WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT....
Transcript of WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT....
![Page 1: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
2014 - 2015Annual Report
WE. ME.ACT.
![Page 2: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
2
Table of Contents
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
WMEAC’S IMPACT
STAFF
BOARD
INTERNS
VOLUNTEERS AND AWARDS
03
04
06
07
08
09
11
12
14
24
30
32
WOMEN AND THE ENVIRONMENT
IDEAL
WATER
POLICY AND ACTIVISM
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
DONORS
WE.
ME.
ACT.
Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders
of lakeshore dunes and streams running through our cities. But this beauty reveals it’s
truest form in the people who come together in a shared love, to protect and preserve
West Michigan.
Commitment. There is a power in the individual resolve. It is a source of energy and a
guide to keep us true. And the seeds of this energy lie in each of us, waiting to emerge.
Ready to change minds. And to change the world.
Action. We must preserve this special place for all generations. By gathering our
collective hopes and intentions we create a beginning. Our next step is to act; placing
our intentions in policy commits our communities to sustaining what is best for today
and tomorrow.
![Page 3: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
3
President’s LetterDear Members and Friends of WMEAC,
Across the nation, the environmental movement is becoming aware of a fundamental issue that impedes our strength and
our future; we are awakening to the failure of our movement to be authentically inclusive of all people. Perhaps the most
significant work that WMEAC has accomplished in the course of this year is strengthening our Inclusion and Development
of Environmental Allies and Leaders (IDEAL) initiative.
We are also entering a new era of acceptance and action around Climate Change and Resiliency. Our work around storm-
water and clean, efficient, energy solutions has long been driven by climate change, and the publication of the Grand Rapids
Climate Resiliency Report elevated climate dialogue and action among our business and governmental partners. WMEAC’s
work around climate resilient solutions is now being infused into the major issues of the day in West Michigan. The Grand
River Restoration and Activation, Vital Streets and Holland’s 40 Year Energy Plan, are all model climate resilient solutions to
these systemic issues that WMEAC has positively influenced.
These two trends of inclusion and the need for climate resiliency are deeply related. Traditionally marginalized commu-
nities are disproportionately impacted by climate change. We all know the stories of vulnerable people whose lives were
devastated by climate-exacerbated storms, like hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, that played out in national news. Here in West
Michigan, the dynamics of climate impacts on vulnerable communities are more insidious. Asthma rates among African
Americans and Latino populations are soaring – a complex recipe of genetic predisposition to the chronic disease, housing
conditions and ambient air quality. Economic well-being of families is impacted by extreme demands for heating and
cooling homes. Months of heavy, unrelenting snow make it difficult to navigate simple tasks like getting to work and going
to the grocery store.
For all these reasons, we are ushering in a new day of inclusive practices at WMEAC. We have been careful to do this
work the hard way – with authentic and patient alliances that are being driven by the agendas of our partners serving West
Michigan’s minority communities. We’ve made an investment in this work with our own funds – a small price to pay for
getting it right and moving forward together.
IDEAL has enriched our initiatives and created exponential growth – particularly in the Teach for the Watershed program,
where we continue to see major advances. New partnerships have created fresh approaches to our stormwater work, re-en-
ergizing our community around the protection of water. The infusion of climate change into our community dialogue has
had similar impact, positively changing the ways we think about water, air quality and land use.
As always, WMEAC’s approach is to provide education and insight to inspire change in our community. Sometimes this
influence is loud and highly visible, and on other occasions WMEAC is a behind the scenes, servant-leader, encouraging
others to innovate in ways that protect our natural resources and accomplish a greater good. We are thankful for a body
of supporters – WMEAC’s members and friends – who understand our power in both of these roles and trust us to make
meaningful change to protect West Michigan’s natural resources and quality of life.
With gratitude,
-- Christine Helms-Maletic, WMEAC Board President
![Page 4: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
4
2,215 Students participating 13,000
Facebook Likes
22,250 gallons captured
445 barrels distributed
400 Hours
18,5261,307
5,113
Who is following?
Teach for the Watershed
Rain Barrels
Facebook is our most popular
social media, with
new likes per year
spent working on Teach
for the Watershed by
interns and volunteers
150
250Volunteer hours
Intern hours
5100Nearly classrooms in school districts
constituents reached every week
constituents engaged every week
Over
![Page 5: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
5
11,104 Volunteer Hours1,277 Volunteers
Who is helping?
Where are we?
MuskegonCounty
AlleganCounty
BarryCounty
IoniaCounty
MontcalmCounty
OttawaCounty
KentCounty
NewaygoCounty
Kent
T4WIDEALGrand River CleanupFrackingWatershed ProtectionRiver RestorationStormwater EducationStormwater CalculatorRecycling PolicyEnergy PolicyRainscaping
Ottawa T4WIDEALGrand River CleanupWater TrailsFrackingRecycling PolicyEnergy PolicyRainscaping
Allegan
Water TrailsFrackingRecycling PolicyEnergy PolicyLand Use Policy
Muskegon
Water TrailsIDEALFrackingRecycling PolicyEnergy PolicyStormwater CalculatorStormwater Education
IoniaRainscapingFrackingRecycling PolicyEnergy Policy
Montcalm
FrackingRecycling PolicyEnergy Policy
BarryFrackingRecycling PolicyEnergy PolicyWatershed Protection
Newaygo
FrackingRecycling PolicyEnergy Policy
![Page 6: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
6
Jessica Vander Ark
Teach for the Watershed
Project Coordinator
Mary Robinson
Director of Development
Josh Leffingwell
Director of Communications
Ondrea Spychalski
Water Programs
Outreach Coordinator
Rachel Hood
Executive Director
Elaine Sterrett Isely
Director of Water
and LID Programs
Nicholas Occhipinti
Director of Policy and
Community Activism
Jon Helmrich
Director of Operations
Anne Marie Hertl
Community Activism Manager
Kristine Bersche
Teach for the Watershed
Coordinator
Staff
![Page 7: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
7
Christine Helms-Maletic - President
Grant-writer
CHM Consulting, LLC
David Rein - Vice President
Director of Compensation
Spectrum Health
Robert Westdorp - Treasurer
CPA, Accounting Supervisor
Baker Holtz
Emily Green - Secretary
Attorney
Rhoades McKee
Brad Keuning
Director of Business Risk
Herman Miller
Ryan Huppert
Assistant Principal
Grand Rapids Public Schools
Marta Johnson
Managing Director
Triple Quest/Cascade Engineering
Michael Scantlebury
Associate Professor
Grand Valley State University
Karen Tracey
Partner, Creative Director
The Image Shoppe
Doug Wood
Retired
Past Director Kent County Public Works
Don Triezenberg
Retired Educator
Michelle Jokisch Polo
Title IX/Equity Graduate Assistant
Grand Valley State University
BoardABOUT WMEAC
West Michigan Environmental Action Council has been educating and advocating on behalf
of West Michigan’s natural resources since 1968. WMEAC responds to emerging issues that
threaten our region’s communities and ecosystems. WMEAC’s efforts are focused on building
sustainable communities and protecting water resources. At the core of our mission is empow-
erment; ensuring that the people of our region are prepared with the best tools, resources and
intelligence to ensure that our shared ecology is protected, our economy is competitive and our
communities provide equitable opportunities for all people to thrive.
![Page 8: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
8
Emma Duvernay / Graphic Design
Bree Bode / IDEAL Scholar
Stephanie Poll / Graphic Design
Julian Turley / IDEAL Communications Intern
Nick Dow / Policy
Alison Obrecht / Water Programs
Juan Peña / IDEAL Scholar
Laura Bratt / Water Programs
Grace Ruiter / Communications
Kamau Sandiford / Policy
Amanda Kreuze / Policy
Hannah Melton / Community Outreach
Alyssa Guzman / IDEAL Scholar - Lakeshore
Christy Bell / IDEAL Scholar
Hannah Burrows / Water Programs
Jamie Vaughan / Trout Unlimited
Shelby DeGalan / Event and Fund Development
Sarah Koehn / Policy
Ari Kornelis / Policy
Taylor Flamont /Water Programs + Mayors’ Clean Up
Erin Shelly / Community Outreach
Alyssa Ellen / Teach for the Watershed
Ethan Chong / Event and Fund Development
James Smit / Water Fellow
Kara Suppan / Event and Fund Development
Cenique Yeldell / Communications + Eco Journalism
Jameson Schryer / Water Programs
Meagan Fraser / Communications
Kate Root / Communications
Amar Dzomba / Graphic Design
Tyler Postma / Teach for the Watershed - Lakeshore
Joel Betts / Teach for the Watershed
Macy Doster / Teach for the Watershed - Lakeshore
Joanna Chen / IDEAL Scholar
Madeleine Burns / Events and Fund Development
David Casaletto / Policy
Erin Smith / Women and the Environment
Interns (April 2014 - March 2015)
![Page 9: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
9
WMEAC relies on the work of members and friends like you to carry out our mission of leading
environmental protection in West Michigan. From March 31, 2013 to April 1, 2014, WMEAC volun-
teers logged 9,903 hours of service to our mission. This includes individual volunteers and small
groups throughout the year. Volunteers worked on tasks including rain barrel preparation, Teach for
the Watershed, weeding WMEAC’s rain gardens and green roof, general office help, WMEAC intern-
ships, and work in WMEAC’s many committees.
Volunteers
11,104
HOURS WORKED
1,277
VOLUNTEERS
Ginny WantyMSU Extension
Women of Vision
Emily Green
Joan Wolfe Award
Jennifer Smith
Volunteer of the Year
James Smit
Activist of the Year
GM Components
Holdings
Business of the Year
Laura Bratt
Intern of the Year
Jonathan Harper
Teacher of the Year
Tammy AyersSteelcase Corporation
Women of Inspiration
WOMEN AND THE ENVIRONMENT AWARD WINNERS
Representative Joseph Haveman
90th Michigan House District
Michigan’s 97th Legistlature
C.R. EVENSON
Renae Hesselink
Vice President of Sustainability at Nichols Paper & Supply
GEORGE HEARTWELL ENVIRONMENTAL LEGACY AWARD
Autumn SandsBarfly Ventures, LLC
Women of Hope
Awards
![Page 10: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
10
![Page 11: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
11
WOMEN AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Over 150 guests attended the 4th Annual Women and Environment Symposium this year.
The theme of the Symposium was Environmental Justice outlining the intersections of race
equity, discrimination, and environmental justice issues in the country and West Michigan.
Personal commitment forms were again integrated throughout the workshop to encourage
attendees to make a 30-day and 365-day commitments to take action to impact their
personal lives and their communities. WMEAC then sent out resources to participants
to support them to reach those goals. This positive piece reinforced the intention of the
Symposium, which was to create opportunities for meaningful action and to inspire and
empower women.
Keynote Nikki Silvestri has driven change both locally and nationally. She was most recently the
Executive Director of Green For All, a national environmental organization building a green
economy strong enough to lift people out of poverty. Over the last ten years, Nikki has worked
as an advocate for environmental and social equity for underrepresented populations in food
systems, social services, public health, and economic development. Silvestri shared her personal
testimonial to outline the necessity of integrating environmental and racial equity issues.
Other panelists included representatives from food justice, economic development, environmental
justice, First People’s, and health institutions.
![Page 12: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
12
IDEAL
IDEAL (Inclusion and Development of Environment Allies and Leaders) initiative has a goal to build a 21st century population of people ready to tackle 21st century environmental issues.
2013
WMEAC’s strategic plan
recognized a need for
increased inclusion in policy,
programs and outreach.
JANUARY 2013
WMEAC creates the
Community Activism
position to staff IDEAL and
hires the first IDEAL scholar.
FALL 2013
The IDEAL Advisory Board
was formed
SUMMER 2013
The IDEAL initiative
was created.
WMEAC recognizes that underrepresented communities are among the most vulnerable to environ-
mental deterioration and climate change. So, in order to strengthen West Michigan’s environment as a
whole, it is important to involve all communities in the process, especially underrepresented communi-
ties. This realization brought about the IDEAL Initiative.
A component of WMEAC’s IDEAL initiative is to learn the community’s self-identified issue
areas through an ongoing Perception Survey conducted through 25 deep listening sessions and
survey collection at community events. This work is conducted as a component of WMEAC’s
![Page 13: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
13
SUMMER 2014
IDEAL scholars and
WMEAC staff engage in 25
deep listen sessions with
community leaders.
2015
Implement the IDEAL initiative holis-
tically into WMEAC’s strategic plan,
policies, programs and outreach.
SPRING 2014
WMEAC updates internal
hiring and inclusion
policies.
FALL 2014
WMEAC analyzes deep
listening sessions and begins
implementing the self identified
needs of the community.
IDEAL initiative beginning in the summer of 2014 and continuing through the present. WMEAC
representatives engaged in “deep-listening” with community leaders and organizational representatives
to learn about challenges, opportunities, and interests of non-traditional environmental communities.
WMEAC introduced the perception survey to get impressions on a variety of environmental themes,
and to define a community’s self-identified environmental issues and priorities.
Find the latest Perception Survey packet online at www.wmeac.org/IDEAL with survey results and compli-
mentary data relevant to how a specific environmental topics is impacting Greater-Grand Rapids.
WMEAC recognizes that underrepresented communities
are among the most vulnerable to environmental deteri-
oration and climate change.
![Page 14: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
14
Water
![Page 15: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
15
RAIN BARREL PROGRAM
In 2014, WMEAC’s Rain Barrel Program surpassed 2,600 barrels built and distributed in West Michigan, with an increase of nearly 100 more barrels than previously sold in 2013.
The City of Grand Rapids, Coca Cola and Rylee’s Ace Hardware have supported the program
since 2009 and this year DeWitt Barrels has established a new relationship with WMEAC as
our sole barrel distributor. New partnerships were established in 2014 including Rockford
Brewing Company, Flowerland, Schmohz Brewery, Horrocks Market, Grand Rapids
Downtown Market, Big Blue Hydroponics, Rylee’s Ace Hardware, Zeeland Community
Hospital, Sparta Moose Lodge and four Spectrum Health locations who all helped to facilitate
and fund workshops.
PROGRAMMATIC RAIN BARREL DISTRIBUTION BY YEAR
Year Grand RapidsPlaster Creek Watershed Rockford Muskegon
West Michigan
2009 253 15 0 1 142010 468 44 0 1 292011 270 33 9 5 712012 424 27 6 34 1622013 174 45 24 4 1552014 174 17 49 93 110
Total 1736 181 88 138 541
![Page 16: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
16
TEACH FOR THE WATERSHED
West Michigan Environmental Action Council’s (WMEAC) interactive watershed education
program, Teach for the Watershed (T4W) has reached the end of another very successful year
of watershed education in local schools. An exceptional number of students and classrooms in
West Michigan participated by incorporating watershed education into their science curriculum.
WMEAC has introduced many teachers, students, and volunteers to the watercycle, biology, and
chemistry concepts and issues related to sustainability and protecting our local watersheds.
T4W works within the school’s neighborhood streams, all of which contribute to the Lower
Grand River Watershed, which helps students connect with their water sources in order to take
more ownership. Few students have previously had the experience of standing in a stream and
analyzing the water quality. It provides a level of education that would otherwise not be acces-
sible and facilitates connections between what they learn in the classroom and actual career skills
that are utilized in chemistry, biology, geology, and environmental engineering. This approach
THIS SCHOOL YEAR NEARLY 100 CLASSROOMS THROUGHOUT WEST MICHIGAN ENGAGED IN THE T4W PROGRAM FROM GRAND RAPIDS, GODWIN HEIGHTS, GODFREY LEE, FOREST HILLS, AND WEST OTTAWA PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
![Page 17: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
17
supports a key goal of the original T4W model: connecting students interested in the sciences
with professionals who are using science skills in their fields of work. This year T4W utilized
approximately 150 volunteer hours and 250 intern hours implementing the the program in 5
school districts.
This school year nearly 100 classrooms throughout West Michigan engaged in the T4W program
from Grand Rapids, Godwin Heights, Godfrey Lee, Forest Hills, and West Ottawa Public Schools.
Approximately 2,215 students connected with T4W in watershed education and water quality
service learning projects.
With a team of water quality professionals from around West Michigan, students were intro-
duced to the major issues that affect the Great Lakes watersheds. This includes where different
types of pollutants come from and how they affect water quality, stormwater best management
practices, managing invasive species, and changes to the water cycle.
Students and teachers were guided through the methods used in aquatic ecological assessments
including water chemistry, studying in-stream habitat conditions, and studying the diversity
of the macroinvertebrate communities. Some of the students and teachers also participated in
addressing stormwater management issues by assembling rain barrels and installing rain gardens
for their school grounds.
T4W maintains educational partnerships with Groundswell and Grand Valley State University,
Macatawa Area Coordinating Council and Plaster Creek Stewards in order to deliver compre-
hensive, expert guidance and professional development opportunities for teaching outdoors, with
approximately 70 teachers.
We have continued our strong funding relationship with Herman Miller, General Motors, and
the Student Advancement Foundation, which sponsored Godfrey Lee Public Schools, West
Ottawa Public Schools, and Grand Rapids Public Schools respectively. Both Herman Miller and
General Motors also delivered strong mentors to work alongside and guide the students in all
activities. With continued corporate support through sponsorships and volunteers, WMEAC will
continue to facilitate educational programming to West Michigan’s young people, ensuring their
commitment to the Great Lakes in the years to come.
![Page 18: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
18
4TH ANNUAL GRAND HAVEN GREENUP
The 4th Annual Grand Haven Greenup (now titled the Ottawa County Cleanup) was
extremely successful with 327 volunteers, 1,018 pounds of trash and 3,995 pounds of
recyclables collected. This was an increase from the 2012 Greenup by 100 volunteers
and nearly 3,500 pounds of trash. The event was put on in partnership with Ottawa
County Parks and Recreation.
![Page 19: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
19
11TH ANNUAL MAYORS’ GRAND RIVER CLEANUP
The 11th Annual Mayors’ Grand River Cleanup was successful through the support of the
Great Lakes Commission and the twenty other sponsors. 1,018 volunteers (243 more than
last year) were able to remove 18,000 pounds (6,000 pounds more than 2013) of refuse from
the banks of the Grand River and its tributaries, spreading over 40 miles of riverbank in four
cities: Grand Rapids, Walker, Wyoming, Grandville and Plainfield Township.
![Page 20: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
20
STORMWATER
WMEAC continues its stormwater policy and education work within the City of Grand Rapids and
neighboring communities. In the Summer of 2014, we released Sustaining Stormwater Investments
in Grand Rapids. This report, supported by the Dyer Ives Foundation, includes a review of best
practices from around the country for both incentive programs for green infrastructure implemen-
tation, and stormwater utility opt-out programs. It also provides recommendations to the City for
modifications it can make to its local codes and ordinances to facilitate the implementation of storm-
water green infrastructure, as well as a review of work the City has already done – highlighting
benchmarks that still need to be reached.
For the last several years, WMEAC has urged the City to appoint a stormwater advisory
committee to provide guidance on stormwater management and green infrastructure spending
and implementation decisions. In the Spring of 2014, Grand Rapids appointed inaugural members
to two new City commissions. Members of WMEAC staff serve in leadership roles for both the
Stormwater Oversight Commission and Vital Streets Oversight Commission.
WMEAC kicked off a new partnership, the Rain to Roots program, with Friends of Grand Rapids
Parks, with funding provided by the U.S. Forest Service, to design and pilot a residential stormwater
program. Rain to Roots is targeting homeowners who live in Roosevelt Park, Oakdale, and Alger
Heights to provide stormwater education and residential property assessments for the implemen-
tation of low cost green infrastructure practices. Rain barrels, native plants for downspout rain
gardens, and trees can be purchased through this program.
![Page 21: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
21
WMEAC’s regional stormwater efforts include participating in a collaborative planning process
for the implementation of a regional residential “rainscaping” program, that will build from
the learning of our partners and the Rain to Roots project in Grand Rapids, and the collabora-
tive Stormwater Guidebook for Plaster Creek and Rogue River Watersheds. New capacity at
the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds makes this level of regional collaboration
possible. In addition, we have kicked off a stormwater green infrastructure calculator project.
The stormwater calculator project is a collaboration between WMEAC and Grand Valley State
University to develop online and mobile tools to help communities understand environmental
and economic costs and benefits of stormwater green infrastructure. The calculator will be piloted
in the Cities of Grand Rapids and Muskegon, for application in small to medium-sized cities
throughout the Great Lakes basin. Funding for this project is from the U.S. Forest Service through
the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
Members of WMEAC staff serve in leadership roles
for both the Stormwater Oversight Commission and
Vital Streets Oversight Commission.
![Page 22: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
22
PROTECTING OUR WATER RESOURCES
Water is our most precious resource. WMEAC remains committed to work with local, regional,
and national partners to help protect and enhance West Michigan’s water resources – including
Lake Michigan, the Grand River and its tributaries.
GRAND RIVER RESTORATION
As efforts continue to restore and activate the rapids in downtown Grand Rapids, WMEAC
remains committed to protecting the Grand River’s water quality in support of the project. In
2014-2015, WMEAC staff served on both the Grand River Restoration Steering Committee
and the River Corridor Plan Committee. In February 2015, WMEAC gave a presentation to the
Steering Committee regarding water quality issues related to the rapids’ restoration. As a result
of this presentation, a Water Quality Subcommittee was created. This team developed a water
quality agenda that has subsequently been embedded in the GR Forward plan to guide the redevel-
opment of the river corridor. This agenda sets the stage to leverage federal and state funding and
policy efforts for water quality projects up and downstream of Grand Rapids’ restored river rapids.
WMEAC believes that restoration and protection – all based in good science - must align to ensure
successful activation of the Grand River.
WATER TRAILS
In July 2014, WMEAC, Grand Valley State University, and Williams and Works released West
Michigan Water Trail: Planning for a Lake Michigan Water Trail from Benton Harbor to
Ludington. This report highlights the results of a year-long study of community involvement,
national and regional leading and best management practices in water trail development and imple-
mentation, and West Michigan “readiness to market” for existing and potential water trail resources.
This project was funded by the Michigan Coastal Zone Management Program, Department of
Environmental Quality, with funds from the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration.
In doing this project, WMEAC has been able to link recreation opportunities with water resource
stewardship. We are continuing to build and bring our expertise within this emerging field, and
are pursuing opportunities for the evaluation and development of water trails in the Lower Grand
River and in Saugatuck/Douglas at the Kalamazoo River Harbor.
![Page 23: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
23
![Page 24: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
24
Policy & Activism
![Page 25: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
25
STATE ENERGY POLICY
In 2015 WMEAC was awarded funding from the prestigious Rockefeller Foundation to
fight for clean and efficient energy in Michigan. WMEAC applied for the funding on behalf
of 13 energy and environmental organizations in Michigan and the Midwest working to
defend, support, and strengthen Public Act 295 of 2008 - Michigan’s proven successful clean
and efficient energy law. Additionally, the 10% Michigan renewable energy standard and
1% annual energy efficiency standard will be achieved at the end of end of 2015. The law is
currently under attack from state legislators and special interest groups. WMEAC is working
with this group dedicated to ensure the law is improved and expanded - not eliminated or
weakened. These funds place WMEAC in an important role in fighting for the future of
clean energy in Michigan and we will need your help.
Watch WMEAC’s Facebook, newsletter, and E-actions for important information about
state clean energy policy.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY WILL PAY FOR ITSELF IN HOLLAND – LITERALLY
In 2012 and 2013 WMEAC worked closely with two Holland citizen energy committees
to advance energy efficiency in the City of Holland: Retrofits Committee and Labeling
Committee. Through much research, dialogue and team work the Retrofit committee
decided to pursue an innovative, national best practice called On-Bill Finance. This new
financing tool allows property owners to finance energy efficiency improvements on their
utility bills to be paid back from the future savings of the install efficacy or clean energy
retrofit. For example, install $2000 in new insulation? Why not pay for it through the
savings from energy efficiency that the investment delivers.
WMEAC then connected the City of Holland to Governor Snyder’s team to introduce
House Bill # 5397 of 2014. This was one of the few environmentally friendly pieces of
state legislation to pass in the 2013/14 legislative session. The bill passed both houses with
overwhelming bi-partisan support and was signed into law by the governor in January,
2015. More, the On-bill financing concept has gained enough steam that it has been
included by Senator Nofs as an innovative financing tool that should be made available to
homeowners statewide in 2015.
![Page 26: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
26
CLIMATE RIDE
Lake Michigan’s coastline is rare and wonderful, and it instills in Michiganders a
powerful reverence for nature, a fierce loyalty to West Michigan, and a sense of
place. September 2014 #TEAMWMEAC completed a 300 mile journey from Grand
Rapids to Chicago Tuesday afternoon with tired legs but renewed passion for
protecting our Great Lakes region!
The ride was a fundraiser for WMEAC and throughout the trip the team
documented their journey and spread the word about climate change in West
Michigan. #TEAMWMEAC posted photos and tweeted messages on social media
about why it is important to protect our Great Lakes communities against the
impacts of climate change. WMEAC sent out climate press packets earned media
in West Michigan coastal community newspapers to raise awareness about the
predicted local climate change impacts.
![Page 27: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
27
TENORM
WMEAC was invited by the DEQ through our statewide partner Michigan Environmental
Council to join the Governor’s Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive
materials (TENORM) panel. This expert panel reviewed the state’s existing TENORM disposal
standard concerning municipal and hazardous waste landfills. The panel produced a number
of recommendations calling for increased TENORM protections at landfills statewide. On the
panel WMEAC utilized hard science and research from other states to earn recommendations
for worker safety protections, limits on the volume and radioactivity of TENORM disposal, and
mandated testing of potential air and water TENORM pathways at landfills to ensure public and
environmental safety. Subsequently, WMEAC has been called on to inform TENORM legisla-
tion emerging from the State Senate.
WOLVERINE WORLDWIDE
A local citizens group in Rockford, MI asked for WMEAC’s help several years ago to oversee
the investigation of a contaminated, former Wolverine Worldwide (WWW) Tannery site
in Downtown Rockford. WMEAC has served as a liaison between the citizen’s group and
regulators. We have met with the City of Rockford, counsel for WWW, EPA regulators,
and environmental remediation consultants. WMEAC’s efforts are ensuring that the highest
quality investigation is performed at the site. This EPA/Department of Environmental Quality
(DEQ) investigation will dictate how this important site on the Rogue River in the center of
downtown Rockford, MI is remediated to protect the environment and public health, and how
it can be utilized in the future.
BUILDING CODES
In 2014 a WMEAC team was formed to advocate for stronger energy efficiency standards in the
state’s residential building codes. The team’s work paid off with a State of Michigan announcement
recommending the adoption of a more efficient code. According to the State, “Michigan’s new
energy efficient residential construction code will result in savings ranging from 14 percent to over
17 percent for heating and over 25 percent when electrical and equipment efficiency is considered.”
Thank you to volunteer, Don Lee, who worked to ensure that Michigan will build more efficient, affordable
and climate resilient homes.
![Page 28: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
28
WEST MICHIGAN FRACKING COLLABORATIVE
On December 3, 2014, WMEAC hosted its Fracking in Michigan conference at the Kellogg
Conference Center at Michigan State University. This well attended event presented a balanced
perspective on issues associated with high volume horizontal fracturing. Topics included water
use issues, state and local economics, local government issues, new state fracking rules and
policies, and the University of Michigan’s Graham Institute study on fracking. As part of this
event, Michigan Radio hosted an Issues and Ale event on December 2, 2014 at HopCat in East
Lansing. Conference co-hosts included Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, FLOW (For the
Love of Water), Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Kent County Water Conservation,
Michigan Environmental Council, and the Wege Foundation.
WMEAC continues to work with FLOW and Kent County Water Conservation to encourage local
communities to strengthen their ordinances to protect their neighborhoods and homes from the ancillary
impacts of fracking. Most importantly, we are working to train citizens to be leaders in their communi-
ties to call for strengthened protections.
To find out more about fracking in Michigan, go to www.knowfracking.com.
WMEAC IN THE GRAND HAVEN TRIBUNE
WMEAC writes a monthly Community Column for the Grand Haven Tribune. The Column
is published in print and online the third Friday of the month. Through this column WMEAC
reaches thousands of Spring Lake/Grand Haven Lakeshore residents. Additionally, WMEAC will
often share the column statewide through social media and partner groups. This column features
innovative policies and emerging issues such as Great Lakes Marine Debris, State Energy Policy,
Environment and market economics, Public lands, and oil and gas Pipeline issues. The column is
often tough, but it’s always fair-minded, well-documented and earnest. Finally, WMEAC has also
been able to feature the writings of interns, emerging young professionals, and partner groups in
this space.
![Page 29: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
29
![Page 30: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
30
2014/15 FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES
24% Education and
Advocacy
9% Membership
Programs
9% Sustainable Communities
29% Management
and Fundraising
29% Protecting
Water
Financial Summary
OPERATIONS FUNDS
Both revenue and expenses were up in the 2014/15 fiscal year. WMEAC posted a
negative balance of approximately $30,000 for fiscal year 2014/15. The year ended
with Total Revenue of approximately $785,000 and Total Expenses of $815,000.
![Page 31: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
31
$50,000
$200,000
$100,000
$250,000
$350,000
$150,000
$300,000
$400,000
Foundationsand Grants
Events, Programs, Sales
Membership, Dues, and
Contributions
Investment Income
2014/15 SOURCES OF INCOME
![Page 32: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
32
Thank You - Institutional + Corporate DonorsADAC Automotive
Anesthesia Practice Consultants
Aquinas College
Autodie LLC
Baker Holtz
Barnes & Thornburg
Bata Plastics
The Beancounter
Brewery Vivant
Brick Road Pizza
Calvary Church
Cardno
Cascade Engineering Family of Companies
City of Wyoming
City of Grand Rapids
Clothing Matters
Coca-Cola Enterprises
Coleman Hughes
Comprenew
Covanta
Dean Transportation
DeWys Manufacturing
Dominican Sisters
Elders Helpers
Essence Restaurant Group
Experience Grand Rapids
Feyen Zylstra
FLOW for Water
Founders Brewing Company
Friends of Ottawa County Parks
Funky Buddha Yoga Hothouse
General Motors Component Holdings
Grand Finale Desserts & Pastries
Grand Haven Rotary Club
Grand Haven/Spring Lake Sewer Authority
Grand Rapids Art Museum
Grand Valley Metropolitan Council
Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University Women’s Center
Gray & Lockwood
Great Lakes Brewing Company
Greener Grads
Harmony Brewing Company
Hooker DeJong Inc.
Image Shoppe
Interface H2O
Kendall College of Art and Design
Kent County Department of Public Works
Lakeshore Kayak Rental
Louis Padnos Iron & Metal Company
Landscape Design Services
Lott3Metz
Mancinos Pizza
Martha’s Vineyard LTD
Media Place Partners
Metro Health Hospital
Michigan Environmental Council
Michigan League of Conservation Voters
Midwest Properties of MI
Muskegon County
New Soil
Nichols Paper & Supply
Nourish Organic Market
Old National Bank
Open Systems Technologies (OST)
Ottawa County Parks
Phoenix Floor Finishing
Premier Finishing, Inc.
Recycleboxbin
Republic Services
Restorative Lake Sciences
Rhoades McKee
Schrems WM Trout Unlimited
Southern Grand Marina
Spectrum Health
Spring Lake Township
Steelcase Corporation
Storr Printing
Tammy Jo Realty LLC
Tazzia Lawn Care
Terra
The Yoga Studio
The Yoga Wave and Paddles Up
Tidy Home Helpers
United Methodist Women
West Michigan Chapter of Air & Waste Management Association
West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum
Wooden Nickel
![Page 33: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
33
Thank You - Individual Donors
Henry & Chris Aay
Timothy Berghuis & Jill Ainslie
Mark Post & Gerard Akkerhuis
Annessa Allison
Barbara Amberg
Dan & Doris Anderson
Mary Appelt
Peter Armstrong
Jill Armstrong
Martha & Paul Arnold
Todd & Katie Ashenbach
Steve & Julie Ashmead
William & Jennifer Baguley
Jean & David Bahle
Carl & Claudia Bajema
Mishelle Bakewell
David Koski & Lori Baker
Barbara & Gerald Bakker
Janet Ballard
Corinne Banks
Jay & Nancy Barnhart
Justin Barr
Jeffery Bean
Patrick Beaumier
Marcella Beck
Alan & Nancy Bedell
Pamela & Craig Benjamin
John & Susan Bergin
Kristine & Joel Bersche
Anne Marie & Jean Bessette
Judy & Ken Betz
William & Jill Beute
Patricia Birkholz
Bonnie Blackledge
David Blaszkiewicz
Ragen Bleeker
Bert & Janet Bleke
Rosalynn Bliss
Jeanne Helmrick & Frank Blossom
Edward & Kathryn Bolt
Peter & Judith Boogaart
Robert & Dorothy Borgeld
Joyce & Will Gay Bottje
Linda Bowman
Clayton Brillhart
Mary Brodbeck
Judy & Gerard Brom
Janay & Andrew Brower
Becky Brown
John Bruni
Mark Bryson
Richard & Carolyn Bullington
Dr. Peggy Burke
Mary Jo & Chuck Burpee
Virginia Peterson & Jon Burr
Bill Byl
Ron Cammel
DONOR SUPPORT Your annual membership, annual fund donations, sponsorships, event attendance, endowment and planned giving investments all help build WMEAC’s ability to serve the people of West Michigan with its mission – to build more resilient, sustainable communities, to protect our water and to advocate for the future of West Michigan’s natural environment.
Members are the foundation of WMEAC support. As a WMEAC member – annual or sustaining – you are making environmental education and advocacy happen in your community. These dollars fundamentally help us reach these goals and provide a voice to citizens on a variety of issues that change policy on behalf of the environment.
![Page 34: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
34
Mike & Char Cary
Fouad Catrib
Mark & Laurie Cavanaugh
Tia Cavender
Matt Cenci
Lora Sieg-Chamberlain & Aaron Chamberlain
Julia Chambers
James & Dorothy Chamness
Larry & Maia Cieply
Vanessa Clarey
David & Jeanne Clemo
Jill Henemyer & Dotti Clune
Dr. Bruce Cohan
Nancy & Stuart Cok
Sherron Collins
Ryan Cotton
John & Zelda Coulter
Alicia Crawford
Elizabeth J. Crosby
Nuala Crotty
Charles & Patricia Cubbage
Pat & Thomas Dancy
Robert J. Daverman
Alisha Davidson
Jennifer Dawson
David Dejonge
Linda & Gary DeKock
Eric & Sharai DeLong
Michael & Kathleen Devarenne
Marian DeVries
Jeanne Elders & Ron Dewaard
Abby DeWeerd
Eugene & Mary DeWys
Justin Dieleman
Fenna Diephuis - Stoub
A. Newt & Ann Dilley
Anne Dingman
Suzanne Dixon
Mary Jane Dockeray
Nancy & Michael Dodge
Stanley & Betsy Dole
Toby Dolinka
Cindee Dresen
Steffany & Jo Dunker
Kayem Dunn
Jane Dyer
Suzanne & Gary Eberle
Paula Edwards
Tao Edwards
Jackie Neerken & David Eggerding
Paul Murphy & Leigh Eicke
Sarah Elliott
Steve TenElshof & Lindsay Ellis
Vicki Elzinga
Craig & Amy Emenaker
Kristi Evans
Emily Evers
Margarita Munoz Evers
Douglas & Georgia Everse
Sean & Katie Fahey
William & Kay Farr
Emma Fedorchuk
Elizabeth Fedorchuk
Tom & Carolyn Fehsenfeld
Skylar Ferguson
Kayne Ferrier
Jeanne & James Ferro
Erin Fisher
William & Barbara Foley
Eric Foster
Judith Jensen-Fowler & Ben Fowler
Gerald & Donna Foy
Michelle Frederick
Ken Freestone
Mark Holzbach & Dana Friis-Hansen
Donald & Laurie Gardner
Ray Gates
![Page 35: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
35
Paula & John Gaylord
Tina Geelhoed
Pat & John Gelderloos
Kathryn Gerber
Stephanie Gerling
Michelle Gibbs
Jeffrey & Georgia Gietzen
Andrew Giguere
Anita Gilleo
Karen Gipson
Linda & John Girard
Matt Jarrells & Jessica Gladden
Carol Glanville
Meg Goebel
Jonathon Gorter
Laurie Goshorn
Kelly Goward
Judith Grantz
James Lockwood & Adele Gray
Thomas Schmelter & Emily Green
Cathy & Jeff Green
Nichea Ver Veer Guy & Greg Guy
Doris Griffith
Darrell & Debra Gritter
Stacy Hal Grossman
Patricia & Ronald Grzybowski
Daniel Grzywacz
Peter & Virgina Gustafson
Julie Nietling & Paul Haan
Tom Hanley
Judy & Lee Hardy
Thomas Harrington
Margaret Harrison
Hon. George & Susan Heartwell
Ryan Huppert & Dawn Heartwell
Lynn Heemstra
Gail Gunst & Kenneth Heffner
Madeline Heibel
Jon Helmrich
Stephen Hemenway
Shannon Henderson
Jeanette Henderson
Vera & George Hendricks
Anne Marie Hertl
Virginia Hewitt
Gwen & John Hibbard
Lukas Hill
Lynne Hill
Elissa & Adam Hillary
Anne & Rich Hiskes
Laura & Jay Hoekstra
Rebecca & Jack Hoffman
Alden Hoksbergen
Frederick Holland
Karen Holt
Dawn Marie Holtrop
Nancy Honor
Dave Petroelje & Rachel Hood
Gregory & Kristine Hood
Richard Horvitz
Venessa Howard
Richard Hubbard
John Hunting
Ellie Hutchison
Margaret Idema
Kyle & Win Irwin
Elaine Sterrett Isely & Paul Isely
Richard Jackson Jr.
Lois Schwallier Jagers
Sister Lucille Janowiak
Mary Jean Jennings
Marta Johnson
Mari Beth Johnson-Jelks
Grace & Clarence Joldersma
James & Phoorita Jouppi
Shirley Kallio
Rebecca & Brian Karsten
Christine Kelly
![Page 36: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
36
Ruth & Carl Kelly
Don Smalligan & Mary Kenyon
Brad & Corinne Keuning
Pamela & James Key
Robert & Shirley Kirk
Lisa Klaasen
Mary Koenen
Jeff & Kate Koeze
Cathy & Rashmi Kothari
Marnie Kotwick
Andrew Kovacs
Gary Kovitz
Joshua Krbez
Mary Kretschman
Andrew Kuklewski
Mark & Lori La Croix
Danielle Lake
Barbara LaPorte
Beth Larsen
Alissa Lane & Josh Leffingwell
Stephen Lester
David & Judy Levick
William & Susan Lewis
Kathleen Ley-Bruinsma
John & Jean Lockwood
Paulette Longwell
Kristy Glass & Ted Lott
Dana Lowell
Rhonda Lubberts
Sally & Ben Lundquist
Dolli Lutes
Jerry Lykins
Steve Maas
Cecilia Maas
Vaughn & Janice Maatman
Andrijka Macko
Bill & Mary Macleod
Christine Helms-Maletic & Tim Maletic
Melanie Manion
David Kampfschulte & Dayle Maples
Barbara Marcus
Jerry Marogil
Laura Martin
Marilyn & Joseph Martin
Harold Mast
Monica Randles & Andrew Maternowski
J. Kevin & Cynthia McCurren
Starla McDermott
John & Kate McGarry
Danny McGee
Roy & Carol McIlwaine
Mike & Lynn McIntosh
Cynthia McKean
David Rein & Lisa McNeilley
Scott McPheeters
Thomas & Janice McWhertor
David Medema
Jennifer & Greg Metz
Bonnie Miller
Jonathan & Mindy Miner
Lisa & John Mitchell
Kelly Mix
William & Susan Moody
Rosemary Prince & Bruce Mort
Deanna Morse
Greg Mulder
Kelly Mundt
Andrea Napierkowski
William Neal
Andrea Newell
Jill & Thomas Newhouse
Brittany Dernberger & Tyler Nickerson
![Page 37: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
37
Erik Nordman & Jennifer Headley-Nordman
Kimberly Noordyke
Anita & Christopher Norman
James Novak
Kalie Nye
Jeanne Nyhuis
Thomas & Nancy Occhipinti
Liz & Jerry O’Connor
Gaye Works & John O’Connor
John & Lynn O’Donnell
Wendy Ogilvie
Regina Olszewski
Jeremy Orr
Miriam Owsley
Jeffrey Oxford
David & Nurya Parish
Kelly & Sandy Parker
Phyllis & Harold Penny
Jeanne Pepper
Ed & Shirley Perkins
Marcia Perry
Larry Peters
Mary & Kevin Peterson
Gail & John Philbin
Rebecca Dines Pierce
Laurie Piersma
Terri Piersma
Rhett & Jeralyn Pinsky
Tammy Milnikel & Kim Plant
Michelle Jokisch Polo
Tina Precup
Martha Precup
David & Linda Prostko
Gene Pryor
Anthony Puzzuoli
David Hast & Diane Rayor
Christopher & Amanda Reader
Mark & Kathy Reed
Fred & Mary Reusch
Phil Miller & Suzy Richardson
Dave & Patti Rinard
Cynthia & Gary Ritter
Diane Rivard
Sue Robert
Dale Robertson
Barbara Robinson
Thomas Simmons & Mary Robinson
Karel Rogers
Milt & Barbara Rohwer
Jenne Rooks
Helen Rossano
Edyta Rotman
Carol Rottman
Desiree Rowe
Charlie & Angie Royce
Heather Rueth
Shelley Russell
Sandy Russo
Eric Ryan
David Fridsma & Ashima Saigal
Anne Saliers
Dean & Elaine Salisbury
Jamie Sansone
Karen Saupe
John Savara
Olwen Urquhart & Michael Scantlebury
Tom Neils & Stephanie Schaertel
Carolyn Schaut
Annaka Scheeres
Robert Schirado
Mary Schmidt
Dr. James Schmiechen
![Page 38: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
38
Jack Schmitt
Karie Schulenburg
George & Dawn Schumann
Jamie & Dan Scripps
Mary & William Seeger
Sue & Norm Sevensma
Holly Seymour
Tracey Shafroth
Donna Shaw
Catherine Shaw
Gloria Shay
Eileen Shedleski
Bethany Sheffer
Jim & Sheryl Siegel
Lisa Feurzeig & John Sienicki
Sara Simmonds
Cecilia Skidmore
Dr. Tom Small
James Smit
Linda Smith
Brian Smith
Jennifer Smith
Jerome & Helen Smith
Elisabeth Sochacki
Kris & Jason Spaulding
Henry Spenski Jr.
Jennifer Spiller
Nancy Yagiela & Peter Spring
Ondrea Spychalski
Ruth & Steve Stegeman
Robert & Gail Stegmier
Alan & Annoesjka Steinman
Fred & Deb Steketee
Fred Stella
Jacqueline Stevens
Lora Stevens
Richard Stiffler
Wendy Stock
Julie Stoneman
Faye Stoner
Michelle Storey
Amy Dunham Strand
Anne Stumpos
Audrey & Greg Sundstrom
Amanda Sutherland
Alison Sutter
Robert & Mary Swain
Bob Synk
Jean & Caleb Syswerda
Mark & Wanda Sytsma
John Tallman
Laura & Gene Taylor
Mikaela Taylor
Gail & Terry Thome
Richard & Sally Thome
Larry & Julia Titley
James & Celeste Tolbert
Carol & James Townsend
Rob McCarty & Karen Tracey
Jeannie Hosey & Tony Travis
Jana Trent-Hanson
Donald & Carol Triezenberg
Larry Triezenberg
Norman & Marjorie Tubbs
Kristi & Lyle Tuck
Peter Turner
Mary & Don Tuttle
Edward & Margaret Twohey
Carolyn Ulstad
Ann Usakowski
Geraldine Van Herp
Gerald & Hendrina Van Spronsen
Denise Van Valkenburg
Tami Vandenberg
Mark Vanderhill
![Page 39: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
39
Bethany VanderZand
Jessica VanGinhoven
Ron & Peggy VanSteeland
Robert VanStright
John & Gwen Varineau
John Verbrugge
Laurin & Lois Waldecker
Diana & Scott Walker
Jennifer Wammack
Dave & Terri Warners
Ann Weaver
Elizabeth Welch
Daniel & Lynee Wells
Andrea & Robert Westdorp
Laura Whatley
Philip & Louise Wheeler
Jan Wheeler
Bill Stobby & Melissa Whitney
Andrew Wilkinson
Mary Alice & Mike Williams
Steve Wilson
Joan Wilson
David & Marjorie Wiltse
Susan Wisneski
David & Susan Wittenbach
Joan Wolfe
Sarah Wolters
Linda Shuster & Bill Wonderlin
Tina & Brandon Wong
Kathleen Wykes
Bill Wykhuis
Buzz & Linda Wynbeek
Marion Yerkes
Robert Young
Joslyn Young
Jennifer & John Zinser
Gretchen Zuiderveen
Jane & Uko Zylstra
Bob Zylstra
Brookby Foundation
Cranbrook Institute of Science
DEQ - Office of the Great Lakes
Frey Foundation
Grand Rapids Public Schools
Hansen Family Foundation
Herman Miller Inc.
JSJ Foundation
MSJ Foundation
Norcross Wildlife Foundation
Perrigo Company Charitable Foundation
US Forest Service
Wege Foundation
Thank You - Grantors
![Page 40: WE. ME. ACT. · 2015. 11. 12. · POLICY AND ACTIVISM FINANCIAL SUMMARY DONORS WE. ME. ACT. Community. There is beauty in this place we live. It stems from the natural wonders of](https://reader034.fdocuments.net/reader034/viewer/2022052706/60953311d7cfe0739e337445/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)