First Time Visitors
Donate
Gillette Nature Association Logo in cream

About Gillette Nature Association

Promoting Education and Experiences

Located in P.J. Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon, the Gillette Visitor Center promotes an appreciation and understanding of Michigan’s sand dunes through school field trips, public programs and special events. The park provides beach and trail access to 1,200 acres of public land which includes 10 miles of trails and three miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. As a nonprofit organization that supports the Visitor Center, we strive to provide sand dune education resources and experiences for all visitors.

Photo by Stacy Pokrywka

Stairs in the Gillette Nature center on a trail leading up the dune. Learn more at the about GNA page.
Birds eye image of Hoffmaster State Park on a sunny summer day
PJ Hoffmaster State Park, Summer 2022

our mission

The Gillette Nature Association (GNA) is a nonprofit organization of community volunteers whose mission is to promote education, conservation, and recreation opportunities for all visitors to the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park.

Photo by Tyler Leiprandt and Michigan Sky Media LLC.

meet the board

Jacob Hill

My name is Jacob Hill and I have always been an avid adventurer as well as a lover and supporter of our state parks and shorelines here in Michigan. Having studied environmental design, I have a duty to promote our parks and make sure we have the infrastructure and funding we need to keep our parks alive and welcoming for years to come!

Craig Elston

Craig is a lifelong nature enthusiast with a special interest in Michigan native plants. He is a Naturalist and Nature Photographer. His role on the GNA board is currently as Treasurer.

Stacy Pokrywka

Hello! My name is Stacy Pokrywka and I am a dedicated board member of the Gillette Nature Association at Hoffmaster State Park. I support conservation efforts, environmental education, and community engagement at the park. I have a passion for nature, hiking, Lake Michigan and a commitment to preserving Michigan’s natural beauty!

Aaron Slate

Hi, my name is Aaron Slate and I am proud to serve on the Gillette Nature Association board to help support P.J. Hoffmaster State Park. I am glad to offer help and assistance where needed, especially when it benefits prolonging our natural resource for future generations to enjoy. I enjoy being outdoors in all the seasons but I absolutely love the Winter months when there is plenty of snow. When I am not out playing in the snow, I am a Pharmacy Manager for a local independent pharmacy and Owner of a property development company.

Help Us Build the Future of the Gillette Nature Association

If you have enjoyed the Visitor Center, its programs, or the natural beauty of P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, please consider securing these legacies for future generations. Help us build our future by giving to our endowment fund at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County or make a donation as a Friend of the Park. For additional information on supporting the Association, please visit our Donation page. We are always open to exploring new ideas for the benefit of our visitors and the growth of the Gillette Nature Association.

Photo by Stacy Pokrywka

Image of the Mobi Mat® on the beach of Lake Michigan

Stay In The Loop!

Get the latest on upcoming events, trail news, and how you can get involved with Gillette – sent right to your inbox.