NORTHEAST MICHIGAN — Environmental conservation nonprofit Huron Pines will increase their coastal presence by opening an Alpena office in early 2020. The Gaylord-based organization serves twelve counties across the northeastern lower peninsula. An increased focus on the Lake Huron coast has emerged in response to needs and opportunities expressed by local partners in recent years. An Alpena location allows Huron Pines to advance their coastal resource protection efforts while building on existing projects and relationships in Alpena and surrounding communities like Rogers City, Harrisville and Hillman.
The office will house two new full-time employees with additional space for existing Huron Pines staff to work from Alpena. In addition to bringing job opportunities to the area, the new office will provide the community with more access to staff expertise, on-the-ground environmental support and educational programming. The Alpena location will also make it easier for Huron Pines to strengthen existing partnerships and develop new ones across the region.
“The more we get to know the communities we serve, the more we can understand their needs and challenges,” Brad Jensen, Huron Pines Executive Director, said. “Listening and learning from the people who are passionate about these places will lead to more informed project decisions and better, more sustainable results.”
Several major land protection projects are already in motion in the Alpena area. In 2019, Huron Pines opened its first nature preserve in Hubbard Lake and acquired a second preserve property in Presque Isle County. In 2020 Huron Pines will hold a conservation easement to protect four miles of coastal shoreline on Alpena’s North Point Peninsula.
Huron Pines is actively seeking funding and support to establish the Alpena office and expand programming in the area. If you would like to learn more about the Alpena office, please contact Brad Jensen at brad@huronpines.org or (989) 448-2293.
For more information about the two posted positions, Coastal Project Manager and Communications Associate, visit huronpines.org/jobs
