Student Snowshoe Hikes – Need Your Support

January 12, 2016, 4:13 pm

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Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is raising funds to pay transportation costs for school groups to attend Ranger-led snowshoe hikes in the forests and dunes along Lake Michigan. Students will learn about snowshoes and will search for animal tracks in the fresh snow as they explore the winter wonderland of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Pre- and Post-visit activities have been developed to help build background knowledge and create excitement for the hike, extend learning, and give students the opportunity to be creative and connect learning to the real world. The lesson during the hike will allow students to explore concepts in winter ecology and snow science in a hands-on, experimental format.

We are participating in an online fundraising effort led by the Outdoor Industry Association to raise money to pay for transportation for school groups all over the US to experience a national park near them. We need your help to raise $1,000 to meet our goal. If you can help by making a donation, go to the fundraising web site and make a donation!

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New Safety Equipment Purchased for the Park

February 5, 2016, 11:57 am

≫ Next: School Snowshoe Hikes – Happening Now!

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In March of 2015, Consumers Energy Foundation provided Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes a $4,000 grant to purchase new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to replace aging units that were unreliable and couldn’t be repaired. Through year-end donations from our members, we were able to purchase additional AEDs and supplies. The Park now has 8 units in high visitor use areas and in ranger patrol cars.

Philips Automated External Defibrillator

What’s an AED? You might not be thinking of an AED next time you run up the Dune Climb or walk a beach, but you will be happy to know that there are trained people with the right equipment nearby if you need one!

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. AEDs are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA is a condition in which the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops beating. When this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs.

Ranger Joe Lachowski holds one of the new AEDs

SCA usually causes death if it’s not treated within minutes. In fact, each minute of SCA leads to a 10 percent reduction in survival. Using an AED on a person who is having SCA may save the person’s life.

We had a situation at the Dune Climb last June, where a visitor had a SCA after climbing up the Dunes. Emergency personnel reacted quickly, applied an AED and stabilized him before transporting him to the hospital where he recovered. Fast action and availability of an AED saved his life.

School Snowshoe Hikes – Happening Now!

February 5, 2016, 12:15 pm

≫ Next: Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail – Ready for Spring

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Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is paying for bus transportation costs for school groups to attend Ranger-led snowshoe hikes in the forests of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Students are learning about snowshoes and search for animal tracks in the fresh snow as they explore the winter wonderland of our Park! The Friends received a grant of $4,500 from the National Park Foundation – and with your help, has raised an additional $1,000 through a fundraising challenge sponsored by the Outdoor Industry Associaiton to pay for the transportation costs of over 1,000 students from 19 different school groups.

School Group Snowshoe Hike

Pre- and Post-visit activities have been developed to help build background knowledge and create excitement for the hike, extend learning, and give students the opportunity to be creative and connect learning to the real world. The lesson during the hike will allow students to explore concepts in winter ecology and snow science in a hands-on, experimental format.

The programs began at the end of January and run through early March.

Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail – Ready for Spring

April 3, 2016, 6:56 pm

≫ Next: Many Ways to Support the SBHT

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The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail has been cleared of winter debris (branches, twigs, sand, gravel), and the Trail Crew has already started their weekly schedule to keep the trail clean and safe for riding and walking this spring. Now all we need is warmer weather!

Heritage Trail near Charles Olson Farm

The next section of trail north of Glen Arbor (from Port Oneida Road to Bohemian Road) will be completed by the end of May. There will be a great new boardwalk over the edge of Narada Lake, and the trail will go right past the historic North Unity School. What a great addition to the trail! The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at the Kelderhouse Farm on Friday, June 3. More details will be coming as we get closer to that date.

Click here to see detailed maps and information about the trail.

Many Ways to Support the SBHT

April 25, 2016, 6:34 pm

≫ Next: Yoga on the Beach

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The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes manages and operates the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. In 2015, it cost over $13,000 to maintain the trail. This year, we are looking for people who love and use the trail to pitch in and help us cover the cost. We are asking for a $2.00 donation for paper trail maps. You can download a trail map and print it for free, or you can use our online interactive map for free. Businesses who support the trail can be on the interactive map. Click here for details.

Bike Rack and the Blacksmiths who made it.

In addition, we’ve been asked to put benches, bike racks, and picnic tables at various places along the trail. So we are offering donors the opportunity to make substantial donations to the trail and in return, we will dedicate one of these to you or whoever you designate.

We’ve also found that people love to have part of the trail in their home. One way is to make a donation and receive a mile-marker sign that was used on the SBHT. These small signs (3.25″ square) were replaced with the yellow emergency mile-marker signs in 2015.

Click here to see details on these and other ways you can support the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.

Yoga on the Beach

June 9, 2016, 6:08 pm

≫ Next: Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail Expansion

≪ Previous: Many Ways to Support the SBHT

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Yes, it’s true! YOGA ON THE BEACH IS BACK FOR 2016

Yoga, fresh air, beautiful sunset, and the sound of gentle waves  lapping at the beach! That’s what you will get if you come to this Yoga on the Beach event! The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is partnering with Yoga on the Beach to conduct yoga sessions this summer starting on the Summer Solstice June 20 and then every Wednesday until August 17. Click here to see the Yoga on the Beach Facebook page.

Sessions will be held at Bohemian Road (CR-669) beach at 7:30 – 8:30 PM on the following dates:

• June 20 Click here for more info on the Summer Solstice Yoga program.
• June 22
• June 29
• July 6
• July 13
• July 20
• July 27
• August 3
• August 10
• August 17

A suggested donation of $10 will go to Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes to support projects in the Park.

Click here for more information and to RSVP.

Rain Location: 
Camille’s Body Shop
821 E Valley Rd
Maple City, MI 49664
231-228-7265
www.camillesbodyshop.info

Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail Expansion

September 27, 2016, 8:18 am

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The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (SBHT) is a hard-surface multi-use trail that passes through Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore from Empire through Glen Arbor to the Port Oneida Rural Historic District. The newest section Basch Road to Bohemian Road (CR-669) will … Continue reading →

New Video features Sleeping Bear Dunes

September 27, 2016, 8:35 am

≫ Next: 4th Grade Snowshoe Program

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A new video highlighting the beauty and diversity of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was produced by MyNorthMedia in Traverse City, publisher of Traverse Magazine. This project was managed by the Park’s Interpretive division and funded by Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Watch the video and share it with your friends!

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4th Grade Snowshoe Program

November 25, 2016, 1:31 pm

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The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore received two grants in support of the 2017 Snowshoe Hike Program for area 4th graders! One grant from The North Face Explore Fund is to provide transportation costs, snowshoe repair, and classroom materials. The other grant from the National Park Foundation is part of the Open Outdoors for Kids program provides Park Ranger staff and classroom materials and transportation costs for the school groups.

The National Lakeshore will be offering personalized snowshoe field trips for fourth-grade classes in the months of January, February, and March. Students will learn about winger ecology and son science in a hands-on, experiential format while hiking on snowshoes through trails at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Click here to learn more.

Snowshoe Hikes

December 2, 2016, 1:44 pm

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We are inviting all 4th grade classes to come to Sleeping Bear Dunes for a winter snowshoe  experience. We will pay for bus transportation and a team of rangers will lead you on snowshoes through the wintery woods.

Ski Conditions

December 2, 2016, 2:03 pm

≫ Next: A Busy Year – 2016 Accomplishments

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We groom the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail from Glen Arbor to Empire when snow conditions allow. Ski conditions will be posted here whenever there is a change in conditions. This winter, we will also groom from Crystal View Trailhead past the Homestead … Continue reading →

A Busy Year – 2016 Accomplishments

December 2, 2016, 2:04 pm

≫ Next: Friends Receive Grant to Improve Accessibility

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The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes spent over $66,000 in support of a wide variety of projects at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The largest projects in 2016 were maintenance of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, recovery from the windstorm in 2015, and the snowshoe program for 4th graders. Click here to see our annual newsletter that describes some of the projects and includes a list of projects we funded. For those of you who want more details about all of the projects we funded in 2016, click here.

What’s in the Plan for 2017?

We will definitely be busy in 2017 with our ongoing volunteer programs, but there will also be several big projects that we will need your help with. We will need volunteers AND donations to accomplish these big goals next year.

• Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail – Annual Operations & Maintenance ($25,000)
• Kettles Trail in the Bow Lakes Region of the Park – We will be building trail, observation deck, and parking lot in 2017 ($40,000)
• Improvements to trails and Lake Michigan beach areas to make it easier for everyone to use. Projects are being identified and developed through an assessment by Park staff and nationally recognized experts. One beach that will definitely be addressed is Glen Haven. ($$ has not been determined yet)
• New wayside interpretive panels for stops along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive to replace the existing panels that were installed in the 1980’s. ($10,700)

Click here to make a donation for one of these projects or our General Fund.

Friends Receive Grant to Improve Accessibility

December 25, 2016, 1:07 pm

≫ Next: Bike Safety at Junior Ranger Day

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The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes (Friends) has received a grant for $17,500 from the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) to assess trails and beaches at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

About 20% of Americans have a disability that limits their use of trails or beaches. Assessment and subsequent improvement of trails and beaches will allow more Park visitors to experience dune, woodland, and wetland habitats and our Lake Michigan and inland lakes. The Friends will have volunteers working with an expert in accessibility assessment to evaluate trails and beaches and make recommendations. We will also partner with the Disabilities Network of Northern Michigan and Northern Michigan Adaptive Sports and Recreation to bring individuals with disabilities and their families to attend “Beaches and Trails for Everyone” open house events to showcase newly enhanced accessibility features of the Park. This work will be done in 2017-2018.

If you are interested in being part of this project, click here to send us an e-mail to get on this team.

Bike Safety at Junior Ranger Day

April 29, 2017, 2:49 pm

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Jr. Rangers learn Bike Safety

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The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes led a Bicycle Safety activity at the Junior Ranger Day Event at DH Day Campground on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Our Junior Rangers had to wear helmets, demonstrate signaling and riding through obstacles. They also learned how to take a tire off the rim and pump up a low tire.

THANK YOU to The Cyclery for providing bikes for the event!

Making the Park Accessible to More People

July 9, 2017, 10:25 am

≫ Next: Bike Racks on Heritage Trail

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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a beautiful place, and one of our goals is to make it more accessible to people of all levels of ability.. Our efforts are focused on awareness, training, and projects to improve access to trails … Continue reading →

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Bike Racks on Heritage Trail

July 10, 2017, 6:20 am

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Bike Rack at North Unity School Boardwalk

Bike racks built at the Glen Haven Blacksmith Shop were placed along the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. Look for these steel and black locust bike racks at the Cannery in Glen Haven, Kelderhouse Cemetery, and North Unity School as well as in front of the Blacksmith Shop.

Videos Describe Friends of Sleeping Bear

August 3, 2017, 3:08 pm

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Tired of reading? Why not watch some short video clips that describe Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes? This video playlist was developed by Libby Graves, our summer intern for social media. In a couple of minutes, you get an overview of some of our major projects and learn ways you can become an active member.

Exploring Track Chairs

August 17, 2017, 1:58 pm

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A major area of emphasis for Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is to make Park beaches and trails more accessible to people of varying abilities. We know that it is often difficult for someone to get from the parking lot to a beach or a scenic overlook. So we’ve been exploring a variety of approaches.

We have been working with the Park’s Roads and Trails crew to design a hard walkway from the handicap parking area at the Cannery in Glen Haven to the beach. This will allow families with small children, older visitors, and those in wheelchairs an easier way to get down to the beach. This walkway will be installed before Labor Day.

Track Chairs on Alligator Hill Trail

Trails in Sleeping Bear Dunes often have steep slopes or sandy soil, which makes it difficult for some visitors to experience the natural environment or get to some of the spectacular vistas that others can hike to. We’ve been exploring the possibility of purchasing a track chair to make available to visitors with limited mobility. We will be working with Park management to see if we can set up a system to make one of these chairs available in the Park by 2018.

Island View: Alligator Hill Trail on Track Chair

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A Busy Year – 2017 Accomplishments

December 7, 2017, 2:59 pm

≫ Next: Preventative Search and Rescue – PSAR

≪ Previous: Exploring Track Chairs

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The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes spent over $70,000 in support of a wide variety of projects at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The largest projects in 2017 were maintenance of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, Beach and Trail Accessibility Projects, and the snowshoe program for 4th graders. Click here to see our annual newsletter that describes some of the projects and includes a list of projects we funded. For those of you who want more details about all of the projects we funded in 2016, click here.

What’s in the Plan for 2018?

We will definitely be busy in 2018 with our ongoing volunteer programs, but there will also be several big projects that we will need your help with. We will need volunteers AND donations to accomplish these big goals next year.

• Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail – Annual Operations & Maintenance ($25,000)
• Kettles Trail in the Bow Lakes Region of the Park – We will be building trail and parking lot in 2018 ($40,000). The first part of the trail from the parking lot to an overlook at the nearest kettle will be accessible (packed crushed stone).
• A new accessible walkway and platform at the Maritime Museum beach ($15,000).
• Replacement of the dock at Bass Lake (Benzie County) and accessible trail near the lake.
• Supporting the Park’s Environmental Assessment for the Echo Valley Mt. Bike Trail.

Click here to make a donation for one of these projects or our General Fund.

Preventative Search and Rescue – PSAR

December 7, 2017, 3:29 pm

≫ Next: Casting Call for New Park Visitor Film

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PSAR Volunteers helped reduce the number of Search and Rescues in the Park by over 50%. Fewer emergencies = happier visitors! Join our PSAR team!