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Conservation Resource Alliance

@cra_rivercare

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Preserving and protecting northern Michigan’s waterways, wildlife, and forests for future generations.

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It doesn’t get much better than an October hike. Thank you to our friends at Grass River Natural Area and Paddle Antrim for taking the time out of your afternoon to talk about all things rivers and conservation. Grateful to spend time learning about both incredible organizations and the strong work they’re doing to steward Michigan’s natural treasures. taken in Grass River Natural Area by @cra_rivercare

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2 days ago

Now that’s a culvert!

This massive structure is now installed at the Maple Creek crossing on Sharon Road, marking a major milestone in an initiative to restore connectivity across the Upper Manistee River Watershed.

The Maple Creek crossing at Sharon Road is one of six projects in this larger restoration effort. While the size of this structure is impressive, what’s even more important is what it means for the river: improved stream connectivity, better aquatic habitat, and a more resilient stream crossing. This work also supports ongoing efforts to restore Arctic grayling, a species once native to Michigan’s rivers.

We’ve recently updated our website with a closer look at the initiative, including the work involved, its significance, and the benefits it will provide for years to come.

Read the full project update through the link in our bio, including a closer look at the partners and funders making this important restoration work possible! taken in Manistee River by @cra_rivercare

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4 days ago

Want to help us fundraise? Here’s your chance! Please vote for Conservation Resource Alliance for Oryana’s 2027 Groceries for Good round-up program!

Every day, Oryana shoppers have the option to round up their change to the nearest dollar to support the non-profit of the month. Additionally, Oryana chooses one day per month to donate 2% of all sales at both stores to the non-profit.

Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA) is officially on the ballot to become a 2027 recipient!

Voting takes just a few minutes, but your support today could secure thousands of dollars to directly fund and protect the rivers and wildlife habitats of Northwest Michigan.

Tell your friends!

Link in bio. by @cra_rivercare

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9 days ago

The Fall Issue ‘26 is here! 🍂🌊 it is now available on our website and at a regional store near you. Grab a copy, some hot cider, and cozy up next to a pumpkin. Tis’ the season. 🍁 (website and stockists list link in our bio ✌🏼) taken in Traverse City, Michigan by @cra_rivercare

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12 days ago

September is always one of the busier months at CRA, but we wouldn’t have it any other way!

Last night, CRA’s Engagement Specialist, Tori, joined the crew at the Boardman Review for their launch party and the kickoff of the Michigan Outdoor Summit Michigan Outdoor Summit. Tori read from her piece blending her personal journey into the world of river conservation with the story of the Crystal River Initiative.

The timing couldn’t have been better! Today at the Michigan Outdoor Summit, CRA’s DJ Shook will join Brett Fessell of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and Nick Killian of Crystal River Outfitters to share the story of the Crystal River Initiative and the partnerships that brought it to life.

Just a week earlier, CRA headed to Detroit for the Healing Our Waters–Great Lakes Conference, where we connected with partners and learned about recent successes, and the vital work happening across the region.

And last but certainly not least, we joined the Walk the Wild 5K to support our friends at the Friends of the Jordan River! by @cra_rivercare

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16 days ago

The river people of Northern Michigan truly showed out last week! Thank you to all who joined us for The Current – a night of reflection, inspiration, and celebration. Having the opportunity to gather around making our natural world a better place is quite an honor, and we’re so glad we got to share it with all of you.

Thank you to our friends, partners, and sponsors for bringing this event to life. We hope you left feeling as energized and empowered as we do!

The magic of the evening would not have been possible without our incredible sponsors who ensured that we were equipped with incredible food, beverages, and entertainment:
ITC
DTE
Lake County Riverside Property Owners Association
Krenn Timber Bridge, Inc
Naperala Consulting
Barr Engineering
Fischer Insurance
Inhabitect
Spicer Group
Mitchell Graphics
Inter-Fluve
Julian Black Miller Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors
GEI Consultants
Nocturnal Bloom Brewing
Iron Fish Distillery
Mawby
bigLittle Wines
Mundos Roasting & Co taken in The Botanic Garden and Historic Barns by @cra_rivercare

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25 days ago

Last night was so much fun! @nocturnalbloombrewing was one of the sponsors for @cra_rivercare’s biennial celebration at the Historic Barns Park, and it was so cool to learn more about the badass work CRA does to protect our rivers and natural habitats.

I might be biased, but my fave part of the night was the live music from @americanbeachgrass. I got to sit across the table from my parents and watch my little brother Nik and his bandmate DJ, CRA’s project manager, play. I was the last to know they were the band at this event, so it was a fun surprise. 😆

Catch them next month at Nocturnal Bloom Brewing on Sunday, Oct 18 at noon. I’ll be pouring beer, brunch from @atomicacornkitchen, and coffee from @seismototc 🍂

#traversecity taken in The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park by @cra_rivercare

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a month ago

In our Fall Issue, the unsung impact of a northern Michigan nonprofit, @cra_rivercare, through the eyes of a freshly appointed guest to the river care party that is the Conservation Resource Alliance 🌊🌲

See below for a preview of the story and to read the full essay, make sure you get your issue by purchasing a Print Subscription at the shop link in our bio, or even better, come out to the Fall Issue Release Party on September 30th at @MtHoliday to experience Tori reading from her story, and purchase your copy there! 🍻

Here is an excerpt from Tori’s essay:
“Starting my role at Conservation Resource Alliance (CRA) felt like arriving late to a very cool party that I’d been dying to get invited to. The other attendees are outfitted in perfectly curated earth tones, discussing topics that make me feel like I belong at the kids’ table, and moving through the space with the confidence of someone who knows the difference between a brook trout and a brown trout.

Though I arrived at CRA with the foundational skills for my role as engagement specialist, I quickly realized how little I knew about rivers compared with teammates who’d dedicated their careers to caring for them. Some had been doing this work at CRA since the days of oversized flannels, Foo Fighters and Oasis playing on pocket radios, and before I’d even popped into existence.

CRA has long operated in a somewhat niche realm of conservation, doing critical work that has only recently begun attracting mainstream attention. Dam removals and stream crossing replacements aren’t inherently sexy—unless you’re an aquatic species finally able to travel upstream to new spawning grounds, expanding a dating pool once restricted to your siblings and cousins. But as extreme weather brings flooding and road washouts, aging dams and undersized stream crossings are finding themselves in the public spotlight.” taken in Glen Arbor, Michigan by @cra_rivercare

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a month ago

Last call! Tomorrow, Friday, September 11, is the last day to purchase tickets to our upcoming biennial celebration, The Current.

Taking place on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at The Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City, MI, this special evening will celebrate the collective impact of river restoration, watershed conservation, and community stewardship throughout the region.

Come chat with CRA staff, listen to some live music (you may even see a familiar face playing the banjo😉), and enjoy local wine, beer, & spirits! All are welcome. We hope to see you there!

Ticket link in bio. by @cra_rivercare

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a month ago

There’s still time to apply to join Conservation Resource Alliance—but the deadline is coming up quickly!

CRA is seeking an experienced Finance Manager to join our team in Traverse City. This full-time position will lead CRA’s day-to-day financial operations while helping ensure the organization’s long-term financial health.

The Finance Manager will oversee accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, grant management, compliance, and related operational systems that support our conservation work across northern Michigan.

We’re looking for someone with strong financial management experience who values mission-driven work, enjoys collaboration, and can bring both attention to detail and big-picture thinking to a small, hands-on nonprofit environment.

Position: Finance Manager
Location: Traverse City, Michigan
Salary: $75,000–$85,000, commensurate with skills and experience
Application Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2026

CRA offers a competitive benefits package, including group health insurance, a SIMPLE IRA with employer match, generous paid time off, an incentive compensation plan, and flexible work arrangements.

Interested in joining our team—or know someone who would be a great fit? Applications close September 18, so apply today or help us spread the word!

Link in bio! by @cra_rivercare

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a month ago

Join Conservation Resource Alliance, Kalkaska County, and project partners for a public open house to learn more about the Rugg Pond Dam Removal, River Restoration, & Hanson Road Stream Crossing Project.

Rugg Pond and the Rapid River are important natural and community resources in Kalkaska County. As planning moves forward for the removal of the Rugg Pond Dam and restoration of the surrounding river system, we invite community members to learn more about the project, explore findings from recent survey and engineering work, ask questions, and share ideas for the future of this special place.

Community input will be an important part of the evening. We encourage anyone who uses, values, or is simply interested in Rugg Pond and the Rapid River to attend, ask questions, and share their perspective as the project moves through the early stages of engineering and design.

Event Details
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time: 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Location: Kaliseum Recreational Complex – Large Conference Room
Address: 1900 Fairgrounds Road, Kalkaska, MI 49646
Cost: Free and open to the public taken in Kaliseum Recreation Complex by @cra_rivercare

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2 months ago

Join us for The Current, our newly reimagined biennial celebration of river restoration, community conservation, and the partners who make our work possible.

Formerly known as our Friends & Partners Celebration, The Current reflects the momentum that drives our work forward. Just as a river’s current connects landscapes, communities, and ecosystems, this event brings together the people, organizations, and supporters who make conservation possible across Northern Michigan.

Taking place on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 4- 7 p.m. at The Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City, MI, this special evening will celebrate the collective impact of river restoration, watershed conservation, and community stewardship throughout the region.

Guests will enjoy an evening of food, drinks, live entertainment, and inspiring stories from the field while connecting with conservation advocates, community leaders, partners, and supporters who share a commitment to healthy rivers and thriving communities.

Whether you’ve volunteered on a project, supported our work through a donation, partnered with us on a restoration effort, or are simply passionate about protecting Northern Michigan’s natural resources, The Current is an opportunity to come together, reflect on what we’ve accomplished, and look ahead to the work still to come.

Tickets are going quickly. Grab yours today! Link in bio. taken in The Botanic Garden and Historic Barns by @cra_rivercare

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2 months ago