Accomplishments

Here is a timeline of our many accomplishments to date!

July 2022

• East Bay Township closes on the 145-acre natural area that incorporates our existing 80-acre Holiday Woodlands Preserve and an additional 65 acres of natural land between our preserve and the Mt. Holiday Ski Area. Now called the Holiday Woodlands Recreation Area!
  

December 2019

• The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund approved a $584,800 grant for the creation of an exciting 145-acre natural area, incorporate our existing 80-acre Holiday Woodlands Preserve and add an additional 65 acres of natural land between our preserve and the Mt. Holiday Ski Area 

Fall 2019

• Went throught the process of applying for the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Grant

October 2019

• Held our Fall clean-up

February 2019

• Completed the second draft of the Oleson Grant Application
• Completed the 2% Tribe Application
• Worked on the development of the Business Donation Campaign

January 2019

• Completed the Oleson Grant Application First Draft
• Worked on the development of the Business Donation Campaign

December 2018

• Completed the Oleson Grant Application Outline
• Completed the 2% Tribe Grant Application draft

November 2018

• Secured a $2,500 donation from Cherryland Electric
• Secured a donation of an advertisement in Traverse magazine from a private supporter
• Ran an article in the Record-Eagle on Thanksgiving Day
• GoFundMe page revised for annual campaign

October 2018

• Hosted the Grand Opening Hike and Fall Event
• Secured a $5,000 private household donation!
• Received first monthly subscriber of donations

September 2018

• Campaigned in neighborhoods surrounding HWP

August 2018

• Filed Charitable Organization and Solicitation registration with state of Michigan
• Began planning and preparation for the October 13th Open House!

July 2018

• Received state registration as a charitable organization
• Sent 501(c)(3) letters our amazing donors

June 2018

• Featured in Northern Express article
• Secured new domain name
• Ran donor thank-you in the Record-Eagle
• Mentioned in the Record-Eagle “Cheers” section
• Created HWP Sponsor stickers
• Erected a sign at the 5 Mile entrance
• Established our Mission statement
• Gave tour to Audubon Society members

May 2018

• Featured in the Record-Eagle
• Initiated Business fundraising campaign
• Lobbied for township zoning change
• Created HWP logo

April 2018

• Conferred 501(c)(3) status (donations retroactive to September 26, 2017)
• Began discussions with the Audubon Society

March 2018

• Secured Liability insurance
• Created official HWP email account

February 2018

• Brought on a Public Relations Chair

January 2018

• Featured in a follow-up article in the TC Ticker
• Filled a Fund-Raising Chair volunteer position
• Secured a baseline environmental assessment

December 2017

• Set up a GoFundMe page
• Raised funds for the $46,000 down payment
• Closed on the property!
• HWP Featured in the TC Ticker
• HWP Featured on 9 & 10 News

November 2017

• Acquired our Tax ID #
• Adopted HWP Bylaws

October 2017

• Finished year-long negotiations with the bank
• Held our first official HWP board meeting
• Elected HWP officers
• Secured a loan with First Community Bank of Traverse City
• Initiated process to form a 501(c)(3) status

September 2017

• Held an open house to gain community involvement and feedback
• Staffed a drive-by information booth
• Began fundraising for the down payment
• Formed Holiday Woodlands Preserve
• Launched our website