Courtesy photo The cobblestone shoreline of Potters Point includes rare puddingstones.

ALPENA–Conservation nonprofit Huron Pines has launched an ambitious fundraising campaign to acquire 41 acres on Potters Point and permanently protect its ecological treasures while granting new recreation opportunities for the community of Alpena.

The property is a 15-minute drive from downtown and features wooded wetlands, 8,000 feet of undeveloped Lake Huron shoreline and panoramic views of Misery Bay. It includes rare habitats and species found only in this part of Michigan and holds great potential for activities like hiking and birdwatching, ranking it the highest priority for protection by Huron Pines. It is privately owned and for sale.

Huron Pines aims to raise $1,520,000 to buy Potters Point and manage it as a public nature preserve. Approximately $1.1 million in foundation grants and private contributions have been committed to the project so far, and Huron Pines is now asking for public support to reach the campaign goal before the end of summer.

“Along the Lake Huron shoreline are some of the most beautiful and important natural areas anywhere in Michigan, and Potters Point is one of them,” said Brad Jensen, Executive Director of Huron Pines. “Protecting it will help keep Misery Bay and the surrounding area healthy and full of life. That means better water quality, more wildlife and more places for families to explore and enjoy for generations. I think people will come to Potters Point 100 years from now and be amazed that it retained its wild character, and this campaign is how we make that happen.”

Donations to the Potters Point fundraising campaign are tax deductible and can be made at huronpines.org. Checks can be addressed to Huron Pines, 122 W Chisholm St, Alpena MI 49707. Donations can also be made by texting POTTERS to 44321 (917-999-0700 for Verizon customers).

Geographically, Potters Point forms the northern rim of Misery Bay, a shallow and rocky cove 6 miles northeast of Alpena. Neighboring state lands and an Alpena Township nature preserve give public access to unique natural features like sinkholes, earth cracks and a coastal fen. Huron Pines owns and manages 1,400 acres on Misery Bay’s southern edge and nearby Crooked Island is part of the federally protected Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Securing Potters Point would complete a connected ring of protected lands around nearly the entire bay, making it one of the most intact coastal ecosystems in the region.

Ecologically, Potters Point is home to a Great Lakes marsh complex where otters, bald eagles and Blanding’s turtles have all been observed, along with a population of dwarf lake iris, Michigan’s state wildflower. Intact coastal ecosystems like these help protect water quality and make the region more resilient to climate impacts, tree diseases, invasive species and other disturbances.

Along with having high ecological value, a nature preserve at Potters Point could potentially offer public opportunities for low-impact recreation like birdwatching and wildlife viewing, kayak access to Misery Bay and underwater resources of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and walking access along the Lake Huron shoreline. Additionally, Huron Pines and its partners could provide guided tours, volunteer events and field learning experiences for students at the preserve.

“Above all, this effort will allow people to experience a wild, intact Lake Huron shoreline many generations from now,” said Associate Director Lisha Ramsdell. “Places like Potters Point are increasingly rare and this is one of those opportunities where a community can come together and protect something that’s truly irreplaceable. Supporting this effort means investing in a resource that will continue to benefit the people and wildlife of Northeast Michigan well into the future.”

Find more information about Potters Point and Huron Pines at huronpines.org.

Huron Pines is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1973 to conserve and enhance Northern Michigan’s natural resources to ensure healthy water, protected places and vibrant communities. With offices in Gaylord and Alpena, Huron Pines strives to improve economic, environmental, educational and recreational opportunities throughout Northern Michigan. To learn more, visit huronpines.org.