Ice Mountain® Spring Water has always sought to be a good neighbor to the Great Lakes area and its surrounding communities, making philanthropy and conservation an integral part of its operations.  

Over the years, Ice Mountain® has invested in many environmental stewardship initiatives, including the Ice Mountain® Environmental Stewardship Fund (IMESF), which has granted $1,052,524 to conservation projects throughout the Muskegon River watershed. The IMESF supports a variety of watershed protection efforts led by local organizations including household hazardous waste disposal, recycling, habitat restoration, rain garden plantings, and the maintenance of outdoor recreation areas. 

Now in its twenty-third consecutive year, IMESF stands as a testament to the Ice Mountain® brand’s enduring commitment to preserving and enhancing Michigan’s natural resources. Since its founding, the IMESF has supported nearly 30 unique nonprofit, community, academic, and governmental organizations, enabling the completion of more than 50 impactful projects across the region. 

Grant applications are welcomed each summer, and funding awards are announced in the fall — a rhythm that has become a consistent driver of environmental progress throughout the watershed. 

“Every year, I am impressed with the diversity of projects that organizations present for IMESF funding,” said Arlene Vincent-Anderson, Natural Resources Manager for Ice Mountain® Spring Water. “As the years go and projects are completed, we see the real impact these projects make on our environment, communities, and wildlife. The organizations doing the work to improve the watershed bring tremendous passion, expertise, and commitment to their work, and it shows in the quality of their projects and their implementations. We are very proud to be a small part of these projects because of the funding resources we can provide.” 

Supporting Trails, Conservation, Communities, and Economic Resiliency 

In recent years, Michigan has leaned into its identity as a premier destination for outdoor recreation. New trail systems for hikers, bikers, runners, and walkers are revitalizing local communities and encouraging healthy, active lifestyles while spotlighting Michigan’s diverse natural environment. 

A grant from Ice Mountain® Environmental Stewardship Fund to the County of Newaygo in 2023 supported trail and bridge construction costs on Michigan’s Dragon Trail, a nearly 50-mile adventure trail.

One such project is the Dragon Trail—a nearly 50-mile world-class recreation trail supported in part by IMESF funding. Drawing more than 68,000 trail users in 2023 the Dragon Trail has generated millions in economic impact for surrounding communities, according to Newaygo Parks and Recreation. The grant supported trail and bridge construction costs, along with trail work and maintenance. Representatives with Newaygo Parks and Recreation say the trail is sustainably designed for visitors to experience beautiful bluffs, wetlands, ravines, wildlife, trees, and parks around Hardy Pond. It gives visitors and residents a deeper connection and appreciation for the natural environment around them. This is a powerful example of how conservation efforts can align with economic development and tourism.

Enabling Proper Household Hazardous Waste Disposal 

A consistent beneficiary of the IMESF is the Lake, Osceola, and Mecosta Conservation District and its program that provides residents with the only local option for household hazardous waste disposal. This initiative allows community members to safely dispose of pesticides, fertilizers, and other materials that pose risks to both human health and local waterways. 

According to District sources, the program has successfully collected approximately 39,000 pounds of hazardous waste annually in recent years. 

“Offering household hazardous waste collection to our residents at no charge has been an important part of our program to encourage proper disposal practices that protect both community health and the environment,” said Brook Baumann, District Administrator. “Support from the Ice Mountain Environmental Stewardship Fund plays a crucial role in offsetting program costs and has been a key reason this service has remained successful over the years.” 

Protecting the Muskegon River Watershed 

Among Michigan’s greatest natural treasures is the Muskegon River, a vast, 220-mile waterway flowing through nine counties and a watershed spanning more than 2,723 square miles. It has long been central to agriculture, manufacturing, recreation, and community development—making its health vital to the region’s prosperity. 

The IMESF has been a steady contributor to the river’s restoration and conservation, helping fund projects that improve water quality, preserve wildlife habitat, and engage local communities in sustainable stewardship. 

Looking Ahead 

For over two decades, the IMESF has embodied the Ice Mountain® brand’s belief that strong communities begin with a healthy environment. As more projects are proposed and new partnerships are formed, the IMESF’s impact continues to grow — enhancing Michigan’s natural beauty, bolstering local economies, and protecting vital resources for generations to come. 

Ice Mountain continues to invest in a future where Michigan thrives — not just as a place where our highest quality products are made, but as a place we proudly call home.