Thunder Bay River Center Inc
Our River: Our Future
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Thunder Bay River Center, Inc. is continuing to work in our rural community to raise funds to construct the River Center. Although we continue to make progress, our local fundraising is fairly limited. Our local population is small, but we are a growing community and are impacted annually by 300,000 visitors. Like our native population, these tourists need to become grounded stewards of their natural resources. They will do this through an educational system based on exploration and discovery within the River Center.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
River Rats
River Rats (named for the original loggers) is a (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) STEAM summer program involving children ages 5-10. Program assistants are Junior and senior high science students and the Youth Volunteer Corps. The program is under the leadership of local science teachers and scientists.
Artist in Residence
Each year an artist is invited to spend time creating an artistic piece showcasing the Thunder Bay River. One of the pieces is donated to be housed in the Thunder Bay River Center (when it is constructed). The artist gives a presentation to the community on her/his methods as well as a demonstration of work
Blue Heron Water Trail
The canoe and kayak trail meanders through the Thunder Bay River Wildlife Sanctuary waters. Buoys mark points of interest for kayakers/canoists. Periodically, guided tours are conducted for people not familiar with the area.
Invasive Species Management
Professional environmental partners and volunteers engage annually in work to control invasive flora and fauna in the watershed. This includes spotted knapweed pulls, frogbit removal, autumn olive treatments. Funds are supplied by various partner agencies, like Huron Pines and US F&W.
Environmental Pamphlets
A series of field guides are made available in the Wildlife Sanctuary stand to help visitors learn more about their natural world. The pamphlets include topics like birds, native plants and trees, a kayak/canoe guide for the Blue Heron Water Trail, Down By Water's Edge (riparian setback), habitat identification.
Science in the Sanctuary
Science in the Sanctuary is an annual half day, hands-on science event. It is open, free of charge, to anyone who wishes to engage in citizen science. Participants move through a series of learning hubs designed to showcase various aspects of the Thunder Bay River Watershed.
Magic in Our Midst
On a magical evening in December, the Spirit of the Island allows the animals to speak to small groups of six humans who are led by a mystical guide along a candle lit path to learn about the animals, their likes and dislikes, their homes, food and other habitat needs.
Festivus and Reel Fun
Each year in February, the Board, Top of Michigan Solutions, and other sponsors hold an ice fishing tournament to support the River Center. The top prize is $5,000 and 29 other outdoor type prizes are awarded to the winning fishers. 1,000 tickets are sold and 1200 holes are drilled in the ice by the local volunteers
On the evening before the tournament, the Festivus dinner is held. Besides food and drink, a 50/50 and Chinese raffle is held. Festivus also supports the River Center.
Where we work
External reviews

Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Our goal is to build an ecofriendly and ecosustainable interpretive center for the Thunder Bay River Watershed in Northeast Michigan. Our watershed is one of the major sources of fresh water for northern Lake Huron.
To complete this task, we need to raise 4.1M to construct the building and 1.6M to furnish the exhibits--the main set is large in-wall aquariums which showcase the 81 species of native fish in the watershed.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Thunder Bay River Center Inc
Board of directorsas of 11/05/2022
Judy Kalmanek
Thunder Bay River Center, Inc.
Term: 2019 - 2023
Mr. Dan Mitchell
Thunder Bay River Center, Inc.
Term: 2019 - 2023
Judy Kalmanek
Retired Michigan DOC
William Haase
Retired GM Engineer
Brian Bartosh
CEO ofTop O'Michigan Solutions
Beverly Bodem
Aide State Senator Stamas
Danny Mitchell
Alpena City Council
Chris Powley
Retired HS Science Teacher
Glenn Taylor
Retired Water Engineer
Steffen Mantlo
Media Coordinator
Lydia Thomson
HS Student
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? No -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? No -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? No -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? No -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? GuideStar partnered on this section with CHANGE Philanthropy and Equity in the Center.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
The organization's co-leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
No data
Gender identity
No data
No data
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data