NORTHEAST MICHIGAN – Huron Pines has inaugurated a robust $1 million fundraising campaign, geared towards fortifying conservation initiatives in communities throughout Northeast Lower Michigan. The Community-Driven Conservation Campaign will extend until 2024 and was officially launched on Sept. 12, coinciding with the 50th-anniversary festivities of Huron Pines in Elmira, Michigan.
The crux of this fundraising endeavor lies in accumulating unrestricted capital that can be channeled into a multiplicity of grassroots conservation activities.
These include but are not limited to land protection, enhancements to public recreational spaces, and measures to improve water quality. Executive Director Brad Jensen stated,
“Our vision embodies a multi-faceted approach to conservation, harmonizing community, economic viability, cultural richness, and environmental stewardship to induce sustainable change.”
The campaign will impact several critical areas:
- Using science to benefit the community: Funds will be employed to facilitate cooperation between private landowners, government agencies, and local volunteers. The objective is to augment habitat restoration efforts and ensure effective monitoring of endangered species.
- Ensuring long-term health Lake Huron: Huron Pines is an instrumental part of the Lake Huron Forever initiative. The campaign aims to elevate the role of local
A $1 million Community Driven Conservation campaign will assist Huron Pines with emerging programs such as habitat monitoring efforts for piping plover, an endangered shorebird, along the Lake Huron coast. governments in Alpena, Rogers City, East Tawas, and others in mitigating stormwater pollution affecting Lake Huron.
- Safeguard existing parks: The organization is intensifying its land preservation activities to satisfy the community’s demand for safeguarded natural territories and public parks. They are collaborating with municipal bodies to leverage both state and federal funding for land protection.
This fundraising campaign complements the organization’s existing grant-based financial model, enabling swifter action in instances requiring immediate intervention, such as opportunistic land acquisitions or crucial infrastructure projects. Development Director Heather Huffstutler emphasized, “This campaign serves as a pivotal framework that amplifies our capacity to undertake transformative work in Northern Michigan.”
For those interested in contributing, tax-deductible donations can be made through Huron Pines’ website at huronpines.org/donate.
