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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is fortunate to have more than 700 people volunteer to work in the park each year.  All volunteer activity is appreciated, but the Friends does work that can't be done by individuals.  It obtains and administers grants and memorial funds which individuals, companies and other organizations wish to provide for the benefit of the park.  The tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status of the Friends makes it possible for individuals to make gifts of cash or property (physical items or real estate) and allows the donors to claim legitimate tax deductions. 

Mission

Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is a nonprofit organization established in 1994 to assist in the preservation, restoration, and interpretation of the natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. 

Historical Background

On April 7, 1994 a core group of people interested in supporting the National Park Service in managing and developing the natural and historic resources of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore met to discuss the need for a non-profit organization.   The following people attended:  Dr. G. Franklin Zaring, John Abbett, Paul Benington, and William Merry.  On May 4, 1994 at a public meeting attended by 20 people, Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes was formed.

Typical Activities

In the time since inception, the Friends have worked closely with the National Park Service to identify projects that will enhance the public enjoyment of the park.  You can see a description of some of the projects that have been completed, the ones that are currently active, and some future projects by visiting the Projects page.  Friends publishes the Drifting Sands Newsletter, which updates members and friends about current projects and includes some interesting stories about the park or historical background on the area.  Visit the Newsletters page to read the current or past newsletters.

Volunteers from the Friends are involved in the following activities on a routine basis:

• manage the Adopt-A-Trail program established in 1999
• lead natural history walks
• participate in the bird census
• conduct Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive tours
• help to staff the Visitor Center Information Desk, Maritime Museum, and the Cannery Boat Museum in Glen Haven
• assist park administrative operations.

Any Questions?  Contact Web Page Editor  231-421-1645