Spring/Summer 2015
Nature
Discover Michigan
Michigan Nature Association
Wildflower Walkabout Summer Birding Hikes Sanctuary Service Weekend MNA’s Events & Activities Guide www.michigannature.org
Grinnell Memorial Nature Sanctuary by Brooke Isaacson
Explore Michigan’s Nature Dear Friend, Summer is almost upon us and there is no better time to get outside and explore some of the best places in Michigan with MNA. In this guide, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the best Michigan has to offer, from our 2015 Wildflower Walkabout series to kayak explorations to guided birding hikes. As always, our stewardship team will be out in the field maintaining our nature sanctuaries. You are always welcome to lend your skills to a volunteer workday. This summer MNA will also be hosting a special service weekend at Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary! As always, we thank you for your continued support and hope to see you on a field trip or volunteer day this summer!
Garret Johnson Executive Director
Michigan Nature Association 2310 Science Parkway Suite 100 Okemos, MI 48864 (866) 223-2231 www.michigannature.org
About MNA Established in 1952, the Michigan Nature Association is a nonprofit conservation organization committed to the protection and maintenance of special natural areas throughout the state. For more than 60 years, MNA has worked to acquire and protect more than 170 nature sanctuaries from the northern tip of the Upper Peninsula to the Indiana/Ohio border.
© 2015. Except where used with permission, entire contents copyright 2014 Michigan Nature Association.
© Marilyn Keigley
Membership Matters
Kayak the Les Cheneaux Islands June 27, July 12, or August 15
Join Woods & Water Ecotours on a guided paddling excursion among the clear blue waters and forested shoreline of the Les Cheneaux Island archipelago. View tranquil inner bays, boreal forest, limestone loving wildflowers, and remnants of Michigan’s glacial history as we paddle our way to an island destination. Rest and reflect on this extraordinary natural area, while enjoying a traditional Northwoods picnic.
Sanctuary Service Weekend in Huron County June 12-13
Join MNA for a special service weekend to restore the beauty and accessibility at Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary, a unique coastal sanctuary on Lake Huron’s Whiskey Harbor. We will be making major trail improvements, repairing the sanctuary sign, and installing barriers to discourage ORV trespass. We will camp at a nearby county park on Friday night and dinner will be provided by MNA. RSVPs are required. For more information or to sign up, contact Rachel Maranto at 517-525-2627 or rmaranto@ michigannature.org
Provided: Certified kayak guide/instructor, all equipment, and lunch. Cost: $75 for MNA members, $95 for nonmembers
© Charles Eshbach
Trips are limited to 10 people. To make your reservation, contact Jessie Hadley at (906) 484-4157 or info@WoodsWaterEcotours.com.
2015 Photo Contest The Photo Contest returns for 2015 with new categories! Photos showcasing MNA nature sanctuaries as well as Michigan’s natural beauty. For complete rules and entry forms, visit www.michigannature.org or call 866-223-2231.
Follow Us Online MNA Keweenaw Members’ Meeting Saturday, June 20 at 1 p.m. Eagle Harbor Community Center
Join MNA for a special meeting of our Upper Peninsula supporters! This meeting will provide an insider’s briefing on some of the exciting projects MNA has in the works for the Upper Peninsula and give members a chance to talk with MNA President Margaret Welsch and Executive Director Garret Johnson. A light lunch will be provided. To sign up, contact Cassie Miller at 866-223-2231 or email michigannature@michigannature.org.
MNA blog Visit www.michigannature.org/blog for photos and information about the latest nature news, endangered species profiles, and more.
Join the Conversation facebook.com/michigannature twitter.com/michigannature instagram.com/michigannature
Guided Nature Hikes & Tours Southeast Michigan
Western Upper Peninsula
May 24 Nature Hike at Jasper Woods 10 a.m.-12 p.m. - St. Clair County, near Kimball This unique hemlock forest along the Pine River supports an interesting mix of understory plants. Join co-stewards John Fody and Bill Atkinson for a knowledgeable guided tour! Contact: Rachel Maranto, rmaranto@michigannature.org
June 5: Frog Walk at Cy Clark Nature Sanctuary Meet at 7:30 p.m. - Keweenaw County, near Eagle Harbor Join Amy Schrank from MTU’s School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science for an aquatic biology field trip suitable for all ages. Contact: Nancy Leonard, nancy@einerlei.com
Eastern Upper Peninsula
July 18: Geology and History Nature Hike at Estivant Pines 11 a.m. - Keweenaw County, near Copper Harbor Join geologist Erika Vye for a history and nature walk of the majestic Estivant Pines. Explore how old-growth forests play a special role in promoting the overall health of our environment and learn about the area’s fascinating geology. Contact: Nancy Leonard, nancy@einerlei.com
May 25: Spring Wildflowers of the Eastern Upper Peninsula 8 a.m.- Chippewa County, near Cedarville Enjoy the 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. We will be on the lookout for flowers that occur nowhere else in the Great Lakes region! Contact: Adrienne Bozic, abozic@michigannature.org May 26: Birds and Buds Hike 8 a.m. - Chippewa County, near Cedarville Enjoy the sights and sounds of spring in the Upper Peninsula. We should be entertained by migrating songbirds and emerging vegetation. A number of unique ferns will be highlighted. Contact: Adrienne Bozic, abozic@michigannature.org June 12: Hike at Manistique Dune and Swale 1 p.m. - Schoolcraft County, near Manistique Experience an example of a rare dune and swale ecosystem. We will explore the sanctuary then finish the hike on the shores of Lake Michigan. Contact: Adrienne Bozic, abozic@michigannature.org June 23: Twin Waterfalls Sanctuary Hike 1 p.m.- Alger County, near Munising Join MNA for a hike through this beautiful sanctuary. We will see breathtaking views of several waterfalls and the sandstone cliffs that form them. Contact: Adrienne Bozic, abozic@michigannature.org June 28: Exploration at Charles Zeerip Memorial 11 a.m.- Chippewa County, near Drummond Island We will be seeking out as many as possible of the 140 plant species that have been identified in this Drummond Island sanctuary. This will be an off-trail adventure. Contact: Adrienne Bozic, abozic@michigannature.org
July 25: Butterfly Hike at Black Creek Nature NS Meet at 10 a.m. - Keweenaw County, near Calumet Join Conservation Biologist and expert Lepidopterist, Jim Bess, for an enjoyable hike and a lesson in the identification of butterflies. Bring binoculars and a camera! Contact: Nancy Leonard, nancy@einerlei.com August 2: Hike and Spotted Knapweed Removal at Grinnell Memorial Nature Sanctuary 1 p.m. - Keweenaw County, near Copper Harbor Enjoy a hike to Bare Bluff, an extraordinary lookout point over Lake Superior. Along the way, we’ll monitor the spread of knapweed along the exposed bluffs and remove what we find. Contact: Nancy Leonard, nancy@einerlei.com August 8: Knapweed Removal and Hike at Redwyn’s Dunes 11 a.m. - Keweenaw County, near Eagle Harbor Join stewards Phil and Barb Quenzi to continue the work of removing the invasive Spotted Knapweed plant on the beach area. Afterwards, enjoy a picnic (bring your own) and a hike on the beach at beautiful Great Sand Bay and back into the dunes. Contact: Nancy Leonard, nancy@einerlei.com August 15: Spotted Knapweed Pull and Butterfly Monitoring at Keweenaw Shores and Hylton Nature Sanctuaries Meet at 11 a.m. - Keweenaw County, near Eagle Harbor Join steward Nancy Leonard for an hour or two of Spotted Knapweed removal. After a picnic lunch, we’ll explore the adjacent Hylton Memorial Nature Sanctuary. Contact: Nancy Leonard, nancy@einerlei.com
For more information about these hikes, visit www.michigannature.org/events or call 866-223-2231.
© Marilyn Keigley
Michigan Nature Association
2015
Wildflower Walkabout
See spectacular wildflowers with MNA! Join us for a guided nature hike and see the wildflowers in full bloom!
May 23: Karner Blue Nature Sanctuary 3 p.m to 5 p.m. – Newaygo County, near Newaygo Come explore this beautiful sanctuary with stewards Randy Butters and Sarah Pregitzer and view the amazing wildflowers that live in this oak barrens community. Contact: John Bagley, jbagley@michigannature.org
July 7: Fred Dye Nature Sanctuary 2:30 p.m. – Mackinac County, near Moran See the karst features and disjunct prairie plants including pale purple coneflower, blue-eyed grass, wild bergamot, pale spiked lobelia, asters and goldenrods. Contact: Adrienne Bozic, abozic@michigannature.org
May 30: Morris Bay and Peter Memorial Nature Sanctuary 10 a.m. – Alpena County, near Alpena Surround yourself with dwarf lake iris, bird’s eye primrose and other treasures as we explore two stunning sites just a few miles apart. Contact: Natalie Kent-Norkowski, nkent@michigannature.org
August 15: Lost Lake Nature Sanctuary 10 a.m. – Ogemaw County, near the Rifle River Rec. Area Join steward Paul Messing for an off-trail adventure through a cedar swamp, quaking mat, and streamside marsh to see unique display of colorful late summer wildflowers. Contact: Natalie Kent-Norkowski, nkent@michigannature.org
June 6: Goose Creek Grasslands Nature Sanctuary 10 a.m. to noon – Lenawee County, near Cement City Enjoy a stunning array of spring wildflowers as we wander through this picturesque prairie fen along the meandering Goose Creek. Contact: Rachel Maranto, rmaranto@michigannature.org
August 15: Newaygo Prairie Nature Sanctuary 10:30 a.m. – Newaygo County, near Newaygo Come see the different Blazing Star species at their peak, Prickly Pear cactus, four species of milkweed, False Foxglove, asters, and beautiful grasses. Contact: John Bagley, jbagley@michigannature.org
June 6: Black River Nature Sanctuary 1 p.m. – Van Buren County, near Bangor Get a chance to see crystal clear sandy rivulets and creeks form at the feet of 35’ Hemlock and Beech trees. Contact: John Bagley, jbagley@michigannature.org
August 23: Butternut Creek Nature Sanctuary Noon – Van Buren County, near Watervilet A sanctuary that stands out for is floristic diversity and it will be at it’s peak in late August. We will plan on meeting for a picnic lunch at noon, and tour the sanctuary afterwords. Contact: John Bagley, jbagley@michigannature.org.
June 13: Echo Lake Nature Sanctuary 11 a.m. – Marquette County, near Marquette Enjoy spectacular views of Lake Superior and Echo Lake as we explore the flora of this unique sanctuary. A variety of common and unusual plants will be seen and discussed. Contact: Adrienne Bozic, abozic@michigannature.org
August 29: Clifford R. and Calla C. Burr Memorial Nature Sanctuary 10 a.m. to noon – Oakland County, near Holly Enjoy the diverse community of late summer prairie wildflowers at this tiny gem of a sanctuary in north Oakland County. Contact: Rachel Maranto, rmaranto@michigannature.org
Get Involved: Volunteer! MNA relies on the help of volunteers to continue to protect Michigan’s natural heritage. Make a difference in your area by joining MNA for a volunteer day at a sanctuary near you! Please call (866) 223-2231 if you’d like more information about any of these volunteer opportunities.
Southeast Michigan May 22: Rodman Memorial Nature Sanctuary 10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Washtenaw County, near Saline Help pull garlic mustard and dame’s rocket in this floodplain forest along the Saline River. Contact: Rachel Maranto, rmaranto@michigannature.org May 27: Lefglen Nature Sanctuary 9 a.m.-2 p.m. - Jackson County, near Napoleon Join us for a garlic mustard pull in the forested uplands. Contact: Rachel Maranto, rmaranto@michigannature.org May 28: Lyle and Mary Rizor Nature Sanctuary 10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Livingston County, near Parshallville Join us as we pull garlic mustard and search for wildflowers at this wooded sanctuary along Cornell Creek. Hang around afterward for a quick tour of the new addition! Contact: Rachel Maranto, rmaranto@michigannature.org June 3: Dauner Martin Nature Sanctuary 10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Genesee County, near Fenton Help pull garlic mustard at this popular sanctuary within the Fenton City limits. Contact: Rachel Maranto, rmaranto@michigannature.org June 4: Goose Creek Grasslands Nature Sanctuary 9 a.m.-2 p.m. - Lenawee County, near Cement City Join us for a ‘fen-filled’ day of glossy buckthorn removal along the meandering Goose Creek. Contact: Rachel Maranto, rmaranto@michigannature.org June 20: Big Valley Nature Sanctuary 9 a.m.-1 p.m. - Oakland County, near Holly At this summer workday, we will be pulling Japanese hedge parsley, an up-and-coming herbaceous invader that was recently spotted at the sanctuary. With your help, we can nip this relatively new invasion in the bud. Contact: Rachel Maranto, rmaranto@michigannature.org June 22: Lefglen Nature Sanctuary 9 a.m.-2 p.m. - Jackson County, near Napoleon Join us as we pull spotted knapweed, Japanese hedge parsley, and treat black locust in the oak savanna restoration area. Contact: Rachel Maranto, rmaranto@michigannature.org
June 25, July 14 and 22: Clifford R. and Calla C. Burr Nature Sanctuary 9 a.m.-1 p.m. - Oakland County, near Holly Help us continue the work of removing spotted knapweed from this small but high quality sanctuary. You’ll be impressed by the beauty and diversity of the summer wildflowers! Contact: Rachel Maranto, rmaranto@michigannature.org July 21: Lefglen Nature Sanctuary 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. - Jackson County, near Napoleon Join us as we pull spotted knapweed, Japanese hedge parsley, and treat black locust in the oak savanna restoration area. Contact: Rachel Maranto, rmaranto@michigannature.org July 27, July 15, and August 7: Goose Creek Grasslands 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. - Lenawee County, near Cement City Join us for a ‘fen-filled’ day of glossy buckthorn removal along the meandering Goose Creek. Contact: Rachel Maranto, rmaranto@michigannature.org August 5: Big Valley Nature Sanctuary 9 a.m.-2 p.m.- Oakland County, near Holly Enjoy beautiful views of the fen from above as we remove autumn olive from the oak savanna uplands. Contact: Rachel Maranto, rmaranto@michigannature.org
Southwest Michigan May 20: Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Cass County, near Dowagiac Let’s invest in the ecological health of Dowagiac Woods by pulling garlic mustard. Contact: John Bagley, jbagley@michigannature.org May 30: Karner Blue Nature Sanctuary 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Newaygo County, near Newaygo We are working to save the Karner blue butterfly and it’s fellow inhabitants by pulling spotted knapweed at this wonderful sanctuary Contact: John Bagley, jbagley@michigannature.org
Western Upper Peninsula
Northern Lower Peninsula
May 31: Klipfel Nature Sanctuary Meet at 10 a.m. - Keweenaw County, near Copper Harbor Join stewards Dana Richter and Nancy Leonard for trail cleaning hikes at Klipfel and at the Audubon Sanctuary on Brockway Mountain Drive. In between trail cleanings, we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and explore the area! Contact: Nancy Leonard, nancy@einerlei.com
June 6: Mystery Valley Karst Preserve 10 a.m. - Presque Isle County, near Posen Experience the unique karst features of this area with Michigan Karst Conservancy volunteers while maintaining the trail system, removing invasive plants, and conducting species inventories. Contact: Natalie Kent-Norkowski, nkent@michigannature.org
June 13: Grinnell Nature Sanctuary 10 a.m. - Keweenaw County, near Copper Harbor Join us for a day of heavy trail clearing. You’ll need to bring sturdy work gloves and heavy boots, water, bug repellant, and snacks. Chores will include helping to cut and move windfalls, clipping sprouts and widening trails, and trail marking as needed. Contact: Nancy Leonard, nancy@einerlei.com
July 11: Mystery Valley Karst Preserve 10 a.m. - Presque Isle County, near Posen Experience the unique karst features of this area with Michigan Karst Conservancy volunteers while maintaining the trail system, removing invasive plants, and conducting species inventories. Contact: Natalie Kent-Norkowski, nkent@michigannature.org
June 14: Michigan Butterfly Network Training 1 p.m. - Michigan Technological University Volunteers interested in monitoring sanctuaries for butterflies, moths and skippers should attend this training designed to teach participants butterfly ID and monitoring protocols. Contact: www.michiganbutterfly.org to register June 27: Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary 10 a.m. - Keweenaw County, near Copper Harbor Join us along with steward Ted Soldan for a day of heavy trail clearing. You’ll need to bring sturdy work gloves and heavy boots, water, bug repellant, and snacks. Chores will include helping to cut and move windfalls, clipping sprouts and widening trails Contact: Nancy Leonard, nancy@einerlei.com
Eastern Upper Peninsula May 23: Lennagene Stratton Plant Preserve 10 a.m. - Chippewa County, near Moran Help us remove invasive spotted knapweed as part of an ongoing restoration project to protect native plants. If the weather cooperates, we will also be planting native plant seedlings. Contact: Adrienne Bozic, abozic@michigannature.org
Sanctuary Stewards Needed MNA stewards are volunteers who dedicate their time to help protect and maintain a specific nature sanctuary. We would love your help stewarding or co-stewarding at the following sanctuaries: Huron County: Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary Livingston County: H. E. Hardy Memorial Nature Sanctuary Shiawassee County: Shiawassee River Plant Preserve St. Clair County: Alice W. Moore Woods Nature Sanctuary Edna S. Newnan Nature Sanctuary If you’re interested in becoming a steward at any of these sanctuaries, contact Regional Stewardship Organizer Rachel Maranto at rmaranto@michigannature.org
Michigan Nature Association 2310 Science Parkway, Suite 100 Okemos, MI 48864 www.michigannature.org
Help MNA Meet the $50,000 Challenge
Donations of $500 or more will be matched until October 1, 2015
Help MNA meet this exciting new challenge! All donations to MNA of $500 or more will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $50,000. Time is Limited - Donate Today Use the enclosed envelope, call 866-223-2231 or visit www.michigannature.org to donate.
Double Your Impact Today
Š Charlie Eshbach Š Mike Zajczenko