Six Rivers’ Board President, Amy O’Leary, shares a personal thank you for your continued support. Amy O’Leary is the Executive Director of SEMCOG and has been on the board of Six Rivers since 2014 sharing her knowledge and passion for the preservation of nature. She has recently been announced as Crain’s 2024 Notable Nonprofit Board Leaders. If you would like to know more about how you can support Six Rivers, please contact Ashley Everhart, aeverhart@sixriversrlc.org.
A Heartfelt Thanksgiving: Honoring Our Donors & Celebrating the Power of Nature
By Amy O’Leary, Board President
As Thanksgiving approaches, all of us at Six Rivers want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to you—our incredible supporters. This year, we’ve made remarkable strides in our mission, and your generosity has been at the heart of it all. Thanks to you, “Nature Near You” is transforming not just the physical landscape of Southeast Michigan but also the well-being of everyone who calls this region home.
We know that nature isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential. Countless studies confirm what many of us feel intuitively: separation from nature is harmful to our health and happiness, while regular connection with the natural world fosters mental and physical well-being. That’s the power of nature, and it’s why we’re so passionate about protecting and preserving it.
Finding Connection Through Nature—For All of Us
Science backs what many of us have experienced firsthand: nature heals. Studies in the Netherlands reveal that residents of greener neighborhoods have a 44% lower rate of anxiety disorders compared to those in areas with less green space. People who live near trails are 50% more likely to meet recommended physical activity levels. And even something as simple as a 20-minute walk in a park can help children with ADHD focus better.
It doesn’t matter where you live or what stage of life you’re in—nature is there, offering calm, clarity, and connection.
I can relate to this deeply. For me, time in nature isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Whether it’s a hike in the woods after a long workweek or a quick walk through my local park between back-to-back meetings, being outdoors helps me reset. Even my 20-minute power walks around the neighborhood have become a cherished ritual during busy days.
And when I travel, I seek out nature, too. A few weeks ago, I explored the stunning landscapes of Arizona—Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and the Grand Canyon by helicopter. It was breathtaking and reminded me once again why connecting with nature is so vital. (By the way, if you haven’t looked up Antelope Canyon yet, I highly recommend it—it was my screensaver before I finally visited in person!)
The Impact of your Generosity
While these sites are truly inspiring, it’s the nature near me that provides the daily support that I need.
For example, parks and recreation services do so much more than provide green spaces—they foster healthier eating, offer senior programs, and even support diabetes management. Walking in a natural setting, for instance, can reduce blood glucose levels more effectively than hours of indoor exercise.
The moments I treasure in nature—and the benefits so many others enjoy—are only possible because of you. Your generosity fuels Six Rivers’ mission, enabling us to protect natural spaces, host community hikes, and steward the land for future generations. Together, we’re ensuring that everyone has access to the healing power of nature.
A Season of Thanks
This Thanksgiving, as we gather with loved ones, we want to celebrate you—our supporters—as part of our Six Rivers family. Your belief in our mission inspires us every day, and we’re so grateful for the difference you make.
From all of us at Six Rivers, we wish you a season of peace, warmth, and gratitude. Thank you for helping us create a brighter, greener future—one step at a time.
