Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordyn Belli.
Hi Jordyn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After living in Chicago for eight years, I found myself wanting a slower pace of life and more opportunities to spend time outdoors. Especially following the loss of my dad in 2022, I began to dedicate more time to traveling and exploring nature in the Midwest. I quickly realized that hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities helped me feel grounded and less anxious.
In 2024, I moved to Michigan to pursue the quieter life I had been thinking about. Shortly after making the move, I was hired as a Park Ranger, where I spent every day outdoors. After a few months in that role, I transitioned to the County Parks main office as an administrative assistant. Through this work, I was introduced to Friends of the Lansing Regional Trails. After spending the past year exploring Michigan’s trails and parks while working with the public, I knew the Trail Ambassador role would be a perfect fit for me.
Although I had never worked in nonprofits or parks and recreation before, these roles have offered a new way for me to connect with both the outdoors and my new community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
After leaving Chicago, I was fortunate to transition fairly smoothly into this new life. I found a job I loved quickly and was able to move into a role that aligned well with my interests.
Working for Friends of the Lansing Regional Trails (FLRT) has been extremely rewarding. It has given me the opportunity to meet people I otherwise never would have, and to contribute to a shared goal that I care deeply about: the upkeep and advocacy of our parks and trails.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Friends of the Lansing Regional Trails?
Friends of the Lansing Regional Trails (FLRT) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 to support trails in the greater Lansing area. It is governed by a board of directors elected by its members at the annual meeting and supported operationally through a staff member: the Trail Ambassador Program Coordinator.
As the Trail Ambassador Program Coordinator, I help manage FLRT’s volunteer base, programming, public outreach, and marketing. My role combines behind-the-scenes administrative work with public-facing responsibilities, where I represent FLRT at events and community outreach efforts. I’ve also had the opportunity to develop new initiatives, including our video series Trail Talks, which highlights trail users throughout our community.
FLRT offers several ways to get involved, including volunteering at trail cleanups, sponsoring wayfinding signage, and becoming a member, among other opportunities to support the regional trails.
How do you think about happiness?
Seeing the way my hard work pays off!
When someone compliments a trail, park, or wants to be involved in the advocacy and conservation of natural areas.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lansingtrails.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lansingregionaltrails
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsLansingRegionalTrails
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lansingtrails
