A brief history of isle Royale

By Ren Brabenec

Isle Royale is the least-visited but most re-visited national park in the lower 48. How is it that a spot that receives as many visitors in a year as Yellowstone gets in a day is the most popular park to return to out of the hundreds in the country?

As with any park, visitors to Isle Royale are asked to leave no trace. But when they step off the boat or seaplane, they’re also told the park will absolutely leave its mark on them. Or, as the National Park Service says in its introduction to the island, “Become a part of this island, and let it become a part of you.”

A Good Place

Perhaps the rich human history entombed within the soil and rock of the island plays a role in the song it sings into the hearts and minds of those who travel to it. According to Liz Valencia, manager of interpretation and cultural resources for the park, humans have been coming to the island for at least 5,000 years.

“Isle Royale and the waters around it are a part of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa’s (Ojibwe) ancestral lands,” says Valencia. “To us, it’s Isle Royale. But to them, it’s Minong or ‘A Good Place.’”

Prior to contact with Europeans in the 1600s, indigenous peoples excavated copper from Minong to fashion tools. They left behind copper pits that, where pointed out by NPS signage, can be viewed by modernday visitors. Indigenous peoples also fished on and around the island, a tradition observed today.

Following the first contact of French fur traders with Ojibwe peoples near Isle Royale, it didn’t take long for the island to attract mining and lumbering interests. “The 1840s, 1860s, and 1890s were the major copper booms on the island,” says Valencia. “During that time, swaths of the island were also timbered, and the waters around the island attracted commercial and small-time fishing vessels.”

Becoming a National Park

When commercial activity entered a new stage of development in the early 20th century, people who enjoyed the island for its natural beauty became concerned about its future.

“To be honest, people were afraid,” Valencia tells us. “Private interests, particularly logging and mining companies, owned much of the island. There was a concern that the island would be clear cut. And even if that didn’t occur, people were worried the island would become overdeveloped, that it would lose its wild nature.”

So those who loved the island demanded wilderness protections for it.

“Local Michiganders and people from across the country pressured Congress to make it a national park,” says Valencia. “Folks like Albert Stoll, Jr., a reporter at the Detroit News, came to the island in the 1920s to write stories about it. Archeologists and naturalists came to study the island. They left with troves of information and compelling evidence for why the island should be a national park. Some even phoned the White House demanding it.

In the end, Congress and President Hoover authorized the creation of Isle Royale National Park in 1931, and President Roosevelt officially established the park on April 3, 1940.

Caring for the Island Now and Forever

Now, more than 80 years later, the park remains mostly undeveloped, and Isle Royale’s 24,000 to 28,000 annual visitors seems like a small figure compared to visitation in other national parks.

But all of those visitors arrive between April and October, and they’re visiting an island just 206 square miles in size. That’s why park rangers say their No. 1 challenge is providing a pleasant visitor experience that does not hamper the island’s wild characteristics.

“More campers are having to share campsites,” Valencia tells us.

But it’s not just the humans Isle Royale experts are monitoring. Once upon a time, the northern winters were cold enough to create an ice bridge between Isle Royale and mainland Canada, some 15 miles north.

“The ice bridge [was] critical to the biodiversity of the island,” says Erin Parker, former national park ranger and biological sciences technician. The ice bridge Parker refers to allowed species to travel to the island, where they adapted and created what Parker calls “a living laboratory” in their new home.

Those peculiar ecosystems have made the island unique and rife with opportunities for scientific study. The long-term wolf and moose study that began in 1958 is perhaps the most well-known, but it’s certainly not the only ecosystem of interest. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the waters around Isle Royale contain the most productive native fishery and genetically diverse trout populations in Lake Superior.

Now, that fishery may be in danger. “And as the climate warms, habitats and species are changing,” says Valencia. “Certain types of fish can’t survive in inland lakes anymore, which affects the island’s biodiversity. Algae blooms are also occurring in those lakes, which make it tricky for campers who are relying on the lakes for a water source. Thankfully, we’ve launched numerous research projects to understand our changing island, and we’re implementing new programs to help improve the visitor experience.”

Not Your Average Camping Trip

Another part of the visitor experience?

“Expect the unexpected.” It’s a rule of thumb for those adventuring into any wilderness area, but such words ring with far greater resonance in the case of Isle Royale.

“The unpredictability of Lake Superior dictates everything that happens out there,” Valencia cautions. “Schedules may change, and there’s nothing you can do about it. When you’re there, you’re at the mercy of the lake and the island.”

Valencia refers us to the National Park Service website for Isle Royale, which advises visitors to bring extra food, pack for cold weather and rain no matter the season, and arrange schedules so that if you’re stuck on the island an extra day or two, folks back home won’t start to worry.

According to Isle Royale’s park rangers, “plan ahead” and “be ready for change” are the two most important rules when traveling to the island. Every visitor receives a face-to-face orientation from an NPS ranger who coaches them on how to enjoy the island safely and ethically. Park rangers even compiled a First Timer’s Guide to Isle Royale, available on the NPS website.

So what is there to do on the island?

“If you asked 12 people what their favorite places were on the island, you’d get 12 different responses,” says Valencia. “There is no single, iconic ‘Aha!’ spot in the park that everyone talks about. It’s more of an immersive experience.”

Valencia says hiking is the most common activity, referencing Lookout Louise, Lane Cove, Scoville Point, the Rock Island Lighthouse, the Greenstone Ridge, Siskiwit Lake, Suzy’s Cave, the Feldtmann Ridge Lookout Tower, and the Minong Mine as popular attractions. Paddling is another draw, as Isle Royale is technically an archipelago with over 400 islands throughout the park.

But perhaps the biggest perk is simply leaving technology, internet, cell service, city lights, traffic, electricity, and television behind for a few days and just letting yourself fall into a more natural state of being. And as you fall, the island catches you, inviting you to make the forests, fields, and waterways feel more like home than any four walls ever could.

An unimposing sign placed carefully on the Stoll Trail on the island’s southeastern side perhaps best describes Isle Royale. The sign has a quote from Albert Stoll, Jr., an excerpt from the journalism that compelled the federal government to designate the island as a National Park. “Isle Royale is a part of an entirely different world than the one in which we labor daily,” wrote Stoll. “It knows nothing and cares less of the triumphs of modern civilization.” saturday

What can we say? It’s a royal island in a superior lake. Of course it’s going to be legendary.

To learn more about Isle Royale and plan your visit, head to nps.gov/isro.

33RD ZOO-DE-MACK: A weekend of huge parties with great bands, a super scenic bicycle ride, views of the Mackinac Bridge, parties on Mackinac Island & more. Today’s schedule includes: Registration in the lobby below The Zoo Bar at The Highlands at Harbor Springs from 7:30-10:30am; the bicycle ride (51 miles along Lake Michigan) starting between 7:30-10:30am at The Highlands in the Ski Area Parking Lot; lunch at Legs Inn, Cross Village between 10:30am-2pm; Post Ride Party - noon-5pm at The Crossings, Mackinaw City. Tonight there will be parties on Mackinac Island. zoo-de-mack.com

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63RD ANNUAL NATIONAL MOREL

MUSHROOM FESTIVAL: Boyne City, May 18-21. Today includes a Community Breakfast, the 63rd Annual National Competitive Morel Mushroom Hunt, Painting in the Park with Dan, Taste of Morels, Great Morel Giveaway, 63rd Motherload Bash w/ The Family Tradition Band, & more. bcmorelfestival. com/schedule-of-events.html

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ALPEN-CAR SHOW: 8am-3pm, Otsego County Sportsplex, Gaylord. A fundraiser for Alpenfest. Awards, food trucks, music & fun.

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FREE PANCAKES FOR TORNADO SURVIVORS: 8am, Otsego County Fire Department, Gaylord. Survivors of the 05.20.2022 tornado are invited to an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. Survivors must fill out a registration verifying survivor info & pick up their tickets at the Emergency Preparedness Expo on May 18 from 3:30-5:30pm at Otsego Resort. otsegofoundation.org/longterm-recovery-group

FREE WRITING WORKSHOP WITH AUTHOR HEATHER SHUMAKER: 9-10:30am, Interlochen Public Library. Learn more about the world of children’s books, from writing to publishing. Bring your ideas, writing supplies, questions & enthusiasm. 231-276-6767.

SPRING STEWARDSHIP DAY: 9am, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Trail grooming, garden weeding, window shining & more. Please bring a pair of gloves. Register: stewardship@grassriver.org. grassriver.org

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SWEETWATER EVENING GARDEN CLUB

PLANT SALE & GARDEN CRAFTS: 9am1pm, Bayside Park, Acme. Shop for perennial flowers, herbs, ferns, veggie plants, & garden crafts. 938-9611.

TVC5K - RUN THE RUNWAY: 9am, Cherry Capital Airport, TC. Benefits the Wings of Mercy West Michigan & The Grand Traverse YMCA. $38. runsignup.com/Race/MI/TraverseCity/TVC5K?aflt_token=vkmwDmweQ 4iCYn8otSOOnKQ3vCO8buOw

2023 TRAVERSE CITY STROLL FOR EPILEPSY™: 10am, Clinch Park, TC. An event that unites the epilepsy community across the state to fight the challenges of living with epilepsy including stigma, SUDEP, misdiagnosis, treatment gaps, loss of employment, discrimination, & isolation. There is also a Virtual Stroll option. Pre-registration fees: Adults (ages 12+): $25. Children (ages 2 -11): $15. Infants (ages 1 & under): free. epilepsymichigan.org/stroll

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ANNUAL NATIVE PLANT SALE: 10amnoon, Boardman River Nature Center, TC. Featuring over 70 species of Michigan native flowers, ferns, & grasses. natureiscalling.org/native-plant-sale

FREE TENNIS: 10am-11:30am, Otsego County Sportsplex, Gaylord. Celebrate National Tennis Month by playing for free at Otsego County Sportsplex. Register. 989619-4148.

GREAT LAKES CHILDREN’S MUSEUM’S WATER SAFETY DAY: Great Lakes Children’s Museum, outside, TC. See a real Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter up close, learn about different types of lifejackets & how to wear them, run sinking boat drills, attend a beach safety class with America’s Boating Club, take the PFD Quiz to get a free lifejacket donated by Long Lake Marina, learn about swim safety & CPR with the Red Cross, & much more. Free; does not Include Museum admission. greatlakeskids.org/joinus-for-water-safety-day

OTSEGO COUNTY FAIR MCLA LAMB

SHOW: 10am, Otsego County Fairgrounds, Gaylord. otsegocountyfair.com/2023-mclalamb-show

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OUTDOOR CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW: 10am-3pm, The Village at GT Commons, Historic Front Lawn, TC. Browse Michigan vendors offering art, jewelry, crafts, food & more. This is a free event & great for all ages. thevillagetc.com

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SPRING BAYFRONT ART & CRAFT

SHOW: 10am-5pm, Emmet County Fairgrounds, Petoskey.

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SPRING BIRDING: 10am-noon, Greenwood Foundation - Windswept Entrance, Wolverine. Join LTC volunteer & birder extraordinaire Mary Trout in exploring the varying trails & habitats of the Greenwood Foundation. Must pre-register. Free. landtrust. org/events

SPANISH MEETUP: 10:30am, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Practice Spanish. RSVP: lstarsoneck47@gmail.com.

FORGING FOR PEACE PROJECT: 11am3pm. The Forging For Peace Project blacksmiths return to the Glen Arbor Arts Center Forge. These northern Michigan artists & craftsmen use the ancient art of blacksmithing as part of a world-wide project to raise funds for non-profits focused on peacemaking. Free. glenarborart.org/events-page/ events-all

GAYLORD COLOR FOR A CURE 5K: 11am. Starts & ends at the Pavilion on Court, Gaylord. Proceeds support the T.A.C.K.L.E. fund of the Otsego Community Foundation that provides assistance to those with cancer. $35 + $3.10 sign-up fee. runsignup.com/Race/ MI/Gaylord/GaylordColoredForACure?aflt_ token=vkmwDmweQ4iCYn8otSOOnKQ3vC O8buOw

TSO AT THE LIBRARY: SUZUKI STUDENT PERFORMANCE: 1pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Enjoy a performance by Suzuki students. Families welcome & encouraged. Free. tadl. org/events

SWING INTO SPRING: 5:30pm, Nub’s Nob Resort, Harbor Springs. Featuring the Harbor Springs HS Jazz Band, dinner, games, a silent auction & more. Tickets: 231-5264869. $25.

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FREE COMMUNITY MOVIE NIGHT: 6:30pm, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, TC. Featuring “Sing.” Popcorn & drinks provided. Feel free to wear your PJs. bethlehemtc.org/ community-movie-night

“STEEL MAGNOLIAS”: 7pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Theater, Petoskey. Presented by Little Traverse Civic Theater. $20 adults; $10 students 18 & under. app.arts-people. com/index.php?actions=4&p=3

“SOMETHING ROTTEN”: 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. In the 1590s, brothers Nick & Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.” $28 adults; $15 youth under 18, plus fees. oldtownplayhouse.com/performances/mainstage/something-rotten.html sunday

SPRING BAYFRONT ART & CRAFT SHOW: (See Sat., May 20)

10TH ANNUAL SPRING PUMPKIN PEDAL: Organized group ride through Old Mission Peninsula, hosted by Jolly Pumpkin, to benefit TART Trails & Northern Michigan E3. Registration starts at 11:30am. Please sign a waiver in the Peninsula Room (adjacent left to Jolly Pumpkin restaurant) before meeting in the Jolly Pumpkin parking lot for the ride that begins at noon. Choose from the 40-mile full Peninsula ride; 20-mile Lighthouse ride; or 7.5mile family friendly ride. Free; suggested $10 donation. traversetrails.org/event/springpumpkin-pedal/?mc_cid=d87e0459fb&mc_ eid=df24b9efb4 ----------------------

63RD ANNUAL NATIONAL MOREL MUSHROOM FESTIVAL: Boyne City, May 18-21. Today includes Paint & Sip with Duncan Studios, Arts & Crafts Show, & more. bcmorelf- estival.com/schedule-of-events.html

“SOMETHING ROTTEN”: (See Sat., May 20, except today’s time is 2pm.) ----------------------

BARN RED MOVIE AT THE BAY THEATRE: 4pm, The Bay Theatre, Suttons Bay. Michigan Made Film Acclaimed filmmaker Richard Brauer’s story of a farmer (portrayed by Ernest Borgnine) who protects his cherished farm from developers through land conservation. Following the film, Grand Traverse Regional Conservancy Director Glen Chown & Leelanau Conservancy Director Tom Nelson will outline how land stewardship protects irreplaceable parcels that are critical to the character of the region, preserving them for future generations. Producer/director Brauer will also introduce the film & answer questions. $15 per person or $10 per member. thebaytheatre.com/special-events ----------------------

JORDAN VALLEY COMMUNITY BAND’S SPRING CONCERT: 4pm, East Jordan Middle/High School, Community Auditorium. Music from the 60’s is the theme.

THE GREAT LAKES CHAMBER ORCHESTRA PRESENTS THE HUMMEL TRIO W/ MAESTRO LIBOR ONDRAS: 4pm, First Presbyterian Church of Harbor Springs. The Hummel Trio is an ensemble-in-residence at Grand Rapids Community College department of music. Free. glcorchestra.org

FACULTY & GUEST ARTIST RECITAL: 7pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Music Center 1010. With Ara Sarkissian, Mike Ouzounian, & Evelyn Elsing. The concert will feature a diverse selection of works by J.S.

Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, & Jean Françaix. Free. interlochen.org/events/facultyand-guest-artist-recital-ara-sarkissian-mikeouzounian-and-evelyn-els-2023-05-21 monday

PRESCHOOL ADVENTURES IN ART: 9:3010:15am, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Visual Arts Classroom, TC. Young artists can engage in themed activities while exploring various art methods. Early registration encouraged. $5. crookedtree.org/class/ ctac-traverse-city/preschool-adventures-artmay-22

KID’S CRAFT LAB: BUTTERFLY

BOARDS: 10:30am, 1pm & 3:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Paint & stick 3D butterflies all over an artsy board. Sign up when you reserve your attendance at the Museum. greatlakeskids.org

VOICES OF MOBILE: 6pm, New Hope Community Church, Williamsburg. Voices of Mobile, Alabama School of the Arts, is a highly versatile, auditioned vocal ensemble which presents over 200 concerts every year through regional & international tours. They have performed on stage at the White House, Carnegie Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, & The Brooklyn Tabernacle Church. Free will offering. newhope.cc tuesday

CLAY CLIFFS GARLIC

MUSTARD WORKBEE: 10am, Clay Cliffs Natural Area, Leland. Join ISN & the Leelanau Conservancy for an opportunity to foster habitat improvements by controlling highly invasive garlic mustard. Please bring a water bottle & gloves. Free. habitatmatters.org/garlic-mustard-workbees.html

PEEPERS PROGRAM: MIGRATION TIME: 10-11am, Boardman River Nature Center, TC. Learn about the many animals who migrate back to Michigan for their summer stay. Held outdoors. For ages 3-5 & their adult. Stories, crafts, music, & discovery activities. Register. $5/child. natureiscalling.org/ preschool-peepers-program ----------------------

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30am, Suttons Bay Bingham District Library. Stories, songs & active fun. Free. sbbdl.org

STORYTIME ADVENTURES: 10:30am, 1pm & 3:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Featuring “Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!” by Mo Willems. Sign up when you reserve your attendance at the Museum. greatlakeskids.org ----------------------

CWIB LUNCHEON: Stafford’s Bay View Inn, Petoskey. “Control Your Destiny - Six Powerful Steps” with Life Coach Patti Bayne Tomczak. Registration & networking run from 11:30am-noon, with the program starting at noon. Register. $35 CWIB members; $40 all others. petoskeychamber.com/events/details/cwib-luncheon-may-23-2023-29522

CHAIR YOGA: Noon, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Join Janet Weaver from Traverse Bay Yoga Therapy for chair yoga. All yoga postures will be done seated or standing with a chair available for support & balance. Free. tadl.org/events

REMOTE WORKERS MEETUP: 5-7pm, Community Demonstration Garden, Gay- lord. Meet by the amphitheater. Bring your own food, drinks & chair. If the weather isn’t good, meet at Alpine Tavern. 715-897-3409. meetup.com/nmiremote/events/lfhrbtyfchbfc

Wednesday

MAGOON CREEK GARLIC MUSTARD WORKBEE: 10am, Magoon Creek Natural Area, Manistee. Join ISN & the Manistee Conservation District for an opportunity to foster habitat improvements by controlling highly invasive garlic mustard. Please bring a water bottle & gloves. habitatmatters.org/garlicmustard-workbees.html

HARM REDUCTION MI PRESENTS AUTHOR & ATTORNEY COLLEEN COWLES, J.D.: 12-2pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Colleen is the author of “War On Us”: How the War on Drugs & Myths About Addiction Have Created a War on All of Us. harmreductionmi.org

MICHIGAN’S 529 COLLEGE SAVINGS

HOSTS FREE DROP-IN INFORMATIONAL

SESSION: 3-7pm, Traverse Area District Library, TC. Hosted by the Michigan Department of Treasury’s Section 529 college savings plans. The session is held in celebration of National 529 Day & Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proclamation of May 22-29 as 529 Awareness Week.

REGIONAL BUSINESS AFTER HOURS:

5-7pm, The Back Lot Charlevoix. Featuring Charlevoix Area, East Jordan Area, & Boyne Area Chambers of Commerce. Three food trucks & networking. $10 Chamber members; $15 not-yet members. ----------------------

TAHRA INTERN NETWORKING EVENT:

5:30pm, Bayside Park, Acme. The Traverse Area Human Resource Association will host this event for students interning at local organizations. Food & non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. Employers & interns are invited to attend & find out what’s in store for the rest of the summer. Reserve your spot. tahratc. org/meet-reg1.php?id=66

RESURRECTING THE GLEN ARBOR

TOWNSHIP CEMETERY: 7pm, Glen Lake Library, Program Room, Empire. Learn about the history of the Glen Arbor Township Cemetery, which served the Glen Lake area from 1880-1927, & the renewed effort to reclaim this long-neglected resting place. Linda Alice Dewey, chair of the G.A. Township Cemetery Advisory Board, will describe the discoveries gleaned from this ongoing journey & the latest developments, including the use of ground penetrating radar to locate 40+ unmarked graves. glenlakelibrary.net

SLABTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION SPRING GENERAL MEETING: 7pm, Traverse Bay United Methodist Church, TC. All residents are invited to attend to learn more about the city’s proposed zoning changes & upcoming community activities.

EFFECTS OF LIGHT POLLUTION ON THE ECOSYSTEM W/ NOMAC: 8:30pm, Headlands International Dark Sky Park, Mackinaw City. mackinawchamber.com/event/ effects-of-light-pollution-on-the-ecosystemw-nomac thursday

37TH ANNUAL PARKINSON’S SUMMER FORUM: Hagerty Center, NMC’s Great Lakes Campus, TC.

Registration & exhibits open at 8:45am, with program running from 10am-2:15pm. Featured Speaker Dr. Susan Maixner, University of MI Geriatric Psychology Division, will discuss: “Mind & Mood in PD: Feeling & Living Better.” Register. $25; lunch included. ParkinsonsNetworkNorth.org

KID’S CRAFT LAB: BUTTERFLY BOARDS: (See Mon., May 22)

ALI ON THE RUN WITH GUEST EMMA BATES: 3:30pm, City Opera House, TC. The Traverse City Track Club, in conjunction with the Bayshore Marathon, presented by Munson Healthcare, presents a live podcast recording with Ali Feller of “Ali on The Run.” Ali’s special guest will be World Championship Team member, Emma Bates. $25. runsignup.com/bayshore

COMMUNITY AUTISM AWARENESS PRESENTATION: 4:30pm, Interlochen Public Library. By Northwest Education Services. NorthEd will describe practical tools & strategies to help participants be proactive & confident in supporting individuals with autism in various settings. 231-276-6767.

LEARN HOW TO CONSTRUCT & MAINTAIN BACKCOUNTRY NATURE TRAILS: 5-6:30pm, Barbara C. Hoffius Nature Preserve, Cheboygan. Join trail builder Dave McVicker & a LTC staff member at the new Barbara C. Hoffius Nature Preserve trail for a hike on the new trail & an explanation on how to construct & maintain backcountry trails so that they fit into the surroundings & provide an undisturbed nature experience. Must pre-register. Free. landtrust.org/events

MEET THE ARTIST: 5-8pm, Seven Elements Art Gallery, Mackinaw City. Featuring Jackie House, a painter & sculptor from Mackinaw City, & Jess Miller, a photographer from Indian River. sevenelementsartgallery.com

AN ARTIST TALK WITH ELGIN CLECKLEY: 5:30pm, Charlevoix Circle of Arts. A gallery talk with Good Hart Artist Resident Elgin Cleckley. Elgin will outline his journey to developing Brookes (Revisited), an installation/exhibition that humanizes the iconic drawing Stowage of the British Slave Ship Brookes under the Regulated Slave Trade Act of 1788 through models, drawings, & interactives. Free. charlevoixcircle.org/events

MAY SWIRL: 5:30-7pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Galleries, Petoskey. Enjoy this artsy cocktail hour with wine, heavy appetizers from NOMI Kitchen, live music with Chris Koury, & touring current art exhibitions. $25 member; $30 non-member. crookedtree.org/ event/ctac-petoskey/may-swirl-0 ----------------------

HARM REDUCTION MI PRESENTS AUTHOR & ATTORNEY COLLEEN COWLES, J.D.: 6pm, West Shore Community College, Room A & B, Manistee. Colleen is the author of “War On Us”: How the War on Drugs & Myths About Addiction Have Created a War on All of Us. harmreductionmi.org

TITANIC: SURVIVORS, VICTIMS, & LEGACIES; THE REST OF THE STORY: 6:30pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. This presentation explores what became of some of the survivors of the Titanic & the legacies left by some of the victims of the tragedy. The efforts to provide relief benefits to families affected by the tragedy are discussed. Retired teacher David Kaplan shares Titanic facts as well as the importance of this date the event occurs in history. Free. tadl.org/titanic

“SOMETHING ROTTEN”: (See Sat., May 20) friday

BIRD WALK AT WHITING PARKING: 9-11am, Whiting Park, Boyne City. Join the Whiting Park Centennial Committee & the Petoskey Regional Audubon Society for 1-2 miles. Bring binoculars if you have them.

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MORE TO EXPLORE: WONDERFUL

WHEELS: 9:30am, noon & 2:30pm, Great Lakes Children’s Museum, TC. Wheels are rolling! Children will manipulate cars & trucks on a small roadway & downhill track. greatlakeskids.org

BAYSHORE SHAKEOUT RUN: 10am, GT County Civic Center, TC. Run with worldclass marathoner Emma Bates. Meet on the south side of the Civic Center Park. Registration required. Free. bayshoremarathon.org

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PRESENTATION: Noon, Glen Arbor Arts Center. Marquette artist JoAnn Deuel Shelby will use her Glen Arbor Arts Center residency to document Leelanau County plant biomes & their biological communities & then contrast them with those native to the Upper Peninsula. Shelby’s investigations will be used to create eco-printed papers & fabrics that allow her to interpret & illustrate changes in climate. Free. glenarborart.org/events-page/events-all

INTRODUCTION TO MINDFULNESS: Noon, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. This workshop with Personal Transformation Coach Samantha Gutowski will teach you about the benefits of mindfulness. Learn more about meditation, breathwork, journaling, somatics, & many more techniques for developing a mindfulness practice. Free. tadl.org/mindfulness

WILDFLOWER RESCUE SALE: 9am-4pm, Village Green, Leland. Come early for best selection. The sale of these native flowers & plants are saved from construction sites in Leelanau & may be limited in variety & size. All proceeds benefit the stewardship of Leelanau Conservancy Natural Areas. leelanauconservancy.org/events/wildflowerrescue-sale/

ARTIST MARKET: 3-7pm, Walloon Lake Winery, Petoskey. See what local artists in NoMi have to offer. They will be set up in the pavilion. walloonlakewinery.com/events

SUMMER READING PROGRAM REGISTRATION: 3:30pm, Bellaire Public Library. Enjoy an ice cream party & register for the Summer Reading Program - “All Together Now.” Free.

NORTHPORT PHOTO EXHIBIT OPENING RECEPTION: 6-8pm, Northport Arts Association, Northport. At least 30 photographers will have over 150 photographs on display & more available as prints. Give your vote for the People Choice award. Free. northportartsassociation.org ----------------------

“SOMETHING ROTTEN”: (See Sat., May 20) saturday

BAYSHORE MARATHON, HALF MARATHON (SOLD OUT!) & 10K (SOLD OUT!): 1150 Milliken Dr., TC. The Marathon begins at 7:15am. Cost is $140. The Half Marathon begins at 7:30am. Cost is $135. The 10K begins at

7:30am. Cost is $80. The Bayshore Kids Marathon (1.2 miles) begins at 1:30pm. Cost is $10. bayshoremarathon.org

STAFFORD’S TOP OF MICHIGAN FESTIVAL OF RACES: HALF MARATHON, 10K & 5K: Bayfront Park, Petoskey. 7:30am: Half Marathon - $80. 8am: 10K - $55. 8:15am: 5K - $40. runsignup.com/Race/MI/Petoskey/ TopofMichiganFestivalofRaces

BIRDING BY EAR: 8am, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. The birds are singing but may be difficult to see this time of year as the trees leaf out. Learn to ID birds by their songs & go for a birding walk. Register. $5. grassriver.org

BOOK SALE: 9am-2pm, Helena Township Community Center, Alden. Sponsored by Friends of the Alden District Library. 231331-4318.

FRIENDS OF INTERLOCHEN PUBLIC LIBRARY PLANT & FLOWER SALE: 9am2pm, Interlochen Corners parking lot, across from Tom’s Food Markets, Interlochen. All proceeds benefit programming at Interlochen Public Library. 231-276-6767. ----------------------

LAKE ANN CAMP - FAMILY FUN DAY: 9am, 18400 Maple St., Lake Ann. Tour the grounds, meet staff, & preview the various activities planned for the summer. Free. lakeanncamp.com/retreats/family-fun-day

MADE IN CHEBOYGAN CRAFT SHOW: 9am-5pm, Washington Park, Cheboygan. Featuring a large assortment of crafters selling jewelry, home decor, pottery, clothing, toys, kitchen essentials, custom printed shirts & mugs, & more. For vendor info, email: madeincheboygan@gmail.com. facebook.com/madeincheboygan

ELK RAPIDS ARTS & CRAFT SHOW: 10am, River St., Downtown Elk Rapids. More than 60 artisans & crafters displaying & selling their work. Pet-friendly, family-friendly. elkrapidschamber.org/arts-crafts-show

WET PAINT ART SHOW: 10am-5pm, Village Green Park, Walloon Lake.

“LAYING OF THE LILACS” COMMUNITY

CEREMONY: 11am, The Mills Community House, Benzonia. This ceremony is held to honor the area’s Civil War veterans at the mushroom-shaped monument made by the E.P. Case Grand Army of the Republic Post 372 veterans in the late 1880s. William Case & his family will be honored this year with a program presented by Benzie Area Historical Society Curator & historian Jane Purkis. Senator Case was the author of “The Tragedy of Crystal Lake,” his account of the lowering of Crystal Lake 150 years ago this summer. A headstone cleaning workshop will follow the ceremony at noon. benziemuseum.org

ARBOR FEST: 11am-2pm, Kiwanis Park, Harbor Springs. Celebrate Arbor Day with a scavenger hunt activity, tree pruning demonstration, Tree Walk & Talk, nature art demonstration & activity, birdfeeder craft & much more. cityofharborsprings.com/arbor-festsaturday-may-27-from-11am-to-2pm

WILDFLOWER RESCUE SALE: (See Fri., May 26, except today’s time is 9am-1pm, or until sold out.)

COFFEE W/ THE AUTHORS: 11am, Glen Arbor Arts Center. Traverse City RecordEagle journalist, essayist, & author Mardi Jo Link is in conversation about memoir writing with Sarah Bearup-Neal, GAAC gallery manager. Link’s career took off after she pub- lished the first of three, true crime books in 2008. Link will share some of the backstory behind the writing of these personal stories, & the art & craft of memoir. Free. glenarborart.org/events-page/events-all

LEELANAU COUNTY POOR FARM BARN

CELEBRATION: 11am, Leelanau County Poor Farm Barn, County Road 616 in Myles Kimmerly Recreation Area. Hosted by the Leelanau County Historic Preservation Society. Featuring guided barn tours to honor contractors, volunteers, donors, & partners. Other family friendly activities will be available. Free.

NATIONAL TENNIS MONTH: BOYNE

MOUNTAIN MEMORIAL WEEKEND FREE

CLINICS: 11am-1pm, Boyne Mountain Resort Tennis Courts, Boyne Falls. Open to Advanced Beginners & above. Check-in at 10:30am. Register. petoskeyarea.com/ events/national-tennis-month-boyne-mountain-memorial-weekend-free-clinics

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BLESSING OF THE BOATS: 1pm, Walloon Lake’s marina. The Village of Walloon Lake will hold Blessings of the Boats with deacon Paul from St. Francis Xavier Parish performing the blessing on the docks of Walloon Lake’s marina for a safe boating season.

MACKINAW CITY MEMORIAL DAY PARADE: 1pm, Downtown Mackinaw City. Enjoy music by the Scottville Clown Band before the parade at 11am.

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FORT MICHILIMACKINAC REENACTMENT: 3:30pm, Fort Michilimackinac, Mackinaw City. The events will bring to life the 1763 Fort Michilimackinac battle & explore the relationships between the French, British, & Anishinaabe.

MICHIGAN BEER AND BRAT FESTIVAL: 4pm, Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. The 16th annual celebration of Michigan made food & craft beverages. Enjoy live entertainment while sampling an enormous selection of Michigan’s finest microbrews, meads, hard ciders, wine, liquor & gourmet brats from northwest Michigan markets. VIP Admission begins at 3pm; GA from 4-8pm. Ages 3 & under are free. Price varies. crystalmountain.com/beerfest

LELAND AIR 2023: Old Art Building, Leland. During the day artists will paint & draw scenes around Leelanau County ‘en plein air.’ The finished “fresh off the easel” pieces will return to the OAB for the Leland Air Exhibit. The Leland Air Exhibit Opening Night reception will be held at 6:30pm. Price of tickets includes wine & appetizers. This exhibit features 40 artists from Leelanau County & across Michigan. The exhibit runs May 28 - June 1. $30 non-members; $25 OAB members. oldartbuilding.com/events/lelandair-2023

“SOMETHING ROTTEN”: (See Sat., May 20)

JANICE CARISSA: 7:30pm, Cheboygan Opera House. A Gilmore Young Artist, Janice Carissa has had great acclaims at renowned concert halls, including the Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall, United Nations, Kennedy Center, Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, Louis Vuitton Foundation, & Saratoga Performing Arts Center. $30; $25 veterans; free for students. ci.ovationtix. com/36618/production/1151535 sunday MADE IN CHEBOYGAN CRAFT SHOW: 10am-3pm, Washington Park, Cheboygan. Featuring a large assortment of crafters selling jewelry, home decor, pottery, clothing, toys, kitchen essentials, custom printed shirts & mugs, & more. For vendor info, email: madeincheboygan@gmail.com. facebook.com/ madeincheboygan ----------------------

RHUBARBARY HOUSE CONCERT SERIES: 7:30pm, The Rhubarbary, 3550 Five Mile Creek Rd., Harbor Springs. Featuring the Charlie Millard Trio, who has played festivals & venues across the Midwest & Canada. 231-499-8038. $20 donation requested.

WET PAINT ART SHOW: (See Sat., May 27)

NATIONAL TENNIS MONTH: BOYNE MOUNTAIN MEMORIAL WEEKEND FREE CLINICS: (See Sat., May 27)

“SOMETHING ROTTEN”: (See Sat., May 20, except today’s time is 2pm.) ----------------------

FORT MICHILIMACKINAC REENACTMENT: (See Sat., May 27, except today’s time is 2:30pm.)

THE MIDTOWN MEN: 8pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. The Midtown Men Tenth Anniversary Tour reunites stars from the Original Broadway Cast of the smash hit musical “Jersey Boys.” They bring to life the sound story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. Tickets range from $52 - $112. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/ midtown-men

Ongoing

KALKASKA FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY ART SILENT AUCTION: Kalkaska County Library, May 19-26. Items include paintings, carvings, glass work, baskets, prints, jewel ry, photographs & more that have been do nated by local artisans. View during library hours to bid in person or virtually on the FOL Facebook page @FriendsoftheKCL. fb.me/ e/2GgHnMgKX

BLOOMS & BIRDS: WILDFLOWER WALK: Tuesdays, 10am through Sept., Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Go for a relaxing stroll on the trails with GRNA docents to find & identify the unique wildflowers at Grass River Natural Area. Along the way look & lis ten for the birds who call Grass River home. grassriver.org ----------------------

Old Town Parking Deck during the National Cherry Festival. dda.downtowntc.com/farmers-market