Michigan is known for awesome snow and ice formations (especially this year)!
In fact it was ice that was responsible for creating Michigan in the first place.
The Mitten State became one of the most unique land formations ever, beginning over 10,000 years ago when it was covered by glaciers. Over those thousands of years, as the glaciers receded, they carved out the largest mitten in the world, in the middle of five great lakes, with 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of streams and the longest fresh water shoreline in the world (over 3,200 miles). Michigan cares for 20% of the world’s fresh water supply. And Michiganders enjoy all kinds of outdoor recreation with over 12,000 trails, 80 harbors, 1,300 boat launches, and over 100 state parks.
Originally inhabited by Native Americans, the Ojibwe Indians called it “mishigamaa” or, “large water”. Over the centuries the Michigan mitten became home to numerous Native American tribes, French explorers, and British colonists, and was officially named a state in 1837.
As the state became more industrialized, in the 1900’s women created new charitable and professional associations to focus on social welfare issues including health, safety, schools, suffrage, and water supplies. There must have been something in the water, because Michigan’s state park system was created during this same era to preserve Michigan’s natural resources, cultural history, and recreation opportunities, while sustaining the land and water of Michigan.
Coincidentally, the same year that Quota was established in New York, Michigan’s state park system was founded. The centennial slogan “Look Back, Give Forward” is surely focused on the next 100 awesome years!
This is part of our Convention Series, written by Cathy Kaiser. We thank her and all of Region 4 for their continued support and excitement of Convention 2020.