The Newaygo County Environmental Council (NCEC) is thrilled to announce our recent move to a new office at 432 Quarterline, Newaygo, MI 49337, within the welcoming arms of the Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ. This move marks a significant milestone in our journey to foster environmental awareness and action within our community.

Last week, with the invaluable help of volunteers, we successfully relocated our operations to this new site, signifying a fresh chapter for NCEC. Our new hosts have welcomed us with open arms and hearts full of enthusiasm for future collaborations. Pastor John, Secretary Dorothy, volunteer janitor Janet, and Ken, the church’s volunteer maintenance person and treasurer, have all shown immense support, making us feel at home from the moment we arrived. Their hospitality and the shared vision for a better community have already sparked discussions on potential joint initiatives that could amplify our impact on environmental conservation.

Our new location not only offers us a space for our office but also opens up fantastic programming opportunities both within the church and in its outdoor spaces. We are excited about the prospects this move brings, from educational workshops to community gardening projects, all aimed at fostering a deeper connection with our environment.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Brooks Township Hall for their support over the years. Their generosity gave us a launchpad, allowing us to grow and extend our reach within the community. Though we have moved, our connection remains strong, especially as we continue to develop the new pollinator-native garden at the township hall’s entrance. This project symbolizes our ongoing commitment to environmental education and community engagement, and we plan to enhance it with educational signage about the native plants and their importance to our ecosystem.

The move itself, pushed from a two-day schedule to one day due to the storm-related power outage, turned into a memorable event filled with community spirit and camaraderie. Despite the challenges, the energy and willingness of everyone involved, including the surprise refreshments from Flying Bear Bookstore (check out the strawberry fresca-so refreshing!) made the day productive and enjoyable.

As we settle into our new home, we invite the community to participate in NCEC’s endeavors. While our address has changed, our mission remains steadfast: to protect and improve the natural environment in Newaygo County through education, advocacy, and action. We are excited about the opportunities this move presents and look forward to engaging with more community members.

Our new office is a beacon of hope for a greener future. We are eager to explore the possibilities this partnership holds and are confident that together, we can make a significant impact. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming programs and events, and remember, while our office is now at a new location, our door (by appointment) and hearts are always open to those who share our passion for the environment.

For those interested in getting involved or learning more about our initiatives, please feel free to reach out. Let’s embark on this exciting new journey together, fostering a sustainable community for generations to come.

Look for good things to come!