Good morning, Traverse City.

Leelanau Conservancy has launched a $1.6M campaign to acquire 285 acres at Sugar Loaf and turn it into a public recreation area.

The group will use the funds for ecological restoration, trail building, and community amenities while holding sessions on July 30 at 6 p.m. and August 5 at 6 p.m.—if the fundraising goal is met by year’s end, the site will open to the public.

Local humane societies are featuring many adoptable pets in Traverse City and nearby areas, with animals like Guy, Doppler, and Waffle Cone available at Cherryland Humane Society and others seeking loving homes.

Holiday RV Park is hosting the Bark in the Park event today at 10 a.m. — a celebration with a parade, dog show, and photo booth that asks for a donation from the shelter’s wishlist while National Dog Photography Day is set for July 26 and National Mutt Day for July 31.

Aiden Griffis, 18, has grown his business from mowing lawns to doing bigger landscaping jobs like planting flower beds and setting rocks—he started young by working for his uncle at age seven.

He works around football practice and builds strong ties by helping older people with yard care—clear communication has been key to his success.

Federal immigration authorities arrested 25-year-old Kleiber Siso Balza on July 4 in Traverse City for suspected ties to the violent criminal group Tren De Aragua (he had an active warrant in Virginia for burglary tools and a pending larceny charge in Florida) along with three other men taken into custody for immigration violations.

The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park will host the Great Lakes, Great Plants Symposium from Sept.

25 to Sept. 27 in Traverse City. Attendees will join expert-led lectures + guided garden tours that explore creative Midwest plant design.

On August 2, Interlochen Center for the Arts will launch the Shirley Young Distinguished Artists Series by hosting a concert with Chinese pianist Lang Lang—Interlochen President Trey Devey praised him as one of the most engaging artists of his generation as the center prepares for its centennial in 2028.

On July 16, Clinch Park recorded 228 E. coli per 100 mL and maintained a Level 1 rating that allows full body contact—most other local beaches showed counts below the 300 threshold.

Updated samples at Sunset Park indicated rising bacteria levels with a downgraded advisory recommending partial contact.

The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay is using two robots, Bebot & Pixie Drone, to grab large pieces of plastic from beaches and the bay as part of a statewide cleanup project.

Intern Flynn House empties Bebot's bag to study trash types & tells everyone to pick up after themselves to help keep our waters clean.

At Monday’s commission meeting, Traverse City leaders will consider accepting a $550,000 EGLE grant for the next phase of the Kids Creek restoration project, which will replace an undersized and misaligned culvert at the Eleventh Street crossing to restore natural stream flow—construction will begin in Spring/Summer after final design and permitting.

Bachman Turner Overdrive and The Marshall Tucker Band Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Kresge Auditorium — Sold out — Relive the ‘70s with classics from rock legends Bachman-Turner Overdrive and The Marshall Tucker Band.

Nations Cup Show Jumping Event

1-7 p.m. — Flintfields Horse Park — General admission proceeds support local nonprofits — Experience thrilling equestrian competition and enjoy tasty food and boutique shopping.

Industry Lunch - Traverse City

12-2 p.m. — NOBO RIVERSIDE — Cost not specified — Connect with local industry professionals over lunch and foster collaboration.

Great Lakes Cancer Foundation 5K

9 AM – 12 PM — Eastern Elementary School — Entry fee required — Support cancer access while enjoying a scenic 5K run in Traverse City.

Glenn Miller Orchestra Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — City Opera House — Ticketed event — Experience the timeless swing classics with the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Clint Weaner Performance

6-9 p.m. — Broomstack Kitchen and Taphouse — Cost not listed — Enjoy an evening of music in a welcoming venue.

Boats on the Boardwalk Boat Show

9 a.m. — Traverse City, MI — Entry fee may apply — Experience the charm of vintage boats along the scenic Boardman River at the 38th annual showcase.

Breakthrough Basketball Attack & Counter Camp

9 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Traverse City East Middle School — Price not listed — Elevate your game with skill development from top coaches over three intensive days.

Clint Weaner Concert

6-9 p.m. — Broomstack Kitchen and Taphouse — Free entry — Experience live music in a cozy setting with great food and drinks.

All Call Music Festival 2025

4-10 p.m. — The Little Fleet — Free entry — A vibrant day filled with music featuring diverse artists from across the region.