After two pandemic-strained years, our TSN Spring Challenge returned in 2022 to make this field season of collaborative stewardship as impactful as possible. With several brand new categories of participation, this was our most inclusive version of the program we’ve ever conducted and the results blew us away. Highlights from the final analysis include:
36,735 total hours of stewardship reported
7,133 total participants (our highest single-year total ever!)
Over $1.1 million in work-hour value poured into our local ecosystems
An awesome mix of reports across all categories, old and new:
The Community Cup WINNER: Huron Arbor Cluster
Awarded to the TSN Member Community reporting the most total stewardship hours
The Root Cup WINNER: West Michigan Conservation Network
Awarded to the organization reporting the most total pounds of invasive plants removed
The Partner Cup WINNER: Alliance for the Great Lakes
Awarded to the organization reporting the most total stewardship hours from outside our network family
The Solo Cup WINNER: Toni Spears
Awarded to the unaffiliated individual or family reporting the most total stewardship hours
Program Overview in 3 Minutes
Then and Now
What was once the Garlic Mustard Challenge and then the Spring Invasive Species Challenge has bloomed anew as the TSN Spring Challenge in 2022. We’ve added more ways to help so everyone can get outside and get involved during this vital season. What hasn’t changed is the importance of this program, which since its first iteration in 2008 (numbers now updated with 2022 impact) has pulled together over 25,000 people to create over $7.8 million in workhour value while removing over 2.4 million pounds of invasive plant species from local ecosystems.
While the Spring Challenge has grown in scope to include activities beyond its invasive species tradition, groups focused on that form of stewardship remain warmly welcomed and strongly encouraged to participate. Thank you for your support!
Gear Up
One of our newest programs at TSN is already making an impact, reducing waste and providing lightly-used, thoroughly-cleaned gloves to groups like yours. Learn more at the link below and we’ll have those healing hands equipped to tackle the Spring Challenge in no time!
