Protecting Places That Matter
Our land-assist approach helps communities secure conservation wins
Generous donor support of an ambitious $1 million fundraising campaign back in 2020 helped us secure nearly a mile of undeveloped Lake Huron shoreline and transfer its permanent protection to Alabaster Township as Lake Huron Coastal Preserve. Local leaders continue to see that lofty vision through, obtaining a grant from the state in 2025 for projects that improve visitor access to its spectacular emerald shores while safeguarding 145 acres of forests and wetlands that are essential for healthy water, wildlife and people.
“The foresight by Huron Pines to save this property was brilliant,” reflected Jim Witherspoon, chairman of the Alabaster Township Parks & Recreation Committee. “It’s an absolutely stunning place and we could have never done it on our own. The preserve is being used and enjoyed, and people are excited about our planned improvements to make it more accessible.”
The cobblestone shoreline of Lake Huron Coastal Preserve in November.
We marked another land-protection milestone in October when we transferred ownership of 42 acres on Hull Island to Oscoda Charter Township, a community whose rich local history and tourism economy are shaped by the Au Sable River and Lake Huron. Huron Pines bought the property from a private landowner two years ago with funds from our donor-supported Land Protection Program. In turn, the township applied for and received a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund which they used to reimburse Huron Pines for the purchase. The newly christened Au Sable River Scenic Preserve boasts 3,300 feet of river frontage and offers abundant opportunities for recreation while helping protect the water resources that are central to its character, now and forever.
“In 2023 Huron Pines and Oscoda Township partnered to move forward on a vision to permanently protect this special place and make it available for the public,” said Abby Ertel, Director for Community Engagement at Huron Pines. “I’m excited that we’ve achieved that goal and we’re really looking forward to seeing the people of Oscoda enjoy this protected place.”
By supporting Huron Pines, you provide the essential funding which allows us to act quickly to protect lands with high conservation value and plan for their long-term care and stewardship. It’s how we were able to secure the 236-acre Elk Run tract and transfer it to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in September as part of the Pigeon River Country State Forest (see page 6), ensuring a permanent home for Michigan’s majestic wild elk.
A grove of bracken fern thrives in a forest opening at the Elk Run tract, the newest addition to Michigan’s largest expanse of public land.
You also help Huron Pines grow and manage its own network of nature preserves, safeguarding critical ecosystems while expanding access to nature for the communities we serve (see page 12). We are pursuing another exciting opportunity in coastal land protection in 2026 and look forward to sharing more details in the coming months about how you can support this latest effort.
Every dollar makes a difference, and every donation is a vote of confidence in our proven approach to protecting the lands and waters which make Northern Michigan special. When you make a gift to Huron Pines, you speak loudly for the value of wild places where residents and visitors can make deeper connections to the natural world.