“The natural resources we love can and will respond to us with equal love.”
George Griffith
Trout Unlimited was founded in 1959 on the banks of the Au Sable River near Grayling, Michigan. Sixteen anglers who were united by their love of trout fishing and their concern about its future gathered at the home of George Griffith to discuss what anglers could do to protect trout and the waters they inhabit.
Convinced that Michigan’s trout streams could turn out a far superior fish if left to their own devices, the anglers formed a new organization: Trout, Unlimited (the comma was dropped a few years later), dedicated to ensuring that wild and native trout populations were allowed to thrive, as nature intended.
Named after TU founder, George Griffith, the Griffith Circle is a group of dedicated donors who carry forward the vision of that original round-table discussion. As a result, our waters are cleaner and fish populations healthier.
Through their generosity, Griffith Circle members have also helped to protect magnificent landscapes, clean up streams, and restore entire river systems.
As a Griffith Circle member, you’ll receive the following benefits:
- Membership in your local Trout Unlimited chapter where you can participate in local stream restoration projects, Fish-With-A-Member outings, chapter meetings, and visit local conservation projects and staff.
- Donations over $1,000 are eligible for special thank-you gifts including rods, reels, and other fishing gear from brands like Orvis, Hardy, Sage, Winston, Simms, YETI, and more.
- In depth updates on key national strategies and campaigns through conversations with TU’s President and CEO, Chris Wood, and senior conservation staff during live “Streamside Chat” online events.
- Conservation updates on how Griffith Circle members are helping to keep our rivers and streams cold, clean, and fishable for today’s anglers and generations to come.
- Access to Trout Unlimited’s Community Forum Digest, our online community for anglers and conservationists to connect with a group of like-minded people across the country to give and get fishing hints, tricks, and tips, share photos, and more.
- A one-year quarterly subscription to our award-winning TROUT magazine.
- The satisfaction of knowing you have made an extraordinary commitment to the conservation of wild and native trout and salmon and the places you love to fish.
Please join the Griffith Circle today and help ensure a thriving future for wild and native trout and salmon.
If you have any question about becoming a member of the Griffith Circle, please contact Jennifer Gaillard, our Director of Griffith Circle Donors.
* The IRS prohibits nonprofits from providing benefits, goods, or services in exchange for charitable contributions from DAFs, IRAs or private foundations.