RiverUp! is the signature placemaking initiative for the Huron River and its communities. Through this effort, we are working to assist communities to maximize the Huron River as a signature community asset to attract residents, visitors, and businesses. From the launch of the initiative in August 2011 to present, RiverUp! is generating interest in the river and its communities and is part of a broader Great Lakes vision to maximize freshwater resources for community development.

Blueways and Greenways –  Tom Woiwode blogs on RiverUp!

Tom Woiwode is director of the Greenways Initiative for the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan, and a supporter of RiverUp!. His December 2013 blog for concentrate media highlights RiverUp! and its unique take on making this region a part of the blue economy.

RiverUp! and the Blue Economy

John Austin is director of the Michigan Economic Center, in affiliation with the Prima Civitas Foundation, and a supporter of RiverUp!. He spoke with Michigan Public Radio’s Cynthia Canty in June 2013 about his desire to get us all thinking about the “blue economy,” the one that is based on the Great Lakes and water-related industry.

Stateside with Cynthia Canty: John Austin interview

Crain’s Detroit Business features the blog All About Water: Michigan’s Blue Economy written by planner and author Nina Misuraca Ignaczak. All of the posts in the blog are interesting, especially the April 2013 post that highlights efforts in Southeastern Michigan meant to maximize waterways for community development.

Crain’s Detroit Business: PlaceMaking H2O: Building a Sense of Place with Southeast Michigan’s Water Assets

Pure Michigan, RiverUp! Style

Through partnerships with the Convention and Visitors Bureaus, RiverUp! is extending its reach to new audiences in Michigan and father afield.

Fox 8 Cleveland visited the river recently for the daytime program New Day Cleveland: August 26, 2103 Road Trip: Ann Arbor

 More features on RiverUp!

Improvements at Superior Dam portage, annarbor.com

Take Me to the River Photo Essay, Concentrate Media

 First Friday Focus on the Environment with WEMU’s David Fair and Lisa Wozniak

 Trail Town Dexter’s renaissance at Mill Creek Park, Dexter Patch

RiverUp! Launch

In August 2011, we threw a big party on the banks of the river and 150 friends of the Huron came to learn about the first year projects and vision for the renaissance.

  • Michigan League of Conservation Voters’ photos and short video capture the energy that day
  • Local and national (USA Today and the AP wire) media outlets spread the good news story via radio, television, and print and online newspapers. Read the article from annarbor.com.