Ramble and Mosey

Heart of the Lakes
  • 5.0 (1)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Conversations about critical issues in conservation and outdoor recreation. Celebrating the people and places that make Michigan special.

  1. Power of Nature

    2D AGO

    Power of Nature

    *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 podcast, for a conversation about how nature inspires creativity, fuels resilience, and connects us to each other. They’ll explore the intersections of art, access, and the transformative power of being outside. Featuring: Ian Solomon – Artist + Communications & Engagement Manager, Detroit Parks Coalition Dan Wanschura – Host + Executive Producer, Points North

    22 min
  2. Are We Even Friends?

    2D AGO

    Are We Even Friends?

    *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 leaders sit at the intersection of these overlapping worlds. We’ll unpack the hidden connections that already exist between our fields and explore what it really takes to activate a more visible, inclusive, and powerful outdoor movement — from the inside out. Expect big questions, honest talk, and a few laughs as we ask: Are we even friends…and if not, what’s stopping us? Featuring: Eoin Comerford – Principal, Outsize ConsultingDanielle Todd – Founder, Make Food Not WasteKatie Cruickshank – VP Advertiser Solutions + Client Service, OutsideRory Thibault – Land Protection Specialist, Land Conservancy of West Michigan Haley Bennett — Principal, Fresh Coast Strategies

    46 min
  3. You Know It When You See It

    11/05/2025

    You Know It When You See It

    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 and how conservation organizations are bringing nature and recreation back into urban spaces. This episode highlights how partnerships and state-level support are helping transform neglected land into thriving community assets, showcasing what’s possible when conservation and community development work together. Featuring: Janell O’Keefe - Associate Director for Technical Assistance, Center for Community Progress Mike Kelly - Great Lakes Director, The Conservation Fund Episode Links: Urban Conservation and Community Fellowship Program National Land Bank Map 2026 Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference The Conservation Fund Center for Community Progress

    56 min
  4. Protecting The Places We Love

    10/21/2025

    Protecting The Places We Love

    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 conservation groups today, from funding and capacity to adapting to a changing climate, and explore how thoughtful systems and relationships are shaping the future of conservation.  FEATURING:Megan Motil – Principal, Parallel Solutions EPISODE LINKS:Parallel Solutions

    54 min
  5. How Trails Transform Places and People

    09/05/2025

    How Trails Transform Places and People

    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 that honor the landscape. We explore how public support, thoughtful design, and long-term stewardship can create trail systems that not only invite adventure but also strengthen our connection to the places we love. Episode Links OZ Trails Bike Park TART Trails Friends of Grand Rapids Parks

    38 min
  6. Outdoor Innovation In The U.P.

    08/27/2025

    Outdoor Innovation In The U.P.

    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 tackling challenges like remote geography and climate change while also seizing opportunities for sustainable growth. Along the way, we explore how community engagement, regional innovation, and conservation can thrive alongside increased tourism. Listen here, or on your favorite podcast platform.  Episode Links: Fresh Systems LLCInnovate MarquetteORIAN ProjectU.P. Outdoor SummitMichigan Outdoor SummitGrowth Strategy for the Central UP - TIP StrategiesElectrified Trails in Central UP - UPland

    45 min
  7. Stewards of the Land

    06/25/2025

    Stewards of the Land

    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 water for future generations. The conversation touches on everything from successful community-centered projects to evolving funding models and the challenges of navigating shifting political landscapes. This episode offers a look at the evolving identity of land conservancies and their partnerships that work together to protect the places we all love. Episode Links Land Trust Alliance Parallel Solutions Open to All: A Disability Inclusion Guide for Land Trusts

    1h 2m
  8. Meeting People Where They're At

    04/29/2025

    Meeting People Where They're At

    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 Expedition Detroit, champions outdoor recreation and conservation, viewing Detroit’s natural spaces as an often-overlooked gem. Together, we discuss the history of the region, the barriers minority communities face in accessing the outdoors, available resources, and why authentic communication is key to making meaningful change. Episode Links https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/ https://makefoodnotwaste.org/ https://www.sixriversrlc.org/

    47 min
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About

Conversations about critical issues in conservation and outdoor recreation. Celebrating the people and places that make Michigan special.

Information

  • Creator
    Heart of the Lakes
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Heart of the Lakes
  • Show Website
    Ramble and Mosey