Mission
We are dedicated to protecting the Great Lakes and preserving their rich maritime history.
About Us
Thousands of miles of deep blue water in Thunder Bay are home to an estimated 200 shipwrecks, with nearly 100 identified to date. Majestic lighthouses, life-saving stations, and harbors further serve witness to the rich maritime history of Thunder Bay. Key to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s mission is protecting the Great Lakes and educating the public about these vast fresh waters and priceless treasures that rest along Lake Huron’s northwestern shores and bottomlands. Providing local support for the sanctuary’s mission is the driving force behind the Friends of TBNMS.
Established in 2010 by local community leaders, the Friends of TBNMS is a nonprofit 501(c)3. Its founders envisioned the significant opportunity the sanctuary offered for protecting our Great Lakes and their rich maritime history, hands-on educational experiences for area students, and local economic development. Today, that vision has become a reality with the Friends of TBNMS sharing a close working relationship with the sanctuary staff, playing a critical role in funding the sanctuary’s education programs, community outreach efforts, unique museum experiences, and research.
Alpena, MI 49707
Projects
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Other Partnerships
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan's Rogers City Arts and Education Fund, through the generosity of Beach and Marianne Hall, is providing $1,000 a school year to help cover transportation costs for Rogers City school groups to participate in place-based environmental education opportunities. Public and parochial schools are encouraged to collaborate when planning trips to provide as many students as possible the opportunity to have a great place-based learning experience. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis to school groups from throughout Presque Isle County.
The application process is easy. Just complete this "Transportation Funding Request" and email it to Katie Wolf at kwolf@thunderbayfriends.org. If you have questions, you can send an email to Katie or call her at 989-884-6210. This funding opportunity is being coordinated by the Friends of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and will be ongoing, from school year to school year for the foreseeable future.