About Us
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
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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.
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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.
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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
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Sam Wolfe
Co-founder | Executive Director
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Justin Grubb
Co-founder | Board President
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Breanna Hannula
Board Secretary
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Danielle Grubb
Board Member
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Brittany Novick
Board Member
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Ian Gray
Board Member
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Justin Birkhoff
Board Member
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Aly Rudy
Board Member
Impact Reports
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.