What's going on?
2023 Climate Incentives
As mentioned during our Green ER kickoff meeting last week, here is some info about green incentives available this year:
Getting away from fossil fuels – and saving money – just got a lot easier. If you’re looking to upgrade your home to be cleaner and more energy efficient, the federal government is offering some massive discounts starting in 2023 thanks to the newly enacted Inflation Reduction Act.
Coming In 2023: New Ways For Homeowners to Save Money While Fighting Climate Change
Coming In 2023: New Ways For Homeowners to Save Money While Fighting Climate Change
Public Law 117-169, 136 Stat. 1818 (August 16, 2022), commonly known as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), amended the credits for energy efficient home improvements under § 25C of the Internal Revenue Code (Code) and residential energy property under § 25D of the Code. These FAQs provide details on the IRA's changes to these tax credits, information on eligible expenditures, and provides examples of how the credit limitations work.
Frequently asked questions about energy efficient home improvements and residential clean energy property credits
Frequently asked questions about energy efficient home improvements and residential clean energy property credits
Electric vehicle subsidies, Home energy efficiency tax credits, Heat pumps and wood-burning stoves, Electrification rebates, Solar, batteries and geothermal, Funds for farmers, Emissions impact
Hot deals: A consumer’s guide to the new climate law
Hot deals: A consumer’s guide to the new climate law
Thanks to all the Green Elk Rapids Committee Members Who Attended 2023 Kickoff!
Green Elk Rapids enjoyed an energizing start to 2023 at Townline Ciderworks last evening (1/18/2023). Our committee members weighed in on various activities under consideration for 2023. We will be laying out those efforts for the year soon as well as providing resources available for homeowners to promote care of the environment. Thanks to Townline for hosting us - What a lovely venue💚
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A special thanks to our members who brought yummy snacks to share and Ellie Johnson who generously shares her time and tree expertise with us.
Upcoming Events in 2023:
May 13 - Super recycling led by Kathie Carpenter
Data Analytics in Forestry - Tree Equity Score Model
The interactive visualization tool below visualizes the density of the local tree canopy correlated with social factors. Unfortunately there is no data for Antrim County at this time but it's still very interesting - You can search for any city. Link to the visualization tool, just click on the map (or search for any city).
Register for Project Learning Tree - Project Wild
Friday, February 3rd, 2023 from 9:00am-3:30pm at the Boardman River Nature Center (1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685). Registration is $40, which includes two curriculum books, snacks, and refreshments. You can register on our website HERE.
2022 Christmas Bird Count Results
Thanks to Antrim County, the 2022 Christmas Bird Count took place on Friday, December 16th, 2022. Sixteen participants divided into seven groups spent an aggregate of 52 party-hours in the field and traveled over 303 miles in pursuit of our local birds.
A total of 50 species (3934 individuals) were observed on the count, as shown in the list below. The most unusual species for the count were the Wood Ducks, the American Coots, and the Double-crested Cormorant. The Double-crested Cormorant was found on the rocks in Elk Rapids Harbor, behind the power plant.
A total of 50 species (3934 individuals) were observed on the count, as shown in the list below. The most unusual species for the count were the Wood Ducks, the American Coots, and the Double-crested Cormorant. The Double-crested Cormorant was found on the rocks in Elk Rapids Harbor, behind the power plant.
Month of January - Report Wild Turkeys!
The Michigan DNR wants to get reports of wild turkeys (male or female) during the month of January - Report Link (Note: it takes a while for the survey to load)
"Green Intentions" exhibit moved to the Elk Rapids Government Center
December 2022 - The Elk Rapids Government Center is currently hosting the Green Elk Rapids “Green Intentions” display. “Green Intentions “ is a scaled-down version of the exhibit displayed at Dennos Museum April thru November 2022, and is expected to travel to other locations during the coming year. The "Green Intentions" display chronicles the efforts of the "Green Elk Rapids" committee to raise awareness and appreciation for environmental issues and the natural environment.
"Green Intentions" currently on display at the Elk Rapids Government Center
December Issue of the Green Elk Rapids Almanac
Winterberry with its bright red fruit. Photo: Bob Bricault, MSU Extension.
The Green Intentions exhibit will move from the Dennos Museum to the Village of Elk Rapids Offices at 315 Bridge Street, Elk Rapids Michigan in October/November 2022
Green Elk Rapids Exhibit at the Dennos Museum Center
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Green Intentions:
One Community Promoting Environmental Awareness |
The start of Green Elk Rapids
Kim and Royce in front of the Green Intentions exhibit at the Dennos Museum which is on display now
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Showing was through September 2022
What a nice article about Nature Fest!We are so thrilled to have such a nice article by Sally Barber in the Record-Eagle today!
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Why were there so many QR code signs at Nature Fest?
Nature Fest is doing what it can to be a 'green' event: Each booth will have a reusable QR code sign that directs you to their website if you would like to reduce the number of paper handouts. Also, we are providing water in cups vs single use plastic bottles. Bring your own cup if you'd like to help reduce our environmental footprint!
Click here to plan your visit Nature Fest
Find info about kids activities, find where participants are located, handicapped parking, public restrooms and the schedule of events
We've got info to help you plan your trip to Elk Rapids for Nature Fest: Nature Fest is located on a beautiful public beach on the Eastern Bay of Lake Michigan which has picnic tables and a sandy bottom for swimming. bring your beach and swim gear, your paddle board/kayak and make a day of it!
Nature Fest Mission*
*graphical display of Nature Fest Participants' mission statements
Nature Fest
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June 18 2022, 11a - 3p
 The Green Elk Rapids team is very excited to host this event and is still in the planning stages.
With charming Elk Rapids Township Hall as its hub, lots of exciting ideas, projects and family-friendly activities, Nature Fest will offer a fresh perspective for 2022. If you're planning a trip to enjoy the beach and the quaint downtown - We'd love to see you on Saturday, June 18!
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ONGOING PROJECTS:
MDOT highway pick-up: To be announced
Beach pick-up: To be announced
MDOT highway pick-up: To be announced
Beach pick-up: To be announced
COMMUNITY INVITATION - Join us!
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Green Elk Rapids is a local volunteer organization committed to raising awareness of environmental issues.
We pursue our mission through collaboration with local organizations such as schools, village government, businesses, and community organizations. Our programs have included films, educational forums, nature hikes, student projects, guest speakers, and special community service activities - Plus the debut of Nature Fest in 2022. |
The beginning of Green Elk Rapids
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“The future will belong to the nature-smart—those individuals, families, businesses, and political leaders who develop a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the natural world and who balance the virtual with the real. The more high-tech we become, the more nature we need.”
—Richard Louv