Michigan Nature Association Spring 2014 Volume 63 Issue 1
magazine
michigan nature
Protecting Wetland Habitat
The Miracle of Migration
Wildflower Weekend Getaway
James and Alice Brennan Memorial Nature Sanctuary Photo Š Jason Steel
Your gift makes a difference. By protecting Michigan’s natural heritage, together we build a brighter future. How you can help: • Join or renew your membership • Become a monthly supporter • Give a gift toward protecting Brockway Mountain to help meet the Brockway Mountain Challenge • Honor a loved one with a memorial gift • Remember MNA in your will or estate plan Use the enclosed envelope, call (866) 223-2231 or visit www.michigannature.org to contribute.
Michigan Nature Association www.michigannature.org
Contents
16
12
Features Protecting the Jackson Interlobate
12
The Miracle of Migration
16
New sanctuary additions protect critical habitat in this geologically-diverse area.
Since the dawn of history, the flight of birds has captured the imagination of mankind.
“
Endangered plant species came to mind and the inspiration started to spiral.
�
- Jane Kramer page 29
Spring 2014
Departments MNA 360 8 MNA by the Numbers 2014 Annual Meeting Members Meet the Estivant Pines Challenge MNA Tour Highlights Michigan Mosses and Liverworts Connecting the Community with Dauner Martin
MNA Online 10 For the Birds Monarch Migration in Danger of Disappearing From the Archives: Wilcox-Warnes Nature Sanctuary Get Nature News in Your Inbox
Sanctuaries 12
8
Protecting the Jackson Interlobate Alpena Sanctuary Protects Important Shoreline Habitat
Stewardship The Need for Conservation on Varying Scales Volunteer Opportunities
22
Membership Matters 24 2014 Wildflower Walkabout Spring Hikes, Tours and Excursions 2014 Annual Meeting Photography Workshop
24
Booknotes 28 Recommended Reading from MNA
Voices 29 MNA chats with local artist Jane Kramer about her latest project, which uses invasive species to tell a story
Legacies 30 Leave a Lasting Legacy Memorials and Honoraria
29 On the Cover: A chestnut-sided warbler. Photo by Cindy Mead, WoodSong Nature Photography.
Take a Spring Getaway!
Michigan Nature Association 326 E. Grand River Williamston, MI 48895 (866) 223-2231 www.michigannature.org
Wildflower Walkabout Kickoff Weekend May 2-4, 2014 Southwest Michigan
Explore MNA sanctuaries and see the spring wildflowers on this weekend getaway! MNA will lead guided hikes through four MNA sanctuaries that are home to beautiful wildflowers: Phillips Family Nature Sanctuary, Brewer Woods Nature Sanctuary, Trillium Ravine Plant Preserve, and Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary.
Our Mission The purpose of the MNA is to acquire, protect and maintain natural areas that contain examples of Michigan’s endangered and threatened flora, fauna and other components of the natural environment, including habitat for fish, wildlife and plants of the state of Michigan and to carry on a program of natural history study and conservation education.
Board of Trustees
Staff
Margaret Welsch President
Garret Johnson Executive Director
Aubrey Golden Vice President
Paul Steiner Operations Director
Steve Kelley Secretary
Andrew Bacon Stewardship Coordinator
Jerry Gray Treasurer Stan Kuchta Trustee at Large Lisa Appel Mary Ann Czechowski
Learn about the wildflowers of Michigan and explore some of MNA’s most interesting sanctuaries in southwest Michigan.
Stanley Dole Debby Igleheart Gisela Lendle King William D. McNaughton Paul Messing Don Reed David Sharpe
David Pizzuti Land Protection Specialist Adrienne Bozic Regional Stewardship Organizer, U.P. Rachel Maranto Regional Stewardship Organizer, E.L.P. Matt Schultz Regional Stewardship Organizer, W.L.P. Allison Barszcz Outreach & Development Specialist Danielle Cooke Outreach & Development Specialist Natalie Kent-Norkowski Land Protection Technician Joelle Humes Land Protection Technician Cassie Stepanski Administrative Assistant
Tickets: $275, includes accommodations, transportation and meals. Contact Danielle Cooke at (866) 223-2231 or dcooke@michigannature.org to sign up. See page 24 for more information.
Please direct questions about this magazine to Outreach & Development Specialist Allison Barszcz by emailing abarszcz@michigannature.org or calling (866) 223-2231. Garret Johnson’s photo on page 7 copyright Marianne Glosenger. © 2014. Except where used with permission, entire contents copyright 2014 Michigan Nature Association.
From the Executive Director
Mother Nature has certainly made her presence known this winter with ice storms, snow storms, and brutally cold temperatures. Most of us have found the ordinary routines that make up the rhythm of our daily lives disrupted at one point or another as a result of this winter’s severe weather. These sorts of events put a strain on the systems that support our daily activities. Happily, in most cases those systems prove resilient enough to rapidly recover. Ecosystems, too, are subjected to stresses and strains, and in many cases it is their very complexity that makes them resilient and able to recover. Part of that complexity lies in the interplay between the natural disturbances they are subjected to (fires, floods, ice storms) and the native species that have evolved to exploit the changes made by such natural disturbances. Unfortunately, modern society’s impact on the landscape is degrading the ability of these ecosystems to recover. Habitat destruction, the introduction of invasive species, changes to the natural flow patterns of Michigan’s rivers and streams, and the effects of climate change are all threatening the diversity and resiliency of our state’s remaining natural areas. That is why sustaining MNA’s coordinated program of stewardship and land acquisition is so essential to our mission. The two go hand-in-hand. To protect rare, threatened and endangered species, we must ensure the natural processes they depend on remain present in the ecosystems where they thrive. The heroic work of MNA’s volunteers and stewards to remove invasive species and re-introduce fire through controlled burns is therefore critically important (see page 22). So, too, is our work to acquire additional land to buffer and protect our sanctuaries. (see page 12) In some cases, ensuring the long-term viability of these sanctuaries will depend on expanding their boundaries Conservation in the 21st century has become a complicated, intensive affair. MNA has grown in recent years as we continue to rise to meet the challenge. None of it would be possible without your support. As you turn the pages of this edition of our magazine I hope you see the progress, and the promise, of the work your support has made possible. Thank you, once again, for all you do for MNA and for Michigan.
P.S. We’re very excited to share the news that MNA has been accredited by the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent body that conducted a rigorous review of MNA based on the highest standards and practices (see back cover). This is a great way for us to show our commitment to being the best we can be and remaining worthy of your continued support.
michigan nature | spring 2014
7
Inside | MNA
MNA 360
People • Land • Legacy © Angie Adamec
Connecting Children With Nature With the generous support of Lake Trust Credit Union, MNA is pleased to announce the availability of $500 mini-grants to help teachers cover the cost of field trips to natural areas. These flexible mini-grants are designed to assist teachers in developing opportunities for children to have direct experience with Michigan nature. MNA is excited to work with teachers and students throughout the state, and to provide educational opportunities at some of Michigan’s most spectacular places.
© Nancy Leonard
MNA Tour Highlights Michigan Mosses and Liverworts More than 60 people joined well-known researcher and retired professor Janice Glime for a hike through MNA’s Robert T. Brown Nature Sanctuary to learn more about the sanctuary’s many species of mosses and liverworts. The group walked to Lake Perrault and continued their bryophyte study along the lakeshore. Students and faculty from Michigan Technological University participated and provided additional expertise. MNA was grateful to have Janet Marr, Karena Schmidt and Adrienne Bozic on hand to help answer questions.
8
michigan nature | spring 2014
Inside | MNA
2014 Annual Meeting at Meijer Gardens Join MNA for the 2014 Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 26 at the Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids. The meeting begins at 1 p.m. and will include organizational updates from MNA, special guest speakers, and refreshments. All are welcome and the event is free of charge! John Zawiskie, respected geologist and paleontologist with the Cranbrook Institute of Science will give a talk on the geology of Michigan. Sign Up: Contact Danielle Cooke at (866) 223-2231 or dcooke@michigannature.org. For more information, see page 26.
Changes to Articles of Incorporation MNA continues to work on improvements that will help continue to move the organization toward conservation excellence. At the Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 26, MNA members will be voting on amendments to the Articles of Incorporation. The bylaws have not been updated since 2005, when the organization was much smaller. As we continue to grow, MNA is committed to making changes to keep the organization moving forward. To see a copy of the proposed amendments to the Articles of Incorporation, visit the MNA website at www.michigannature.org/articles.
Estivant Pines Challenge a Huge Success Forty years ago, MNA answered the call to save Michigan’s largest remaining old-growth white pine forest. Today people from around the country travel to the Keweenaw Peninsula to see these majestic 300-year-old trees. In 2013, MNA celebrated the 40th anniversary of this remarkable sanctuary. In honor of this special occasion, anonymous donors matched each donation to MNA of $500 or more, up to a total of $40,000. MNA members and supporters generously contributed and the Estivant Pines Challenge was met! MNA is grateful to all who made contributions to help meet the challenge.
2014 Trustee Election Results Each year, MNA members vote to determine who will serve on MNA’s Board of Trustees. This year’s election results are in, and members have re-elected board members Don Reed and David Sharpe. Don has served as a Trustee for several years and is an active volunteer and member of the prescribed burn crew. David serves as the chair of the Membership, Public Relations, Education and Development Committee. Former Trustee and past President Karen Weingarden has rejoined the Board. Karen received the Richard W. Holzman Award in 2012 for her commitment to MNA, and served as President from 1996-2008. MNA looks forward to working with Don, David and Karen on the Board of Trustees!
michigan nature | spring 2014
9
Online | MNA
© Paul McEwen
michigannature.org Connecting the Community With Dauner Martin Located within the city limits of Fenton, MNA’s Dauner Martin Nature Sanctuary is the second most visited of MNA’s 170 nature sanctuaries. The sanctuary is a place for birdwatching, wildflower study, or a hike through nature. Unfortunately, the sanctuary has also had its share of abuse. Litter, unleashed dogs, and vandalism have created problems at this oasis within a developed area. MNA and members of the community have joined together to create the Friends of Dauner Martin program. To date, 15 people have volunteered to help maintain the trails, remove trash, and interact with visitors at Dauner Martin. If you’d like to get involved with the Friends of Dauner Martin program, contact MNA.
© Patricia Pennell
Monarch Butterfly Migration in Danger of Disappearing Scientists have recently noticed that Monarch butterfly populations are rapidly declining. In 2012, a record low 60 million monarch butterflies arrived at their overwintering habitats. New data indicates that numbers this winter are even lower, down to around 33 million butterflies. In fact, for the first time in recent memory, the butterflies have not arrived at their normal winter habitat in Mexico. A 2012 paper authored by monarch expert Lincoln Brower indicates that Monarch butterfly populations may be in decline due to severe weather, the loss of milkweed plants in the Midwest, and deforestation in Mexico.
A Monarch butterfly
10
michigan nature | spring 2014
Online | MNA
From the Archives: Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary is a living example of how the forests were when the first settlers came to Michigan. The sanctuary is a spectacular natural area because the majority of the property has never been plowed or clear-cut, there is an incredible species diversity. Wildflowers, trees, birds, and other animals flourish here, and the great size of the woods is a factor vital to their survival. Since Michigan became a state in 1837, Dowagiac Woods has experienced only two major alterations. In the early 1840s, the Dowagiac River, which runs along the sanctuary’s southeast boundary, was channeled and straightened. Prior to the channelization, there were many meanders of the river. Today, one remains as “Crescent Pond”, which can be seen at the north end of the River Trail. The other change was the selective cutting of timber. This began in the early 1940s and ended in 1961. Fortunately, the owner Joseph Jerue, selectively logged the woods and used teams of horses to pull the logs out to a sawmill that was located where the pines are currently standing north of the parking lot. To read more about this history of Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary, visit the MNA blog at www.michigannature.org/blog. Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary
Join the Conversation Nature News Straight to Your Inbox Sign up to receive MNA’s bi-weekly emails for updates on the latest happenings in the field, upcoming events, and important nature news from around the state and country.
Connect with MNA, share photos, watch videos, and stay in touch! Use the social media links below to join the conversation.
facebook.com/michigannature
If you’d like to join the email list, send a message to signup@michigannature.org.
twitter.com/michigannature
MNA does not sell or share email addresses, and you may unsubscribe from the list at any time.
gplus.to/michigannature michigannature.org/blog
michigan nature | spring 2014
11
Sanctuaries | MNA
Sanctuary Additions Protect Wetland Habitat When the glaciers retreated from southern Michigan 13,000 to 16,000 years ago, they left an area shaped by the ice and melt of two large glacial lobes that covered southeast Michigan. Named the Jackson Interlobate, it is a landscape of high gravel hills and outwash plains. The Jackson Interlobate extends along the axis of Michigan’s thumb, from northern Oakland County, through parts of Livingston and Washtenaw counties, and into the greater Jackson area. It provides the headwaters of 10 of Michigan’s major river systems, some draining east to Lake Erie and others west to Lake Michigan. It is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the state. Nestled within the Jackson Interlobate is a network of 14 MNA nature sanctuaries, and enlarging or expanding MNA’s existing sanctuaries remains one of MNA’s top priorities. In the final months of 2013, MNA successfully completed a series of land acquisition projects that help expand the protected areas at three of the 14 nature sanctuaries within the region. The completed projects added adjoining or nearby lands to MNA’s Lakeville Swamp Nature Sanctuary, Big Valley Nature Sanctuary and Morgan Porritt Nature Sanctuary.
Big Valley Nature Sanctuary is one of 14 MNA nature sanctuaries that fall within the Jackson Interlobate.
12
michigan nature | spring 2014
Sanctuaries | MNA
MNA Sanctuaries in the Jackson Interlobate 1. Sand Creek Prairie Plant Preserve 2. Columbia Nature Sanctuary 3. Goose Creek Grasslands Nature Sanctuary 4. Lefglen Nature Sanctuary 5. Huron River Nature Sanctuary 6. Ernest and Minnie Hudspeth Memorial Plant Preserve 7. Yntema Wildlife Oasis Nature Sanctuary 8. Rose Center Wetlands Plant Preserve
9. Lamb-Fairbanks Nature Haven Plant Preserve/ Clifford R. and Calla C. Burr Memorial Plant Preserve 10. Brandon Township Nature Sanctuary 11. Timberland Swamp Nature Sanctuary 12. Big Valley Nature Sanctuary 13. Morgan Porritt Nature Sanctuary 14. Lakeville Swamp Nature Sanctuary
MNA Nature Sanctuary in Jackson Interlobate City Marker Jackson Interlobate
8 6
Lansing
10 12 14 9 11 13 7
5 4
Jackson
Ann Arbor
Detroit
2 3 1
Protecting Rare Species and Natural Communities The Jackson Interlobate’s uncommon history has led it to be home to some of Michigan’s rarest natural communities. It is home to a diverse array of ecosystems that can only flourish in areas formed by glacial processes. Prairie fens, wet prairies, oak barrens and woodlands are examples of the extraordinary communities that are found throughout the Jackson Interlobate.
and animals evolved to take full advantage of the unique habitat. These communities are dominated by sedges, grasses and wildflower species. Prairie fens are wet throughout the growing season due to the consistent flow of groundwater, and plant material does not decompose, allowing peat to accumulate. The removal of the peat can result in thousands of years of work to replace what was lost, so conservation is critical to the fens and the species that depend on them.
Prairie fens are globally rare wetlands found in glaciated areas in the Midwestern United States. They occur when the alkaline groundwaterfed springs reach the surface. Prairie fens are considered one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in Michigan because they support more than two dozen rare species of indigenous plants
Wet prairies are native lowlying grasslands on level, saturated river floodplains, lake margins and isolated depressions. The soil on these sites is typically neutral and has high organic content. Wet prairies and their inhabitants are heavily impacted by drainage and agricultural development, which has been a significant threat michigan nature | spring 2014
13
Sanctuaries | MNA Left: The sun shines over Big Valley Nature Sanctuary. Opposite page: (Above) A prescribed burn at Big Valley Nature Sanctuary. Photo by Eugene Lidster. (Below) The Eastern Massassagua Rattlesnake. Photo by Nick Scobel.
to these communities. The decline in these communities has resulted in a rarity of the plants and animals that depend on the prairies. Fire suppression has had a negative impact on wet prairies because periodic fire is essential to control plant encroachment and to invigorate prairie species. MNA conducts routine controlled burns to maintain the quality of the prairie remnants in the Jackson Interlobate. The tiny brown and orange Poweshiek Skipperling butterfly thrives exclusively in prairie fens in Michigan, where it lives in the grasses and sedges. In 2013, the Poweshiek was proposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for listing as a federally endangered species. This species is only known in a handful of locations in Michigan and much of what is left of its habitat type are small isolated fens that make it difficult for the butterfly to disperse. The Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, a candidate for federal listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, depends on prairie fens and adjacent uplands for food and shelter. Michigan has the largest population of this species and the declining number of prairie fens threatens the future of the state’s only rattlesnake, which is a rare sight for most residents. Oak savannas are fire-dependent communities where the soils and disturbance regimen contribute to sparse tree growth dominated by oak trees. Shrubs, herbaceous plants and grasses that have 14
michigan nature | spring 2014
acclimated to the conditions rely on the oak savannas. Periodic controlled fires are imperative to maintaining savannas because the fires help keep the area open for specific savanna plants to flourish there. Oak trees are resistant to fire and their leaves even curl when they fall to allow a faster burn. Savannas contain a higher plant diversity than prairies or woodlands and their diminishing presence on the landscape has led to species like purple milkweed, yellow pimpernel and the red-headed woodpecker being listed as species of greatest conservation need. If these rare and spectacular communities within the Jackson Interlobate were to disappear, the plants and animals that rely solely on them would be at risk to follow.
Strengthening MNA’s Nature Sanctuaries Southeast Michigan is one of MNA’s highest statewide conservation priorities. The natural communities within the Jackson Interlobate contribute to a unique ecosystem that MNA is striving to conserve. The high level of commercial and residential development in the region places significant stress on these environmentally-sensitive natural communities. MNA’s latest series of land acquisitions will help strengthen the network of sanctuaries across the region. Lakeville Swamp Nature Sanctuary is one of MNA’s oldest
Sanctuaries | MNA sanctuaries. Protected within the sanctuary are a portion of larger prairie fens, wet meadows and oak barrens, and the sanctuary provides refuge for several endangered and threatened species. Though small, the three-acre sanctuary addition expands the protected wetland and habitat which native plants and animals depend on. Big Valley Nature Sanctuary added two nearby tracts totaling 22 acres, including wetland, upland, 750 feet of shoreline along an inland lake, and portions of a small island. The addition includes a southern wet meadow, oak barrens and a savanna remnant which will now be incorporated into the 135-acre sanctuary. The Morgan Porritt Nature Sanctuary added 10 acres of swampland to the sanctuary. The dense canopy of trees makes the sanctuary easy to get lost in and shades the ferncovered ground on even the sunniest days. The sanctuary’s surface hydrology is due to groundwater springs and flowing waters. This unique habitat is necessary to protect because its warm and moist conditions allow many plants like liverworts, mosses and ferns (some of the oldest plants in the world) to thrive. MNA’s stewardship team plans to assess all three new additions to determine the best course of action for managing each sanctuary. Staff and volunteers plan to continue the prescribed burn regime and remove invasive species in each
MNA Acquires Sanctuary Along Lake Huron Shoreline In late 2013, MNA agreed to transfer ownership of the new Morris Bay Nature Sanctuary from The Nature Conservancy to the MNA sanctuary system. Both organizations agreed that MNA would be better able to assume long-term management responsibilities and care for the unique qualities of this sanctuary. Located in Alpena County, the sanctuary protects Lake Huron shoreline and includes dune and swale topography, rich conifer swamp, and important habitat for rare plant species. Morris Bay Nature Sanctuary protects important stopover areas for migrating birds in western Lake Huron. It is located less than two miles from MNA’s Julius C. and Marie Moran Peter Memorial Nature Sanctuary in the important Presque Isle Shoreline conservation area. This area extends over a 185-mile stretch of Lake Huron shoreline and supports major populations of federally endangered species.
The new Morris Bay Nature Sanctuary
Š Cindy Mead
The Miracle of Migration Since the dawn of history, the flight of birds has captured the imagination of mankind. To the ancient Greeks, the pattern of their movements held hidden messages that could guide the fortunes of men and determine the fate of entire armies. Today, scientists have unlocked many of the mysteries of bird migration. Yet the fantastic journeys many birds undertake each season still provoke awe, and much remains to be discovered. And though we may smile at the quaint notions of the ancient Greeks, the migration of birds may yet hold key lessons for the future. Continued on page 18
The pine warbler. Photo by Cindy Mead. michigan nature | spring 2014
15
For the Birds Above: (Left) The Kirtland’s warbler, Michigan’s rarest songbird. Photo by Cindy Mead. (Upper right) Stopover habitat on an MNA sanctuary. (Lower right) Indigo buntings form large flocks during migration and on their wintering grounds. Photo by Cindy Mead.
Migratory birds typically move from their nonbreeding wintering range to their nesting grounds, where they spend the summer months building nests and raising young. However, other types of movement can be considered forms of migration, including those of nomadic bird species that move in response to fluctuating resources. The large-scale movement of birds is imperative to the survival of many species. By moving from place to place, birds can exploit the resources of different environments at different times of the calendar year. The ability of birds to migrate is perhaps their chief evolutionary strategy, accounting for both the diversity of bird species and their global distribution.
The Epic Journeys of Neotropical Migrants One of nature’s greatest phenomena is the migration twice each year of birds that spend their summers nesting in North America but overwinter in Central or South America. Referred to as neotropical migrants, they occur in nearly every habitat from short-grass prairies to dense forests, and represent a diverse array of birds including warblers, hummingbirds, thrushes and flycatchers. In Michigan, we witness the arrival of many of these neotropical migrants each spring. Some make their summer home here, while others pass through to their nesting grounds in the vast boreal forests of Canada. Their journeys are exquisitely timed to match the emergence of insects and budding of plants. Later in the year as the weather cools, populations of insects decrease, plants no longer bud, and resources dwindle, the birds take the cue and begin to migrate south. For example, the commonly seen and well-known yellow warbler is distributed throughout Michigan, from the shores of Lake Superior to wetlands bordering the Detroit River. It prefers shrub wetlands but can also be found in shrubby uplands and wet deciduous forests. Yellow warblers breed across central
18
michigan nature | spring 2014
and northern North America and spend winters in Central America and northern South America. They migrate earlier than most other warblers, both in the spring and fall. In the fall, yellow warblers leave their nesting range as soon as the young are able to care for themselves. Southward migration typically is underway before mid-summer. They fly across the Gulf of Mexico in a single nonstop journey, though some take an overland route around the Gulf in the fall.
The Kirtland’s warbler is one of the most geographically-restricted mainland birds in the United States. Kirtland’s warblers nest in large stands of young jack pine, which must be between six and 22 years old. The age of the trees is crucial to their habitat, and their breeding range is in a limited area in northern Michigan. The warblers leave their nesting range between August and October and migrate to the Bahamas and nearby Turks and Caicos Islands. They return to Michigan to breed again in May.
Twice each year neotropical birds migrate distances that span thousands of miles, and they typically take the same route each time. Much of the flying is done at night. To perform these incredible feats of navigation, the birds are believed to use a remarkable combination of following star patterns in the night sky, sensing changes in the earth’s magnetic field and smelling to find their way.
The entire Kirtland’s warbler population migrates between Michigan and the Bahamas. Their route follows a narrow band that crosses South and North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Ohio before reaching Michigan. Their fall migration takes the same route, though a few Kirtland’s warblers have been observed in Florida, likely having been blown off course.
However, while biologists have learned a great deal about bird migration, the exact mechanism of how birds find the right migration route remains a mystery.
Migrating Kirtland’s warblers have been observed in a variety of habitats, but they prefer dense vegetation. Their winter habitat in the Bahamas includes pine woods, broad-leaved shrub, and Australian pine.
Understanding Migration Patterns Throughout their remarkable journeys, migratory birds face the added burdens of catching and consuming their food supply as they travel vast distances through all types of weather. As a result, their conservation presents unique challenges.
For decades, studies have been conducted to examine migration patterns of birds to better understand the challenges that migratory birds like the Kirtland’s warbler face when they travel. Scientists have been using banding and satellite tracking to study migration, with the hope of locating important stopover and wintering locations. New studies using the U.S. system of Doppler weather radar aims to
Fire Escapes, Convenience Stores, and Hotels When birds migrate, the extreme energy demands of long-distance travel require frequent breaks to rest and refuel. Just as travellers need to make pit stops for food and rest during long car trips, birds need places along the way that provide areas with food, water and shelter from the weather and predators. The Great Lakes region provides important stopover sites for migrating waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds and raptors. Convenience Stores Larger than fire escapes, convenience stores are areas such as a park or forested patches in cities. They provide enough shelter for birds to take a short rest and enough food to continue migration.
Fire Escapes Fire escapes receive less use because they are lacking in food and other resources. These areas are typically small isolated patches of habitat that are essential during high-stress situations. Birds use these sites when they need a short break from flying due to bad weather or predators.
Full-Service Hotels Full-service hotels are sites where migrating birds can rest for several days and load up on food. They are extensive, intact areas that are rich in resources with a diverse array of habitats that can house a large number of birds.
Protecting the Keweenaw Flyway The Keweenaw Peninsula’s famed Brockway Mountain is an exciting place to view raptor migration. Raptors migrating to Canada are funneled into the protruding Keweenaw Peninsula and past the bluff of the mountain. However, few raptors choose to take the 70 miles across Lake Superior, instead following the southern shore around to Minnesota or Whitefish Point. Southerly winds between mid-April and late May push the birds eastward toward the tip of the Keweenaw. Brockway Mountain’s peak, 1,328 feet above sea level, is the best place to watch the migrating hawks, where they form a two-way flow and appear to be going in both directions at eye level. In 2011, the Keweenaw Raptor Survey tallied 14,000 raptors of 17 species traveling through the area. MNA is currently raising funds to protect 77 acres of land adjacent to the 160-acre James H. Klipfel Memorial Nature Sanctuary along Brockway Mountain Drive. If you would like to help, please contact MNA’s Executive Director Garret Johnson at (866) 223-2231 or gjohnson@michigannature.org.
identify migratory pathways and stopover sites for conservation, mitigation and landscape planning. For example, Michigan’s coastline has long been recognized as a migration corridor, but after examining Doppler data, scientists have determined that many migration hotspots may actually be inland. Migratory birds can be seen in Doppler data concentrated in areas near Marquette, Alpena, and mid-Michigan, around the Lansing area. This data is new and will need to be interpreted further to pinpoint specific areas as important stopover habitat for migratory birds. The critical needs of birds during migration underscores the importance of maintaining networks of natural areas of varying size across urban, suburban and agricultural landscapes. Once these areas can be determined, organizations like MNA can take actions to protect critical stopover habitat. Unfortunately, the combined effects of habitat fragmentation, climate change, invasive species and other human-induced changes in the environment continue to take their toll on the life support systems that many birds need to survive.
Continued Loss of Breeding Habitat Despite the extraordinary challenges of migration, the loss of nesting habitat remains a key issue facing the future of neotropical migrants. One neotropical migrant of particular concern is the cerulean warbler. Populations of this small, striking songbird have been 20
michigan nature | spring 2014
Brockway Mountain
Lake Superior
The Tip of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula
declining rapidly in the United States in recent years, by up to 50 to 80 percent in some areas. Every spring, the cerulean warbler migrates to Michigan, arriving in late April or early May. The birds spend summers breeding in a region extending from the lower Great Lakes south to northern Louisiana. During breeding season, the cerulean warbler inhabits mature deciduous forests, favoring tall canopy trees. The cerulean warbler begins to migrate to wintering grounds in South America as early as July. In 2013, two MNA nature sanctuaries had confirmed sightings of the cerulean warbler, with nesting activity documented at one. Many species of neotropical migrants require large blocks of forest to successfully reproduce. As forests are broken up by roads, power and gas lines, and development, the birds rapidly lose breeding habitat. As the size of forest blocks decreases, neotropical migrant nests face predation, increased nest parasitism, and local land populations decline. In some cases, habitat may not be destroyed, but it can be lost for birds in other ways. The endangered piping plover nests in the Great Lakes, Upper Mississippi River shoreline, and along the Atlantic Coast in the United States and southern Canada, favoring open sand, gravel or cobble beaches. The birds winter in coastal areas of the United States, from North Carolina to Texas and along the coast of eastern Mexico and on islands in the Caribbean.
Unfortunately, during the summer the piping plover nests on the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior on wide beaches that are also popular for use by humans for swimming and recreation. Nesting sites are abandoned or destroyed when humans cause breeding birds to leave their eggs or accidentally crush nests. Recovery efforts have been underway for decades with a slow but steady population increase in the Great Lakes region in the last 20 years.
An Uncertain Future Migratory birds face a number of challenges and obstacles as they journey across North America in the spring and fall. Many of these challenges are related to human activities. Collisions with man-made structures, such as tall buildings and cell phone towers kill vast numbers of birds every year. Human activities, such as pesticide use, can also contribute to bird deaths. Botulism, avian cholera, and West Nile virus also have significant population impacts. Despite this, the greatest threat to migratory birds is the loss or degradation of habitat due to development and disturbance. For birds that require multiple areas for wintering, breeding, and stopover habitat, habitat loss has far-reaching impacts. The ancient Greeks, no doubt, would urge us to take heed.
Migration Challenges Right: The piping plover nests on the shores of the Great Lakes and faces habitat destruction by disturbances from beachgoers. Photo by Amanda Mead/USFWS. Opposite page: The Cooper’s Hawk will occasionally use the Keweenaw Peninsula as a stopping point during its spring migration. Photo by Cindy Mead.
michigan nature | spring 2014
21
Stewardship | MNA
The Need for Conservation on Varying Scales One of MNA’s strengths is the ability to work on varying scales to conserve natural communities which contain rare species – whether at the small scale, the intermediate scale or the larger landscape scale. Small scale projects can be very important. Some populations of rare plants and animals are capable of existing in small remnants so long as the basic requirements of the natural community continue to function. For example, late last year MNA acquired additional volcanic bedrock lakeshore in the Keweenaw Peninsula. This portion of shoreline is home to a species of special concern, a snail evocatively named the “mystery vertigo”, which occurs along the rocky and rugged shoreline of Lake Superior along with numerous species of lichens and other plants, including butterwort and northern Indian paintbrush. These populations of rare shoreline species can be protected on a scale measured in thousands of linear feet of shoreline. Conservation of many species of amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals, however, require at least hundreds of acres to provide adequate functional habitat. Protection of natural communities and adequate buffer areas are important to protect core wildlife habitat from negative outside influences. Good examples of such projects are our efforts to expand several sanctuaries in the Jackson Interlobate region (see page 12). Other land protection goals must occur at the landscape scale to provide habitat for species that require large home ranges or migration corridors (see page 16). An excellent example of this type of project is our effort to expand MNA’s Klipfel Memorial Nature Sanctuary on
Brockway Mountain. Photo by Charlie Eshbach.
the Keweenaw Peninsula’s Brockway Mountain. This project is part of a larger wildlife corridor creation project being implemented by numerous partner organizations in the Keweenaw Peninsula. This corridor provides a mechanism for dispersal for large mammals to the tip of the Keweenaw and protects a migration corridor which filters a large number of raptors and other birds along the cliffs of Brockway Mountain. Similar to land acquisition, MNA’s stewardship program must also address management of natural habitat on varying scales. On the smaller scale are efforts to manage portions of sanctuaries which
Shortcuts MNA Welcomes Regional Stewardship Organizer MNA is excited to welcome Rachel Maranto to the stewardship team! Rachel comes to MNA with a strong background in stewardship and volunteerism, having worked with the City of Ann Arbor’s Natural Area Preservation division and with AmeriCorps in the Pacific Northwest. Rachel has a passion for connecting people with their natural environment. She is excited to join MNA as a regional stewardship organizer in southeast Michigan, where she will be responsible for working with volunteers to complete on-the-ground stewardship projects. In other news, Natalie Kent-Norkowski will be serving as MNA’s Northern Lower Peninsula Regional Stewardship Organizer starting in March. Natalie is a ten year veteran of MNA who has been actively leading the file review and accreditation effort for the last few years. Natalie worked on the stewardship team in past years and is excited to get back in the field. Rachel Maranto joins the MNA team
Stewardship | MNA Join Us in the Field for a Volunteer Workday For complete details, visit www.michigannature.org/events or call (866) 223-2231.
Working together at Edna S. Newnan Nature Sanctuary.
contain populations of rare species at a scale capable of benefiting a localized population. Stewardship projects which affect larger scale natural areas and cycles are also very important. An example of a project contributing to a large-scale vision is work at MNA’s Lefglen Nature Sanctuary, where ongoing invasive species management and prescribed burning are benefitting threatened species.
Engaging the Next Generation Regardless of the scale and scope of a specific project, people are always essential to MNA’s success. Throughout the year, MNA holds a series of volunteer days, hikes, and field trips that include volunteers and community members in caring for and enjoying many of the MNA sanctuaries across Michigan. For example, one recent project was a program to plant 100 trees in the Edna S. Newnan Nature Sanctuary with the help of a group of 20 girl scouts and community volunteers. The effort created an opportunity to connect the MNA sanctuary to the lives of children and the community. This is just one of the many ways MNA sanctuaries help leave a lasting legacy.
Date
Location
County
Contact
Apr 22
Powell Memorial Nature Sanctuary
Lenawee
Matt
Apr 23
Phillips Family Memorial Nature Sanctuary Van Buren
Matt
Apr 25
Joan Rodman Memorial Plant Preserve
Washtenaw
Rachel
Apr 26
Powell Memorial Nature Sanctuary
Lenawee
Matt
Apr 30
Riley-Shurte Nature Sanctuary
Cass
Matt
May 2
Lyle and Mary Rizor Nature Sanctuary
Livingston
Rachel
May 3
Mystery Valley Karst Preserve
Presque Isle
Natalie
May 5
Frances Broehl Memorial No. 1
Lenawee
Matt
May 5
Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary
Cass
Matt
May 6
Powell Memorial Nature Sanctuary
Lenawee
Matt
May 7
Brewer Woods Nature Sanctuary
Kalamazoo
Matt
May 7
Dauner Martin Nature Sanctuary
Genesee
Rachel
May 8
Shiawassee River Plant Preserve
Shiawassee
Natalie
May 10
Phillips Family Memorial Nature Sanctuary Van Buren
Matt
May 12
Lefglen Nature Sanctuary
Jackson
Matt
May 14
Shiawassee River Plant Preserve
Shiawassee
Natalie
May 14
Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary
Cass
Matt
May 16
Joan Rodman Memorial Plant Preserve
Washtenaw
Rachel
May 17
Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary
Cass
Matt
May 17
Twin Waterfalls Memorial Plant Preserve
Alger
Adrienne
May 17
Dauner Martin Nature Sanctuary
Genesee
Rachel
May 17
Alice Moore Woods Nature Sanctuary
St. Clair
Rachel
May 19
Frances Broehl Memorial No. 1
Lenawee
Matt
May 21
Lennagene Stratton Plant Preserve
Chippewa
Adrienne
May 24
Wade Memorial Nature Sanctuary
Allegan
Matt
Sign Up for a Volunteer Day Please register for each volunteer day as weather may force cancellations. Contact your area’s regional stewardship organizer to learn more: Adrienne Bozic, Upper Peninsula abozic@michigannature.org Natalie Kent-Norkowski, Northern Lower Peninsula nkent@michigannature.org Rachel Maranto, Southeast Lower Peninsula rmaranto@michigannature.org Matt Schultz, Southwest Lower Peninsula mschultz@michigannature.org michigan nature |spring 2014
23
Membership Matters | MNA
MNA’s Wildflower Walkabout Returns and is Bigger than Ever
May 2-4, 2014 See wildflowers and celebrate spring with MNA! Join us for a weekend bus trip, featuring the wildflowers of southwest Michigan. The Wildflower Walkabout will kickoff with tours through Phillips Family Nature Sanctuary, Brewer Woods Nature Sanctuary, Trillium Ravine Plant Preserve, and Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary. Tickets: $275, includes accommodations, meals and transportation. Pickup locations are in Southfield and Okemos. Sign Up: Contact Danielle Cooke at (866) 223-2231 or dcooke@michigannature.org.
24
michigan nature | spring 2014
Š Nancy Leonard
Spring Season Kicks Off with Wildflower Weekend Getaway
© Marilyn Keigley
Membership Matters | MNA
Seasonal Wildflower Escapes: Spring Wildflower Hikes May 19 – Coldwater River Plant Preserve
July 12 – Lefglen Nature Sanctuary
May 31 – Elmer P. and Irene Jasper Woods Memorial Nature Sanctuary
August 9 – Newaygo Prairie Nature Sanctuary
6:30 p.m. - Kent County, near Caledonia Join the River City Wild Ones to see spring wildflowers and also pull invasive garlic mustard and dame’s rocket.
10 a.m. – Jackson County, near Grass Lake Join us for an informal walk through the prairie fen at Lefglen. We will see how wildflowers, butterflies and other insects have responded to management of invasive species.
10 a.m. - St. Clair County, near Kimball Check out the trillium and other spring wildflowers at this high-quality forested sanctuary.
1 p.m. – Newaygo County, near Newaygo This sanctuary is rich with native prairie species. Stop by and have a look!
Summer Wildflower Hikes
August 17 – Goose Creek Grasslands Nature Sanctuary
June 1 – Klipfel Memorial Nature Sanctuary
10 a.m. – Keweenaw County, near Copper Harbor Join stewards Dana and Nancy for an hour of trail clean-up. After a picnic lunch, we will explore the Brockway Mountain area and keep our eyes open for rare and beautiful spring-blooming plants.
June 2 – Peter Memorial Nature Sanctuary
10 a.m. – Alpena County, near Alpena Join us on this hike along the wetlands of the alkaline Grass Lake and enjoy the unique diversity of wildflowers found at this sanctuary.
June 21 – Sand Creek Prairie Plant Preserve
1 p.m. – Hillsdale County, near Jonesville Join us to explore a nice example of an oak barrens community containing many unusual plants.
July 9 – Fred Dye Nature Sanctuary
1 p.m. – Mackinac County, near Moran Come visit this disjunct prairie community, which features a pale purple coneflower population. Additional flowers making their home here include blue-eyed grass, wild bergamot, pale spike lobelia, fringed gentian, asters and goldenrods.
1 p.m. – Lenawee County, near Cement City Come and explore the beautiful prairie fen at Goose Creek. It’s a great place to see many unusual wetland plants.
Fall Wildflower Hikes September 6 – Saginaw Wetlands Nature Sanctuary 1 p.m. – Huron County, near Sebewaing Hike the lakeplain prairie and through the oak opening at the sanctuary. See spectacular wildflowers!
September 6 – Keweenaw Shores No. 1 Nature Sanctuary
11 a.m. – Keweenaw County, near Eagle Harbor Join steward Karena Schmidt for a study of how various cultures, including First Nations, European and Asian ancestry, have utilized plants for survival, and how the practices of the ancestors continue to remain vital and life enhancing.
October 4 – Phillips Family Memorial Nature Sanctuary
1:30 p.m. – Van Buren County, near Decatur Join us to explore the unique coastal plain marsh community and experience the fall colors at this sanctuary. michigan nature | spring 2014
25
Membership Matters | MNA Š Paul Messing
2014 Annual Meeting
Regional MNA Meetings
Saturday, April 26 - 1 p.m. Frederik Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids
MNA is coming to a town near you! Join us for lunch and updates from MNA on current initiatives in your area. Learn about upcoming events and connect with MNA members and staff working to conserve land near you.
The Annual Meeting begins at 1 p.m. and will include organizational updates from MNA, special guest speakers, and refreshments. Guests are welcome to tour the Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park before or after the Annual Meeting.
Special Guest Speaker John Zawiskie, geologist and paleontologist with the Cranbrook Institute of Science will give a talk on the geology of Michigan.
Southwest Michigan: Saturday, April 5 Hamilton Township Hall - Decatur Western Upper Peninsula: Saturday, June 21 Eagle Harbor Community Center - Eagle Harbor Learn More: Contact Danielle Cooke at (866) 223-2231 or dcooke@michigannature.org.
For More Information Contact Danielle Cooke at (866) 223-2231 or email dcooke@michigannature.org. Additional information and driving directions can be found at www.michigannature.org. The Frederik Meijer Gardens are located at 1000 East Beltline Ave. in Grand Rapids.
Sanctuary Photo Contest MNA wants to showcase the best photos of Michigan’s natural heritage in the fourth annual Sanctuary Photo Contest! The grand prize is a weekend stay at a cottage in northern Michigan! Additional prizes include theater tickets, dining giftcards, and much more. Enter by August 1, 2014 for a chance to win! Visit www.michigannature.org or call (866) 223-2231 for rules and contest entry forms.
26
michigan nature | spring 2014
Membership Matters | MNA
Spring Hikes and Sanctuary Tours Sanctuary Field Trip: April 21, 1 p.m. Five Lakes Muskegon Nature Sanctuary
Muskegon County, near Muskegon Join us at this unique sanctuary. We’ll explore the coastal plain marsh and look for plants, birds and other wildlife. Contact: Matt Schultz, mschultz@michigannature.org
Birding Hike: April 27, 8 a.m. Columbia Nature Sanctuary
Naturalists Wanted MNA Seeks Experts for Sanctuary Surveys
Help Us With a BioBlitz
A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a 24-hour period. MNA is currently recruiting field biologists and naturalists to participate in two BioBlitz events this year. With your help, MNA has the opportunity to greatly expand scientific understanding of these sanctuaries.
Jackson County, near Brooklyn It’s the third annual Columbia garlic mustard pull/birding hike. Join veteran birder Dan Sparks-Jackson as he leads a field trip to explore the bird life of this sanctuary. Afterwards, please stay to keep the woods free of garlic mustard. Contact: Matt Schultz, mschultz@michigannature.org
Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary Saturday, May 10
Sanctuary Exploration Hike: May 1, 11 a.m. Echo Lake Nature Sanctuary
Lake Superior Nature Sanctuary Saturday/Sunday, June 21-22
Marquette County, near Marquette We will hike, snowshoe or ski (weather dependent) through this vast and beautiful sanctuary. Enjoy spectacular views of Lake Superior and Echo Lake as we traverse a short, moderate trail to the top of a granite dome to enjoy the scenery. Contact: Adrienne Bozic, abozic@michigannature.org
One of MNA’s best-known sanctuaries due to its remarkable display of spring wildflowers, Dowagiac Woods is also MNA’s largest in the lower peninsula. Contact: Matt Schultz, 517-643-6864 or mschultz@michigannature.org
One of MNA’s largest and most remote sanctuaries occupies a pristine stretch of Lake Superior’s coast, ten miles north of Tahquamenon Falls and west of famed Whitefish Point. Contact: Adrienne Bozic, 517-331-6381 or abozic@michigannature.org.
Sanctuary Exploration: May 7, 11 a.m. Harry and Hattie Handford Memorial Nature Sanctuary
Alger County, near Deerton Hike through an old-growth hemlock forest to the rocky shores of Lake Superior and the mouth of the Laughing Whitefish River. Remaining snow depth from winter will determine whether snowshoes will be necessary. Contact: Adrienne Bozic, abozic@michigannature.org
Spring Wildflower Hike: May 20, 1 p.m. Eastern Upper Peninsula
Enjoy unique spring flora of the Lake Huron shoreline as we visit several MNA sanctuaries and discuss the limestone-loving plants that make their home there. Contact: Adrienne Bozic, abozic@michigannature.org
For additional hikes, tours and excursions, visit www.michigannature.org/events or call 866-223-2231.
Photography Workshop Saturday, May 31 Twin Waterfalls Memorial Plant Preserve Join MNA and photographer Stephen Ross for a one-day photography workshop at Twin Waterfalls Memorial Plant Preserve in the Upper Peninsula. One of MNA’s most visited and scenic sanctuaries, Twin Waterfalls offers stunning photographic opportunities for instruction and practice. Stephen Ross has been photographing for nearly 50 years, and his pictures have appeared in Gun Dog Magazine, National Audubon, and several books. Further details about the workshop will follow! Contact Adrienne Bozic at abozic@michigannature.org for more information.
michigan nature | spring 2014
27
Booknotes | MNA Recommended Reading
A Feathered River Across the Sky: The Passenger Pigeon’s Flight to Extinction Joel Greenberg Bloomsbury Publishing Price: $26.00
Chicago-area naturalist Joel Greenberg begins his book with a simple, arresting declaration: “Nothing in the human record suggests there was ever another bird like the passenger pigeon.” Early European settlers encountered flocks that are now estimated to have been in the billions and were capable of literally blotting out the sun for extended periods of time as they passed overhead. First seen as an abundant source of food and then a threat to early agriculture, the passenger pigeon was hunted to extinction in a matter of decades. Michigan features prominently in Greenberg’s story. With the advent of railways, two Michigan brothers discovered that by efficiently “harvesting” large numbers of birds using huge nets, they could turn a tidy profit shipping pigeons out east. Large nestings in Michigan and the upper Midwest as late as 1880 also may have been the bird’s last, best hope. Sadly, the effort to intervene in the slaughter by Michigan’s early conservation leaders was to no avail. Greenberg quotes Congressman John Fletcher Lacey, the author of the nation’s first wildlife law, introducing what would become the Lacey Act in 1990: “It is late. It is too late as to the wild pigeon. The buffalo is almost a thing of the past, but there remains much to preserve, and we must act earnestly if we would accomplish good things.” Greenberg’s book is a poignant reminder that extinction is forever.
New & Noteworthy The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History Elizabeth Kolbert Henry Holt and Co. Hardcover, $28.00
An award-winning environmental journalist and staff writer at The New Yorker documents the global extinction crisis.
Seedtime: On the History, Husbandry, Politics and Promise of Seeds Scott Chaskey Rodale Hardcover, $23.99 A provocative, idiosyncratic look at the environmental, political and cultural implications of the control and use of seeds.
The Once and Future Great Lakes Country John L. Riley McGill-Queen’s University Press Price: $39.95
Canadian conservationist John Riley has written an “ecological history” of what he terms “Great Lakes Country.” There is much here of interest, but American readers should take note that “Great Lakes Country” has a distinctly Canadian feel. Its center of moment is, apparently, the high grounds of the Ontario Peninsula north of Toronto. This sort of de-familiarization of the Great Lakes region is at times a useful corrective for our own, typically American and Michigan-focused, views. However, Riley’s notion of “Great Lakes Country” seems rather elastic, taking him rather far afield at times. More disappointing is the paucity of U.S. references in the notes and bibliography. Still, if you love the Great Lakes region this is a book worth reading.
28
michigan nature | spring 2014
Lost Animals: Extinction and the Photographic Record Errol Fuller Princeton University Press Cloth, $29.95 A unique collection of more than 100 years of photographs, some never before published, of species now extinct.
Voices | MNA
Q&A Jane Kramer
We spoke with local artist and MNA member Jane Kramer about her latest project. Follow Jane’s project on her blog at janekramer.blogspot.com.
What led to combining your art with your interest in conservation and the environment? The photography projects I work on, whether fine art or documentary, are always motivated by a story, message, or an educational element. Once I began to focus on the current state of Michigan’s natural habitat, endangered plant species came to mind and the inspiration started to spiral. The rest just fell into place. It also helps that my husband is a Conservation Biologist at MSU, that conservation is a topic often discussed at the dinner table.
“It would be great to connect with local schools... to help educate youth about Michigan’s natural environment.”
it requires a lot of patience. It’s a lot of trial and error and figuring out what works best. I’ve purchased a blender, a 20 quart pot, a plastic bin, some soda ash, and an electric burner as my camper stove hasn’t been able to pump out enough heat in our garage this winter. Of course, it would be great to have a professional piece of equipment such a Hollander Beater to help break down the plant material, but they cost a few thousand dollars. For the purpose of this project though and for the majority of invasive plants I’ll be using, I think my blender will do. Your work will be featured as part of an art exchange with Japan later this year. Will there be opportunities for people in Michigan to see your pictures, too? How do you plan to get your message out? Yes, I definitely plan to have some exhibits throughout Michigan. Once the locations and dates have been confirmed, they’ll be posted on my website, blog and Facebook page. The work will also be exhibited on my website and available for purchase online and a percentage of each print sale will go to the Michigan Nature Association. It would be great to connect with local schools as well so that the exhibit can be used to help educate youth about Michigan’s natural environment.
“Endangered plant species came to mind and the inspiration started to spiral.”
Your latest project contrasts invasive plants and endangered species. Could you tell us more about the project and what it will involve? In a nutshell, I’m photographing shadows of endangered and threatened plant species and transferring these images onto paper that I’m making from invasive plant species. The finished prints will be framed using reclaimed wood from a local lumber yard in Bath. For this I have enlisted the help of my husband, a skilled frame maker and man of many talents. I feel fortunate to have recently been awarded the 2013 Chris Clark Fellowship from the Arts Council of Greater Lansing which assisted with the purchase of a new camera. It’s wonderful to have this awesome new piece of equipment for this project. What is it like making paper from invasive species? Do you need special equipment? What type of invasive plants will you be using? So far I’ve been experimenting with phragmites and buckthorn, though I plan to collect more invasive plants this spring. I’m new to the art of paper making, but one thing I learned very quickly is that
Is there a way for MNA members to help you with your project? Yes. If anyone has collected phragmites, buckthorn, or other invasive plants and would like to donate them to the project, I would be happy to take them. You can also make a donation of any size to the project through MNA. Learn more about Jane by visiting www.janekramer.com.
michigan nature | spring 2014
29
Memorials and Honoraria August 1, 2013 - February 1, 2014
Donations given in honor or memory of MNA members and friends appear here in tribute. To learn how you can honor a loved one, call (866) 223-2231 or visit www.michigannature.org.
In Memory of:
Douglas Arntz by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Leila Bradfield by Richard Brewer and Kay Takahashi Dan Burchett by Darrell Burchett by Samantha Koyle and Gail Silver by David and Laureen Moody by Greg and Becky Moody by Bob and Brenda Powers by Trevor and Lori Williams Edward S. Carpenter, Jr. by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Richard Dauch by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Leah Davidson by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Jay Epstein by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Barbara Erb by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Maxim Fedorchak by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Andrew Getzinger by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Sylvia Goldstein by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum
Gregory Graczyk by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Dr. Nancy Gregory by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Earl Hall by Michael Fitzpatrick and Sue Fortuna Elaine Hernwick by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Richard and Mildred Holem by Doug and Marie Holem John House by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Richard Janes by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Sister Jill by Tracy Miller Helen Johnson by Charles and Laura Bikle Etem Karanfili by Dr. Joseph James Blanche Klar by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Kenneth Kraft by Ruth Baker Estelle Lewin by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Lizzie Mccrear by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum
Michael Minasian by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Anna Nagy by James and Barbara Gusfa James Nassar, D.D.S. by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Rosalie Pavkovich by Michael Fitzpatrick and Sue Fortuna Leonie Reder by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum James Rensland by The Bradtke Family Jim Rooks by John Heidtke Marjorie Rose by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Forbes and Ruth Sibley by David and Alice Lewandowski Hilda Silverman by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Mike Taylor by Elinor Taylor Nicholas Terbrack by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Helen Thomas by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum Isabelle Thomas by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum
Curtis Vail by Jonathon Beeton by Linda and John Harris Linda Voll by John Heneghan
In Honor of:
Dennis Alan Bradtke by The Bradtke Family Dawn Fleming and Enrique Bustillos by Patricia Patterson Steve Kelley by Barbara Kelley by Michael Synk Colleen McInery and Mary Mueller by Sandra Murphy Chad Pastotnik by Joyce Miller Craig Tylenda by Jamie Steis Ruth Vail by Alice and Dale Valaskovic Dave Wendling by Catherine Niessink Dorothy Winnards by Carole Brumm Barbara and Paul Worden-Niffenegger by Fr. David Neven
Leave a Lasting Legacy MNA’s Guardians of the Future are a special group, dedicated to protecting Michigan’s unique natural heritage for generations to come. By including the Michigan Nature Association in your estate plans, you can leave a lasting impact on the conservation and education programs you value at MNA.
Give a gift that lasts more than a lifetime. For more information, contact Garret Johnson at 866-223-2231 or gjohnson@michigannature.org. If you have already included MNA in your will or estate plan, please let us know so we can thank you.
Š J. Haara
Help Meet the Brockway Mountain Challenge All donations will be matched dollar-fordollar, up to $10,000. Donald and Karen Stearns have provided MNA with a generous new challenge grant. All donations for the protection of Brockway Mountain will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000. MNA is currently raising the funds to purchase and protect a 77-acre addition to James H. Klipfel Memorial Nature Sanctuary along the Keweenaw Peninsula’s famed Brockway Mountain Drive.
Donate today! Funds must be raised by December 24, 2014 in order to protect the land forever. Use the enclosed envelope, call (866) 223-2231 or visit www.michigannature.org to donate.
Help protect 77 acres of land along Brockway Mountain Drive
Join Us Today
Michigan Nature Association 326 East Grand River Avenue Williamston, MI 48895 www.michigannature.org
Become a member of the Michigan Nature Association to receive Michigan Nature magazine in the mail! Visit www.michigannature.org to learn more.
MNA Earns National Recognition MNA has achieved land trust accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. MNA was awarded accreditation this February. Less than 15 percent of all land trusts in the United States are currently accredited. The Commission is an independent program created by the Land Trust Alliance, a land conservation organization that works with land trusts across the nation. Achieving accreditation is one of the many ways MNA is committed to conservation excellence.
Š Paul Messing