always if you would like to support our work, you can donate here – Happy World Water Day!
Apply Now for a Spring Project Grant – Deadline is March 31st!
Defending the waters and the people of the Great Lakes is more important than ever. Does your group need to advocate for drinking water, river, lake, shoreline, wetland, or groundwater protection in the Great Lakes region? Freshwater Future’s Spring Project Grants program is accepting applications until March 31st. These grants provide financial support up to $5,000 for grassroots advocacy efforts to protect water. For more information, including examples of advocacy projects, watch our Q&A webinar recording or contact Alana Honaker, alana@freshwaterfuture.org or (231) 348-8200 ext. 6.
Fall Project Grantee Spotlight: The Ontario Headwaters Institute
With Freshwater Future Project Grant funding, the Ontario Headwaters Institute is working to fill gaps in Great Lakes policy regarding land use planning and its effects on watershed health. While the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) has historically tackled urban pollution sources, it has not sufficiently addressed broader land use issues such as habitat destruction and increased paved surfaces. The team at Ontario Headwaters Institute will be researching, meeting with community members and experts, and reporting these impacts to make recommendations for GLWQA’s annual review.
Nuclear Plant Receives More Federal Funding to Reopen on Lake Michigan Shoreline
Last year, we reported on the risks to water quality and public health associated with nuclear facilities and waste – and a federal loan to reopen the Palisades nuclear plant on Lake Michigan’s southeastern shore. This week, a second federal loan of $57 million with a much larger federal loan guarantee was issued by the Trump Administration to bring this reactor with numerous water quality and safety concerns back to life. The plant is allegedly on track to re-open at the end of this year.
Further Listening!
Check out this podcast: “Women of the Four Directions, Women’s Voices Across Time for Future Generations” to hear from Indigenous water protectors about resistance living along the nuclear fuel chain – from living alongside uranium mining out west to spent nuclear fuel rod storage in the Great Lakes region. Listen to our partner Maria Maybee with Water Walkers talk about the nuclear impacts on Indigenous communities in New York and how Freshwater Future played a role in advocating for clean water (her story begins after the 23-minute mark!)
Don’t Miss Out on These Freshwater Opportunities:
We are so excited to be with amazing water protectors from across the Great Lakes region in Rochester, NY next week! You can still join us virtually by registering no later than Tuesday, March 25th. Check out our final agenda, speakers, and register today!
Register: Mindfulness and Movement on March 27th at 8:30 am ET!
We will be kicking off the All About Water Convening in Rochester by centering mindfulness paired with gentle movement to care for our bodies. At 8:30 on March 27th, our seasoned practitioner Jonathan Relucio will lead a 30-minute practice tailored to water advocates. Join us at this special morning session of Mindfulness and Movement by registering today!
