Huron Pines officially opens the Emily Min Hunt Nature Preserve

ALPENA, Mich. — Conservation Organization Huron Pines held a special ceremony today for the official opening of the Emily Min Hunt Nature Preserve. Located on Shubert Highway, the property was donated to Huron Pines by the Thunder Bay Audubon Society last year. Members from both organizations were present for the ribbon cutting.

The preserve is home to established trails, water features, and an old apple orchard. Executive Director for Huron Pines, Brad Jensen says COVID-19 has caused people to have more appreciation for nature, and this preserve will give the public a chance to keep exploring the outdoors. “It’s been a tough year for everybody in 2020,” he said. “We’ve seen an uptick in use of natural places and I think people have started to see maybe how that’s a little bit more important to them and enjoying the outdoors is more important than maybe we’ve otherwise understood before.”

Following the ribbon cutting, attendees hiked the trail all the way to the old orchard. Along the way, Conservation Stewardship Director, Steve Woods explained more about what can be found on the 428 acre property. He says it’s home to some of the most unique features of nature, and they expect to discover more as they explore. “I am sure there are secrets yet to be discovered in this area,” he said. “We haven’t had as much time as we’d like to really get out here and explore, and I think with the management, new things will continue to appear.”

One bonus for taking this hike is there’s a tasty treat at the end, as long as the apple orchard is in season.