2021

Kraitz Log Cabin – this oldest structure on the mainland in the park has been taken from deterioration to almost completely restored. We will continue our work this year by contracting with a log specialist to replace more deteriorated logs with in-kind large squared and hand-hewn hemlock, complete with dove-tail joints; chinking/daubing workshop; repair and make windows and doors; install floor joists and flooring.

N. Unity School – our goal is to open this for visitors.We will carefully remove and salvage interior vertical siding stained with bat guano; clean boards; repair two logs; rebuild window replace vertical siding.

Faust Log Cabin – located at Inspiration Point, this cabin is a jewel in the National Park. There are on-going projects to tackle. The first is to add a french drain to the back of the structure to mitigate damage done to the stone foundation. Fund contractor do tuck point repair on all four chimneys that are pulling away from the sides. Windows will need re-glazing and repair. We are conducting a stress-test on the ceiling joists to detect any shifting. Rotting log ends need repair. Prune trees over the roof.

Olsen Farm – remove ramp and repair back of house; rebuild back pantry window; rehab back entry; purchase interior storm windows. Restore fruit trees on the landscape. Window glazing. Olsen barn door repair.

Interpretive signs – we have designed interpretive signs to install in windows at seven historic structures in Port Oneida.

Interior Clean up – of historic houses

Mill Hemlock Logs – at Dechow farm field

Adopt -a Farm/Landscape – check in on the farm for animal entry; fallen trees, etc.

Mowing program – helping to keep the fields cleared through our mowing program once a year of Port Oneida farmsteads. Weed-whipping and mowing around historic structures.

Port Oneida Farm implement inventory – move farm implements to appropriate planned locations.

Katie Shepard Hotel – North Manitou Island. Pending projects.

Eitzen Farm – building/repair /paint fence.

Gardening – help with vegetable, flower and berry gardens.

Adopt-a-Highway – spring and fall, we clean up the section of M-22 one mile in each direction from the Olsen Farm as an adopt-a-highway partner with MDOT.

To volunteer sign up!

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2020

MAY

May is Preservation Month!
In recognition of this nationally designated month, post on our Facebook page why preserving the park’s historic treasures is important to you. Which historical places are particularly meaningful to you throughout the country or in your home town?

May 4  Friday NPS  Volunteer project: Antique Apple Pruning Workshop – 1 pm – 4 pm
Learn the proper method of pruning fruit trees at the Miller Barn in Port Oneida, then volunteer to adopt an orchard with Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear. Wear close-toed shoes. M-22 to Port Oneida rd. and follow signs. Sponsored by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

May 4  Friday Boekeloo Log Cabin Fence Project – 4 pm
The Boekeloo cabin in the Platte River region has been restored by Historic Sleeping Bear. Last year we continued the restoration by replacing the deteriorated fence. This year we complete the handrail.

JUNE

June  – October Olsen Farm Gardens Restoration

Planting and Maintaining
We’re completing stage 2 of our garden restoration at the Olsen Farm/Port Oneida Farms Heritage Center. We’re enlarging our vegetable garden, and are restoring the perennial gardens. Also, we have tilled the field and are preparing the soil for restoring 4-5 rows of the raspberry patch to be planted next spring! If you are interested in helping our Master Gardeners, please email us at phsb@centurytel.net!

June 8 Friday Adopt-a-Highway – 9:30 – 10:30 am
Help with our bi-annual MDOT adopt-a-highway clean-up of the roadsides and fields along M-22 in Port Oneida to keep it looking beautiful. Meet at the Olsen Farmstead, 3164 W. Harbor Hwy (M-22), 4 miles north of Glen Arbor. It would be helpful to email us at phsb@leelanau.com if you’re coming.

June 14-15 Cleaning out Farmhouse Interiors – 10 am – 4 pm
Help prepare the historic properties for tours, by removing invasive vegetation at the Burfiend farm, and clearing out of several barns and farmhouses. Sign up for as much time as you want. To register, email us at phsb@centurytel.net.

June 18  TCAPS Cleaning Out Farmhouse Interiors – 10 am – 4 pm

June 22-23 9 am – 4 pm Garden Fencing  and Barn Storage  – continuing with restoration of the Olsen garden we’ll be installing fencing around the gardens. Also building wood storage racks in the barn to make room for artifacts. Additional dates will be available to complete the project. Email us at phsb@centurytel.net to sign up. If you are interested, please email us at phsb@centurytel.net.

June 18-24 NPS Barn Workshop Brunson Barn – 9 am each day

The workshop will address repairing: Stone Masonry Walls, Rough Sawn Barn Floors, Hewn Building Sills, There is no cost to participants. Tools and materials will be provided. Participants can sign up for any number of days. Please email Kimberly_Mann@nps.gov.

June 30 Saturday 9 am – 3:30 pm  Preservation Project Demo 

As part of the “Celebrate Historic Sleeping Bear” event, volunteers will demonstrate our preservation work at the Howard Burfiend farm repair the privy and do some other cleaning out of the building. The Burfiend Farm is 4 miles northeast of Glen Arbor. Turn off of M-22 onto Port Oneida Road. Go about 1 mile. Two white farmhouses are on the left side. Please sign up by emailing phsb@leelanau.com.

JULY

CANCELLED/WILL TAKE PLACE LATER IN JULY Olsen Farm Stand  – continuing with restoration of the Olsen garden we’ll be building the new farm stand at the farm. Additional dates will be available to complete the project. Email us at phsb@centurytel.net to sign up. If you are interested, please email us at phsb@centurytel.net.

July 12-14 Kraitz Log Cabin Preservation Project – 9:30 am – 4 pm          

The next step in our restoration of this log cabin will be to remove the floor and non-historic hearth and  put in a french drain on one side,  install the upstairs window, and assess floor joists. Register at phsb@leelanau.com. Bring a lunch, water, and wear closed-toed shoes. The cabin is located at off of M-22 on county road 669 Bohemian rd. on the east side near school lake. Please register here.

July 13 Ken-Tuck-U-Inn Volunteer Clean-up Project – 9 am – 2 pm

This historic building is located in Benzie County and has a long history of accommodating tourists. We’re cleaning it up for a tour on July 19th. Register here.

AUGUST

Date TBD N. Unity School Preservation Project – 9:30 am – 4 pm

August 17-26  Volunteer Preservation Project – North Manitou Island
Our 10th trip to North Manitou to work on preservation projects on Cottage Row, a series of resort cottages sitting along the bluff, from the 1800s. Come for a minimum of 3 nights or more. opportunities for hikes and beautiful sunsets!  Limited beds this year. Fills up quickly and preference is given to previous volunteers so sign up soon. Camping an option. Ferry and housing on the island provided. Volunteer now!

For programs, events, and tours go to our Programs and Events tab on the main menu.