Groundwork Center

08/27/2026

On the steps of the Michigan Capitol, tribal leaders and pipeline experts rallied against the proposed Line 5 tunnel. We were reminded that stopping the Enbridge tunnel isn't about halting progress, it's about survival. The fresh waters of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan are worth more than the profits of a foreign corporation. And, as the saying goes: with Great Lakes comes great responsibility.

Michigan Climate Action Network Flow Water Advocates Anishinaabe Friendship Center

08/26/2026

Housing challenges in Leelanau County didn't happen overnight, and solutions won't either. But there is good news: communities, local leaders, employers, nonprofits, and residents are working together to create more housing options for the people who make Leelanau such a special place to live.

From local housing initiatives to community conversations, and new partnerships, progress is happening. Every step forward helps create a future where workers, families, older adults, and young people can continue to call Leelanau home.

Watch our latest video to learn more about the positive momentum underway, and how you can be part of building a stronger, more resilient community. Learn more here: https://leelanau4business.org/survey

08/20/2026

What happens when the people who live and work in a community can't afford to live there?

Leelanau County is facing a housing crisis, and it affects far more than just the people looking for a place to call home.

High housing costs, limited availability, and a shortage of homes that are affordable for local workers are putting pressure on families, businesses, and the long-term health of the community.

So, what exactly is happening with housing in Leelanau County, and why does it matter?

Watch the video to learn more, and stay tuned as we explore what communities can do and are doing to build a future where everyone has a place to call home.

08/20/2026

Amtrak’s Borealis train service from Chicago to Minneapolis continues to exceed ridership expectations two years into its operation.

Leading up to its opening in May 2024, initial ridership estimates for the train were 124,000 annual passengers. But in its first year, the Borealis moved 205,000 passengers.

Passenger count reached 416,000 at the train’s second anniversary—exceeding projections by nearly 70%.

Americans are ready for rail. Take a train trip!

Total Amtrak Twin Cities - Chicago ridership up 27 percent in two years ST. PAUL, Minn., and CHICAGO –BorealisSM train service between the Twin Cities and

08/19/2026

"Do you get your electricity from Great Lakes Energy? If so, you have ONE MORE DAY to vote for candidates for the Board of Directors. With so many changes facing our grid—rising electricity demand, threat of data centers, increased severe weather—we need leaders that understand the problems AND the solutions to tackle these challenges.

That's why Groundwork Center is supporting Gary White for GLE's District 5 Board seat. An electrical engineer with over 40 years of experience helping large companies save money, Gary is running to say no to mega data-centers and yes to proven technology and programs to keep costs affordable and the lights on during severe weather events. To learn more about Gary and how to vote, go to Gary4GLE.com

08/18/2026

The time has arrived to register for this iconic Michigan gathering that's been so important to propelling the local food movement in the Mitten. Hosted by our friends at Crosshatch Center for Art & Ecology!
https://www.smallfarmconference.com/?blm_aid=497149

08/17/2026

Healthy breakfasts, better health, hands-on learning!

Groundwork's Culinary Medicine Training series continues with Session 3: Healthy Breakfasts - Energizing Starts to the Day on September 16 at Esperance Community Teaching Kitchen in Traverse City. Details here: https://groundworkcenter.org/farms-food-health-trainings-2026/

Designed for medical professionals, this hands-on session combines culinary and nutrition education with research updates on healthier breakfast foods, vegetables, and resistant scratches. Participants will prepare Whole-Food, Plant-Based dishes inspired by familiar breakfast favorites.

The activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.

Come learn, cook, and explore how food can be part of a healthier approach to care. https://groundworkcenter.org/farms-food-health-trainings-2026/

08/14/2026

Groundwork's Christina Barkel had the chance to ride along on the Benzie Route of our partner Food Rescue of Goodwill Northern Michigan this week. She helped rescue and distribute several thousand pounds of food to people in need, including some locally purchased vegetables and eggs. She's posing here with Food Rescue driver Jack and Benzie Area Christian Neighbors pantry coordinator Hannah.

In coordination with Food Rescue and the Northwest Food Coalition, Groundwork connects local farmers to food pantries in Northwest Lower Michigan to increase the amount of healthy food available and increase investment in the local food economy.

08/13/2026

Yesterday, the Army Corps of Engineers approved a federal permit for the Line 5 tunnel project, but the fight is far from over. With last week's ruling from the MI Supreme Court, the MPSC tunnel permit is back to square one, halting any tunnel construction for the foreseeable future.

Our work isn't done, though! Take action with Oil & Water Don't Mix "Whitmer: Finish the Job" action alert linked below:

https://www.oilandwaterdontmix.org/whitmer_finish_the_job

08/11/2026

Important meeting about 10 Cents a Meal tomorrow / Thursday Aug. 13, organized by Farm to School and Early Care Network. Check details at the link.

Partial funding for 10 Cents a Meal was restored in Michigan’s Fiscal Year 2027 School Aid Budget, but there's still work to do! Questions around administrative funding and funding for non-school sponsors still need to be answered to ensure successful program implementation.

Join CRFS with support from Groundwork Center for a "State of 10 Cents a Meal" webinar on Thursday, August 13, 1-1:30 pm to get informed and learn what "no administrative" funding means, and why that leaves everyone in a place of uncertainty around what is next for the 2026-2027 school year.

Who should join? Educators, farmers, parents, health advocates, and interested community members who want to know more about next steps to successfully implement this proven program.

When: Thursday, August 13, 1-1:30 pm
Zoom link: https://msu.zoom.us/my/maytsupros

Please share this invite widely! Ask funders, legislators and folks new and old to join the call so we can leave the meeting with a shared understanding of the state of 10 Cents a Meal in this moment.

Groundwork Center
MSU Center for Regional Food Systems