Volunteer with Huron Pines


Huron Pines’ work is made possible thanks to the help of dedicated advocates of the natural world. Through volunteering with Huron Pines, you can help conserve & enhance Northern Michigan’s natural resources to ensure healthy water, protected places and vibrant communities.

Each year our passionate volunteers contribute to our mission by:

Improving Water Quality


  • Monitoring the Lake Huron coastline for Piping plover

  • Removing invasive European Frog-bit at the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Planting wildflowers and grasses along shoreline habitats that will filter stormwater runoff

Protecting Natural Spaces


  • Collecting seed from native plants

  • Removing invasive plant species at our preserves and in public spaces throughout Northern Michigan

  • Planting native trees and plants to increase climate resiliency

  • Surveying for plants and animals on public lands and at our preserves

Building Vibrant Communities


  • Contributing to community science through our Coast Watchers program. Coast Watchers are part of a dedicated group that monitors sections of the Lake Huron shoreline on a weekly basis to gather data.

  • Planning and implementing green stormwater infrastructure practices

  • Helping with preserve maintenance, and leading hikes

The Kusku family - John, George & Jessica at the North Point Nature Preserve Grand Opening.

Over the past several years, I have volunteered as a preserve monitor for the Emily Min Hunt Preserve. I think the most important part is showing other people natural areas and teaching them how to maintain them.


John Kusku
Volunteer since 2019

I have loved learning about invasive species identification and management. The conservation work Huron Pines does is crucial, and I am lucky to be such a small part of such big work.


Jessica Kusku
Volunteer since 2019

“I loved my volunteer hours on the dunes, observing the summer breeding season of one pair of piping plovers.  I learned so much about these birds and about the delicate environment they require to thrive. This was not volunteer work. It was volunteer fun.”


Marge Pestka
Volunteer since 2022