Built By Community

January 20, 2026 I By Katie Cox, Executive Director

Happy New Year! 

What a whirlwind of an end to 2025.  

My days were filled with you. And each and every day I counted my lucky stars that you are here by our side. 

As many of you know we spent the last couple months in a demolition and remodel of our new office.  We are moving from our little corner of the world on Michigan Street just a few blocks over to our new home at 924 West Superior Street. 

Building is never easy, but oh my gosh was it gratifying – and the reason being simply because of you, because of this community.  It never ceases to amaze me the number of people who step forward, the businesses who insist on giving of their time, talent and resources and simply, what is possible when so many hands get to work. 

There was John who mentioned at our Get Plowed event that he wanted to help and then simply showed up the next day and never left my side (thank you a million times over). There were a handful of businesses that, instead of handing us a full bill, said thank you. There were donations of materials. There was our superhero carpenter (that word doesn’t feel big enough), Chad, who through countless hours and effort, and his mad super skills, has made our new offices feel like a little cabin in the woods. The list is almost endless (so many people!). I am going to capture each and every one of you and light up the night sky with your names (at least I will try) and your efforts will be celebrated in many ways over the next few months. 

As well as those swinging hammers, there were many of you with such giving hearts that showered us with end of year donations. It is just what we need to keep doing this work that protects your neighbor’s farm, adds trails to the local system, or brings us into the schools to support nature education. We quite literally can’t do this work without you.  Thank you. 

There will be a day soon enough where we gather as many of you as possible to share our thanks in person. For now, we want you to come and see the awesome new digs at 924 West Superior Street. Join us on January 29 from 3:00pm - 6:00pm. Help us shower the many people and businesses who supported our building efforts, a gesture perfectly timed with a month that is all about LOVE. ♥️

Let’s Celebrate,

Katie