Huron Pines purchases Potters Point
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ALPENA -- Huron Pines, a conservation group based in Northeast Michigan, purchased Potters Point, 41 acres of land along Misery Bay, on Friday. This was achieved through a fundraising campaign that was launched in the spring of this year.
The property is a 15-minute drive from downtown Alpena and features wooded wetlands, 8,000 feet of undeveloped Lake Huron shoreline, and panoramic views of Misery Bay, according to Huron Pines. The property includes rare habitats and species found only in this part of Michigan. The property was previously privately owned.
Brenda Herman, Huron Pines development director, said that Huron Pines was interested in purchasing the Potters Point because it completes a "ring" of Huron Pines land ownership around Misery Bay. She explained that this will make the organization's conservation efforts more effective.
"Protecting Potters Point would complete a ring around Misery Bay," she said. "The property really interested Huron Pines because of its high conservation value."
Huron Pines' fundraising campaign aimed to raise $1.52 million which would pay for the land and then future upkeep and improvements. Herman stated that the property's final price was $965,000 and the organization has $19,883 left to fundraise.
"We are excited we were able to purchase it," Herman said. "We have a little bit left to go before any big celebration."
She added that the goal is to establish Potters Point as a public nature preserve which is open from dusk until dawn. Because of the close proximity to downtown Alpena, Herman said that it will be a convenient spot for light recreational activity such as hiking, kayaking, and educational programming.
Right now, Huron Pines is holding off opening the land to the public until staff can improve trails, parking, and the building on the property. Herman explained that leadership is considering opening the building on the property as a learning center for educational opportunities.
She added that Huron Pines will likely make an official announcement of Potters Point opening to the public in the spring of 2027.
"Our plan is to make this a nature preserve that will be open to the public," she said. "We will be making an announcement in the spring. We are asking folks not to visit it right now."
Overall, Herman said that making Potters Point a public nature preserve will ensure its ecological contributions to the region remain intact. She said that it will be an asset to the community.
"Its a really beautiful location. It’s really going to be a gem for the community," Herman stated. "It's so close to town but you feel like you're in a different world."
Herman stressed the importance of recognizing the uniqueness of Northeast Michigan landscapes and preserving its ecosystem for generations to come. She added that making Potters Point a public nature preserve is a step in that direction.
"A lot of us think, 'We have Lake Huron, it will always be here.' We can't guarantee that," she said.
She added that if Potters Point had been purchased and developed for commercial or residential purposes, "there is no putting it back to where it once was."
Herman said that Huron Pines has received support from across the state in its fundraising campaign and that the organization is appreciative of the individuals who continue to support and further its mission to conserve Northeast Michigan ecosystems for generations.
"We were overwhelmed by the support," she said. "Folks really appreciate the natural resources here."
Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.