FRIENDS NEWS RELEASE
Friends of the Flint River Watershed Announces Strategic Restructuring, Strengthens Partnership with Genesee County Parks
April 2025 - Flint, MI – The Friends of the Flint River Watershed (Friends) is excited to announce the details of its strategic restructuring as a supporting organization for the Flint River Watershed Coalition (FRWC), a program of Genesee County Parks. This transformation enhances the organization’s capacity to support vital conservation efforts and expand educational and recreational programming along the Flint River. The Friends’ mission aligns with the FRWC program’s commitment to protecting, promoting, and improving the Flint River ecosystem for the benefit of wildlife, plants, residents, economic growth, and communities throughout the watershed.
The Friends’ board has adopted three strategic priorities to guide the organization’s vision:
1. Protect and Improve the Health of the Watershed
2. Promote Accessible and Inclusive Educational and Recreational Opportunities
3. Engage Stakeholders to Advance the Shared Mission of the Friends and FRWC
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“We are excited for this new chapter and our partnership with Genesee County Parks,” said Eric Szczepanski, Chair of the Board of the Friends of the Flint River Watershed. “Our strategic priorities are designed to guide our mission, time, and resources to ensure the success and growth of key FRWC programs.”
Protecting the Health of the Watershed
The Flint River has always been central to our mission. The Friends support FRWC’s efforts to improve both ecological and community well-being through initiatives like stewardship days and the planting of over 4,000 trees. We are actively working to protect water quality, restore habitats, and raise awareness about the river’s health. As the FRWC continues to monitor and study the river’s ecosystems, the Friends invite community members to join them in making a difference—whether through volunteer opportunities or donations.
Promoting Inclusive Educational and Recreational Opportunities
The Friends are dedicated to supporting accessible recreational and educational programs provided by the FRWC. FRWC offers a variety of inclusive paddle programs, from kayak rentals to guided tours on local lakes on the Flint River, which was designated a national water trail in 2020 by the National Parks Service. The Flint River GREEN (Global Rivers Environmental Education Network) Program engages over 1,500 local students each year with hands-on experience in water quality testing, empowering the next generation of environmental stewards.
“This partnership not only strengthens our ability to protect and enhance the Flint River but also expands our capacity to engage residents and visitors with high-quality educational and recreational programs,” said Patrick Linihan, Director of Genesee County Parks. “Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact on our environment and ensure a healthier, more vibrant future for Genesee County.”
Engaging Stakeholders
At the heart of the Friends’ efforts is the support of our local community and partners. The Friends work closely with Genesee County Parks to foster partnerships with local businesses, community members, institutions, and governmental agencies to advance the mission of the Friends and FRWC programs.
According to Szczepanski, the Friends is a 501(c)(3) supporting organization that can accept donations from individuals, corporations, and grants from public and private foundations to support key FRWC programs and initiatives.
“On behalf of the Friends board, I’d like to express our appreciation to David Lawson, President of the Friends of For-Mar, and Patrick Linihan, Director of Parks, for their guidance and support during our transformation into a Friends group.”
New Office Space & Collaborative Efforts
The Friends will operate from shared office space with FRWC at 630 W. Kearsley St., Flint, MI 48503, located near the confluence of Swartz Creek and the Flint River. This central location will serve as a welcome center and hub for continued collaboration between Friends, FRWC, Genesee County Parks, and the future state park. A new, accessible kayak launch is also being developed at the site.
Get Involved
The newly established Friends organization invites community members to get involved, volunteer, and contribute to its mission. Donations are tax-deductible, and all funds raised will support the FRWC program and the Friends mission to preserve the Flint River for all to enjoy and experience.
To make a donation or learn more about the organization’s initiatives, please visit [www.flintriverfriends.org].
About Friends of the Flint River Watershed
ABOUT: 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. Together, the Friends and FRWC work to protect, promote, and improve the Flint River ecosystem to benefit wildlife, residents, economic growth, and communities of the watershed for all to enjoy and experience. Donations are tax-deductible.
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