**EVENT FULL** Additional openings may become available nearer to the event. Email julia@huronpines.org to add your name to the waitlist.

Learn about dune ecosystems, the threats they face and how to help protect them with Huron Pines at North Point Nature Preserve. Located east of Alpena, North Point Nature Preserve is home to 1,384 acres of forested wetlands, four miles of undeveloped shoreline and rare ecosystems found only along the Great Lakes.

Participants will meet at the NOAA Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena before caravaning out to the preserve. The drive is approximately 30 minutes and includes about 5 miles of gravel roads. The caravan will depart promptly at 10:00am.

During this hybrid work day/educational event, attendees will walk along the preserve’s shoreline to learn about how these ecosystems function and participate in hand removal of invasive plant species. Invasive species removal during the walk will be via hand pulling and requires no special equipment or prior experience. Work gloves will be provided, but we recommend attendees come prepared with a reusable water bottle, sun protection, and anything else they may need.

Participants should expect about a mile of walking along the sand and cobble shoreline, and some bending or kneeling. There are bathrooms on site. If you have any questions about preserve conditions, please contact Huron Pines Land Protection Coordinator, Julia Butch, at julia@huronpines.org or 231-262-3783.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. It is a priority for Huron Pines to ensure that our communications and programming are available and accessible to everyone. Please contact maddie@huronpines.org if you have any questions about accessibility or believe barriers remain.

We recognize that accessibility is not always possible in every area of our work. Our efforts are ongoing. Through a commitment to continued learning and understanding, we will strengthen our awareness of the barriers and inequities that exist at the individual and community levels, in order to advance more equitable opportunities to experience the outdoors in our region.

Huron Pines is leading the effort to inspire lakeshore communities in Michigan to join the Lake Huron Forever initiative. Projects like land protection and community engagement serve to activate collaboration and partnerships to sustain a healthy Lake Huron. The Lake Huron Forever initiative is supported by Bay Area Community Foundation, Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan, Community Foundation Grey Bruce, Consumers Energy Foundation and Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network. Financial assistance for this project is also provided by the Michigan Coastal Management Program, Water Resources Division, EGLE, with funding through the National Coastal Zone Management Program.