COLLABORATING PARTNERS:
These partners have worked with GKO to host a collaborative event or pilot program. Click here to see a listing of collaborative events and programs.

Little Traverse Primary Care
Little Traverse Primary Care provides quality medical care for the whole family. They agree that direct contact with nature is a positive way to improve the physical, mental and emotional health of all children.


North Country Kids – Harbor Springs
North Country Kids provides childcare and educational services to children and their families. They focus on the use of a creative and play-based curriculum. While the children are busy in the 100-Acre Wood, the Zoo Crew, Creation Station, or the Kid’s Club, they are encouraged to explore and experiment with a variety of materials and ideas. What a great way to tie-in to “Getting Kids Outdoors”!

HummingBird Health – Harbor Springs
HummingBird Health is the result of Dr. Bridget Houston's success in defeating a life threatening illness and a desire to help others learn about natural healing. We are dedicated to helping individuals who wish to take an active role in their health, accomplish their goals. We offer a wide range of alternative and complimentary health options including classes in natural healing modalities.

The Great Start Network – Charlevoix
Previously known as Stepping Stones to School, provides parents with resources that are necessary to assist your child on his or her learning journey. The Great Start Network is a network of services for all families with children between birth and age 5 in the Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District.

OPPORTUNITY PROVIDERS:
These partners provide outdoor programming and/or special events to get kids (and families) outdoors.

Little Traverse Conservancy
How does exploring the woods around you, looking for animal tracks, learning how to use a compass, meeting arthropods, gazing at stars and meeting the dirt makers sound? If these activities seem like a great way to spend a day or an evening, then get in touch with The Little Traverse Conservancy’s education department and sign up for one of their many nature activities.

North Country Trails Organization
This Chapter is responsible for developing and maintaining the North Country National Scenic Trails in Emmet County. Trails in this area pass through large public land tracts, including parts of the Pere Marquette State Forest and Wilderness State Park. Check out their trails and “get outdoors” by snowshoeing, hiking, or cross-country skiing.

Oden State Fish Hatchery
Can you tell the difference between a brook, brown, or rainbow trout? Do you know what goes on underwater in a stream? Can you identify scrapers, shredders, and skaters? You can find out the answers to this question and more by visiting the Oden State Fish Hatchery. You can get up close and personal with aquatic life, as well as take a guided hatchery tour. In addition, Oden State Fish Hatchery offers a variety of weekly nature programs, as well as programs for school groups. Check out their on-going calendar of events and see what “hooks” you in!

Raven Hill Discovery Center
Treat yourself and your family to an afternoon of fun and exploration at Raven Hill Discovery Center. You can enjoy one of the many hands-on activities they have and meet and greet exotic animals. Roam through the one-room schoolhouse, explore the new tree house, and stroll through their “Beyond Jurassic Park” outdoor exhibit. You can also take a peek at the Center’s new Energy House, which is solar powered.

The Outfitter – Harbor Springs
Get outdoors and let your adventure begin at The Outfitter! Let them help you explore northern Michigan by sea kayak, rowing shells, skis or snowshoes. In addition, The Outfitter offers Backyard Tours, lessons, and Youth Adventures. All of which will help you “get outdoors” and enjoy the beauty northern Michigan has to offer.

DISTRIBUTION SITES:
These partners help connect people with local resources, programs and info by displaying and/or distributing GKO marketing materials at their site or events.

Emmet County Planning, Zoning & Construction Resources
This county organization helps to set area-wide land use goals and encourages good “land use practices”. Their efforts include conserving natural resources, providing open spaces, and establishing public recreational facilities such as parks, trails, and recreation centers. All of these goals will help develop the efforts to “get kids outdoors”.

Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians: Natural Resources Department
LTBB works toward the enforcement, conservation and management of tribal natural resources. They promote hunting and fishing responsibly, honoring and respecting their traditional, spiritual and physical relationship with the land and waters.

MSU Extension – Emmet County
MSU Extension – Emmet County offers a variety of programs and activities for kids, older teens, and adults. They have extensive opportunities through their 4-H programs that are fun and exciting. In addition they offer programs such as “Are you Nuts About Natives”, Jr. Master Gardener courses, and “I Have an Herb Garden, Now What”?

Northern Michigan Regional Hospital
NMRH has been a leader in caring for families, friends, neighbors, and visitors throughout northern Michigan. For over 100 years they have been committed to the regular provision of healthcare and educational programs targeted to improve the health and well being of the community.

Petoskey Public Schools
Nature Journaling is a program that is a part of the 6th grade curriculum at Petoskey Middle School. It is run in conjunction with the educators from The Little Traverse Conservancy. Throughout the course of the school year, we visit local wooded areas, where we focus on a variety of creative writing and sketching. The program provides opportunities that encourage kids to discover and get in touch with nature. This is one of the many activities that Petoskey Schools does to “get kids outdoors”.