Cultivating a thriving environment for Mason County.
A community of neighbors planting native gardens, sweeping beaches, teaching kids to be good stewards of the environment, and protecting the wild places we share along the Lake Michigan shore, since 1990.
Find us across Mason County.
Explore how you can get plugged into AFFEW projects and local efforts:
Recycle locally
From electronics to paint to batteries, every drop-off spot in Mason County, mapped and sorted by what they take.
Shop sustainable
Coffee, farms, makers, and shops in Mason County that share our values, and would love your patronage.
Get your hands in it
Beach sweeps, invasive plant removals, native plant sales. Find an event close to home, most run 2-3 hours.
Explore habitats
Native plant restorations, protected dunes, the Pere Marquette watershed, the places worth knowing.
The things we show up for.
The Native Plant Sale is our signature spring event
Each June, AFFEW partners with Mason County Garden Club to bring native plants, the kind pollinators actually need, to the Mason County community. Proceeds fund Household Hazardous Waste Day and year-round programming.
U Dig It Community Garden
Organic, sustainable plots and a summer youth program. Excess produce supports local food security.
Earth Day Celebration
Workshops, kids’ activities, family hikes, and green enterprise booths.
Beach Sweep
Monthly summer cleanups protecting our Lake Michigan shoreline at Stearns Park.
Invasive Plant Removal
Numerous volunteer opportunities at Cartier Park from spring through fall.
Household Hazardous Waste Day
Every August with Mason-Lake Conservation District, keeping dangerous materials out of our watershed across three counties.
October 22 · Featured Event
Annual Member Event
More ways to show up
News & perspectives
AFFEW In-Person Native Plant Sale
U Dig It Summer Youth Program Returns
Invasive Species Removal at Cartier Park
There's a place for you at AFFEW.
Ten minutes or ten years, every Friend of the Environment helps Mason County thrive. Pick your path.
Make a donation
Every gift is tax-deductible, AFFEW is a 501(c)(3) organization, EIN 38-2915473. Your contribution funds programming, partnerships, and stewardship across Mason County.
Become a member
Join 100+ friends powering local environmental work. Memberships include early event access, our newsletter, and a vote at our annual meeting.
Volunteer with us
Beach sweeps, garden plots, invasive removals, Earth Day booths, hazardous waste days. Find a role that fits your skills, schedule, and curiosity.
News from the shoreline, delivered.
Monthly updates on upcoming events, volunteer days, and West Michigan environmental highlights.
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