Looking for a cool new T-shirt, hoodie, sticker or other keepsake? Check out Great Lakes Proud, the DNR’s new official merchandise and apparel provider for Michigan state parks, trails and waterways.
Great Lakes Proud, a Traverse City-based company, will create and curate lifestyle merchandise and sustainably sourced apparel highlighting Michigan state parks, trails and boating. A portion of proceeds will be donated back to DNR programs and amenities that benefit natural resources and outdoor recreation in Michigan.
The partnership is part of “These Goods are Good for Michigan,” a program that recognizes partners who help support state parks through a revenue-sharing agreement from merchandise sales.
“For more than a decade, we have sought creative ways to fulfill our mission,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief. “Every point of contact is an opportunity to educate and inspire people to love and respect their public lands. Merchandise is as much of a point of contact as an interpretive panel or trail map, and by partnering with this Michigan-based business we are able to tap into their expertise to maximize this touch point with our visitors both on-site and online.”
Great Lakes Proud will roll out new merchandise all year, with initial offerings promoting Tahquamenon Falls to celebrate the launch of the park’s new gift shop, morel mushrooms, tree rings and the simple message of “Peace, Love, Parks” among other unique designs.
“Great Lakes Proud sources sustainable options whenever possible and utilizes environmentally friendly manufacturing practices to provide an eco-conscious choice for consumers,” said Cory Wright, project manager and director of operations at Great Lakes Proud. “Whether that’s using natural, water-based inks and dyes to avoid harsh chemical solvents, to finding organic or recycled fabrics to mitigate our carbon footprint, we are always striving to put our earth first and providing the highest quality options for our goods so they’ll outlast traditionally manufactured products.”
Visit Goods4Mi.com to see the DNR’s full collection of “These Goods are Good for Michigan” partners, including Great Lakes Proud.
