Supported the park through programming including Anishinaabe Educational Programs, educational programs for 4 th and 5 th graders, and supporting star parties and working toward Dark Sky certification.
Supported Piping Plover Protection by procuring supplies and securing grant funding to hire seasonal Natural Resource staff.
Completed building a new garage at the Dune Center to store the Bear Force One mobile visitor center van park and equipment, track chair trailer, and tools for maintaining the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.
The Track Chair program provided 60 hikes and an additional trail experience using our newest track chair.
A record amount of volunteers helped the Adopt-a-Beach and Adopt-a-Trail programs
Provided $262,580
in support of Park Priority projects and trainings, educational programming, trail surveys, and purchasing new equipment to help maintain the Park.
and volunteers completed over
11,425 HOURS
supporting the Park, including welcoming 316 new Volunteers
🌨❄Finally, we got enough snow to begin to build the base. We compacted snow from Glen Arbor to Empire. There wasn't enough snow to lay down classic tracks, but skate skiers will enjoy the trail from Empire to the Dune Climb. The whole trail between Glen Arbor to Empire is good for fat tire biking! We did remove several small down trees and one very large beech tree about a mile south of the Dune Climb. Learn more about winter trail etiquette friendsofsleepingbear.org/sleeping-bear-heritage-trail/winter-trail-report/Ski ConditionsEmpire to the Dune Climb - 5" of powder compacted to about 1" of base. This is the best skiing conditions for skate skiing on our trail.Dune Climb Area - very icy, no base - wear Yak Tracks or micro-spikes on your shoes if you are walking.Dune Climb to Glen Haven - icy in most spots - other areas have only very thin base. Good for fat tire biking but not for skiing. wear Yak Tracks or micro-spikes on your shoes if you are walking.Glen Haven to Glen Arbor - 2-3" of powder compacted to a very thin base. Good for fat tire biking but not for skiing. wear Yak Tracks or micro-spikes on your shoes if you are walking.Glen Arbor to Bohemian Road - 3-5" of fresh powder. We did not groom this section of trail.Dune Climb Sledding - Looked like good conditions to sled. Snow covers all sand today.Sign up for our snow report email friendsofsleepingbear.org/communications-request/#SBDHT #skiing #FOSBDvolunteers #winter #sleepingbeardunesnationallakeshore ... See MoreSee Less
Thank you! We're thrilled to share that Giving Tuesday was a huge success! Thanks to your generosity, we exceeded our financial goal, received many wonderful donations, and even made some new friends along the way. To top it all off, we've been treated to lots of beautiful snow! ❄️ Here's a snowy shot of the Crystal River from the new bridge to celebrate.☃🌨🌲 ... See MoreSee Less
Give $24 in 2024! This #GivingTuesday, let’s protect the place where memories are made! From family hikes and beach days to stargazing nights, fall color drives, and peaceful snowy days, Sleeping Bear Dunes is where so many of us create unforgettable moments. Now, your $24 donation goes even further, thanks to Cherry Republic match of up to $2,024! That’s double the impact to preserve the trails, dunes, and wildlife we treasure.Join us in keeping Sleeping Bear Dunes a beautiful space for future adventures and memories. Donate today & be part of the legacy. friendsofsleepingbear.org/donate-now/#Give24in2024 #FriendsOfSleepingBear #DoubleYourImpact #MemoryMaker #LoveOurLakeshore ... See MoreSee Less