Alpena Community Celebrates North Point Nature Preserve Grand Opening

We welcomed many friends, supporters and neighbors to North Point Nature Preserve June 10 for a grand opening celebration and to explore the ecological significance of the property now under the permanent protection of Huron Pines.

For most of our visitors, this was the first time they had experienced the remarkable beauty and rugged nature of North Point, where dune and cobblestone shorelines along Lake Huron give way to fragrant pine and cedar forests. Guests made two guided stops at the preserve, led by staff from Huron Pines, The Nature Conservancy and Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, where they learned about the geological and human history of the peninsula and why its protection is so important, then enjoyed some time to explore at their own pace.

The preserve lies five miles east of Alpena and comprises the middle portion of North Point Peninsula, a natural prominence on the northern edge of Thunder Bay. It features four miles of undeveloped coastline and is home to carnivorous plants, globally rare ecosystems and dozens of species of migratory birds, making it one of the most ecologically diverse places in the Great Lakes region.

Throughout the day we saw threatened Pitcher’s thistle growing on sand dunes, found fossils and puddingstones on the beach, and had the pleasure of meeting new folks from the Alpena area who came out to celebrate with us. We also witnessed the sudden changes in weather Thunder Bay is known for, as the first rain shower in weeks closed out our final tour of the day.

Acquired by The Nature Conservancy in 2017, ownership of the 1,384acre North Point tract was transferred to Huron Pines at the end of 2022 for permanent protection and stewardship as a nature preserve. Stewarding this special place fits well within Huron Pines’ values of securing a better future for Lake Huron and preserving undeveloped lands for the benefit of native plants, wildlife, and all residents and visitors of Northern Michigan.

“This was an ecology-driven acquisition but the prospect of getting people out here to experience it made it a compelling package,” said Helen Taylor, Director of The Nature Conservancy in Michigan, as she walked the beach that afternoon. “It’s in good hands, and it’s in safe hands.”

North Point Nature Preserve lies within the 4,300-square-mile Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (TBNMS) which preserves 100 historic shipwrecks dating back to the 1800s and serves as a destination for those seeking to explore the maritime heritage and culture of the region. Public events and engagement at the preserve are led in cooperation with TBNMS and its affiliated nonprofit organization, Friends of TBNMS. Because access to the preserve is through a private easement, visits are limited to guided experiences like this one.

“This has been a marvelous day to get folks out here, especially the people of Alpena,” said Brad Jensen, Executive Director of Huron Pines. “We’re working on ways to have more opportunities for people to explore this place with us.”

Thank you to all who have had a hand in protecting North Point Nature Preserve forever, and to all who joined us in celebration of this special place.