Herman Jenkins
Friends of the Rouge
Herman Jenkins is a native Detroiter and joined Friends of the Rouge in 2021. Herman coordinates with Wayne County, municipalities, and community stakeholders on the Lower Rouge River Water Trail Leadership Committee to advance the strategic plan for a 29-mile water trail and network of connected greenways on the Lower Rouge River. Jenkins has worked to advance design development and secured over $ 8 million in project funding. Jenkins’ work impacts local business who provide livery services, and he leverages community partnerships with organizations like the Detroit Bird Alliance, the Black Pack, the LGBTQ Outdoors, and the Inkster Task Force to promote paddling the Rouge.
All Sessions by Herman Jenkins
Redefining Who Restores, Leads, and Belongs to the Land
Conservation has long been treated as something that happens within park boundaries, led by a small group of trained professionals. This panel challenges that idea, bringing together three projects from across Michigan that are redefining who gets to be a steward of the land. From transforming private yards and neighborhoods into a connected network of restored habitat, to trusting young people to lead real environmental decision-making in their communities, to reclaiming an industrial river corridor as a natural and recreational resource for the communities along it, these projects share a common thread: stewardship works best when it belongs to everyone, not just the few.