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Government reopens: hot coffee brewing at Sleeping Bear Dunes visitor center

The federal government has reopened after the longest government shutdown in U.S. history—nearly one and a half months. At the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore headquarters in Empire, Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes executive director Laura Ann Johnson discovered a full parking lot this morning and hot coffee brewing inside the visitor center. “It felt so good to walk into a bustling office full of park employees again,” Johnson wrote in an email. “We are deeply grateful that the government has reopened, and we know there is much work ahead.”

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Friends of Sleeping Bear step up during government shutdown, keep trails safe, port-a-johns at Dune Climb

Three weeks into the federal government shutdown, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore visitors center in Empire remains closed, as are museum spaces and interpretive programs. However, popular destinations such as the Dune Climb and Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive are open. Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, a nonprofit partner of the Park, has raised approximately $2,500 in donations and used that to cover the cost of two porta-johns at the Dune Climb. Porta john rentals cost about $250 per month, said Friends’ executive director Laura Ann Johnson. With the National Lakeshore officially closed, and only rangers working to ensure visitor safety, the Friends have stepped up in other ways. Read more here.

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Friends of Sleeping Bear offer volunteer training

Join Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, the National Lakeshore’s nonprofit partner for a volunteer training on Sunday, May 18, from 1–3 pm at the Glen Arbor Town Hall. The Friends are kicking off the summer season with an afternoon of connection, updates, and inspiration. Come learn about volunteer opportunities and hear directly from National Lakeshore rangers and staff about what’s ahead for the Park this year.

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Meet Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes’ new director Laura Ann Johnson

The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes — a nonprofit partner organization to the National Lakeshore, which helps maintain the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail — invites the public to meet and welcome the organization’s new executive director, Laura Ann Johnson, at an event on Thursday, Feb. 20, from 4-6 pm at the Cherry Republic Public House. Help celebrate new horizons for Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes and enjoy some fellowship in the middle of this great winter. Light food and beverages will be provided by Cherry Republic.

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Blanketed in snow, it’s time to winter play in Leelanau

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Winter arrived in a hurry after Thanksgiving, and Leelanau County is covered in fluffy snow. Here’s the downhill and cross-country skiing, sledding, hiking and tubing report, as of Wednesday, Dec. 4. Drive safe, stay warm, and enjoy!

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Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes name Laura Ann Johnson first executive director

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The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes has hired Laura Ann Johnson as its first executive director. Johnson, a long-time board member and volunteer with the Friends, will be responsible for leading the organization into a new era of growth while continuing its mission of protecting resources and heightening visitor experiences in partnership with Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. In addition, longtime Friends of Sleeping Bear volunteer Kerry Kelly was honored by TART Trails with the Jim Mudgett Trail Pioneer Award.

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Glen Lake Library hosts author Jane Elder, Wilderness, Water & Rust

Author and environmentalist Jane Elder will discuss her newly published book, Wilderness, Water & Rust, at the Glen Lake Community Library in Empire on Thursday, May 30, at 7 pm. The book weaves together memories from her life in the upper Midwest with nearly 50 years of environmental policy work, presenting a unique insider’s perspective into the quest to protect the Great Lakes. 

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Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes hold annual spring safety training

Join Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes for their annual spring safety training on Saturday, May 18, from 1-3 pm at the Empire Town Hall. Those unable to attend in person can find a link here to join online. This event is a chance for volunteers to hear the latest park news and safety information from park staff.

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Cherry Republic hosts Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes fundraiser

Cherry Republic will host a Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes fundraiser on Sunday, Dec. 10, from 1-4 pm at the Cherry Public House in Glen Arbor. The Beach Bards will entertain with a fun afternoon of original (or new takes) on old songs, stories, and poems highlighting the history of the Sleeping Bear Dunes area.

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TART Trails, Friends of Sleeping Bear host open houses

TART Trails and Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes will host two summer open houses at the intersection of the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail and Glen Haven Road —on Thursday, July 27, from 11 am-1 pm, and Thursday, August 10, from 11 am-1 pm. Community members, visitors, trail users and those interested in learning more about the trail and its Pathway to Good Harbor extension are invited to stop by to talk trails.

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