Mission
Our Story
Friends Partnering to Protect, Promote, and Improve the Flint River and its Watershed.
​The Friends of the Flint River Watershed, Inc. (Friends) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Flint River Watershed Coalition (FRWC), a program of Genesee County Parks and Recreation. The Friends and FRWC work to protect, promote, and improve the Flint River ecosystem and its watershed to benefit plants, animals, individuals, businesses, and the greater watershed community.
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Vision
A healthy, vibrant, active Flint River watershed for all to enjoy and experience.
Strategic Pillars
Our Strategic Pillars serve to guide the organization, its mission, and its people.
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Protect and Improve the Health of the Watershed - by partnering with the FRWC program to protect water quality, habitat, and public spaces to improve ecological and community well-being by engaging citizens and partners in stewardship initiatives.
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Promote Accessible Educational and Recreational Opportunities – by promoting and supporting inclusive educational and recreational opportunities offered by the FRWC program, ensuring they are accessible to all citizens, including seniors and youth.
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Engage Watershed Stakeholders – by fostering partnerships with local businesses, organizations, institutions, governmental agencies and community members to advance and sustain the mission of the Friends and FRWC program.
The Friends of the Flint River Watershed is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that advances the vision of a healthy, vibrant, and active Flint River Watershed all by supporting the educational, recreational, and environmental programs and activities of the Flint River Watershed Coalition, a program of Genesee County Parks and Recreation in Michigan.
Our journey began with a group of passionate individuals coming together in 1997 to promote responsible stewardship of our natural resources. Through collaboration, education, and outreach, we strive to make a positive impact on the health and vitality of the Flint River and its watershed.
The Flint River Watershed Coalition was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in August 1998 and has served as the voice of the Flint River. The organization developed recreational and educational programs, including Kayak Flint, the Green program, which engages over 300 local students annually and works with civic and community partners to monitor the health of the Flint River. In 2024, Genesee County Parks and Recreation took over the day-to-day management of the Coalition's programs, allowing the current nonprofit board to transform into the Friends of the Flint River Watershed to provide support through fundraising, volunteering, and community outreach.
The educational, recreational, and river monitoring programs of Genesee County Parks and Recreation’s Flint River Watershed Coalition are completely funded by grants and donations from friends like you through the Friends of the Flint River Watershed.
The Friends is a 501(c)(3) non-profit supporting organization. Donations are tax-deductible.