Air Quality Update
The health, safety, and well-being of our guests are central to the BIPOC Outdoors Summit, 5K, and Rest Retreat experience. As we prepare to spend time connecting with nature, community, and one another throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, we are closely monitoring air quality conditions related to wildfire smoke from Minnesota and Canada. We understand that air quality can affect everyone differently, and we want our guests to have the information they need to make informed decisions about their participation in outdoor activities.
Our team will continuously monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) using the CDC Air Quality page, the EPA’s AirNow.gov system, and IQAir.com to help guide planning for the days ahead. The AQI is color-coded and ranges from 0–500, with lower numbers indicating cleaner air and higher numbers signaling increased health risks. We will continue to monitor local conditions and adjust outdoor activities as needed to prioritize the health and comfort of our guests. We encourage everyone to check current conditions, listen to their bodies, and communicate with event staff if they have concerns.
CDC AQI Categories & What They Mean for Our Events
Green AQI (0–50): Air quality is good.
All Summit activities, the 5K race, and the Rest Retreat proceed as planned.
Yellow AQI (51–100): Air quality is moderate.
Sensitive groups, including attendees with asthma, heart conditions, or respiratory concerns, may choose to limit prolonged exertion. All events remain scheduled.
Orange AQI (101–150): Unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Sensitive attendees are encouraged to pace themselves and make choices that support their individual health and comfort.
Red AQI (151–200): Unhealthy for the general public.
The Summit will shift strenuous outdoor workshops indoors to Jamrich Hall, along with most outdoor presentations and excursions. The intensity of local outdoor excursions will be moderated. The 5K race will be canceled if the AQI reaches 180 or higher.
Purple AQI (201–300): Very unhealthy.
All outdoor exertion will be canceled, including local excursion tours and the 5K race. Summit programming scheduled to take place outdoors on NMU’s campus will move indoors to Jamrich Hall. The Rest Retreat will be postponed until the fall.
Maroon AQI (301–500): Hazardous.
We will activate our emergency indoor schedule in Jamrich Hall and promptly communicate updates and next steps via email and website updates.
How We Will Pivot if AQI Rises
If air quality worsens during the Summit, we will:
- Shift workshops, panels, and community gatherings indoors.
- Cancel the 5K race if conditions reach Red (180+), Purple, or Maroon.
- Reschedule Rest Retreat activities until the fall if conditions reach Purple or Maroon.
- Provide real-time updates via email and the BIPOC Outdoors website.
- Offer one N95 mask to all attendees.
Our Commitment
We know that outdoor spaces are sacred to our community. We also know that environmental conditions can shift quickly. Our commitment is to keep you informed, safe, and supported while honoring the spirit of gathering in nature. Our goal is to create a welcoming and restorative experience where guests can connect with nature while feeling supported, informed, and cared for.
Thank you for being part of the BIPOC Outdoors Summit, 5K, and Rest Retreat. We look forward to sharing meaningful time together—with care, connection, and collective well-being guiding every step.
In community,
The BIPOC Outdoors Team
