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.

Ready to get involved?
Visit our events page for upcoming volunteer trainings and opportunities.

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