Northern Michigan–Huron Pines is inviting the public to celebrate the arrival of spring with events at its two Alpena-area nature preserves June 3 and 4. The spring openers will include meet-and-greets with Huron Pines staff, self-led nature scavenger hunts and guided hikes on preserve trails.

Attendees will learn the background and natural history of the preserves and how these public places fit into the conservation nonprofit’s broader land-protection efforts. Guided hikes will begin one hour into each event, and attendees will also get an introduction to using Seek and iNaturalist, mobile apps which help users explore and document their nature observations.

“This is our way of welcoming people to our preserves at the time of year when they see the most use,” said Heather Huffstutler, Land Protection Director for Huron Pines. “The preserves are here for the public to enjoy and we want to show visitors why these places are special in a way that’s fun for the whole family.”

Event dates and details are as follows:

Friday June 3, Emily Min Hunt Preserve, 3-5pm

This 428-acre preserve was donated to Huron Pines in 2019 by Thunder Bay Audubon Society. Look for songbirds, salamanders, trout lilies and other wildflowers during a hike to the apple orchard. See the early results of invasive-plant removals to restore the unique and geologically rare limestone glade landscape.

Emily Min Hunt Preserve is located 2 miles west of US-23 on Schubert Highway, a 20-minute drive north of Alpena.

Saturday June 4, Hubbard Lake Nature Preserve, 10am-12pm

Donated to Huron Pines in 2018, Hubbard Lake Nature Preserve consists of 80 acres of wooded hills on the northern shore of Hubbard Lake. Visitors can see sweet fern, witchhazel and numerous ridges left behind by the glaciers which carved the Great Lakes millennia ago.

Hubbard Lake Nature Preserve is located at 720 Holiday Inn Road, just south of the community of Hubbard Lake on Churchill Point.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP at huronpines.org/events.

Lake Huron Coastal Preserve in Iosco County is also open to the public, and Alabaster Township may offer guided tours of the preserve later this season.

Support for these events is provided by Consumers Energy Foundation as part of the Huron Pines Protect Wild Places program.

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.