EllisDon’s Post

I appreciate initiatives like this that help enhance the quality of our transit stations 🚉 Putting a spotlight on the Chestnut Hill West line in particular is important, especially with fears of the line's closure looming in the not so distant future. #urbanplanning #publictransport

I read in Bridge Magazine online today that northern Michigan saw an increase in population in 2023 for the first time in years. While the growth was not significant, growth is growth. 🙂 Did you know that owners of many of the homes on lake shores above Gaylord are in fact second homes for people that made their wealth in lower Michigan, specifically SE Michigan and Grand Rapids. As the middle class continues to shrink, the ability to have a "get-away" cottage up north is declining or out of reach. I find it interesting that many people who made their wealth in SE Michigan invest only in nonprofit land trusts near their summer homes up north, but don't see the need to protect more at-risk sensitive ecosystems in SE Michigan. Protected land in SE Michigan is more accessible to those who have no option of even a weeks cottage rental cost on a Great Lake or inland lake. Shouldn't the workers who live in SE Michigan who have made it possible for someone to own a second house up north also enjoy nature? For truly equitable access to nature, and for everyone to have the ability to enjoy the healing properties associated with a walk in the woods, or a visit to a clean lake, more people and foundations should consider supporting nonprofits protecting sensitive ecosystems, lakes, and forests in SE Michigan. Justice, inclusion, accessibility, diversity and equitable access to nature should belong to everyone. #legacylandconservancy, #SEMichiganprotectedland, #nature, #wellbeing

College Township Secures $300,000 DCNR Grant For Development of ClearWater Community Conservation Center; Next DCNR Grant Round Opens Jan. 21  [PaEN] https://lnkd.in/ebDuHbcC

Have you ever passed by a long-vacant or abandoned property and wondered, “What’s the deal here? Why isn’t our community making better use of this land?” Neighborhood residents, nonprofit organizations, and local governments are teaming up to transform underutilized and contaminated properties (brownfields) into community assets like affordable housing, community centers, playgrounds, parks, and more! ✅ But turning a #brownfield into quality open space is no small feat. You can’t do it overnight, and you certainly can’t do it alone. ✅ This resource will walk you through the many steps and considerations involved in taking a brownfield-to-open space project from inception to reality! Click below to check it out. https://buff.ly/4fd7MBn Interested in learning more? Join us for Brownfield Curious: Understanding the Brownfield Reuse Process and Timeline! 🗓️ August 13th, 2024 ⏰ 2 pm ET | 11 am PT During this webinar, experts at the Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR) will break down the stages of the land transformation process and guide you through the entire land revitalization journey—from planning to the celebratory ribbon cutting on your new community asset. Register here: https://buff.ly/3zSfBMS

Community Energy Project has empowered thousands of Oregon households to: ⚡ Boost energy efficiency ☀️ Build resilience to extreme temperatures 🍃 Improve air quality indoors and out 💰 Reduce energy and financial burdens 🏡 Make homes safer and more comfortable But there’s more work to do. Funding restrictions often prevent CEP from addressing essential structural repairs—like fixing leaking roofs or outdated wiring—that must be completed before energy upgrades can happen. These challenges disproportionately affect low-income households, leaving some of our most vulnerable neighbors without the resources they need. With community support, CEP can bridge this gap and ensure that everyone—seniors, individuals with disabilities, and others—has access to safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient homes. Join us in building a future where no one is left behind. Support our work today: https://lnkd.in/guNbwT6k #ClimateJustice #EnergyEfficiency

Check out this new blog by Anna Weber at Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to learn more about our collaborative work to improve home buyouts in partnership with community leaders and buyout practitioners from around the country - and let us know if you'd like to get involved!

Texas Communities Unite for Roof Repairs: Stories of Resilience and Solidarity Across Texas, from the bustling streets of Houston to the historic neighborhoods of San Antonio, communities are demonstrating incredible resilience and solidarity through collaborative roof repair projects. These initiatives not only restore homes but also reinforce the bonds between neighbors, showcasing the true spirit of Texas. In Houston, community efforts post-Hurricane Harvey have been nothing short of inspirational, with volunteers banding together to repair and rebuild. Dallas has seen a surge in local businesses and nonprofits collaborating through the Dallas Roofing Initiative to provide essential services to those in need. Meanwhile, Austin's commitment to sustainable living is highlighted by its push for eco-friendly roofing solutions, and San Antonio's dedication to preserving its rich cultural heritage is evident in its specialized restoration efforts. These stories highlight the strength and determination of Texan communities to support one another in times of need. They serve as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together. For more inspiring stories or if you're seeking assistance with roof repairs, visit www.texasroofassistant.com. #CommunityBuilding #RoofRepairs #TexasStrong #SustainableLiving #HistoricPreservation #Resilience #TexasCommunities Join the conversation and share how your community is coming together!

Rushmoor Climate Community group's next meeting is on 23rd Jan ( link in the comments). Sadly, I didn't make the launch due to an embarrassing incident with Seb's car, a ditch and a fire at Bank station... ( long story). The Rushmoor Climate community group recently shared a grant for nature hubs, which might be of interest to anyone who wants to start or enhance community green spaces. Funding Opportunity: Nature Hubs Fund -For Community Groups to set up or enhance community-led green spaces -Up to £6,000 -Applications Close: 29th November In my mind, we need as many of these spaces as possible so that we can see - Nature restored, - Increase vegetation, - Opportunity for different generations to come together and share knowledge - We need to learn to grow food again for resilience - Working with nature is great for your health. Community gardens are going to become increasingly important. Is anyone running or considering running community-led green spaces in Surrey and Hampshire? What help do you need? #Grant #Nature #ClimateAction #Community #Surrey #Hampshire #Gardens

Parks are not just pretty green spaces; they hold the heart of neighborhoods. They are the vibrant hubs where young children run and play, while others bask in the outdoors, and where countless cherished memories are made. However, it is disheartening to know that more than 100 million people in the US, including 28 million children, do not have access to these invaluable benefits. The problem does not stem from a lack of desire for parks in these small towns but from the scarcity of funding to turn these dreams into a reality. Grant funding is crucial for creating green spaces in many areas. However, not every town can secure a grant. That is where you can make a difference! Contact us and learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q02nSSCR0 #Neighborhoods #CommunityParks #SmallTowns #SmallTownBigImpact #GreenSpaces #IMPACTParks

What kinds of projects will the Community Resilience Partnership fund for Maine municipalities? Here's just one example from the City of Lewiston, Maine of how the CRP can help make communities more resilient. Jacqueline Crucet, a neighborhood development planner with Lewiston’s Department of Economic and Community Development spoke with the Press Herald. “Having tree-lined streets is not only beautiful, but cooling and offering habitat to wildlife, as well as shade for pedestrians. We have a lot of pedestrians in our downtown community. The benefits are there. Trees also help with soaking water up, improving our resilience with storms. You just need the right trees in the right places.” (🎁Gift Article --via the The Portland Press Herald) https://loom.ly/EQsbe6w #Maine #Resilience #ClimateResilience #Community #Infrastructure #Grants #Awardees #Mainecommunities #Lewiston #treestreets #trees #CommunityResiliencePartnership #partnership #community #governor #learnmore #communityresilience #resiliencepartnership #communityaction #grantawards #stateofthestate