Podcast appearances and mentions of belle isle conservancy

"It's our park," Danielle Jackson declares, setting the tone for a conversation that reminds every Detroiter why Belle Isle is far more than an island in the Detroit River—it's a living symbol of community, resilience, and shared responsibility. In this episode of Detroit is Different, Danielle, representing the Belle Isle Conservancy, explains how "we're the nonprofit partner" helping preserve one of Detroit's greatest public assets while inviting residents to reclaim ownership through participation and presence. Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, she shares how "you could literally get a prescription to go to the park," describing the national ParkRx initiative that encouraged healing through nature, movement, and fresh air. Khary connects those memories to the emotional significance of the Belle Isle memorial honoring lives lost during the pandemic while reminding listeners that "as far as us being citizens and appreciating the asset that's right here in our city—get there." Together they unpack Belle Isle's complicated governance, its deep place in Detroit's identity, and why protecting public spaces requires community engagement across generations. This conversation honors Detroit's past, celebrates the people working today to steward its treasures, and challenges listeners to imagine a future where Belle Isle continues serving as a place for healing, education, recreation, and collective pride for every family that calls Detroit home. Detroit is Different is a podcast hosted by Khary Frazier covering people adding to the culture of an American Classic city. Visit www.detroitisdifferent.com to hear, see and experience more of what makes Detroit different. Follow, like, share, and subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes, Google Play, and Sticher. Comment, suggest and connect with the podcast by emailing info@detroitisdifferent.com Find out more at https://detroit-is-different.pinecast.co

Uploaded June 25th, reloaded July 10th. Chris Holman welcomes Melanie Foose, Supervisor of EGLE's Great Lakes Management Unit, and Sam Noffke, Aquatic Biology Specialist with EGLE. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, the EPA, and community partners recently announced $10 million in funding to continue restoring the Detroit River. Talk us through the history of the Detroit River, how it's used today, and how much work has gone into cleaning it up. The $10 million includes $6.5 million from the EPA and $3.5 million from the state of Michigan. What will that funding be used for exactly? Projects like this one take a lot of collaboration. Who are some of the local, state, and federal partners working together? Why is continued work on the Detroit River important for communities across Southeast Michigan? So what is next for the Detroit River? Any additional projects on the horizon? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Recently, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $10 million in funding to support continued restoration and remediation efforts of the Detroit River. The announcement was made during a press conference at the William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, a site that reflects the transformation and recovery taking place along Detroit's waterfront. “The Detroit River is one of Michigan's most important natural and economic resources, and this investment marks another major step forward in restoring its health and protecting its future,” said EGLE Director Phil Roos. “Through strong partnerships at the federal, state, local levels, we are making real progress cleaning up contamination, restoring critical habitat reconnecting communities to the river. This funding ensures that momentum continues.” The EPA is providing $6.5 million of the total, with an additional $3.5 million in state match supported through Michigan's Make it in Michigan Competitiveness Fund. The funding comes under the Great Lakes Legacy Act, a bipartisan federal cost-share program aimed at addressing sediment contamination in the Great Lakes. The funding will be used to study and plan cleanup work along the Detroit River, including removing contaminated sediment from the riverbed and restoring natural habitats near Harbortown and other sections of the river. The restoration work aims to improve water quality, restore habitat, expand safe public access to the river for the communities that live, work, recreate along Detroit's waterfront. Since 2012, EGLE and EPA have worked collaboratively to identify known contamination sites throughout the Detroit River AOC, which extends the full length of the river and impacts communities including Detroit, River Rouge, Ecorse, Wyandotte, Grosse Ile, Trenton, and Gibraltar. The funding announced today will help continue efforts to address Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs), environmental indicators established by the International Joint Commission to measure ecological degradation within Areas of Concern. Restoring the Detroit River remains a collaborative effort involving local, state, federal partners, including NOAA Fisheries, Friends of the Detroit River, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, United States Geological Survey, US Army Corps of Engineers, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Detroit Historical Society, the Belle Isle Conservancy, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, and the Detroit Zoological Society.

Belle Isle - Larger Than Central Park - Funds and Coordinates Renovations For User Experience

April 11, 2024 ~ The city of Detroit has partnered with many nonprofits to help continue efforts to fight pollution, and will soon receive the help from a robot. The "BeBot" will be deployed on Belle Isle, and will sift through sand and suck up litter. Guy, Lloyd, and Jamie talk with Belle Isle Conservancy director of sustainability and advocacy Genevieve Rattray about the many ways to help keep the park clean and beautiful. Photo: Audrey Richardson ~ USA Today Network

August 15, 2022 ~ The Detroit Hydrofest Board Director & the President & CEO of the Belle Isle Conservancy tell Paul they are working hard to bring the boat races back to the Detroit River next summer. Photo credit to Jose Juarez, Special to the Detroit News

November 19, 2021 ~ Paul congratulates the President & CEO of the Belle Isle Conservancy and the Children's Trust Fund Executive Director as they are inducted into the "2021 Women Who Lead Class of Honorees."

Tuesday is Giving Tuesday and organizations like the Belle Isle Conservancy as asking for donations to keep programs going.  Conservancy President and CEO Michele Hodges told WWJ's Sandra McNeill the pandemic has led to a big drop in donations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I met Vance Patrick at the farewell retirement party at the Detorit Historical Museum for Bob and Mary Ann Bury celebrating Bob's 16 years as CEO and Executive Director and their efforts as a team. I had read about the reopening of the The Belle Isle Aquarium and when Vance Patrick who was at the helm along with others of getting the Aquarium reopened said come let me show you around I did so a few days later. As we were talking I decided to turn on my recorder and I am glad I did. As always I record and no editing. It is what it is and I feel this was one very worthwhile conversation with Vance. I appreciate he took the time to educate me. They get up to 5,000-6,000 people over the weekend who come enjoy the free admission and easy to walk through Belle Isle Aquarium. It was a steady stream of all ages coming through as we walked around. Some history of the Belle Isle public aquarium located in Belle Isle Park in Detroit, Michigan. Designed by noted architects George D. Mason and Albert Kahn,[5] it opened on August 18, 1904, and was the oldest continually operating public aquarium in North America when it closed on April 3, 2005.[2] The aquarium reopened to the public on August 18, 2012, and is now run entirely by volunteers.[6] The 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) historic building features a single large gallery with an arched ceiling covered in green glass tile to evoke an underwater feeling.[1][7] The aquarium was operated by the Detroit Zoological Society prior to the 2005 closure. It is currently operated by the Belle Isle Conservancy. August 3, 2005, Detroit citizens voted to reopen the aquarium by an overwhelming margin (88% in favor, 12% opposed).[11] However, the vote was non-binding and the aquarium remained closed. In 2010, supporters of the aquarium were still trying to find donors to help defray the building's operating costs.[11] Although the building was closed between 2005 and 2012, goldfish and koi from an outside pond were housed in the aquarium during the winter.[11] Each year in February, the aquarium opened for a day for the annual "Shiver on the River,"[11] a fund raising event to promote public support of Belle Isle non-profit groups including the Friends of Belle Isle Aquarium.[2] On 14 August 2012, The Belle Isle Conservancy, a non-profit volunteer group established in 2011 from the merger of the Friends of Belle Isle Aquarium and other Belle Isle non-profit groups, announced the re-opening of the aquarium on a limited basis. The aquarium was reopened on 18 August 2012, the 108th anniversary of its opening.[citation needed] The aquarium is normally open Friday-Sunday However hours due to covid check their site. https://www.belleisleconservancy.org/belle-isle-aquarium

Michelle Hodges joined the show to talk about the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix and then Simon Pagenot stops by to talk about his first Indy 500 win last week.

Michelle Hodges joined the show to talk about the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix and then Simon Pagenot stops by to talk about his first Indy 500 win last week.

As we hit the fall season, we thought it appropriate to check in with Michele Hodges about Detroit's beloved Belle Isle State Park. She heads the Belle Isle Conservancy, the non-profit devoted to supporting the park. The non-profit is working to keep everything running on Belle Isle State Park, while dealing with the effects of decades of disinvestment and very old buildings. A few of the things Sven Gustafson and Michele talk about include.. what the Conservancy actually does… the price tag for what it would take to properly fix up Belle Isle, as a lot of capital resources are being used to fix emergency repairs.… the new Piet Oudolf garden… if there are plans for the old zoo on the island… and more.

Next time you walk down the street, take a look at the people around. There’s one thing that you hold in common with every single person: all of you – all of us – are affected by the environment. For the second episode the Upswell podcast, we’re excited to introduce you to two changemakers who are changing lives by improving the health of the natural world. Michele Hodges is president of the Belle Isle Conservancy, which protects and renews one of Detroit’s gems. Belle Isle sits between the United States and Canada on the Detroit River and has a remarkable history (and future). Wendy Butts is CEO of the LA Conservation Corps, which enriches the lives of more than 26,000 young people annually through conservation and service projects. While the LA Conservation Corps is modeled after the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps, Wendy weaves her international experiences with the Peace Corps into the organization. So, while we all have the environment in common, Michele and Wendy have had very different experiences in Detroit and Los Angeles, respectively. Click play to find out what we mean!

I met Vance Patrick at the farewell retirement party at the Detorit Historical Museum for Bob and Mary Ann Bury celebrating Bob's 16 years as CEO and Executive Director and their efforts as a team. I had read about the reopening of the The Belle Isle Aquarium and when Vance Patrick who was at the helm along with others of getting the Aquarium reopened said come let me show you around I did so a few days later. As we were talking I decided to turn on my recorder and I am glad I did. As always I record and no editing. It is what it is and I feel this was one very worthwhile conversation with Vance. I appreciate he took the time to educate me. They get up to 5,000-6,000 people over the weekend who come enjoy the free admission and easy to walk through Belle Isle Aquarium. It was a steady stream of all ages coming through as we walked around. Some history of the Belle Isle public aquarium located in Belle Isle Park in Detroit, Michigan. Designed by noted architects George D. Mason and Albert Kahn,[5] it opened on August 18, 1904, and was the oldest continually operating public aquarium in North America when it closed on April 3, 2005.[2] The aquarium reopened to the public on August 18, 2012, and is now run entirely by volunteers.[6] The 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) historic building features a single large gallery with an arched ceiling covered in green glass tile to evoke an underwater feeling.[1][7] The aquarium was operated by the Detroit Zoological Society prior to the 2005 closure. It is currently operated by the Belle Isle Conservancy. August 3, 2005, Detroit citizens voted to reopen the aquarium by an overwhelming margin (88% in favor, 12% opposed).[11] However, the vote was non-binding and the aquarium remained closed. In 2010, supporters of the aquarium were still trying to find donors to help defray the building's operating costs.[11] Although the building was closed between 2005 and 2012, goldfish and koi from an outside pond were housed in the aquarium during the winter.[11] Each year in February, the aquarium opened for a day for the annual "Shiver on the River,"[11] a fund raising event to promote public support of Belle Isle non-profit groups including the Friends of Belle Isle Aquarium.[2] On 14 August 2012, The Belle Isle Conservancy, a non-profit volunteer group established in 2011 from the merger of the Friends of Belle Isle Aquarium and other Belle Isle non-profit groups, announced the re-opening of the aquarium on a limited basis. The aquarium was reopened on 18 August 2012, the 108th anniversary of its opening.[citation needed] The aquarium is open Friday-Sunday 10am-4pm. https://www.belleisleconservancy.org/belle-isle-aquarium

I met Vance Patrick at the farewell retirement party at the Detorit Historical Museum for Bob and Mary Ann Bury celebrating Bob's 16 years as CEO and Executive Director and their efforts as a team. I had read about the reopening of the The Belle Isle Aquarium and when Vance Patrick who was at the helm along with others of getting the Aquarium reopened said come let me show you around I did so a few days later. As we were talking I decided to turn on my recorder and I am glad I did. As always I record and no editing. It is what it is and I feel this was one very worthwhile conversation with Vance. I appreciate he took the time to educate me. They get up to 5,000-6,000 people over the weekend who come enjoy the free admission and easy to walk through Belle Isle Aquarium. It was a steady stream of all ages coming through as we walked around. Some history of the Belle Isle public aquarium located in Belle Isle Park in Detroit, Michigan. Designed by noted architects George D. Mason and Albert Kahn,[5] it opened on August 18, 1904, and was the oldest continually operating public aquarium in North America when it closed on April 3, 2005.[2] The aquarium reopened to the public on August 18, 2012, and is now run entirely by volunteers.[6] The 10,000-square-foot (930 m2) historic building features a single large gallery with an arched ceiling covered in green glass tile to evoke an underwater feeling.[1][7] The aquarium was operated by the Detroit Zoological Society prior to the 2005 closure. It is currently operated by the Belle Isle Conservancy. August 3, 2005, Detroit citizens voted to reopen the aquarium by an overwhelming margin (88% in favor, 12% opposed).[11] However, the vote was non-binding and the aquarium remained closed. In 2010, supporters of the aquarium were still trying to find donors to help defray the building's operating costs.[11] Although the building was closed between 2005 and 2012, goldfish and koi from an outside pond were housed in the aquarium during the winter.[11] Each year in February, the aquarium opened for a day for the annual "Shiver on the River,"[11] a fund raising event to promote public support of Belle Isle non-profit groups including the Friends of Belle Isle Aquarium.[2] On 14 August 2012, The Belle Isle Conservancy, a non-profit volunteer group established in 2011 from the merger of the Friends of Belle Isle Aquarium and other Belle Isle non-profit groups, announced the re-opening of the aquarium on a limited basis. The aquarium was reopened on 18 August 2012, the 108th anniversary of its opening.[citation needed] The aquarium is open Friday-Sunday 10am-4pm. https://www.belleisleconservancy.org/belle-isle-aquarium

Dr. Smith received a Bachelor of Science Music Degree at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee and Master of Music Education and Doctorate of Education from Wayne State University.  Her education has been greatly enhanced by traveling extensively, living among other cultures, and teaching in many states in this country and on Okinawa, Japan. Her experiences include teaching classes from kindergarten to college level in public school systems, private vocal and piano lessons, and performance as a classical soloist in operas, musicals, churches and special events.  As an author, Dr. Smith writes primarily in the genre of spiritualty and as a spiritual teacher and inspirational speaker, has not only extensive knowledge and understanding of biblical writings, but 40 years of putting that knowledge into practice.   Years of healing physical, mental, emotional, financial and relationship problems, equips her as an expert in coaching individuals through problems lying beneath the surface of thought.  Membership organizations include Board Member of Educational Arts Society and Jeanne Steely Laitner Association and membership in numerous other organizations including Strathmore’s Who’s Who Worldwide and Belle Isle Conservancy of Detroit, Michigan. CALL NUMBER IS 646-929-2870 WWW.WORLDMOVEMENT.COM        

Dr. Smith received a Bachelor of Science Music Degree at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee and Master of Music Education and Doctorate of Education from Wayne State University.  Her education has been greatly enhanced by traveling extensively, living among other cultures, and teaching in many states in this country and on Okinawa, Japan. Her experiences include teaching classes from kindergarten to college level in public school systems, private vocal and piano lessons, and performance as a classical soloist in operas, musicals, churches and special events.  As an author, Dr. Smith writes primarily in the genre of spiritualty and as a spiritual teacher and inspirational speaker, has not only extensive knowledge and understanding of biblical writings, but 40 years of putting that knowledge into practice.   Years of healing physical, mental, emotional, financial and relationship problems, equips her as an expert in coaching individuals through problems lying beneath the surface of thought.  Membership organizations include Board Member of Educational Arts Society and Jeanne Steely Laitner Association and membership in numerous other organizations including Strathmore’s Who’s Who Worldwide and Belle Isle Conservancy of Detroit, Michigan.       

July 2014 Paul W. Smith and co-host Ric DeVore welcome Michele Hodges President of the Belle Isle Conservancy to talk all things Bell Isle. There has been a lot of big news this year coming from the island as the DNR has taken over the day to day operations and it is now a state park. Michele Ric and Paul will discuss what this means and where the Belle Isle Conservancy fit in to the mix. The Belle Isle Conservancy was created in 2011 when four non-profits merged to help focus on bringing private and public resources together for the common good of this beautiful island park.

July 2014 Paul W. Smith and co-host Ric DeVore welcome Michele Hodges President of the Belle Isle Conservancy to talk all things Bell Isle. There has been a lot of big news this year coming from the island as the DNR has taken over the day to day operations and it is now a state park. Michele Ric and Paul will discuss what this means and where the Belle Isle Conservancy fit in to the mix. The Belle Isle Conservancy was created in 2011 when four non-profits merged to help focus on bringing private and public resources together for the common good of this beautiful island park.