Since 1989, SORBA has worked to create, enhance, and preserve great mountain experiences in the Southeastern United States.

Since 1989, The Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) has worked to ensure that our public lands offer fun, challenging and sustainable mountain biking for all mountain bikers. As the leading mountain biking organization in the southeast, we believe everyone should have access to the social, physical, and mental benefits that mountain biking provides.

Through advocacy, education and resource sharing, SORBA and its forty-seven chapters envision a future where mountain biking is at the center of healthy, economically vibrant, and environmentally sustainable communities throughout the Southeast, with well-planned, accessible, and progressive trail systems.

SORBA relies on our generous members to carry out our mission. Our volunteers donate thousands of hours each year to advocate for trail access, raise funds for trail development, build trails, and maintain trails.

SORBA and its Chapters are 501c organizations. SORBA has chapters in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. All contributions are tax deductible.

Our Mission
We believe everyone should have access to the social, physical, and mental benefits that mountain biking provides.

Our Vision 
We envision a future where mountain biking is at the center of healthy, economically vibrant, and environmentally sustainable communities throughout the Southeast, with well-planned, accessible, and progressive trail systems.

Our Values
Stewardship; Partnerships; Education; Inclusiveness

Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA)

Southern Off Road Bicycle Association is a nonprofit organization focused on recreation, sports, leisure, or athletics. It is based in Roswell, GA. It received its nonprofit status in 1901.

Roswell Alpharetta Mountain Biking Organization (RAMBO)

ICFC conserves nature in priority areas worldwide, partnering with local conservation groups and Indigenous and local communities.

The International Conservation Fund of Canada (ICFC) was founded in 2007 to support conservation in the tropics and other priority areas in Latin America, Asia and Africa.  Our mission is to conserve the world's irreplaceable biodiversity.  Our work provides striking co-benefits in climate mitigation and adaptation and benefits for local and Indigenous communities (livelihoods, environmental, and social benefits).

ICFC finds opportunities for outstanding conservation returns and partners with capable local conservation organizations.  Our field partners know best what needs doing and how to go about it.  They excel at engaging local communities and government relations.  Our work is science based, and the collective experience of our small staff adds value.

ICFC has the capacity to quickly expand its work to take advantage of excellent opportunities in the more than 30 countries in which we work.  With your help, we can do more.  Because ICFC’s administrative and fundraising costs are covered by a core group of donors, **100% of your support is applied to projects**.

In one of the world’s most important conservation efforts, ICFC works with the Kayapo Indigenous people to protect an area of the Brazilian Amazon larger than almost half the world’s countries.  We conserve large (hundreds/thousands of square kilometers) protected areas in Peru, Costa Rica, Kenya and elsewhere and have participated in land acquisitions for more than a dozen private reserves of high conservation value.  In Cambodia we have shown that marine protected areas can restore fisheries and the marine ecosystem.  We have been instrumental in securing a future for several endangered species; our projects protect hundreds of officially threatened species; and we’re safeguarding important wintering sites of Canada’s shorebirds.

**Why the tropics?**  Tropical nature has astonishing biodiversity—the Amazon alone is home to 7,000 tree species (vs. 180 species indigenous to Canada) and a single rainforest reserve in Peru has more bird species than the entire United States. Tropical forests are crucial for addressing climate change, and they generate rainfall and supply water for agriculture and other human needs.  Coastal ecosystems prevent storm damage and are vital to fisheries.  Canada's migratory species depend on tropical wintering areas.  Yet tropical ecosystems are being lost and degraded (95% of deforestation is happening in the tropics).  Conservation works but it is under-funded.

**AWARDS & RECOGNITION**:  ICFC was the top ranked conservation charity in Canada in the Financial Post’s 2017 charity ratings (the last done by FP); is rated five out of five stars by Charity Intelligence Canada; and was a winner of the Canadian Museum of Nature’s 2020 Nature Inspiration Awards.  Our Mali Elephant Project was awarded the prestigious Equator Prize in 2017 by the United Nations.  Our project in Cambodia received the National Geographic Society’s Marine Protection Prize and is a Mission Blue “Hope Spot”.  Project field personnel have received the Disney Conservation Hero Award, the Whitley Award (two individuals), and the Indianapolis Prize.

International Conservation Fund of Canada

Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association is a nonprofit organization focused on recreation, sports, leisure, or athletics. It is based in Birmingham, AL. It received its nonprofit status in 2001.

ABOUT BUMP

Turning Interest Into Action

The mission of BUMP is to BUILD, PRESERVE, MAINTAIN and RIDE trails in the Birmingham and surrounding area. Our members, riders like you, help keep trails in great shape and open to mountain bikers. We are actively engaged in finding and acting on new trail building opportunities.

Think back to your last great ride. Surfing a ribbon of winding dirt in pristine woods, successfully navigating that rock garden, climbing that lung burning hill for the first time, squeezing between tight trees or simply enjoying the thrill of “big air.” That is why BUMP exists.

Since 1994, BUMP has gained and maintained access to Oak Mountain State Park, Tannehill State Park, and Trussville Sports Complex, built miles of new trail, and maintained the relationships with land managers and state and local governments necessary to maintain this trail access. BUMP, a non-profit 501 (3) c organization, gets most of its income from sponsors, race proceeds and contributions, but the backbone of our success is individual members like you who support us with their dues and volunteer hours. Our power comes from our numbers and our goal is to build even more trails of increasing variety for you to enjoy.

BUILD

BUMP members have a passion for riding and the wisdom to know you can not take it all for granted. Thus, BUMP volunteers have spent over 100,000 hours in the design and construction of new trail for over twenty years. Projects include the awesome trails at Oak Mountain State Park, Trussville Sports Park and Tannehill Historic Ironworks State Park. In addition, BUMP is all about building relationships with land managers, Sponsors, other trail user groups and other off road cyclists. Participation in BUMP activities builds new friendships and a healthy respect for the trail. So, grab a tool and volunteer! You will be glad you did!

MAINTAIN

BUMP is about maintaining what we build. BUMP volunteers spend over 1000 hours each year maintaining what we build. Not only does this mean good trails, but the good will and good relationships that allow us to maintain trail access. All of our trails are on public lands and thus we must maintain good relations with land managers, the public and other user groups so as to guarantee our continued trail access. It means speaking out when trail access is threatened as well as seeking new trail opportunities. It also means supporting cycling as a healthy lifestyle and thus maintaining our health and promoting the good health of others.

PRESERVE

BUMP is dedicated to the preservation of natural resources. To this end, we work with local land owners, managers, governments and other user groups to reach consensus on trail locations, routes and designs. Our trail designs and maintenance procedures are based on the sustainable design principles promoted by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), and thus are low maintenance, low erosion and low environmental impact. BUMP trails preserve access to nature for not only cyclists but other trail users as well. In addition, we promote safe and responsible riding that keeps trails pristine and open while showing respect for other users, the land, and wildlife.

RIDE

BUMP is about celebrating the sport of mountain biking and teaching the sport to others! Our monthly group rides are open to riders of all abilities and give new members a chance to learn from more experienced riders. BUMP members range from the beginner to the expert racer and include people from all walks of life, creeds, races and occupations.We host two cross country mountain bike races each year, one of which, the BUMP ‘N GRIND, is one of the largest mountain bike races in the Southeastern United States, and we work with other promoters to stage other great race events in the area. We have one thing in common though that unites us: a passion for mountain biking that at the end of the day is all about great rides!

Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers (BUMP)

Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association is a nonprofit organization focused on recreation, sports, leisure, or athletics. It is based in Evans, GA. It received its nonprofit status in 2001.

This is your chance to support more trails close to home.  Help our dedicated volunteers maintain, protect, preserve, and promote over 100 miles of trails in the Central Savannah River Area!

SORBAcsra (Augusta Aiken Central Savannah River Area)

Yellowstone Forever is the official nonprofit partner of Yellowstone National Park.

Our mission of engagement and support through philanthropy and education for the park will ensure Yellowstone remains for generations to come.

Yellowstone Forever

Upstate SORBA is a nonprofit in Greenville, SC, that promotes recreation and outdoor advocacy. Established in 1991.

Upstate SORBA

SORBA Chattanooga has been creating amazing mountain biking experiences in Chattanooga and its surrounding areas since 2003.

Since the organizations inception in 2003, SORBA Chattanooga has been focused on improving and maintaining trail access opportunities for local outdoor athletes. In 2004, SORBA Chattanooga developed the Singletrack Mind Initiative and set out to increase access from the 7 miles of mountain bike accessible trails in our community to a total of 100 miles within the greater Chattanooga area, a lofty goal indeed. 

Over the years, SORBA Chattanooga and area land managers have worked hard to complete that goal and it has recently been achieved. In 2023, there are 160+ miles of mountain bike accessible trails within 30 minutes of downtown Chattanooga thanks to the efforts of SORBA Chattanooga and area land managers!

In addition to expanding area trails, SORBA Chattanooga contributes thousands of hours of trail work each year to maintain and expand area trails, with an average year exceeding 1,000 volunteer hours. 

All of this effort has made the Chattanooga region recognized as one the premier destinations for mountain biking in the Southeast, driving significant tourism dollars into our area and helping to generate economic growth for the community by attracting new business and community members.

SORBA Chattanooga

SEEDS fosters community resilience with practical disaster solutions, combining innovative technology and traditional wisdom.

![](https://give2asia.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/DisasterLink-member-badge-v3-300x98.png)

SEEDS (Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society, www.seedsindia.org) is a 30+ years experienced humanitarian organisation that enables community resilience through practical solutions in the areas of disaster readiness, response and rehabilitation.

Since 1994, the organisation has worked extensively on every major disaster in the Indian subcontinent – grafting innovative technology on to traditional wisdom. SEEDS is recognized as one of the important humanitarian actors in India and Asia. It has reached out to families affected by disasters and climate stresses; strengthened and rebuilt schools and homes; and has invariably put its faith in skill building, planning and communications to foster long-term resilience. SEEDS is also India’s first agency to be certified for the global Core Humanitarian Standards – an international certification system for quality and accountability in humanitarian response.

We extend our commitment to voluntarily contribute to the goals set for 2030 in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the Paris Agreement.



SEEDS RESILIENCE FRAMEWORK

- Use AI to assess vulnerabilities (climate, social, economic, ecological) and identify needs.

- Onboard and train volunteers, SHGs, CBOs to enhance crisis response and resilience.

- Collaborate with hazard-prone communities on adaptation strategies.

- Equip vulnerable communities with climate-resilient infrastructure (homes, water, sanitation, health facilities).

- Ensure inclusive capacity building, leaving no one behind.

- Empower community leaders for improved crisis anticipation and response.

- Identify vulnerable households via the National Loss Register.

- Track post-crisis losses with a state and district dashboard.

- Integrate AI for sustainable community impact.

- Empower communities with the SEEDS Resilience Framework and amplify actions.

- Develop climate-resilient infrastructure for families, students, and enterprises.

- Enhance community advantages using existing resources (social, economic, health, sustainability).

- Promote local innovation for adaptable, resilience-driven solutions.

- Focus on rebuilding to help communities thrive beyond crises.



SEEDS VISION​

Transforming the vulnerable into resilient and thriving communities​



SEEDS MISSION​

Equipping the most vulnerable with appropriate tools and technologies, sharing knowledge and skills and promoting linkages among stakeholders to prevent loss of life and suffering.​



SEEDS has been awarded the 2022 United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction.​ SEEDS has been awarded the prestigious Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar by the Honarable Prime Minister in 2021.​

Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society

Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association is a nonprofit organization focused on recreation, sports, leisure, or athletics. It is based in St Johns, FL. It received its nonprofit status in 2001.

SORBA Jax

SORBA Orlando is the Orlando/Central Florida chapter of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association.

Founded in 2013, SORBA Orlando has grown to include six distinct and fun trails in and around Orlando and its suburbs, with more trail miles on the way!  SORBA Orlando trails offer everything from family-friendly places to ride, endurance bike races and time trials, skills-building sections, and opportunities to give back to the community.

By partnering with the community SORBA Orlando builds and maintains our local trails. Your support goes directly to materials, work day essentials, and training needed to keep the area rolling in a fun, sustainable and safe environment.

We bring several events to the community including the annual Bring a Kid Mountain Biking Day and have sponsored The Battle of Snow Hill and Markham Woods Masher endurance races for several years.

Build! Ride! Learn! Engage! Get involved!

SORBA Orlando

International Mountain Bicycling Association is a nonprofit organization focused on recreation, sports, leisure, or athletics. It is based in Auburn, AL. It received its nonprofit status in 2016.

Central Alabama Mountain Pedalers (CAMP)

A local land trust serving Sheridan County, WY. We focus on land conservation, historic preservation, and recreation projects.

With your help we strive to preserve our heritage of open spaces, healthy rivers and creeks, working ranches, wildlife habitat, and vibrant history, while expanding recreation opportunities to connect people with the places they love.

Sheridan Community Land Trust

Northwest NC MTB Alliance is a SORBA Chapter

**Northwest NC MTB Alliance is a chapter of SORBA, the largest nonprofit mountain biking organization in the Southeastern United States.** – promoting land access, trail preservation, and new trail development on federal, state, and local lands in our region. We operate in the geographic area of Northwest NC’s mountains and foothills, including the communities of Boone, Hickory, Lenoir, Marion, Morganton, and Wilkesboro. As a subordinate chapter of SORBA, the Alliance is a non-profit organization.

Northwest North Carolina MTB Alliance

We preserve, develop, and promote the assets comprising the Domaine national de Chambord which is on Unesco's world heritage list.

Chambord has aroused admiration and fascination to the world for over 500 years. Placed on France’s first list of historical monuments in 1840, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, it is one of the most breathtaking construction of the Renaissance. Far from being a residential palace or a hunting lodge, Chambord embodies the values of humanism, inventiveness and human genius.

Preserving this heritage means constantly questioning how it can be made accessible to the widest possible audience. With this objective in mind, each year new developments and innovative projects are presented to visitors, a rich program of events punctuates the life of the estate, and ecological actions are implemented. The estate is also developing a strategy to diversify its own resources, notably by reviving its vocation as a food-producing farm.

Chambord’s projects are structured around four development priorities: Chambord cultural and artistic, Chambord educational and social, Chambord sustainable and agricultural, and Chambord innovative. To support us in this approach, we are looking for partners who share our values and wish to promote them.


American Friends of Chambord

South Mississippi Trail Alliance is a nonprofit organization focused on recreation, sports, leisure, or athletics. It is based in Petal, MS. It received its nonprofit status in 2016.

South Mississippi Trail Alliance (SMTA)

We believe in protecting trails, parks, and open spaces for us and for the generations to come.

The Trails and Open Space Coalition was created in 1987. Our group is committed to preserving open spaces and parks, as well as creating a network of trails, bikeways, and greenways for the Pikes Peak Region.  We work cooperatively with local and regional governments, community organizations, businesses, families and individuals who share the vision of an interconnected network of trails, greenways and open space. We advocate, educate, build connections with other groups, fund projects, and create and support volunteer projects.

Trails and Open Space Coalition

The official nonprofit partner to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. 

Sequoia Parks Conservancy (SPC) is built on decades of support for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. This legacy demonstrates a longstanding commitment and contribution to the parks and their surrounding communities, including the US Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Kaweah. ​

SPC is a key connection point with park visitors and provides important services, educational programs, and funding in support of park priorities including sequoia conservation, wildlife management, trails and accessiblity, education and outreach, resource management and science, and search and rescue. 

Our efforts have been critical in the conservation of wild, beautiful landscapes for the enjoyment and inspiration of generations of visitors.

Sequoia Parks Conservancy

We're bringing the Next Generation of Parks™ to life. http://mplsparksfoundation.org

Minneapolis Parks Foundation

Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association is a nonprofit organization focused on recreation, sports, leisure, or athletics. It is based in Anniston, AL. It received its nonprofit status in 2001.

Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association (NEABA)

Southern Off Road Bicycle Association is a nonprofit organization focused on recreation, sports, leisure, or athletics. It is based in Jackson, MS. It received its nonprofit status in 2001.

Tri-County Mountain Bike Association

Southern Off Rd Bicycle Association is a nonprofit organization focused on recreation, sports, leisure, or athletics. It is based in Oak Ridge, TN. It received its nonprofit status in 2001.

Clinch Valley Trail Alliance

The way western North Carolina chapter of SORBA.

The Nantahala Area SORBA (NAS) is a mountain bike trail advocacy group.  The NAS membership is around 50 dedicated mountain bikers.  NAS maintains and advocates for mountain biking opportunities in the North Carolina counties of Jackson, Swain, Graham, Cherokee, Clay, and the EBCI Qualla Boundary.  NAS assists the USFS in maintaining the mountain biking trails at Tsali Recreation Area on the banks of Lake Fontana.

Nantahala Area SORBA

Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association is a nonprofit organization focused on recreation, sports, leisure, or athletics.

The Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, Woodstock, GA Chapter (SORBA-W), was formed in March, 2000, by a group of local mountain bikers. SORBA-W was formed in part due to the closure of trails at Boling Park in Canton, GA to off-road cycling. With the mission to preserve, protect, and educate the community, SORBA-W's primary focus has been advocacy, mountain bike trail development, and trail maintenance in Cherokee County. As an extension of the main SORBA/IMBA organization, SORBA-W also assists with rides, festivals, and the advancement of off-road cycling throughout the southeastern United States. 

Currently SORBA-Woodstock has relationships with local land managers such as the [City of Woodstock,](https://web.archive.org/web/20181125234845/http:/www.woodstockga.gov/) [City of Canton](https://web.archive.org/web/20181125234845/http:/www.canton-georgia.com/), [Cherokee Recreation and Parks Authority](https://web.archive.org/web/20181125234845/http:/www.crpa.net/), Department of Natural Resources, Boy Scouts of America, Cherokee County Water Authority, and the [United States Army Corps of Engineers, Allatoona](https://web.archive.org/web/20181125234845/http:/www.sam.usace.army.mil/allatoona/). These relationships provide mountain bikers with opportunities for trail access while protecting the future of existing trails. SORBA-W's primary role is to organize volunteer workers to perform trail layout, design, construction, and maintenance at Blankets Creek and Taylor Randahl Memorial Mountain Bike Trails. SORBA Woodstock's leadership is made up solely of volunteers.

The Blankets Creek Mountain Bike Trail System in Cherokee County on Sixes Road ( I-575 exit 11), is comprised of six trails: Mosquito Flats (Beginner), Mosquito Bite (Beginner plus), Dwelling Loop (Intermediate), South Loop (Advanced) Van Michael Trail (Advanced) and Quehl Holler (Expert Downhill). The Dwelling Loop was opened on June 3rd, 2000. The South Loop and Mosquito Flats were opened in the fall of 2003, Mosquito Bite and Van Michael Trail in June 2008 and the newest trail Quehl Holler in 2010.

Taylor Randahl Memorial Mountain Bike Trails, located just east of Blankets in Olde Rope Mill Park is comprised of three trails: Explorer (Intermediate), Avalanche (Intermediate) and The Mill Trails (Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced). Avalanche opened in 2010, Explorer in 2011 and The Mill in 2015.

Come join the group and secure the future of mountain biking in Cherokee County!

SORBA Woodstock

NE GA SORBA is a non-profit maintaining approximately 110 miles of multi-use trails across 10 counties in northeast Georgia.

Northeast Georgia SORBA began in 2014. We were the first “regional” chapter in SORBA. We were created from the merger of Gainesville SORBA and UC3 SORBA.  Gainesville SORBA was the first SORBA chapter created in the mid 1990’s so we have a long history in advocating and building mountain-bike and multi-use trails. We work with local, state and federal land managers in northeast Georgia to provide mountain bike access on their land.

Northeast Georgia SORBA

We are a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and advocating for California's 280 state parks. CSPF is your voice for parks.

With over 130,000 members, CSPF is the only statewide independent nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting, enhancing and advocating for California’s magn…ificent state parks. Since 1969, CSPF has raised more than $223 million to benefit state parks. CSPF is committed to improving the quality of life for all Californians by expanding access to the natural beauty, rich culture and history, and recreational and educational opportunities offered by California’s 280 state parks—one of the largest state park system in the United States.

California State Parks Foundation

iNaturalist's mission is to connect people to nature through technology and advance science and conservation.

iNaturalist has reached millions of people who have documented hundreds of thousands of species around the world. 

iNaturalist supports websites and mobile apps used worldwide to learn about and share records of biodiversity. These include:
- iNaturalist.org website
- localized websites for members of the iNaturalist Network
- iNaturalist iOS & Android apps
- Seek by iNaturalist iOS & Android apps

iNaturalist

The Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition works to build better communities in the Valley using the Bicycle as a tool.

The SVBC supports all types of cycling and cyclists by:  Promoting, organizing and publicizing cycling through weekly, monthly and annual events. Advocating for safe roads and access to trails by developing partnerships with agencies, land managers, (shared) resource users; and organizations from the local to the national level. Providing channels for communication among it’s membership as well as channels of communication for cycling and cycling related issues. Fostering cycling for transportation, fitness and recreation. Encouraging new cyclists and the development and participation of cyclists of all ages and abilities. Maintaining a structure that allows for new and emerging cycling initiatives. Working to increase the number of active cyclists in the community. Represents Harrisonburg’s excellence as a center for all types of cycling. - See more at: http://svbcoalition.org/about-the-svbc

Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition (SVBC)

EnrichLA: An edible garden in every Los Angeles school!

To establish a working edible garden in every Los Angeles school.

EnrichLA

Washington’s National Park Fund is the official philanthropic partner to Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks

We raise private support to preserve and protect Washington’s cherished national parks: Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic. With your help, we fund youth and family experiences, scientific research, and projects that will keep our parks strong and vital now and forever, for everyone.

Here's how it works: Each year, the three park superintendents and their staff identify critical projects in need of support. With our community, WNPF raises the funds to make these projects a reality. Together, we sustain between 30 and 40 projects and programs each year that would otherwise go unfunded.

But we can't do it without your help.

Washington's National Park Fund

Parcs et Demeures de France.


Preserving unique treasures of French heritage as well as their natural environment.

The Mansart Foundation aims to revive heritage of outstanding interest, whether historical or contemporary: natural and landscaped sites (parks, botanical gardens), architectural buildings (monuments, residences, industrial establishments), collections and museums.

These places are our heritage and have shaped our art of living, the French Art de vivre. These sites all deserve to be preserved in a sustainable way to be passed on to future generations. This is the purpose of the Mansart Foundation. 

The Foundation focuses on a strong social mission. It aims to open its doors to less privileged visitors and enable them to discover and appreciate legacy buildings, art history and natural environments, thereby helping them develop both their understanding, curiosity, and creativity. 

The Mansart Foundation supports a variety of projects within different sheltered foundations. 

Already owner of the  Chateau de Maintenon , the Foundation is also restoring the  Chateau de Bagatelle to open it to the public. This chateau - listed as a historical monument since 1978 - is exceptional, both for its own history and the one of its owners, and for its location in the heart of Paris and its great architectural quality. 

Under the aegis of the Mansart Foundation, the  Amici Terrae Sanctae Foundation  was created to support the Terra Sancta Museum project in Jerusalem. This museum will present the roots of Christianity and the Treasures of the Holy Sepulchre, composed of unique pieces. Through a rare collection of paintings, sculptures, archival documents and sumptuous gifts from European courts, the works revealed will attest to the centrality and splendor of Jerusalem throughout the centuries. 

To sustain the actions in favor of  Parisian museums , the Mansart Foundation associated with the Friends of the Pompidou Center and the Friends of the Museum of Modern Art in Paris to create under its aegis respectively the Foundation of the Friends of the Pompidou Center and the Foundation of the Friends of the MAM Paris. By donating to these foundations, you will support exceptional cultural projects and contribute to the development of the collections of these museums. 

To safeguard heritage and bring it back to life, while acting in favor of local development and regional planning, the Mansart Foundation provides support to  the Rempart construction sites  through the creation of the Union Rempart sheltered Foundation. These workcamps are not only places to discover heritage and restoration techniques, but also places to learn how to live together and to exercise citizenship.  

The Mansart Foundation is involved in the promotion and animation of the Vauban Citadel in Belle-Ile-en-Mer, a listed historic monument, and the  Vauban sites of Belle-Ile-en-Mer and Morbihan . For this purpose, the sheltered foundation of the Vauban sites of Belle-Ile-en-Mer and Morbihan was created under the aegis of the Mansart Foundation.  

The sheltered foundation for the Preservation of the  Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay and the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse  was created to support the project to restore and develop the remarkable heritage of the former Vaux de Cernay Abbey. The Vaux de Cernay Abbey, a 12th century Cistercian abbey, is a unique, fascinating, and mysterious place located in the heart of the Chevreuse Valley in the state forest of Rambouillet. 

The  Hortus Botanica Foundation  was created to develop an action in favor of gardens and botanical heritage. Its purpose is to help preserve, restore, create, animate, develop, and share to the public the plant heritage, the heritage built or unbuilt, and the gardens existing or to be created, in connection with it. It participates in the cultural dynamization of the living and historical heritage in order to perpetuate extraordinary places. 

Fondation Mansart

developing evidence based disaster risk reduction nature-based solutions climate change mitigation projects is UCRISP main focus 

UCRISP team has more than 30 years of professional experience focusing on a range of sustainability issues, combining, landscape, urbanism, planning, ecology, water resources, design, ecological economics, and other disciplines. UCRISP team has been fully committed to help bring change, focused on helping transform current environmental paradigms and existing deep challenges.

The world's $100 trillion economy depends 100% on nature. For the most part, conventional wisdom has been focused on continuing developing conventional engineering solutions, to solve climate change exacerbated natural disasters. The new challenges that climate change unfolds everyday, require a renewed approach, where working with nature is the main focus and solution.

We help provide capacity to government officials, and in parallel, working as well, helping transform current policies, away from focusing only on developing infrastructure that disturbs and destroys established ecosystems, limiting in the process, communities resources, making them unsustainable in the long term.

The funds UCRISP receive go towards developing practical sustainable strategies at all levels, from local governments to national level, focusing on helping mitigate climate change effects in areas going through swift ecological and social changes and transformations. Being a small size non-profit, allows UCRISP to be efficient and effective, using less resources compared to most organizations working on similar issues. The feasibility studies UCRISP team develops, help communities obtain funds as well as helping transform well established policies, always working towards sustainable outcomes.

Our aim has been to help mitigate climate change effects on urban and rural areas as well as helping protect ecosystems, and the communities that depend on them. Specifically we  develop projects and strategies to help mitigate, flood, drought, air pollution, and temperature increase such as heat island effect in urban areas. We also study issues at a larger scale, at watershed level, to help us provide context and better understanding of issues related to deforestation, erosion, drought, and flood, to name some key areas we are also focusing on.  We help protect and restore ecosystems, as part of our studies, as well as providing sustainable water management solutions to communities, including, in-depth evaluation of existing infrastructure in riparian systems, as well as developing nature-based solutions projects that help restore ecosystem services. 

We provide capacity building at all levels, from small municipalities in rural areas, to provincial and state level, all the way to nationwide governmental organizations. We do all that through the development of community and science based feasibility studies that include in-depth design, planning and cost-benefit analysis of these key components and issues we study and analyze. 

The work developed by the UCRISP team, through its feasibility studies and projects, has allowed communities to help obtain funding for the implementation of sustainable projects, strategies, and solutions.






Urban Climate Resilient Infrastructure & Strategic Planning

The Serge Rachmaninoff Foundation carries Rachmaninoff's music, legacy and artistry out into the world from his house, Villa Senar

History: Thanks to the commitment of the Serge Rachmaninoff Foundation, discussions among the artist's heirs were successfully concluded in 2021. The Canton of Lucerne purchased the listed property and is responsible for the maintenance and renovation of the house and the surrounding park. The Serge Rachmaninoff Foundation is responsible for the programs and cultural events at Rachmaninoff's Villa Senar, wit-hout any financial support from the Canton of Lucerne. 

VILLA SENAR is the name of the artist house of the composer, conductor, pianist, Hollywood star and family man Sergei Rachmaninoff (SE=Sergei, NA=Natalia, R=Rachmaninoff). Expelled from his native Russia, the artist lived in exile in various countries from 1917 onwards. On the Hertenstein peninsula near Weggis in the canton of Lucerne, he found a new home and renewed creative energy.  



Our mission as a foundation is to create international awareness for Rachmaninoff's Villa Senar and to develop and establish its artistic program over the coming years and make an artistic contribution to the region and beyond. We want to communicate Rachmaninoff's Villa Senar as a cultural and educational center with a broad partici-pation with the highest quality standards from home. 

Rachmaninoff's Villa Senar locally and regionally and, together with partners, posi-tion the Hertenstein peninsula as a special and sustainable place of art and culture. Attention will also be paid to international activities, as the name Rachmaninoff is a global trademark. 

The magic of the place, its uniqueness and class should continue to shape the fu-ture; we always want to treat the soul of Senar and the Hertenstein peninsula near Weggis with respect. 

Performing and communicating Sergei Rachmaninoff's work at his former place of residence. His personality, his interests, his musical depth, his role models, visions, zeitgeist, curiosity for new and unusual things, enthusiasm for technology, architec-ture, literature, poetry and art form the foundation of the cultural program. 

Rachmaninoff's Villa Senar is a place of inspiration and home. The aura of this cen-ter (family home/meeting place/garden and nature) and the creative power can be experienced and experienced on site during a visit. The real presence, the quality and authenticity of the location and content, and the intensive time spent at Villa Senar make every visit unique and, in this sense, special for every visitor. 

The cultural program is designed for broad cultural participation, seeks the inter-faces to the present and enables suitable, fine, subtle, high-quality approaches for every target group. 

As an artists' residence, Villa Senar offers a home for all generations and different disciplines. Sergei Rachmaninoff was a family man and patron of all the arts, uniting art and people in his home through his charisma, his values and his interests. 



PROMOTION: Website, program sheet, word of mouth, channels of our partners, allies and sponsors, regionally via associations and public institutions, volunteers, friends and Rachmaninoff fans.

NEED: In the oversupply of leisure activities, the oversaturation of a variety of offers, a discomfort with high culture, perceived barriers and associated fears of not under-standing something in the music and culture sector, couch coziness created by Co-vid, we need new formats that convey closeness to people in a relaxed, fresh and un-conventionally conventional way. We offer a feeling of home, a sense of arrival, a kind of cultural exile within your "own four walls". 

TARGET GROUPS: The projects are tailored to specific target groups and/or are aimed at cross-generational, broad and public participation: 

Children Educational and participative projects with the Weggis music school and the music schools of the canton of Lucerne. Interdisciplinary theater, music, dance, light and sound: Gänsebliemli im Rosengarten, SENAR ARTS ACADEMY, SENARADEN im Park & Boot, Carte Jaune for the talent promotion of the Lucerne music schools

Senior citizens Cooperation with the senior citizens' universities of Lucerne, Weg-gis, Zurich, Basel, cultural associations and service clubs. 

Youth premieres and co-development of new music. Inclusion of virtual reality, augmented reality and new media. Up-to-date, close and at eye level. Sustainabi-lity programs, new regional policies for the promotion of the community. We deal with questions about the future and are committed to values and meaningfulness. 

Young adults and families SENARaden in the park or on the boat, exhibitions, sound walk, art exhibitions in the park with an out-door stage created by spatial designers for Rachmaninoff's Villa Senar. Picnic openair, barrier-free and relaxed, Celebrating Rachmaninoff Podcast in collaboration with Decca Classic and WFMT Radio Chicago, RACHMANINOFF ECHOES - The staging of Rachmanin-off's artifacts in his villa using virtual reality and augmented reality.

Afficionados and Afficionadas-To-Be concerts, residencies, master classes, workshops, public expert tours - thematically coordinated, film: The Alchemy of Piano Playing, jazz evenings, literature & music, competitions and commissioned works on Rachmaninoff.



CHANCE: Potential, unique location, curious people, Rachmaninoff's Villa Senar has not been open to the public until now, the house belongs to the Canton of Lucerne, this partnership needs to be well positioned in the long term, we start "from scratch" and can react optimally to current events, small team, manageable size of the venue, small, fine, barrier-free, approachable, potential outdoors, involvement of the region, already established partnerships and strong allies, agility through rapid decision-making and a doer mentality of the people involved, network. Rachmaninoff as a mil-lennium pianist, Hollywood star, family man, composer, conductor, promoter of the arts and mobility, speed freak, entrepreneur, architect is attractive, his music appeal-ing and is the perfect music to introduce an audience to "classical music" and open up new audiences. 



RISK: A good financial basis must be established, project-based financing, provisions should be made to enable long-term planning, partnership with the canton without a performance mandate and financial support, demands from the canton of Lucerne, few personnel resources, reliance on voluntary commitment which can also slow down processes, recruitment of voluntary work, establishment in uncertain times, consumer behavior of the public has changed, planning uncertainty.

INDICATORS regular evaluation, experts on the voluntary Board of Trustees with regular exchanges, partnerships with know-how, demanding and quality-conscious advisors/friends/network. 



NETWORKING: Rachmaninoff's Villa Senar sees itself as a networker and meeting place, with freedom for the special, the new and the tried and tested. Projects with our partners: Lucerne Festival, Lucerne Theater, Lucerne University of Applied Sci-ences and Arts - Music, Tourism, Engineering, Business, Architecture, Design & Art, Lucerne Museum of Transport, Hans Erni Museum, Weggis Music School, Lucerne Cantonal Music Schools, Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, schools, Stella Matutina House of Education - House of the Future, Baldegg Monastery, Senior:inside univer-sities, IG Kultur (Freie Szene), Richard Wagner Museum, Saint Charles Hall, Künst-lerhäuser global, Library of Congress Washington, Philadelphia Orchestra, Van Pelt University Philadelphia, National Symphony Orchestra, Swiss Embassy in Washing-ton, Interessengemeinschaft Musikstadt Luzern, Zurich Opera, Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich, Lucerne Tourism, Switzerland Tourism, artists, associations and allies, sponsors and patrons. 



The nucleus and center of the events are Rachmaninoff's Villa Senar and the park. Due to the limited space available, we also use the venues of our partners as satelli-tes. We strive for broad participation, want to connect cultural institutions via Lake Lucerne, create national attention and deepen international relationships. 



MANAGING DIRECTOR: The Serge Rachmaninoff Foundation has employed the Managing & Artistic Director, Andrea Loetscher, since June 1, 2022. As a musician with a teaching diploma and soloist diploma, a master's degree in mar-keting and management from the University of Basel, as an entrepreneur and music school director, she has local roots and a national and international network. In 2024, she will also complete an MBA in Business Development & Marketing at the Univer-sity of Basel. The Managing Director is supported in financial matters by Ludwig von Mutius, economist, financial consultant and former CFO of major international com-panies. Ludwig von Mutius makes his expertise fully available to the Serge Rachma-ninoff Foundation on a voluntary basis. In addition, the Serge Rachmaninoff Founda-tion has employed the Managing Assistant, Salome Rüttimann, on a 40% basis since 1.1.24. Volunteers for concert support, guided tours and other work. 

 Serge Rachmaninoff Foundation

5 Gyres drives innovative solutions to plastic pollution by leveraging the power of science, advocacy, and community. 

Plastic can be found in every corner of the globe. Plastics contaminate the environment, entangle countless marine and land animals, and are inextricably linked to the climate crisis, as plastics production is driving massive increases in fossil fuel infrastructure. Plastics even accumulate in our bodies, risking our very health. Unfortunately, even with the number of alarming studies and reports over the past few years on this issue, there continues to be an increase in plastic production. With direct links between the plastic crisis and the climate crisis, addressing plastic pollution globally must be a major environmental priority. 5 Gyres continues to lead with scientific research to drive upstream solutions through education, advocacy, and community building.

**5 Gyres drives innovative solutions to plastic pollution by leveraging the power of:**

- Science: Conduct scientific research to answer key questions about plastics’ impact and accelerate science-based solutions
- Advocacy: Advance and advocate for high-impact policies that will reduce the harm of plastic pollution
- Community: Educate, engage, and empower individuals and communities to take action and drive change

5 Gyres

Ozark Natural Science Center’s mission is to enhance understanding, appreciation and stewardship of the Ozark natural environment.

Our History...
 
Beginning in 1989, a small group of individuals guided by Ken and RuAnn Ewing of Rogers started meeting with the single purpose of developing a concept plan for a residential field science center in the Arkansas Ozarks. Those early planning sessions resulted in The Ozark Natural Science Center incorporation in 1990 and subsequent non-profit, 501 (c)(3) status in 1993.
​
In 1992, the Center hosted its first residential program: a two-week Wet’n Wild camp, part of the Arkansas Enrichment for the Gifted in Summer (AEGIS) program of the Arkansas Department of Education. Since the science center was under construction, campers stayed in platform tents and dined in a partially completed dining room. By 1994, the Ewing Centre was complete and housed administrative offices and the kitchen and dining hall. That same year, ONSC began offering residential school-based programming for 700 Rogers and Bentonville fifth grade students.
​
 
Today...
 
Currently, the central campus includes three lodges, an education building, guest housing, faculty housing, the Stewart Springfield Memorial Outdoor Classroom, an observation deck, and almost eight miles of maintained hiking trails. ONSC’s school-based programming now offers hands-on, experiential field science opportunities to more than 3,000 students from northwest and central Arkansas and northeast Oklahoma..
​

Ozark Natural Science Center

Earth Friends is an environmental awareness program designed for young children.

Earth Friends sees a world of stewards who are moving our planet and its people in every direction of good for all beings. We approach learning about our world through positivity, possibility, and play.

The Earth Friends program empowers young children by providing a foundation of education, love, and understanding for our planet and everything it provides us. Children gain a deeper connection to nature, understand their impact on the world around them, and become empowered to make decisions. Educators receive the materials, resources, and support to positivity impact young children, engage their families, and creative positive impact in their communities.

Our values are:

**curiosity:** We approach our work at Earth Friends with an open and curious mind. When we limit ourselves to what is right and what is wrong and only what has been done before, we are restraining the future creators and innovators who can lead us to a better world. We are here to live in a new way and ready to embrace different ideas.

**sustainability**: As Earth Friends builds the foundation for the future stewards of our planet, we model behaviors and practices that create positive human impact. Sustainability is at the core of our connection with nature and the understanding of how we impact our world. As we teach young children, we as adult, schools, and centers will walk the talk.

**equity:** We recognize that not all young children have access to early education resources, and we aim to create a greener and brighter future for every human and being through Earth Friends Outreach. Our lessons, materials, trainings, and supports cannot be specific to any one school or community but will be accessible to all children in their formative years, which is the goal of Earth Friends Outreach.

Earth Friends Incorporated

We work to conserve, protect and restore Klickitat County's coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.

Trout Unlimited Klickitat Chapter

DIP is a non-profit organization creating a state-of-the-art, community space for all people to explore the benefits of aquatics.

Denver Indoor Pools (DIP), a 501 (c)(3) (DBA Aquatics @ Altitude) has laid the groundwork for an extraordinary project in Aurora, Colorado.  Their goal is to build an indoor swimming complex to serve the aquatics community at the individual and team level in swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming and other water activities.  The volunteer board and fundraising cabinet are embarking on a multi-million-dollar capital campaign. 

We need your support.

The founding board of DIP came together around shared interest and support for accessing water, and desire to share aquatics with more of the community. We feel strongly about how aquatics benefits our lives and wish it were more accessible. 

Most of us can remember the first time we tried out for the swim team or attempted a new underwater sport. DIP wants to serve as that invitation for everyone in the Denver region to see what aquatics are all about. 

We are thrilled for the opportunities the DIP facility will bring to our community: teaching water safety for Colorado families, and offering healing spaces for individuals looking to rehabilitate with the benefits of aquatic therapy. The facility has the potential for the Denver region to host regional and national competitions, providing high-elevation training for international athletes. 

Everyone, of all ages and ability, are truly welcome. 

Consider yourself invited.


Denver Indoor Pools Inc

We invest in the land around Harmony Montessori to keep the legacy of outdoor education alive for preschoolers & their families.

Harmony Land Caretakers invests money and time in following three areas. 

1. Safe access for all ages that ensures preschooler exploration and educational experiences 
2. Preschool-friendly exhibits
3. Outdoor education programs tailored for preschoolers or their educators 

Our initial focus is to improve safe access to the land at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary for the preschool community which includes a range of ages — from the littlest ones to our community’s elders. 

As safe access improves, we will add educational exhibits that preschoolers and their family can use to learn about the nature around them. We also envision hosting outdoor education programs, to build on the deep legacy of naturalists who have taught on this land. 

Harmony Land Caretakers

Forging pathways of equity for children with disabilities

Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration is dedicated to creating play, dignity, and social equity for children with disabilities through inclusive playgrounds and education programs that unite children of all abilities. We have created 80 inclusive playgrounds on 5 continents. Our education program has served over 55,000 students in Los Angeles and has been ordered in 67 countries. We have Special Consultative Status with the United Nations, which allows us to contribute to UN goals and objectives, raise awareness, and provide expert analysis regarding disabilities. We are committed to five of the UN Sustainable Goals. Learn more at: [https://inclusionmatters.org/our-partners-un/.](https://inclusionmatters.org/our-partners-un/)

Inclusion Matters by Shane's Inspiration

We capture and store carbon by preserving, regenerating, and planting more than one million trees in Patagonia, Argentina. 

Almahué Forest is a NGO aiming at capturing and storing carbon by preserving, regenerating and planting trees.

Axel de Meeûs’ objective is to plant 1 million tree in the Almahué Valle by 2042. Our project in Patagonia aims at capturing and storing carbon through ecosystem conservation and restoration, and the planting of new trees. A project built on collaboration with the Argentinian National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA).

1. Protect and regenerate the Patagonian cypress

An endangered species

The Patagonian cypress (Austrocedrus chilensis) is a native conifer with a wide geographic distribution in northern Patagonia in Argentina and Chile, covering over 1200 km. It is valued for its landscape and environmental services, as well as its timber quality. The area has dozens of old cypress trees (+500 years old) and hundreds of young cypress trees (1-20 years old), which have been slowed down by animal attacks. The plan includes inventorying and protecting them for survival.

Collect seeds in the cypress Sanctuary

We have a 300 ha cypress Sanctuary with old and young cypresses, some burned in a forest fire over 100 years ago. This area will be preserved and protected. In March 2023, over 1 kg of mountain cypress seeds were collected. Planting with those seeds will begin in 2026.

2. Assist in the preservation and planting of native species

Patagonian native species are in danger

Ñire, Lenga, Araucaria, are essential in the Patagonian region as they contribute to the formation of forests, providing shelter and food for various flora and fauna species, and playing a crucial role in ecosystem conservation.

However, these three species are threatened due to deforestation and climate change.

Indiscriminate logging and the expansion of cattle ranching and agriculture have reduced their natural habitat, endangering their survival.

3. Plant of mixed forests, native introduced and resilient species.

Planting mixed forest with natives and introduced species allows to enrich the ecosystem, make it resilient, encounter water-scarce conditions and minimize fire risks

Indeed, we select species adapted to survive in water-scarce conditions, in line with our desire to optimize the use of water resources.

We will plant forests that are exclusively composed of diverse species!

4. Rewild more than 1000 Ha through capturing and distributing rainwater as well as protecting young species.

 Almahue-Forest

Join us in exploring and building AI for the common good.

Check out what your support makes possible at allenai.org. 

The Allen Institute for AI (AI2) is a leader in the field of AI, and our mission is to contribute to humanity through high-impact AI research, engineering, and applied technologies. Transparency, accessibility, and collaboration are at the core of our work. As a nonprofit organization, we are able to take on research endeavors that universities can’t and private corporations won’t. 

Founded in 2014, AI2 is the largest 501c3 nonprofit AI2 research organization in the world. Our team is composed of 200+ world class AI researchers and engineers from around the globe, centered around our Seattle offices where collaborative problem solving drives our impact-related efforts. 

From making AI more accessible to underrepresented communities to protecting wildlife and our oceans, we have several teams at AI2 taking on some of the world’s biggest challenges.

Aristo: Building systems that can successfully interact with users and demonstrate a deep understanding of the world

AllenNLP: Improving natural language processing systems’ performance and accountability, developing state of the art models, datasets, and tools

Mosaic: Defining and developing common sense and ethics for AI systems to go beyond the narrow and brittle AI applications available today

PRIOR: Seeking to advance computer vision to create AI systems that see, explore, learn, and reason about the world

Semantic Scholar: A free, AI-powered research tool for scientific literature, accelerating scientific breakthroughs by providing a better way to discover new knowledge and key insights

Climate Modeling: Creating faster, more efficient, modernized open-source models to advance the important research into global climate model projections

EarthRanger: A free software solution that aids protected area managers, ecologists, and biologists in making more informed operational decisions for wildlife conservation

Skylight: A platform that helps improve maritime transparency and combat illegal fishing by surfacing suspicious events and providing actionable intelligence to protect our oceans

Wildlands: Delivering AI-backed tools that improve the health and resilience of our wildlands by supporting fire management


Allen Institute for AI (AI2)

Provides opportunities for underrepresented communities of color to experience the natural world & learn outdoor skills.

The Bronze Chapter is a Black woman founded and led 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for underrepresented communities of color experience nature and the natural world in ways that lead to curiosity, joy, deep listening, and life-long learning about wild spaces and environment. 

Through cultivating connections with nature and outdoor spaces, we hope to instigate discovery, imagination, creativity, and wonder that may inspire some to be future environmental scientists, outdoor industry educators, climate researchers, teachers, rangers, artists, trip leaders, wildlife or marine biologists, musicians, and compassionate policy makers committed to protecting where the wild things are.

The construct of racism limited access to land, parks, pools, and beaches. Limited access means limited opportunities for learning. Our programs support the movement towards a more racially-just outdoors and help Community get back outside to rest, play, and learn. Community is centered in outdoor skill sharing, knowledge sharing, and recreation. Every program supports another, creating layers of opportunity to learn how to be safe and responsible friends of nature.

We view camping as a gateway activity that opens doors to the outdoors. Learning to camp well in a variety of seasons and terrain allows us to safely sustain ourselves outside overnight. When we’re able to do that, we can travel and experience the world in nearly infinite ways. Basic camping skills easily translate to backpacking, kayak camping, bicycle and motorcycle camping, etc.

We view safety as an essential element of outdoor recreation. Offering wilderness first aid certification and self-defense for the outdoors and beyond help us keep ourselves safe and provide aid to others who may need assistance.

We support families and increase access to the health, physical, cultural, and inspirational benefits of the outdoors by decreasing barriers that block us from it.

From Marian Wright Edelman: “You can’t be what you can’t see” and this is why Representation Matters. The Bronze Chapter is a place to rewrite outdoor narratives. 

Although Black and brown people helped build much of the infrastructure of parks and public lands, outdoor leisure was not made or meant for our use or enjoyment. Until the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Black people in many states were legally barred and/or subject to segregation at state and national parks and on other public lands. That was just 55 years ago. This is current history.

The Bronze Chapter

You’re investing in a brighter future for our planet when you invest your time or resources with the EcoServants.

**At EcoServants®, our mission is to elevate environmental awareness and inspire lifelong stewardship of our planet. Through the dedication of our passionate team, we empower schools and communities with the knowledge and tools needed for sustainable living.**

**We’re committed to enriching education and encouraging active participation, with the goal of protecting and preserving our vibrant oceans and lush landscapes for generations to come. Join us in making a lasting impact!**

Ecological Servants Project

Marine Conservation Institute is dedicated to strongly protect the oceans’ most important places – for us and future generations

The ocean is the Earth’s biggest life support system, and healthy marine ecosystems are essential for human survival and well-being. As a leader in the global movement to protect vast ocean areas, Marine Conservation Institute uses the latest science to identify important marine ecosystems, advocate for their protection, and measure progress toward effective, sustainable marine protection.

Marine Conservation Institute

Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association is a nonprofit organization focused on recreation, sports, leisure, or athletics. It is based in Ellijay, GA. It received its nonprofit status in 2001.

North Georgia Mountain Bike Association (NGMBA)

To restore, protect, and enhance the Rouge River watershed through stewardship, education, and collaboration.

Friends of the Rouge was founded in 1986 by a group of concerned citizens to address the health of the Rouge River watershed, one of the most polluted river systems in the country. Friends of the Rouge works to actively empower community to achieve the vision of a clean and vibrant Rouge River in the heart of Metro Detroit.

Program areas include:
Restoration
Each year, hundreds of volunteers take part in building a clean water future with Friends. Rain gardens, bioswales, stormwater parks, and tree plantings create green solutions across Metro Detroit to combat neighborhood flooding, water pollution, heat, and habitat loss. One small rain garden may capture and absorb as much as 10,000 gallons of water every time it rains! The gardens, planted with Michigan native plants, create a sense of place and provide a beautiful oasis for butterflies, songbirds, and people! They also bring cleaner water to Rouge River fish, frogs, plants, and you. A recently tree planting project reforested a branch of the Rouge River with 14,000 new, native Michigan tree saplings. The Restoration program area is growing the most rapidly to meet the needs of a changing climate. To date, hundreds of rain gardens have been planted at schools, community centers, parks, in the front yard of neighbors homes across Metro Detroit.

Water Trail
The Lower Rouge River Water Trail is made up of 29 continuous river miles of adventure to explore by kayak or canoe. The Water Trail program is creating kayak launches, trailheads, and a built environment to allow access to a river that has been historically walled off from its surrounding community. Programming includes curated paddling trips and community outreach to build a trail that best fits the 10 communities that stretch along the ribbon of blue - the Lower Rouge River.
Rouge Education Project
The Rouge Education Project is an environmental education program involving elementary, middle, and high schools from across Metro Detroit. Students engage in the lifechanging experience of hands-on
scientific exploration, in waders, at the Rouge River. Students conduct real science, that they see the meaning of, and evaluate chemical, biological, and physical parameters of water quality to determine
the overall health of their “bend” of the River. And in turn, they forge connections with nature, their River, and science that last a lifetime.
“You have a lot of kids who come in and say ‘I don’t like science.’ ‘I am not a scientist.’ I have never even been to the river.’ The Rouge Education Project changes them.” –Tracy Ortiz, participating Rouge Education Project teacher at Clippert Academy in Detroit.

Biological Monitoring
The collection of year-round biological data, thanks to the incredible efforts of volunteer scientists, allows the measurement and tracking of Rouge River health over time. Working alongside trained team leaders, these volunteer are part of a citizen scientist movement. Their efforts have resulted in the most comprehensive, long-term fish and bug data set on the Rouge River system. In fact, the Rouge River is the most sampled river in the state of Michigan for fish!  And, a recent study by University of Michigan found that data collected by Friends of the Rouge citizen scientists is on par with professionally collected data. Data, analysis and findings are with the public, Rouge River watershed communities, and state agencies for use in local decision making.
Monitoring participants become active, engaged, and committed stewards of the River. 



Friends of the Rouge

Our mission is to improve the quality of life for the people of Lowell through education and through the creation, conservation, and preservation of parks, open spaces, and special places.

Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust

Sustainable Surf

More than just crowdfunding. Community-led positive change.  

ioby mobilizes neighbors who have good ideas to become powerful civic leaders who plan, fund and make positive change in their own neighborhoods.  We are creating a future in which our neighborhoods are shaped by the powerful good ideas of our own neighbors.  ioby believes that it should be easy to make meaningful change “in our backyards”--the positive opposite of NIMBY.

ioby (In Our Backyards, Inc.)

1048940678

We are a nonprofit, so instead of charging fees we rely on the generosity of donors like you.