Ramble and Mosey

*Recorded at the 2025 Michigan Outdoor Summit.* Nature shapes us, grounds us, and sparks the stories we carry. For Detroit-based artist-journalist and organizer Ian Solomon, the outdoors is more than a backdrop, it’s a driving force in his art, community work, and vision for belonging. In this closing keynote, Ian sits down with Dan Wanschura, host of Interlochen Public Radio’s Points North podcas...

*Recorded at the 2025 Michigan Outdoor Summit.* The outdoors doesn’t live in a silo, and neither should we. From trails to tables, wellness to wilderness, many of us in the recreation, conservation, food, health, and outdoor sectors are already working toward shared goals. So why does it sometimes feel like we’re on parallel paths instead of walking together? This candid conversation with thought...

In this episode of Ramble & Mosey, we explore the intersection of land banks, vacant property revitalization, and urban conservation in Michigan. Featuring Janell O’Keefe, Associate Director for Technical Assistance at the Center for Community Progress, and Mike Kelly, Great Lakes Director for the Conservation Fund, our conversation discusses how land banks are repurposing vacant properties an...

In this episode of Ramble & Mosey, we’re joined by Megan Motil of Parallel Solutions for an inside look at the inner workings of Michigan’s land conservation community. From strategic planning to partnership building, Megan shares how organizations collaborate behind the scenes to protect land, water, and natural resources for the long haul. We discuss the challenges and opportunities facing c...

In this episode of Ramble & Mosey, we sit down with Stacy Bare of Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, Julie Clark of TART Trails, and Gary Vernon of Oz Trails Bike Park to explore how trails shape both people and places. From Northwest Arkansas to Michigan, they share stories of community collaboration, the balancing act of recreation and conservation, and the lessons learned from building trails t...

In this episode of Ramble & Mosey, we welcome Phil Britton of Fresh Systems LLC and Vaughn Rodriguez of Innovate Marquette to dig into how outdoor recreation and conservation come together in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We unpack the story of the Orion Project (Outdoor Recreation Innovation Action Network) and its role in growing the region’s outdoor economy. Phil and Vaughn share how they’re...

In this episode of Ramble & Mosey, we're joined by MaryKay O’Donnell from the Land Trust Alliance and special guest Megan Motil from Parallel Solutions to unpack the role land conservancies play in conservation across Michigan. We trace the history of land conservancies, explore how they differ from other conservation organizations, and highlight innovative programs that protect land and w...

In this episode of Ramble and Mosey , we sit down with guests Qing Tiffany and Dan Cooke to explore how outdoor spaces in the Detroit region connect across generations. Qing shares her journey from a pre-med path to conservation work with Six Rivers Land Conservancy, and her current focus on reducing food waste through the nonprofit Make Food Not Waste. Dan, a practicing attorney and founder of Ex...

In this episode, we explore the healing power of nature in supporting youth mental health and resilience with Garrett Dempsey and Amanda Westra. Garrett shares how Detroit Outdoors creates inclusive opportunities for young people, especially in communities of color, through a gear library, leadership training, and partnerships. Amanda highlights how the Chill Foundation uses of boardsports and out...

In this episode, we welcome Ian Solomon, a multifaceted individual working passionately in Detroit's green spaces. Ian discusses his varied roles, including his work with the Detroit Parks Coalition, his artistic pursuits, and his community organization, Amplify Outside. He emphasizes the importance of bridging Detroiters with Michigan's natural spaces while addressing environmental justic...

In this episode, Anne Fleming from Little Traverse Conservancy, Cece Kirkwood, and Pitt Grewe from AllTrails join us to discuss the importance of trails for community engagement and conservation in Michigan. We explore the tools AllTrails offers to enhance outdoor experiences, including discoverability, planning, and on-trail navigation. Little Traverse Conservancy, with a rich history and a focus...

In this episode, our guests, Pete DeBoer, Director of Donor Relations at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, and Bob Lukens, Director of Community Development for Muskegon County, discuss the balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship. From restoring natural spaces and expanding trails to preserving Muskegon’s ecological heritage amid shifting demographics and developm...

In this episode, we're joined by Dan Lord, Chief of the Financial Operations Division, and Clay, Grants Manager for Michigan's Department of Natural Resources. We dive into the intricacies of financial operations, grants management, and their transformative impacts on Michigan's communities. Learn about the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, the profound partnerships driving state...

This episode features a live, unedited conversation between Jeannette Stawski, Author of  The Outdoor Leader  and Executive Director of the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education, and Dan Wanschura, Host and Executive Producer of Points North Podcast at the Michigan Outdoor Summit.  Jeannette shares her journey of becoming a whitewater rafting guide, the transformative power of outdoor le...

We connect with Zachary Branigan, the Executive Director of the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy. Zachary discusses the work the conservancy is doing, including taking on urban canopy and tree restoration projects to address tree equity issues in the communities they serve. He also talks about the journey of leading the conservancy and expanding its focus beyond traditional land protection efforts.

In this episode, we sit down with Stacy Bare, Executive Director of the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, and Luis Benitez, former Chief Impact Officer for the Trust for Public Land (current VP for Global Government Affairs Lululemon) . They discuss their personal connections to Michigan, the importance of outdoor recreation and conservation, and the work their organizations are doing to support and...

In this episode, we explore the evolution of the Detroit Parks Coalition with its Executive Director and Board President. From its inception to its current impact, learn about the Coalition's mission to transform Detroit's green spaces. Our guests discuss the organization’s membership, highlighting the collaborative efforts that drive their initiatives. We'll delve into the Coalition&#...