Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes holds annual volunteer training
From staff reports
The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is offering a general training session for new and returning volunteers June 11 at the Empire Town Hall. Join more than 700 dedicated Friends members who protect the resources and enhance visitor experiences at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore each year.
At 1 pm, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore superintendent Scott Tucker will offer a lakeshore update and discuss COVID restrictions. Law enforcement ranger Andy Blake, and volunteer coordinator Matt Mohrman will provide guidance on:
- volunteer safety,
- how to interact with visitors,
- what to do if you have questions or witness an emergency.
The new park premier film, Water, Sand, and Sky, will be shown at 12:15 pm. Immediately following the 1 pm general session, there will be break out sessions for Adopt-A Beach, Adopt-A-Trail, Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail (SBHT) Ambassadors, BARK Rangers, and Track Chair volunteers. The 1 pm general session will also be available on Zoom. Check the Friends website for log in instructions closer to the event.
Whether you are only “up north” for a week or two, all summer, or year-round, there are volunteer opportunities for all abilities, ages, and interests. Those who like to volunteer on their own schedule, often sign up as Adopt-A-Beach/Trail/River volunteers or as SBHT Ambassadors. These dedicated volunteers answer visitor questions and make sure our beaches, trails, and rivers are clean. Those looking for more involvement, often volunteer as SBHT Crew or Preventive, Search, and Rescue volunteers.
When asked why he volunteers for the park, Kerry Kelly, past Chairperson stated, “I love to hike the trails, walk the beaches, and ride my bike on the Heritage Trail, but to do the things I love with a purpose—to keep the areas I love clean and safe or to make a visitor’s experience a positive memory is even better. Volunteering at Sleeping Bear Dunes has given me the opportunity to learn a lot about our natural resources and local history. I’ve also learned new skills—like blacksmithing! I’ve met so many wonderful people while volunteering —park staff and other volunteers as well as visitors from all over the world.”
The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. For more information about the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, volunteer opportunities at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and Zoom log in instructions for the 1 pm general training session on June 11, visit friendsofsleepingbear.org.
