Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes

Last Friday, the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes received the Community Impact Award at the Governor’s Service Awards in Michigan. We couldn’t be more grateful! This incredible honor highlights the dedication of our volunteers, donors, and community members who work to preserve and protect the beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Pictured is Laura Ann Johnson, the Friends' Executive Director, with Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist and other community impact honorees. #GovernorServiceAward #FriendsOfSleepingBearDunes #CommunityImpact

Our track chair program has wrapped up another amazing season! This year, 42 people from across the country ranging in ages from 9 to 92 were able to experience more of the park using our chairs! Thank you to the many volunteers who accompanied each and every track chair user. Next year, we are adding an accessible bicycle to our accessibility program and we need volunteers to help! If you are interested in volunteering for this or any of our other programs, visit https://lnkd.in/gTZhBgdu

The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is excited to welcome Laura Ann Johnson (SHRM-CP) as our first Executive Director. Johnson, a long-time board member and volunteer, will lead our organization into a new era of growth and support of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore through increased fundraising, volunteer recruiting and retention, program and project management and community relations. Johnson comes to the organization after roles at Cherry Republic and the Leelanau Outdoor Center. Johnson was selected following the Friends' extensive, nationwide search for its first Executive Director in our 30-year history. She will start her role at the end of October. For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/gyzi2_qt #friendsofsleepingbeardunes #sleepingbeardunesnationallakeshore

The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes has added an accessible bicycle to the organization's growing accessibility program. The bicycle joins the Friends' track chair personal mobility devices that provide the opportunity for visitors who need assistance to explore designated hiking trails within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This addition continues the Friends’ efforts to provide recreational opportunities for all at the Lakeshore. Volunteers will be training with the bike over the fall and winter, with the goal of having it available for use on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail next summer. This chair was obtained through the generosity of donors to the Friends. To learn more about the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, visit https://lnkd.in/gyzi2_qt.

We are ready to welcome our first Executive Director to the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes! Apply today to guide us in support of our mission to protect resources and heighten visitor experiences in partnership with Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.