Treasures of the Jordan is the
Focus of 6th Annual Celebration

The public is invited to the Friends of the Jordan 6th annual Celebration Saturday, Sept 18 from 2:00-4:00 PM at the Jordan River Watershed Center 101 Union St East Jordan Mi. The “Celebration of the Natural Wonders of the Jordan Valley” features an exhibit of more than 140 stunning photos photographs entered in the Treasures of the Jordan Photography Contest. Over $1200 in prize money will be presented with a Grand prize of $250 offered by Bay Winds Federal Credit Union, a Youth Award sponsored by the East Jordan Iron Works, a President’s Choice award sponsored by East Jordan Plastics and the always popular Viewer’s Choice Award sponsored by Charlevoix State Bank. 10 other prizes will be awarded for the photos that compose the 2011 calendar. Guests will be entertained by Robert Johnson, a solo blues guitarist and vocalist who is popular at local venues. Delicious refreshments will be provided by “Alison the Baker” of East Jordan. The Celebration begins at 2:00 PM with the awards ceremony at about 2:30. Details of the Treasures of the Jordan “Treasure Hunt” will be announced toward the end of the afternoon. The calendar containing the Treasure Map will be available for purchase and will be needed to participate in the Treasure Hunt scheduled to begin on October 16. The event is free and open to the public although donations are gratefully appreciated.

The photo exhibit will also be open for viewing on Sunday 9/19 from 1-3 PM and other hours by request over the following 2 weeks. Call 231 631-8856 to arrange a visit. Calendars will be available at the Watershed Center during open hours. They can also be purchased at the Jordan Valley Animal Clinic, at the Jordan Inn and through this website.

2010 Photography Contest Viewer’s Choice Voting is now closed. We had more than 200 votes cast. Thank you all for your input. The results will be announced at the Annual Celebration on September 18, 2010 at 2PM and will be published on this website. All entries will be shown in our photo gallery. Thank You to all the talented photographers for contributing to this project.

What's New

August Moonlit River Trip
RSG Position Letter
Environmentalist of the Year - Ray Bier
Photos from 2010 Young Friends
Our new Pavilion Dedication
What's in Bloom - Wildflowers

FOJ Opposition to Biomass

As most of you know the Friends of the Jordan have taken a strong stand against Biomass burning of trees as a way of generating electricity in Michigan. Across northern Michigan we have nine currently operating or proposed biomass plants. These plants represent a true danger to our environment.

  • Biomass produces far more particulate matter into the air than burning coal.
  • It produces far more carbon into the air than burning coal. It is not carbon neutral. 
  • It is far more expensive to produce than other forms of electricity. These plants are all heavily subsidized by taxes.
  • They are getting the vast majority of taxpayer money earmarked for green energy, hurting research into other forms of clean renewable energy.
  • The target supply zones of all of these plants overlap. There are not enough trees to supply all of these plants. 
  • The Jordan River Valley is inside of all nine of these supply zones.

 

We now have a limited supply of FREE bumper stickers supporting our cause. If you would like to help by putting one of these stickers on you car just write to me and I will send one out. Send an e-mail with your name and address to: JTeesdale@friendsofthejordan.org Thanks, John

Recently we have seen a rash of proposals to build wood burning biomass electric plants across Michigan. At the heart of this, are huge government subsidies used to build these plants. The Friends of the Jordan is opposed to the burning of our forests to produce electricity.

Wood burning biomass plants are putting our forests under attack, and present a dangerous and unsustainable use of our public lands. Attached is a petition letter to Governor Granholm asking her for a moratorium on the building of wood burning biomass plants, and to use our tax dollars to develop truly green, carbon neutral, sustainable energy sources.

We would truly appreciate it if you could print out the letter, sign it with your name and address, and send it to Governor Granholm. Copies can also be sent to other legislators, as well.  Your support has helped us accomplish great things. Together we can make a difference.

Read information on the Bay Harbor CKD Site and opposition to the Alba Injection Well
RSG Position Letter: FOJ's Recommendations to the Regional Stakeholders Group