TRAVERSE CITY — Mike Foley has been named the 2025 recipient of the Ross Biederman Volunteer Service Award by the City of Traverse City and Charter Township of Garfield Township Recreational Authority.
The award will be presented to Foley on June 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the Botanic Garden Visitor Center at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City. Foley has been an active member of the Authority’s Citizen Advisory Committee for Hickory Meadows and Hickory Forest since 2021, contributing significantly to various projects and initiatives.
“Rarely a day goes by that Mike isn’t giving his time and energy to make our community a better place,” said Laura Ness, chair of the Rec Authority board of directors. “He’s a committed advocate and caregiver for Hickory Meadows and Hickory Forest and an excellent representative of what the Biederman Award is all about.”
Foley has served as the chair of the Citizen Advisory Committee since 2022, where he has played a key role in opening the Hickory Forest Natural Area to public use and updating management plans for Hickory Meadows and Hickory Forest.
He has also been involved in developing a donation policy for the parklands and has participated in numerous field projects, including trail work and restoration activities.
In addition to his work with the Rec Authority, Foley volunteers with several local organizations, including the Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council, Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation, Inland Seas Education Association, TART Trails, and others.
The Ross Biederman Volunteer Service Award was established to honor the leadership and commitment of Ross Biederman, a local radio broadcaster and community benefactor who chaired the Rec Authority board from its inception in 2003 until his retirement in 2021.
Annual nominations for the award are accepted from January 1 through March 31, with the award being presented each spring by the Rec Authority board of directors.
A plaque honoring recipients is permanently displayed inside the Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park.
The recognition of Mike Foley with the Ross Biederman Volunteer Service Award highlights his dedication to community service and his significant contributions to local environmental and recreational initiatives.
