*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

*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 Consulting
Danielle Todd – Founder, Make Food Not Waste
Katie Cruickshank – VP Advertiser Solutions + Client Service, Outside
Rory Thibault – Land Protection Specialist, Land Conservancy of West Michigan

Haley Bennett — Principal, Fresh Coast Strategies

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

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

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. 

Episode Links:

Parallel Solutions

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

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 LLC
• Innovate Marquette
• ORIAN Project
• U.P. Outdoor Summit
• Michigan Outdoor Summit
• Growth Strategy for the Central UP - TIP Strategies
• Electrified Trails in Central UP - UPland

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

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/

In this episode, we explore the healing power of nature in supporting youth mental health and resilience with Garrett Dempsey and Amanda Westra.

Garrett shares how Detroit Outdoors creates inclusive opportunities for young people, especially in communities of color, through a gear library, leadership training, and partnerships.

Amanda highlights how the Chill Foundation uses of boardsports and outdoor activities to help youth heal from developmental and ancestral trauma. Together, they reveal how nature can break barriers, foster bravery, and transform lives.

Featuring

Garret Dempsey, Executive Director, Detroit Outdoors

Amanda Westra - Senior Program Manager, Chill Foundation

Episode Links

Detroit Outdoors

Chill Foundation

@outdoorsdetroit

@chillfoundation