HOPE Crew

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

  • Constructed: c. 1870
  • Location: Empire, Michigan

The historic Goffar Barn within the Port Oneida Rural Historic District of the Lakeshore was the focus of a HOPE Crew project in 2014. The barn, which dates back to the 1870s was in desperate need to repair. That's where Shayna, Shelby, Claire, Leticia and Dave of SEEDs Youth Conservation Corps came in. Led by crew leader Kevin Summers, these five corpsmembers made a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with preservation on their minds. Under the watchful guidance of local preservation expert, Steve Stier of the Michigan Barn Preservation Network, the group repaired the barn's failing stone masonry foundation, missing hewn wind braces, wood doors and windows, and a wood door approach ramp at the barn's entrance.

photo by: Kevin Summers

Corpsmembers from SEEDs at the Goffar Barn

“Working on the HOPE crew has taught me many new skills and opened my eyes to a number of professions that I would have never considered pursuing. I can't wait to someday bring my grandkids out to the Goffar Barn and show them all the hard work this crew and I have done.”

Shelby, corpsmember

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