Celebrating Earth Month with Merrell and Marion, Iowa — Episode 134

All month long, NRPA has been sharing ways that parks and
recreation is a climate hero in celebration of Earth Month.
Whether it’s increasing biodiversity, managing millions of acres
of open space, providing nature-based programming or responding
to weather-related disasters, park and recreation professionals
are on the front lines of creating a more sustainable future in
communities across the country.


 


I’m so thrilled today to be joined by Regina Hill, the CSR
marketing manager for Merrell, who NRPA is proud to partner with
on our Earth Month campaign, among many other things, as well as
Mike Cimprich, the city arborist for the Marion Parks and
Recreation Department in Iowa.


 


Mike was honored with Merrell’s Changing Nature of Work Award for
his critical work in the city of Marion after the 2020 Central
Severe Weather-Derecho, known as the “costliest thunderstorm
event in U.S. history” – causing widespread power outages, damage
to homes, businesses, powerlines and trees. In fact, 40 percent
of the city’s public trees were lost in this storm


 


Tune in to the full episode below to learn more about Mike and
his team’s efforts, how Merrell is honoring and supporting these
efforts, and the important work that happens as a result of
partnerships. You’ll also learn:


 


What Earth Month means to both City of Marion and Merrell

 

How Mike and his team stepped up to help their community
during an uncertain time

Why Merrell is excited about supporting Mike, as well as
other park and recreation professionals across the country



What the future of environmental resilience looks like in
Marion, Iowa

How we all play a role in sustainability efforts, whether
through planting trees or marketing efforts (or whatever your
specialty is!)

What continues to drive Mike and Regina to do this important
work, and much more!



 
This episode is sponsored by Merrell’s "Good things come
to those who hike" campaign. The real magic of hiking is about the
moments that happen along the way. Each hike, another discovery.
Another moment that we can share, remember and relive as we move
through our lives. Those are the good things that come to those who
hike. Visit www.Merrell.com and start discovering your
#goodthings when hiking.