Happy New Year from all of us at Friends! Many of us are grateful to have 2020 behind us, but 2020 set many records. July 2020 had a record number of visitors 592,000. Overall, 1,697,940 visitors were counted through the end of November 2020, breaking the 2016 record of 1,683,553 visitors which coincided with the National Park Service’s centennial anniversary. We appreciated the ability to enjoy these wide open spaces, beaches, trails and forests even during this difficult time and look forward to seeing you all in 2021.
A big thanks to everyone who purchased 50th anniversary logo wear! We had 1,112 orders totaling 2,519 shirts! We look forward to seeing the swag around the National Lakeshore, the country, and maybe even the world. Pictured to the Left is the Myer family, Ron, Celia, and their daughters Liberty and Lincoln took their new Bear Logo Shirts climbing Sharp Top Mountain in their home state of Virginia. The last shipment went out Dec. 30th and those who ordered should have received a shipping tracking number from Pogo – shipping is expected to take up to 20 days. Email Pogo with questions.
Can’t Make It To the Park, Visit Virtually
If you have already headed south for the winter or if the winter temps keep you indoors we have an app to cure those Sleeping Bear blues. Did you know Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has a mobile app? You can visit the park virtually through their mobile app, youtube channel, or virtual museum. There are many ways to stay connected to your favorite National Lakeshore this winter.
Prehistoric remains were found in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Read more about these findings in this Mlive article. The remains were found back in 2017 by a visitor walking the beach at an undisclosed location. After the remains were finally turned in to park rangers, forensic analysis showed they were most likely of a Native American person and prehistoric in age. The Lakeshore is consulting with Indian Tribes to return the remains to the appropriate group(s).
Winter on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is special and can be enjoyed by all who enjoy a variety of winter activities. Friends volunteers groom the trail whenever the lakeshore receives fresh snow and temperatures are expected to stay below freezing. To sign up for email updates about the trail grooming subscribe to our special e-newsletter by filling out this form.
New Trail report page: https://friendsofsleepingbear.org/sleeping-bear-heritage-trail/winter-trail-report/
You can view a recording of the 2020 Annual Membership Meeting and/or sign up for our monthly meeting notifications. Signing up will give you the Zoom access information so you can participate remotely.
Email us at secretary@friendsofsleepingbear.org
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