Lake Huron Forever Partners Celebrated in Alpena

Alpena, Mich. on the shores of Lake Huron’s Thunder Bay in September 2025

Successful movements like the Lake Huron Forever initiative need energetic leaders and motivated, grassroots partners. We have both in the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan (CFNEM) and the City of Alpena, whom we honored with special awards presented during a celebration Nov. 5 in Alpena.

Receiving the first-ever Lake Huron Forever Champion Award was CFNEM, presented by Huron Pines’ Abigail Ertel who praised the foundation for leading the movement since day one, hosting the first One Water Gathering in Alpena and building a model for annual partner meetings across the initiative, and for defraying expenses so more communities can join the initiative, among many other contributions.

CFNEM Executive Director Patrick Heraghty (l) celebrates with Mayor Cindy Johnson in June 2024 after the City of Alpena joined the Lake Huron Forever initiative.

“All of the work Lake Huron Forever does in the region and across the Lake Huron basin would not be as impactful without strong local relationships and grassroots support to sustain our collective vision,” Ertel said. “CFNEM is community and they willingly bring their connections and culture to Lake Huron Forever. They are with the initiative every step of the way energizing, leading, organizing, making connections and hyping the work.”

Abigail Ertel (l) presents the Lake Huron Forever Champion Award to Patrick Heraghty.

Accepting the Lake Huron Forever Champion Award on behalf of CFNEM was their Executive Director, Patrick Heraghty.

"Our mighty Lake Huron faces pressure from many, many directions,” Heraghty said, “but together through care, collaboration and commitment, we can continue to protect its waters, its shorelines and its spirit."

The City of Alpena received the first Community Conservation Leadership Award, presented by Huron Pines’ Samantha Nellis to Montiel Birmingham, City Planning, Development, and Zoning Director. The City joined the initiative in 2023 and quickly began implementing projects which protect water quality and engage their community in conservation, including most recently the installation of rain and pollinator gardens at Bay View Park.

Montiel Birmingham, Alpena City Planning, Development, and Zoning Director, installs native plants in a pollinator garden at Bay View Park in October 2025.

Samantha Nellis (l) awards the Community Conservation Leadership Award to Montiel Birmingham with the City of Alpena.

“These actions don’t happen by accident but local leaders, city staff and residents care deeply about their environment and are willing to put in the work to protect it,” Nellis said. “The City of Alpena has shown that effective conservation is not just about restoring habitats or building infrastructure, it’s about building community—fostering partnerships, inspiring stewardship and creating a culture of care for the natural world.”

Congratulations to Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan and the City of Alpena on their accolades!

The next Lake Huron Forever Peer Learning Circle will be held virtually at 11:00am Dec. 4. It will highlight the Lake Huron Forever Pledge Program and include a Q&A panel discussion featuring local leaders from some of the pledge communities. Click below to register.