Dear Friend of FLOW,

As the Fourth of July approaches, the thoughts of many Americans turn to enjoying Michigan’s freshwater bounty.

Foremost, of course, are the majestic Great Lakes themselves, but thankfully, there’s so much more to celebrate: the Metroparks of metropolitan Detroit, thousands of inland lakes, miles and miles of rivers and streams, and even the lesser-known ponds, wetlands, and swamps where fishing, hiking, and other adventures abound. And let’s not forget the groundwater that lies beneath us and supplies 45% of Michigan’s population with drinking water. 

It’s truly a Water Wonderland and comprises the public trust: the water resources we share for the common good, which our government at all levels has the duty to protect for our mutual benefit.

FLOW’s mission is to ensure the waters of the Great Lakes Basin are healthy, public, and protected for all. We deliver on our mission every day—with you and allied organizations, communities, tribes, writers, artists, and business partners—through legal and policy analysis, programs, and events that educate, empower, and inspire. Cases in point: Consider this story by FLOW guest contributor and author Tim Mulherin, who finds, You're Never Too Old to Become a Water Warrior, and take our lighthearted quiz to Test Your Great Lakes Water Knowledge. For a glimpse of the freshwater issues our staff has been tackling recently, click on FLOW in the News.

You won’t want to miss the engaging events FLOW has on tap for July and August, including this just-announced livestream set for July 28: The Latest on Line 5—Key Pathways to Protect the Great Lakes from an Oil Spill Disaster. Register today and join FLOW and Oil & Water Don’t Mix, in partnership with the Bay Mills Indian Community, to learn about recent developments in the widespread effort to shut down Enbridge’s nearly 70-year-old Line 5 oil pipelines in the Straits of Mackinac and stop the proposed oil tunnel. The online session is free and supported in part by a grant from the Mackinac Island Community Foundation’s Natural Resources and Preservation Fund.

And if you love water and live music, here’s the event for you on August 21: An Intimate Evening with Seth Bernard: A Benefit Concert to Protect and Celebrate WATER! Northern Michigan’s celebrated singer-songwriter Seth Bernard will perform at the outdoor Amphitheater in Traverse City’s Civic Center Park. Fully 100% of ticket sales will be donated to two organizations that are all about water: FLOW and the Traverse City Tritons High School Girls Swim/Dive Team. The event is underwritten and hosted by Naperala Consulting; thank you so much to Sarah Naperala, vice president of FLOW's Board of Directors and the parent of a swim/dive team member, for hosting. Act fast! Tickets are limited. Learn more and buy your tickets today!

We hope to see you soon—at the shore, our events, and our door at 440 West Front Street in downtown Traverse City.

Best wishes




Kelly Thayer, 
Deputy Director

PS—Please help spread the word: We are hiring our first full-time Communications Coordinator. We seek a skilled visual storyteller responsible for planning, coordinating, and producing FLOW’s digital and print communications, events, and marketing. Click here to read the full job description and learn how to apply.