We finally got some much needed rain this past week and are excited for the sun to return and the Fourth of July weekend to commence. July kicks off the launch of our NEW book, Picture-Perfect Sleeping Bear! As well as NEW 50th anniversary logo wear. Keep reading for more information as well as an informative blog about ticks and how to protect yourself from them.
Enjoying the 4th of July in Northern Michigan is a tradition for many. Please keep in mind fireworks, firecrackers or any other pyrotechnic items are not allowed in Sleeping Bear Dunes. Rangers can write tickets for setting off fireworks and fireworks can spark wildfires, disrupt other visitors and wildlife, and leave trash behind.
Catch us at the Glen Arbor 4th of July Parade!
The Friends will be walking and carrying our banner, wearing your orange vests and possibly some new 50th Anniversary Logo Wear. We will also be driving the Trackchair along the way.
Photo from MLive Article, Tick Explosion Underway in Michigan.
Park Rangers at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are adding ticks to their list of things to keep an eye on and educate visitors about this summer season. Ticks are out throughout the park and there is a grave concern about tick-borne illnesses being contracted on our trails. Some of these little guys, who hitchhike on bushes, tall grasses and other vegetation, are so small that they are not visible to the human eye or are extremely difficult to spot. They can be smaller than poppy seeds!… keep reading Sherry Gigous (FSBD Volunteers) tick blog here: Tick Warning for the 2021 Season
Cover of the NEW Book, Picture Perfect Sleeping Bear, by the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes. All Sales fundraised go to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park projects.
Pre-order Picture-Perfect Sleeping Bear today.
Hundreds of pictures tell the stories. Picture-Perfect Sleeping Bear contains a delightful collection of photographs and stories submitted by locals and visitors to the Sleeping Bear Dunes Area. Order today for shipping in early July or save shipping and handling and pick up your copies at the book signing party at Cherry Republic, Glen Arbor, July 11th, 2-4 pm.
The Preventive Search and Rescue Team (PSAR) volunteers interact with visitors at the Dune Climb and at the Pierce Stocking Lake Michigan Overlook to inform them of the risks that the dunes can present to the unprepared. PSAR is looking to provide more coverage of critical areas to further enhance the safety of visitors to Sleeping Bear. Last year was the busiest season on record for Sleeping Bear. During that time, there were fewer calls for service and fewer actual rescues than at any time since PSAR was formed. We are looking for outgoing volunteers who have a love and knowledge of the Park. Learn more on our program page.
Please contact either Jesse Lewit PSAR Coordinator jlewit1128@gmail.com or Mike Kohl National Park Service-PSAR michael_kohl@partner.nps.gov if you are interested in volunteering.
Join us for Search and Rescue Day at the Dunes On July 31, details to be announced. The highlight will be a robotic rescue system called EMILY where volunteers will get to learn how to operate it. The goal is to provide additional service on the water when the National Weather Service issues a Beach Warning for portions of Leelanau or Benzie County that fall within Sleeping Bear.
This round we are offering favorites for the summer season on the lake, including zip-up fleece hoodies, 100% cotton tees, and a beach tote with a zip closure that can fit all the necessities for a day at the beach.
Pictured are our sport tech options which come in both short sleeve and long sleeve for women and unisex fit. These relaxed fit shirts are made from moisture-wicking fabric in white which allows for sun protection while out and active. Don’t the bright colors of the Anniversary Bear Logo just pop! All items also include our Friends of Sleeping Bear insignia to show your support for our amazing organization.
Track Chair Program: Participants and Volunteers Needed
The Track Chair is a personal mobility device, a tracked wheelchair that enables access to rustic trails and gorgeous park features. The Track Chair Program is officially up and running with our first Park Visitor going out on Friday, July 2nd! Please check our webpage at trackchair.org for available dates and times. And, as always we are looking for volunteers that would like to join our Visitors on the trail, and others that might be willing to help with reservations.
The bicycle maintenance station with tools and air pump has been installed at the Dune Climb near the bike racks at the Donor Plaza. There is another one in DH Day campground near the vault toilet. Two additional repair stations will be installed by next week in Glen Haven near the Sleeping Bear Inn garage & at the Empire Voice/Bar Lake Road trailhead.
You can find out more about this project and others to support the SBHT on our website.
It’s been a beautiful summer for Yoga on the Beach. Join us with Amy from Yoga on the Beach NMI every Friday Morning at 10 am from through July and August.
UPDATE for this year – classes will be healed at the Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum, just to the west of the Cannery.
Learn more on the Yoga on the Beach Program Page of our website.
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