studioDRIFT

Our Birdeye Gravel Festival was this past weekend!! This festival raises money for and promotes the Crowley's Ridge Gravel Trail project. The event allows people to immerse themselves in Arkansas' Delta region's rich cultural tapestry and scenic beauty. “I think the culture of this place and the interactions you have with the individuals that grew up and live here, it’s something that brings folks back.” - Martin Smith Read more about the weekend in the attached article!

Last month, our very own Martin Smith, Tanner Weeks, and Ammen Jordan embarked on the first-ever Arkansas Graveler; an annual gravel ride presented by the Ozark Foundation that traverses the Natural State’s most rural roads. This 6-day, 340-mile adventure winded through some of the most scenic and iconic landscapes of Arkansas, beginning in Fayetteville and pointing East to Jonesboro. This event was particularly special for Ecological Design Group and studioDRIFT, as we believe in the power of outdoor recreation to connect people and build stronger communities. Our participation wasn't just about the ride; it was a demonstration of commitment to community giveback and the promotion of outdoor activities that bring people together. It was an opportunity to support our friends at The Ozark Foundation, whose mission aligns closely with our own. As we reflect on the success of the Arkansas Graveler, we are excited to continue pushing towards studioDRIFT’s mission in the Delta region while supporting other organizations with similar goals. Check out our latest blog post to learn more about our Graveler experience and how we can continue to build a brighter future for Arkansans through outdoor recreation > https://lnkd.in/gCxH926T

Our very own, Ammen Jordan, has been named as one of the three Arkansas leaders for the first cohort of the Outdoor Alliance's Grasstops Collective program. "Ammen is a champion for rural Arkansas communities. As Executive Director of studioDRIFT, Ammen spearheads initiatives that leverage outdoor recreation and active transportation infrastructure to revitalize these areas. Their vision is to create vibrant communities where residents and visitors alike can enjoy the beauty of Arkansas’ natural spaces through well-designed trails, bike paths, and other recreational opportunities."

The Arkansas-Mississippi Delta is ripe with talent, but the inequity of investment in rural communities has placed many residents of the Delta at a generational disadvantage. In our Theory of Change for the Delta, the Economic Asset Building initiative is designed to provide families, small business owners and entrepreneurs with the necessary resources for building and preserving economic assets over the long term. Delta visionaries deserve opportunities to plant roots and blossom in communities they love — whether its beginning their homeownership journey or launching a business. Read through the breakdown or learn more about all our Theory of Change initiatives: https://ow.ly/R68v50S8KyO #MississippiDelta #ArkansasDelta #CommunityEmpowerment #CommunityImpact #Philanthropy #Entrepreneurship #Entrepreneurs #SmallBusiness #EconomicEquity

Outdoor Recreation + Active Transportation = Quality of Life This is why, on an outdoor recreation website, we sometimes slip in an article on active transportation issues. https://lnkd.in/gvz6SEj7

??♂???♀? WOW! What an incredible weekend we had in downtown Helena for the Delta Grit series! ?? We are thrilled to share the success of this event, made possible by the support and enthusiasm of an amazing community. Huge thanks to everyone who came out to ride, run, cheer, and celebrate with us! Your energy and passion truly made this event unforgettable. ?? A special shoutout goes to our dedicated donors, sponsors, and partners for their commitment to making this event a reality. Visit Helena, Ozark Foundation, Ecological Design Group, Thrive Inc., The Ride, Victory Bicycle Studio, OZ Gravel NWA, Delta Dirt Distillery, Edwardian Inn, Whole Hog Cafe - World Champion BBQ, Lost Forty Brewing, Kai Caddy, Cherry Street Productions, Crisis Brewing LLC, Red Panther Brewing Co, Biscuit ROW BBQ Your efforts to revitalize rural Arkansas and promote outdoor recreation are truly making a difference. ?? We're proud to say that together, we're breathing new life into the parts of the beloved Arkansas Delta that have been overlooked for too long. Let's continue to build and strengthen this part of our state through a community-first approach and the power of outdoor adventure. ?? Thank you again to everyone who joined us for the Delta Grit series. We can't wait to see you at the next event as we continue this journey together! Stay tuned for more exciting updates and opportunities to get involved. ?? #running #gravelbiking #deltagrind #DELTADASH #deltagrit

T-MINUS 48 HOURS PEOPLE!! Here’s what’s on the agenda for Saturday: ?? 8-9 am Check-in ??♂? 9:45 am Pre-race Meeting ?? 10 am START ?? 1-5 pm Food and Entertainment If you haven’t registered yet, this is your last chance. SEE YOU SOON HELENA! #deltagrit #arkansasdelta #running #gravelbiking

Still on the fence? No worries. Here are some quick stats about the 50-mile gravel ride to help you decide which to take on May 11th! ?? Starts in Helena ?? 47 Miles ?? 1,828 ft. Elevation Change ?? 2 Lakes ??? 3 Delta Towns ?? 3 Aid Stations This is the ride for everyone who’s not messing around. This gravel trail will take you through some of the most scenic views the Delta has to offer while challenging your endurance. #deltagrind #deltagrit

ONE MORE WEEK!! AAH, we are only 7 DAYS out from our Delta Grit series! Have you grabbed your tickets yet?! If you haven’t, there is still time—but not much! We still have tickets available for all rides, the run, the music, the food! It’s all waiting for you in Helena next weekend, so join us while you still can. ??♂?????♀??? #deltagrit #running #arkansasdelta #gravelride

If you've ever visited the Arkansas Delta, you know that one of the things they do best is FOOD! ?? We also know that it's one of the most essential things for any event, and you better believe that we've put together another authentic Delta dining experience. Biscuit Row BBQ will provide the post-ride meal for Delta Grind 2024 on Saturday. This incredible hidden gem is located in an adaptive reuse project on Phillips Street and serves some of the best ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, beans, slaw, and potato salad. Sign up for your ride today and secure your meal ticket for this fabulous feast! ??? #authentic #goodfood