Michigan club steeped in tradition, environmental commitments

Large gated entrance to environmental club

Enbridge grants support efforts

August 7, 2024

Now sprawling across 36,000 acres in Michigan, more than 100 miles of trails combine with rivers, trout streams, ponds and small lakes to form a Michigan club steeped in tradition and buoyed by its commitment to the environment.

Nearing its 100-year anniversary, the Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club (HSC) in Engadine, Mackinac County, has five miles of Lake Michigan frontage on land previously used by lumber companies for timbering. Prior to the arrival of the lumber companies, the Ojibwa Indians lived on the land, and the names on many of HSC’s initial structures reflect the presence of the Ojibwa Indians.

While HSC is dedicated to providing numerous recreational, exploration and sporting activities for its members, HSC has an equally strong commitment to being good stewards of the environment.

"We all need to consider supporting organizations that protect our natural resources like lakes, ponds, and wilderness. It’s not only for today, but also for years to come, so these natural treasures can be enjoyed by our children and grandchildren.”

—Lauren Brown, Enbridge’s community engagement manager in northern Michigan

“HSC covers a large expanse of land that houses natural lakes and ponds,” said Lauren Brown, an Enbridge community engagement advisor.

“Preserving the wilderness, forestland and natural resources enjoyed by generations of its members is inherent to HSC.”

Protecting watersheds, nature for years to come

To Brown’s point, HSC created a foundation that administers funds for the protection of natural resources on HSC grounds as well as the Upper Peninsula overall.

The HSC Foundation often collaborates with the community and environmental organizations on projects to improve natural habitats and address various environmental issues, including those facing watersheds.

“I really treasure the partnership between the HSC Foundation and Enbridge as we work together to plan and resolve the many environmental problems that presently exist and new ones that will arise,” said Dick Pershinske, President of HSC Foundation Inc.

Group of people on bridge over water From left, Dick Pershinske, President of HSC Foundation Inc, Pat Schiefer, Secretary/Treasurer of HSC Foundation Inc, Karen Marshall, President of Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club, with her dog, Jocko, and Enbridge’s Lauren Brown share a moment at the club.

A lake nestled in a beautiful forest The Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club encompasses 36,000 acres of land, with trails, rivers, trout streams, ponds and small lakes, in northern Michigan.

To date, the HSC Foundation has worked with the Lake Superior Watershed Partnership and Land Trust, Inc., as well as the Millecoquins River Watershed MiCorps Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program.

For the past three years, Enbridge has supported the HSC Foundation’s efforts, awarding more than $10,000 in Fueling Futures grants related to its work with the Millecoquins River Watershed.
Since at least 2009, the Millecoquins River Watershed MiCorps Volunteer Stream Monitoring Program has strived to foster stewardship and surveillance of the watershed. It also obtains data that assesses water quality and potential sources of impact.

“The HSC Foundation mirrors not only the environmental values of Enbridge, it also fosters the spirit of collaboration with various organizations,” said Brown.

“Its work will continue to have a positive impact on our waterways, land and natural habitats overall.”