At the convergence of the Upper and Lower peninsulas and Lakes Michigan, Superior and Huron lies a region well known for its fisheries, migratory bird corridors and nesting spots, plants and animals. In 2021, this region was recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a globally significant ecological and cultural landscape and was designated as the Obtawaiing Biosphere Region (OBR).

UNESCO Biosphere Regions promote solutions that work to use natural resources sustainably while also keeping biodiversity safe. They are learning areas for sustainable development under diverse ecological, social and economic contexts. Similar to Lake Huron Forever, these landscape-scale conservation efforts focus on the intersection and interconnectedness between communities and the environment, or people and place.

Join us on April 9 from 10:30am-12:30pm for a Lake Huron Forever Learning Circle focused on Lake Huron’s Biosphere Regions. We will have presentations from the Obtawaiing Biosphere Region, the Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere and the Niagra Escarpment Biosphere Network.

Join Huron Pines for our Mastering the Art of Climate Change Communication workshop as we walk you through the art of creating compelling narratives and engaging in effective conversations about climate change. Explore the power of strategic framing and understand the key elements that make an impactful climate story. 

This workshop will enhance your communication skills, empowering you to become a change agent. Help us reshape the narrative surrounding climate change and start meaningful conversations about both the challenges and solutions of a changing climate.

Throughout the workshop, we will answer the following questions:

1. Why do we need to talk about climate change?

2. What are elements of an impactful climate story?

3. What is strategic framing, and how can we use it to talk about climate change?

4. What is the National Network for Ocean and Climate Change Interpretation?

This is an online, virtual workshop. Registration is required.

Join Huron Pines for a guided hike at Hubbard Lake Preserve.

The family-friendly event will begin with a brief welcome and introduction. Over the course of the one-hour hike participants will learn about the history, geology, ecology, and management of the preserve. 

Participants should bring their own water and snacks and be dressed for the weather. The trails at Hubbard Lake Preserve are hilly and steep in places. Walking aids, such as trekking poles or a walking stick, may be helpful. Sturdy boots are recommended. If there’s a significant amount of snow, participants are welcome to bring snowshoes for the hike. Huron Pines has a small number of snowshoes available for participants, if you would like to reserve a pair please email julia@huronpines.org. 

Registration is required.

In the case of dangerous driving conditions or extremely low temperatures, the event will be canceled.

Hubbard Lake Preserve is located at 720 Holiday Inn Rd. in the community of Hubbard Lake. This 80-acre wooded property includes 1.5 miles of trails and hills on Hubbard Lake’s Churchill Point.

Input from Rose City community members is being sought regarding the planned removal of Sanback Dam, and potential renovations and features to be incorporated in the adjacent city park. Huron Pines, GEI Consultants, and the City of Rose City have secured funding for the design phase of the project and will share conceptual designs for community feedback.

Join Huron Pines staff and project partners at the Faull Inn from 3pm-6pm (prior to the 6pm City Council meeting), to learn about the Sanback dam removal project and potential community park development. Your input is crucial to ensure the project is meaningful and valuable to the community.

This session is an open house format (come and go as you would like).

The session will provide attendees:

1. Details about the Sanback dam removal project

2. An opportunity for direct input on the design for potential community park space

3. Interaction with project partners 

This session is family friendly. We will meet in the back section of the Faull Inn under a semi-enclosed, partially heated space — but please dress appropriately for cold temperatures. Pizza and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided.

Input from Grayling area community members is needed for an upcoming funding opportunity. The City of Grayling, Crawford AuSable School District and the Crawford County Pathways Committee are putting together an application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources SPARK grant program. The City of Grayling is one of only 39 communities across Michigan selected to apply to the program’s current round of funding.

If funded, the Rayburn Connector Project would create new outdoor recreation spaces and ensure safe and improved access to multiple trails and pathways in the area. Your input is crucial to ensure the project is meaningful and valuable to the community.

This final input session gives attendees an opportunity to comment on all components of the project. This session is an open house format (come and go as you would like).

The session will provide attendees:

1. More details on the proposed project

2. Interaction with City and project partners 

3. An opportunity for direct input on design

Each community engagement session is family friendly and will offer light refreshments and transportation at no cost to attendees through the Crawford County Transportation Authority (Dial-A-Ride). Call (989) 348-5409 to schedule a ride and specify that you're attending a community input session.

If you’re unable to attend the in-person session, you can still learn more about the project and provide feedback. CLICK HERE to access an online survey. Complete the questions and submit your input to project partners. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Technical Assistance for this effort is supported by Huron Pines, Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan and Council of Michigan Foundations.

Join us at Grayling School Forest for a short hike on the existing forest trails. Explore the proposed pathways - including rustic walking paths and mountain bike single track, signage opportunities, and the location of a pavilion/outdoor classroom with ADA accessibility.

The hike is considered a moderately challenging route. Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear. A brown bag lunch will be provided.

Input from Grayling area community members is needed for an upcoming funding opportunity. The City of Grayling, Crawford AuSable School District and the Crawford County Pathways Committee are putting together an application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources SPARK grant program. The City of Grayling is one of only 39 communities across Michigan selected to apply to the program’s current round of funding.

If funded, the Rayburn Connector Project would create new outdoor recreation spaces and ensure safe and improved access to multiple trails and pathways in the area. Your input is crucial to ensure the project is meaningful and valuable to the community.

The session will provide attendees:

1. More details on the proposed project

2. Interaction with City and project partners 

3. An opportunity for direct input on design

Each community engagement session is family friendly and will offer transportation at no cost to attendees through the Crawford County Transportation Authority (Dial-A-Ride). Call (989) 348-5409 to schedule a ride and specify that you're attending a community input session.

If you’re unable to attend the in-person session, you can still learn more about the project and provide feedback. CLICK HERE to access an online survey. Complete the questions and submit your input to project partners. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Technical Assistance for this effort is supported by Huron Pines, Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan and Council of Michigan Foundations.

This public input session will be held at the Crawford County Commission on Aging building.
Join for lunch at 11:10am (chicken stir fry) and the session will begin immediately afterwards.

Input from Grayling area community members is needed for an upcoming funding opportunity. The City of Grayling, Crawford AuSable School District and the Crawford County Pathways Committee are putting together an application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources SPARK grant program. The City of Grayling is one of only 39 communities across Michigan selected to apply to the program’s current round of funding.

If funded, the Rayburn Connector Project would create new outdoor recreation spaces and ensure safe and improved access to multiple trails and pathways in the area. Your input is crucial to ensure the project is meaningful and valuable to the community.

The session will provide attendees:

1. More details on the proposed project

2. Interaction with City and project partners 

3. An opportunity for direct input on design

This community engagement session is family friendly and will offer transportation at no cost to attendees through the Crawford County Transportation Authority (Dial-A-Ride). Call (989) 348-5409 to schedule a ride and specify that you're attending a community input session.

If you’re unable to attend the in-person session, you can still learn more about the project and provide feedback. CLICK HERE to access an online survey. Complete the questions and submit your input to project partners. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Technical Assistance for this effort is supported by Huron Pines, Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan and Council of Michigan Foundations.