About Us

Our Mission

To rehabilitate and restore Northern Michigan's wildlife and to connect people to nature.

Our Vision

We envision a thriving community of wildlife and habitats, and environmental stewards in Northern Michigan.

 
 

Our Purpose

Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund will be a leader in Northern Michigan in supporting wildlife through rehabilitation services and sanctuary, through wildlife research and population restoration programs, and by working with the community through inspiring educational programs to nurture relationships with nature.

Our Three Pillars of Impact

  • Rehabilitation

    Through rehabilitation, we serve wildlife that has been injured or severely disrupted by human interaction, often referred to as human-wildlife conflict. We take every opportunity to reduce human-wildlife conflict by offering guidance to the community on how to deal with possible sick or injured wildlife. If mediation is required, we work with professionals to treat the animal to prepare it for release back into the wild when possible.

  • Restoration

    Through restoration, we connect with statewide and local coalitions to support, innovate, and lead on programs to proactively support wildlife populations in their natural habitat and to restore wild landscapes to optimal quality for rehabilitated and reared animals to return to.

  • Education

    Through education, we lead wildlife-centric education, outreach, and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike of all ages to learn best practices of wildlife interaction, importance of conservation, and respect for nature. In support of rehabilitation, we serve employees, volunteers, and partners through intensive staff training and career development opportunities.

Our leadership team

  • Sam Wolfe

    Co-founder | Executive Director

  • Justin Grubb

    Co-founder | Board President

  • Breanna Hannula

    Board Secretary

  • Danielle Grubb

    Board Member

  • Brittany Novick

    Board Member

  • Ian Gray

    Board Member

  • Justin Birkhoff

    Board Member

  • Aly Rudy

    Board Member

Impact Reports

2022/23 Impact Report by Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund

Take a look at our first two years of impact by exploring our 2022/2023 Impact Report.

Our first season was a busy one with a lot of patients. We took in 23 different species from Antrim, Benzie, Emmett, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Montcalm, Newaygo, Osceola and Wexford Counties. With our dedicated team and network, we were able to assist 142 animals, whether through rehabilitation, transfer to additional services, or through humane treatment.

Landscape and Indigenous Acknowledgement

We recognize that our organization is built on Anishinaabe lands and that our namesake is directly related to indigenous folklore.

We share gratitude for the care and stewardship of the land over past generations and our sincerest goal is to continue this stewardship so that future generations may continue to have close connections with wildlife and their environment.