2016
GREEN LIVING & OUTDOORS SECTION E
PROGRESS
Wednesday, March 30
A SPECIAL SECTION OF THE MINING JOURNAL ALSO INSIDE
PAGE 2E Enhancing habitat through restoration Aiming true
PAGE 3E OH DEER!
Above, the face of a snowy owl. (Courtesy photo) Below, Jerry Maynard, left, and Bob Jensen, co-founders of the Chocolay Raptor Center, release two snowy owls they rehabilitated at the center. The birds were released at Gentzs Homestead Golf Course. (Journal photo by Christie Bleck)
PAGE 4E Ski fun Efforts appreciated
PAGE 5E Youth bag bucks Run for the wilderness Outdoor appreciation
PAGE 6E Born to fly
Raptor rehab Chocolay Raptor Center releases two snowy owls into the wild
By CHRISTIE BLECK Journal Staff Writer HARVEY — Not one but two snowy owls — visitors from the Arctic — were rehabilitated and put back into the wild, courtesy of the Chocolay Raptor Center. Last November, center co-founders Jerry Maynard and Bob Jensen released two snowy owls at Gentzs Homestead Golf Course. “They live in the Arctic,” Maynard said. “Its just in the last few years theres been significant research being done about them. All of the literature says that irruptions of snowys down in the United States occur usually seven to 10 years apart, and no one knows why all of a sudden they come down into the United States, because normally they live in the Arctic all year round.” During one week last fall, the center took in six snowy owls, all males and hatch-year, 5month-old birds that were starving and too weak to fly. Only two owls survived, and they were the birds released at the golf course to a large throng of onlookers. One of the two surviving owls was picked up at the Marquette compost yards near the Presque Isle Power Plant, while the other was rescued near the Copper Country in the Upper Peninsula. The center used aggressive tube feeding
for the first 24 hours since the owls were too weak to digest food. The birds then were fed mice and rats — solid food — and after they began eating on their own, they were moved into a large outdoor cage for further care. They also were treated for external parasites. The birds had been brought to the center weighing about 950 grams, but by the time of release, their weight had increased to about 1,550 grams. Age and inexperience played a part in their condition, according to Maynard. “Theyre young birds,” Maynard said. “They dont know how to hunt well, and then, for whatever reason, they flew south, and once they left the tundra, they were flying over boreal forests through Canada, and they dont know how to hunt in the woods. Theyre not woods birds, theyre open field birds.” Scientific research is increasing in regard to snowy owls. Project SNOWstorm, according to its website at projectsnowstorm.org, was created in the winter of 2013-14 to study the largest invasion of snowy owls in the East in nearly a century. Project SNOWstorm is a collaboration of more than 40 scientists, bird banders and wildlife health professionals working as volunteers. The projects research involves telemetry,
banding, DNA and isotope analysis, toxicology screening and more, all funded by the public. Alec Lindsay, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Biology at Northern Michigan University, said snowy owl irruptions most likely are driven by a dramatic abundance of food in the Arctic regions where they breed. “Big populations of lemmings, voles and other prey lead to an unusually juvenile cohort of snowy owls,” Lindsay said. Increased levels of competition drive them to disperse larger distances, and they show up in places like the Upper Peninsula, Lindsay said. He recommends that people finding snowy owls should stay a safe distance from the birds and observe them. Their natural behavior, he said, is generally perching quietly on exposed earthen mounds, rocks or knolls. Maynard said since the birds already are stressed when they arrive in the area from the Arctic regions, people shouldnt approach them because that will further stress them. However, anyone seeing what they believe is a sickly or injured owl is urged to call the Raptor Center at 906-249-3598. Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-2282500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.
PAGE 7E Preservation adoration
2E -— The Mining Journal, Wednesday, March 30
PROGRESS2016
Enhancing habitat through restoration Native plants again grown at greenhouse By CHRISTIE BLECK Journal Staff Writer MARQUETTE — To enhance habitat through restoration planting and seeding, native seed again was harvested from the Hiawatha National Forest and propagated and grown at the USFS greenhouse, located along Wright Street in the city of Marquette. Sue Rabitaille, whos coordinating the native plants program at the greenhouse, said work for the 2015 season began in January with the preparation of soil trays. That was followed by the seeding of plants such as Canada wild rye, hair grass, big bluestem and little bluestem as well as wildflowers that included lance-leaved coreopsis, pearly everlasting, figwort, black-eyed Susan and wild bergamot. “When they go in and put in power lines or whatever, you want to revegetate with the native plants,” Rabitaille said. “Theyre food, shelter, nesting places for our native wildlife.” Native plants, she pointed out, also are easily maintained and preserve native genotypes. The process can be delicate, she acknowledged, as only a few tiny seeds can be planted in each tray cell. If more are planted and a clump of seedlings is the result — which can hinder growth — the tender plants have
to be separated and replanted, which was what volunteers focused on with black-eyed Susan during a Tuesday work session. One of those volunteers was Connie Parrish of Gwinn. “I love it, and it gets me away from my house,” Parrish said. “Its fun for me and I enjoy it.” She acknowledged the greater purpose in the program. “Its important for the wildlife, its important for the animals and its important for us to have this beautiful opportunity for us to have something to do,” Parrish said. Quinn Collins of Marquette, an invasive species specialist with the Upper Peninsula Resource Conservation & Development Council, also said he takes part in the program to meet new people and help the environment. “Im working with invasives,” Collins said, “so this is a positive way to support that battle as much as I can.” The thousands of wildflowers and grasses volunteers nurtured last year, Rabitaille said, were to be transplanted from late June through September in places such as Grand Island, Peninsula Point and the Sandtown site near Nahma. Youth Conservation Corps crew will help with the plantings.
Deb Le Blanc, west zone plant ecologist with the HNFs Munising Ranger District, said the volunteers who supported the greenhouse project operations since 2006 have produced nearly half a million native plants, which have restored many areas in the HNF for pollinators such as native bumble bees and monarch butterflies. Restored sites like the farm field on Grand Island have become important habitat for migrating monarch butterflies as it is located in the northern migration flyway between the United States and their most northern habitat in southern Canada, Le Blanc said. “In fact, the lack of habitat along this migration route was identified years ago, and organizations like (the) Superior Watershed Partnership and Cedar Tree Institute have taken the lead in working with HNF in restoring their habitat across this range, with focus along Lake Superior and Michigan shorelines,” Le Blanc said. For more information, call the USFS at 3872512 ext. 20 or the USFS/National Park Service visitor center at 3873700.
Top, Connie Parrish of Gwinn helps with native plant seeding in 2015 at the U.S. Forest Service greenhouse along Wright Street in Marquette. (Journal photo by Christie Bleck) Volunteers focused on planting black-eyed Susans, seen below, during the work session in 2015. (Photo courtesy of Unsplash.com, Rick Hinchcliff)
Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-2282500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.
Aiming true Ishpeming Salvation Army begins archery program
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Taylor Stanaway, left, and Dawson Merrills, both of Ishpeming, take part in the Ishpeming Salvation Armys archery program, which takes place Thursday nights at the Army. (Journal photo by Christie Bleck)
By CHRISTIE BLECK Journal Staff Writer ISHPEMING— The Ishpeming Salvation Army in 2015 began a Monday night archery program for kids as part of the National Archery in the Schools Program. Capt. Stephen Hansen, corps officer of the Ishpeming Army, located at 222 E. Division St., coordinated the program, which involves the safe use of compound bows. “Its meant to be for kids of all ages,” Hansen said. Archery also is a good pursuit for the kid who doesnt run a 100-meter dash in 10 seconds or cant kick a 50-yard field
goal. “The great thing about this program is it fits well for kids who dont necessarily excel at sports,” Hansen said. “Sometimes kids with special needs are able to do archery, but they cant play basketball or football or contact sports where their limitations can hurt them.” Instead, the program, which has been moved to 6 p.m. Thursdays, showcases finesse. “Its really more about aiming well and releasing the correct way and stance and techniques,” Hansen said. “There are people who shoot
archery all their lives and still struggle, and there are some people who just take to it naturally. “Ive been shooting for a long time and I still struggle with it, so every time Im there Im trying to do better than the last time I went.” That gradual improvement is a key component of the archery program. Theres a competitive aspect to it, but its more for within the archer. “We do, you know, keep track of their scores, but its really about them trying to do
See Aiming True
Continued on 7E
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The Mining Journal, Wednesday, March 30 — 3E
PROGRESS2016
OH, DEER! Oaks planted for area herd
By CHRISTIE BLECK Journal Staff Writer GWINN — The planting of 140 red and bur oak trees in a remote area of Forsyth Township could provide benefits down the road to whitetail deer, other wildlife — and hunters. Volunteers for the Michigan United Conservation Clubs On the Ground program, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and U.P. Whitetails of Marquette County, spent part of their Memorial Day holiday weekend planting those oak species along Marquette County Road 557. Bill Rollo, a wildlife technician with the DNR, helped supervise the event. “In Shingleton, were actually having really good survival rates with these bigger oak trees,” Rollo said. “Survival rates probably range from 70 to 90 percent.” Oaks planted near AuTrain over the last two years are doing well, he said. The DNRs Shingleton and Marquette offices also are planting 8,800 oaks and 560 oaks, respectively. “So, Im really optimistic that if we plant bigger trees, were going to have a better success rate,” Rollo said. “These trees are actually going to be great for buck rubs, but theyre already above the height for deer browse.” It was suggested the volunteers plant the Forsyth Township trees at least 25 feet apart and in the opening away from an aspen stand set for clear-cutting in one to five years. Some tree clusters also were acceptable, Rollo said. “The more natural it looks, the better,” Rollo said. George Lindquist of Negaunee, statewide vice president for MUCC, said the group has obtained grants to perform On the Ground projects throughout the state. The Forsyth project, he said, will benefit not only deer but other kinds of wildlife. “With the beech dying, this is like a replacement fall/winter food source,” Lindquist said. The beech mortality to which he was referring is due to beech bark disease, which, according to the state of Michigan, is caused by an insect and a fungus. The disease has killed more than 2.5 million beech trees, mostly in the eastern Upper Peninsula. The oaks, Lindquist said, will provide mast, or acorns, for whitetail deer, with the acorns replacing beech nuts. Rollo said the DNR is planting red oaks across the U.P. “Its part of our promise to the sportsmen when we had our license package increase,” Rollo said. “Basically, what we promised the sportsmen is that we were going to try to increase the oak component in the landscape because of the loss of beech due to beech bark disease.” Several decades ago, U.P. Whitetails already had planted oak trees in the area, Rollo said, and he thought this project would be a good way to repeat that effort and
showcase the DNRs partnership with groups such as U.P. Whitetails and MUCC. Rollo said the trees will be monitored. Brian Roell, a DNR wildlife biologist based in Marquette, said oaks typically produce acorns when they are about 20 years old, so some of the bigger trees in the Forsyth area should have acorns in 10 years. The focus in the area, he pointed out, is planting for the future for wildlife. “This is an area that just doesnt have much of an oak resource,” Roell said. Red oak, he said, performs well in a variety of different soils, and it is believed bur oak will have adequate growth in the project areas soils. There were other reasons volunteers showed up on on a hot, buggy
morning the day before Memorial Day to perform the hard work of planting trees, which required the spreading of their roots and the packing of soil around them to get rid of air pockets and therefore help their growth. Art Lauren of Skandia brought his grandson, Thomas Lauren, 5, of Marinette, Wisconsin, along for the day. He said he supports Whitetails Unlimited, for example, plus has concerns there will be adequate flora and fauna for future generations. “Plus, I want to get them used to volunteering,” Lauren said. Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.
Top, Art Lauren and his grandson, Thomas, help with an oak planting in Forsyth Township. The purpose of the planting was to increase oaks in the area to boost the amount of mast for whitetail deer. (Journal photo by Christie Bleck) Above, a photo of an acorn. (Courtesy photo) At left, planting of red and bur oak trees in Forsyth Township could benefit whitetail deer. (AP photos)
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4E — The Mining Journal, Wednesday, March 30
PROGRESS2016
Ski fun
Superior Central Schools open ski trail
By CHRISTIE BLECK Journal Staff Writer EBEN JUNCTION — Remember the fun you had as a kid on your elementary schools outside, non-playground property? Even if it was just a wide-open field, the land was good for a Frisbee toss or two. If it had just a small slope, there was a good chance young sledders would take advantage of the change in topography and give it a try. Now imagine if your school had a large patch of land with trees — and 1.6 miles of cross-country ski trails. Superior Central Schools opened part of its property to the public for cross-country skiing, with north and south loops (and an optional cut-across) making up the Superior Central Ski Trail. The propertys trailhead is on E.T. Road across from the school. Kim Spranger is SCSs cross-country running coach whos taking on the trail project. “This is a beginners trail that is a great place to teach people how to ski, and not just kids,” Spranger said. For example, group of adult women have taken to the trail, which is open to the public, she said. However, the younger set is stepping into the skis as well. “It just happens these kids at the end of the cross-country season
said, Hey, Im interested, and I had equipment that fit them, so these are the kids who are skiing right now.” What to do with the land surrounding the school was an issue. “We have a lot of beautiful property around our school,” Spranger said, “and so we had a subcommittee of the school board looking at how to use this property.” First, a hoop house was built, followed by the trail, she said, which also will be used in next years cross-country season. Spranger is an avid skier who spends time at Valley Spur, a crosscountry trail system near Munising, from which SCS received old equipment. The trail has a purpose beyond just giving kids something to do after school. “This isnt just about the kids,” Spranger said. “Its about teaching a community how to ski and utilizing the resources that are right here. Most people dont go to Valley Spur because they dont even know its in their backyard.” For many people, though, the school ski trail is in their backyard and can be used by anyone. “Anytime they want to go in and use the trail its open,” system, Spranger said. “ Bill Valima, principal
and superintendent at SCS, said: “Its a great way to use the property and hopefully get the community using our property as well.” Users can park at the elementary school parking and just walk across the street where the trail begins, he said. The trails creation involved many people. Valima credited SCS science teacher Tim Bliss with making a box at the beginning of the trail system that contains maps and a notebook in which people can record their ideas for the site. Spranger credited an environmental science class at the school for making the trail a reality. “So, the whole system has been built by kids at the school, so its not like parents did this,” Spranger said. “Kids did this.” She also gave a shout out to former SCS student Avery Kriegel who worked on trail signs as part of his Eagle Scout project. “The other set of signs that are out there are for a para-course, which is like, sit-ups and pushups and all that stuff, so in the summer, that will be part of how that trail system is used as well,” Spranger said. Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-2282500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.
Top, the trailhead of the Superor Central Ski Trail in Eben Junction. Bottom, Mason Porter skis the Superior Central Ski Trail in Eben Junction. (Journal photos by Christie Bleck)
Shown is a sign located on the Blueberry Ridge Ski Trails for the Blueberry Ridge Warming Project. Members of the Superiorland Ski Club are currently working to raise funds with hopes to break ground on the project sometime in the next year. (Journal file photo)
Efforts appreciated
Superiorland Ski Club honored
By CHRISTIE BLECK Journal Staff Writer MARQUETTE — The efforts of one local group to enhance the very northern sport of crosscountry skiing have not gone unnoticed. The Michigan Recreation and Park Association gave its Community Service Award to the Superiorland Ski Club and “subgroup,” the its Friends of Blueberry Ridge Pathway. Douglas Barry, who manages the recreation component of Blueberry Ridge and Little Presque Isle for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and is a member of the MRPA, said: “They are a volunteer group with youth Nordic skiing at its core, and they have been doing this for over 20 years.” The ski club, Barry pointed out, provides Nordic ski training and competitions for 100 to 120 youths and 50 to 100 adults annually. It also helps provide affordable equipment by offering an annual bike and ski swap and assists with trail maintenance and grooming at the Fit Strip in Marquette, the Noquemanon Trail Network Nordic trail system and the Blueberry Ridge Pathway. Blueberry Ridge, located along M-553 in Sands Township, is perfect for skiing because
of its design, he said. “The easier degree-ofdifficulty trails are near the parking lots where the more hilly trails are further back,” Barry said. “I prefer Wildcat, Spartan and Superior, but they are hilly.” The club also has been involved in a partnership with the DNR and Sands Township to create the Blueberry Ridge warming hut, said club member Debby Muskovitch, the clubs 2010 Volunteer of the Year. Volunteers from the club helped design and build the trails at the Blueberry Ridge Pathway, and for a long time, Muskovitch acknowledged, the club has wanted a warming shelter. “Obviously, winters are cold, and you have a lot of people,” Muskovitch said. “You need that infrastructure of bathrooms and warmth.” Blueberry Ridge Pathway, she said, one of the most popular ski areas in the state , had no such structure. However, the new hut opened this January. “For a long time now, people have wanted it and tried to get something built out there,” Muskovitch said, “and finally weve become successful.” Whats great about the hut, she noted, is its on
state land, and yet is one of the first models where the township, the nonprofit ski club and the state are involved in bringing the project to fruition. “Theres no ownership there except for us, for all of us, and it will be open to everybody, the public,” Muskovitch said. The club also wants people to get out and get healthy by using the trails, she said. Blueberry Ridge can be a choice place to work the muscles among gorgeous scenery. “If often gets early snowfall,” Muskovitch said, “and because its sandy, you can ski on very little snow out there and get a workout, and its just beautiful.” For more information, write the Superiorland Ski Club at P.O. Box 864, Marquette, MI 49855 or go online at www.superiorlandskiclub.com. People may donate to the warming hut by sending a check payable to the ski club to: Blueberry Ridge Warming Hut, in care of River Valley, 1140 W. Washington St., Marquette, MI 49855. Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-2282500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.
The Mining Journal, Wednesday, March 30 — 5E
PROGRESS2016
Youth bag bucks Liberty Hunt successful for kids
By CHRISTIE BLECK Journal Staff Writer MARQUETTE — Its getting to be a cliche, but getting kids outdoors and away from their electronics does wonders for their character. That was a purpose behind the Liberty Hunt held Sept. 19-20 throughout Michigan. Jason Peterson of Marquette took youngsters, including his family, out on the hunt that weekend, which met with success — not that success is everything in a youth hunt. The hunt gave youth up to age 16 a weekend to get out and experience whitetail deer hunting, he said. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, www.michigan.gov/dnr, the firearm deer hunt also was for veterans with disabilities. During the two-day hunt, a deer or deer combo license could be used for antlered or antlerless deer. “Its a blast,” Peterson
said. “Its just more to go out and enjoy being outside, a nice time of year. Its exciting to see animals.” One of those animals was a 9-point buck shot by his daughter, Hannah, 15. She shot the deer with a .243 rifle in the Garden Peninsula in the early evening at the edge of wooded area by a field — typically a good place to find deer. It wasnt the first time Hannah Peterson had harvested a whitetail, having gotten a doe as a 10-year-old when her dad took her out on a hunting trip. That got her interested in hunting, “and then it just kind of exploded from there,” said the Marquette Senior High School student. “I just like the adrenaline rush you get when a big buck walks out,” she said. Theres more to hunting than the thrill, however, at least to Hannah Peterson. “I think its important,”
she said. “Its just a good life skill that you know how to do.” She said a shoulder mount will be made of her buck, and, of course, she will get the venison, her favorite thing to eat. Jason Peterson said he and his family have been participating in the Liberty Hunt since 2010, and they enjoy the opportunity for the kids to get out Above, Ruger Ranguette, 8, of Delta County, shows off the deer he harvested in the Liberty Hunt. Below, Logan Peterson, 10, of Marquette, is a victorious hunter in this and bag an animal. years Liberty Hunt. (Photo courtesy of Jason Peterson) “Its a great chance to get away from the electronics and spend quality time with your kids,” he said. He also is a firm believer that hunting goes beyond just being a sport since it allows people to get outside and enjoy Michigans natural resources. “It teaches kids patience, responsibility, problem solving and getting to know nature,” he said. Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-2282500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.
Run for the wilderness Races benefit Land Conservancy MARQUETTE — Outdoor lovers and fitness buffs had a chance to run along a forest trail and visit waterfalls as the leaves were turning their vivid autumn hues. The first-ever Over the River and Through the Woods 5K trail run and waterfall hike took place Oct. 3 at the Vielmetti-Peters Preserve, located at the end of Brickyard Road in Marquette Township. The event was a fundraiser for the Harvey-based Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy, which was to be the preserves steward, said Jeffrey Caldwell, then UPLC assistant director. It followed the UPLCs successful Over the River and Through the Woods snowshoe race and trek that took place March 13, 2015 at the preserve, attracting 94 participants and raising more than $2,000. That also marked the first time the organization held the snowshoe race. However, another winter “Over the River” fundraiser took place Feb. 13 “to benefit land today for life tomorrow,” as its motto said. The October Over the River race took participants through scenic terrain, which included wooded areas, native wildflowers and Midway Creek. The event also offered differing experiences — for runners who wanted to be competitive and those who wanted to take a slower pace and savor the off-trail attractions. “Some people are running and some people will have, like, a little detour to go off and take pictures
and do the waterfalls and things like that,” Caldwell said. The 5K doesnt take place in an urban setting, but that sets it apart from other races, especially during the autumn color season. The scenic trail, Caldwell noted, also is challenging with “a few pretty good hills.” Awards were given to the top three finishers in the mens and womens divisions as well as a masters division for participants age 40 and over. Before the October event, several UPLC volunteers cleared the trail of trees and stumps, while members of the North Country Trail Hikers Chapter of the North Country Trail Association helped with mowing. Clifford Stammer, a Trail Hikers volunteer, was on hand to help prepare the preserve for the run/hike. “They need some mowing, and were going to give them a hand with it,” Stammer said. Jim Matteson, a former UPLC board member who also belongs to the Trail Hikers, helped out as well. He agrees with the preserves mission. “Hey, weve got to have a planet here, you know, in a few years,” Matteson said. “Weve got to conserve what we got and do the best we can and keep it together.” Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.
Outdoor appreciation Friends of the Harlow Lake Recreation Area created By CHRISTIE BLECK Journal Staff Writer MARQUETTE — Granite outcroppings, deciduous and coniferous trees, panfish, pike, amphibians — whats not to love about Harlow Lake? Keeping the area pristine in spite of the many visitors who come there every year is a goal of the newly formed Friends of the Harlow Lake Recreation Area. Trail maintenance and improvement are the focus, said Chip Davis of Marquette, Friends president. Douglas Barry, who manages the recreation component of Blueberry Ridge and Little Presque Isle for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, said the DNR will partner on maintenance and trail improvements. “Partnerships are always a good thing,” Barry said. “We make better decisions when we get input from the public. Also, I have a very limited staff at that location and can use the help.” The entire wild stateowned area in that neck of the woods encompasses about 3,000 acres, but the Friends will focus on the region on the left side of Marquette County Road 550, headed north, as opposed to the Lake Superior side, which includes Little Presque Isle and the Songbird Trail. The majority of the area, Davis said, is for non-motorized, multi-use while the lake side is for hiking only. Barry acknowledged there are many user groups involved with the Friends, all with different priorities, and he sees the group breaking off in the future into subgroups on various trail sections. Davis said for now, multi-user trails are at the core of the Friends mission, with the trails being maintained for crosscountry skiers, snow-
shoers, bicyclists and the like. “I think they recognize the need,” Barry said. “Theres a lot of erosion. Theres a lot of trail maintenance needs on the other side of the road.” Barry said a new DNR ranger position is being created, which will focus on the area, although the ranger will be technically out of Van Riper State Park but based at the Blueberry Ridge garage. The area around Harlow Lake, although natural and rugged, does need improvement when it comes to access, such as a bridge that became displaced because of ice dams, Davis said. A recent work bee was to fix the problem. That could help the recreational opportunities at that particular site as a granite outcropping next to the bridge is a popular spot. “A lot of people use this rock to fish off of,” Davis said. However, fishing for pike and perch is just a small part of why people are attracted to Harlow Lake. “The ruggedness, and thats one of the goals of this Friends group — is to keep this area wild, you know, to have that ability to come out here and feel like youre the only person out here, and feel like you can get lost,” Davis said. Getting lost, though, isnt likely as Davis pointed out although the area is a big tract of land, CR 550 can be easily heard. Barry also voiced his respect for the entire area, including Lake Su-
perior frontage. “What I like the best is you have granite outcroppings right on Lake Superior, then the hidden sandy beach, and then more granite, more rugged terrain,” Barry said. Davis said youth groups could become involved in maintaining the area too. After all, state government isnt growing, and outside help can be a good thing. “Thats, you know, where were fitting into this is — is try to maintain and identify the problem areas in the existing trails out here and do what we can to work with the state and try to maintain the property for all the different user groups,” Davis said. Barry, for one, sees the advantage of volunteer groups like the Friends of the Harlow Lake Recreation Area, having expressed frustration at not being able to serve all the trail users in his jurisdiction. “I have 94 miles of nonmotorized trail that I take care of, and just have a handful of people to manage all that, and so its really hard to be able to get to all of them and meet the needs of the people, so this is really cool,” Barry said. Anyone wanting to get involved with the Friends should contact Barry at 339-4461 or email BarryD1@michigan.gov.
Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-2282500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.
6E — The Mining Journal, Wednesday, March 30
Born to fly
Great horned owl released By CHRISTIE BLECK Journal Staff Writer MARQUETTE — What was called by one of its rescuers as “the most famous bird in Marquette County” again flew over the streets of Marquette in July to reunite with its family. The great horned owl that was rescued on May 13 was released back into the wild at Harlow Park following rehabilitation at the Harvey-based Chocolay Raptor Center. The owl, which fathered a family of owlets in a nest at St. Peter Cathedral, had been shot, resulting in a broken wing. Although the BB could not be removed, the birds wing healed at the Raptor Center, apparently well enough since it immediately flew upon its release east of Harlow Park to the delight of about 100 spectators. Jerry Maynard and Bob Jensen, cofounders and partners in the center, talked about the great horned owls adventure. “His wounds are healed, so for the last five days, we have been exercising him, getting ready for the release,” said Maynard, who noted its mate took care of their babies in the absence of the injured owl, which he said was the Marquette County bird capturing most of the fame in the avian world as of late. The owl received a lot of local attention via social media as did the owlets while they were nesting at the cathedral. However, Maynard said Harlow Park was
chosen as the release site. “We wanted to release him here wheres there more tree cover than right over next to the cathedral where we found him, so hes got a little more escape route, and hes got the (Park) cemetery to kind of hang out in, because hell be a little disoriented for a day or two,” Maynard said. “But hopefully hell find his mate and his babies. They should be in the same area yet.” Jensen expressed confidence the owl would find his family, especially since there was a report of crows mobbing the vicinity that would include the mom owl and two owlets. “This is his home territory, so hell know the area,” Jensen said. “Hes been hunting here all spring, feeding the owlets.” Jensen said the centers flight cage was used to exercise the owl, leading to a full recovery. Unfortunately, even though the center offered $100 for information leading to the identification and apprehension of the shooter, that person wasnt found, Jensen said. Still, it could be said the ordeal had a happy ending for the owl, and if things go as desired, might have only crows with which to contend. Christie Bleck can be reached at 906228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.
PROGRESS2016
Jerry Maynard, a co-founder of the Chocolay Raptor Center, prepares to release an injured great horned owl back into the wild at Harlow Park in Marquette. (Journal photo by Christie Bleck)
The Mining Journal, Wednesday, March 30 — 7E
PROGRESS2016
Preservation adoration
Effort underway to create nature preserve
By CHRISTIE BLECK Journal Staff Writer HARVEY — Its not often a community gets a multi-faceted nature preserve not far from a busy highway. If all goes as planned, however, one will be created in Chocolay Township not far from U.S. 41 and Lake Superior. Its that unique location that would make the proposed 14-acre Chocolay Bayou Nature Preserve a welcome addition to the community, said Christopher Burnett, executive director of the Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy. The UPLC, he said, would be owner of the preserve. “In terms of the river and geology, that sort of wetland is kind of an estuary in a sense,” Burnett said. “That bayou habitat itself is pretty unique. And the other part of it is its proximity to the urban area, really, and the major recreational trails. “So, its got the habitat. Its got the public access, and it has development threat.” A group of conserva-
tion-minded community members have been meeting for months to create the preserve. Burnett said a purchase agreement was been reached between the UPLC and the landowners, Dan and Kim DiLoreto. The selling price, Burnett said, is $150,000, plus the cost of appraisal, estimated at $4,000. Between $15,000 and $20,000 also will have to be raised to maintain the property. Burnett said UPLC already has a North Americans Wetlands Conservation Act grant for other purposes, but between $90,000 and $100,000, it is hoped, will be left over from that grant. Those extra funds would go toward the preserves purchase. “That gives a real good head start on it,” Burnett said. That grant, he pointed out, is waterfowl-oriented, which would fit in with the preserve because its a migrating and nesting spot for those birds as well as other species. Some of the species
spotted in the area in the Michigan Association of servation technician with more customers and the past have included hood- Conservation Districts, the Alger Conservation plants and animals keep ed mergansers, a gad- the North Country Trail District, has been in- their home intact.” wall and a tricolored Hikers, the Laughing volved from the start with Burnett agreed the land heron. Whitefish Audubon Soci- the Chocolay Bayou Pre- has a good variety of atThe preserve, Burnett ety, the Nature Conser- serve project. tributes. said, could be used for a vancy and the Lakewood “I think its just fantas“Historically, ecologicalvariety of passive recre- Cottagers Association. tic,” Forrester said. “What ly, hydrologically — you ation purposes like hikThat support aside, a win-win this preserve know, (its) got pretty ing, birding, kayaking, ca- funds will still need to be will be for everyone. The much everything going noeing and fishing. A raised for the preserve, public gets convenient for it,” Burnett said. “Its small boating dock-type which has a purchase access to the hiking, bird- beautiful.” structure also is a likely deadline of May 9, 2016. ing and fishing in the addition. A fundraiser had been area, landowners will Christie Bleck can be “Its part of the Christ- scheduled for this past have less issues with reached at 906-228mas Bird Count too,” said Feb. 20 at the Chocolay people trying to cut 2500, ext. 250. Her email Andrea Denham, UPLC River Brewery. through their property, lo- address is cbleck@minassistant director. Josh Forrester, a con- cal businesses will have ingjournal.net. Public access to the preserve would be at several points. Part of the land, Burnett noted, is adjacent to the North Country Trail and Iron Ore Heritage Trail. He noted the land touches on Main Street in Harvey, with a parking lot planned for that spot that he acknowledged is already pretty much set up for that. Also, a boardwalk will be needed for people to get across the wetland to high ground. Burnett said there is a long list of local supporters for the preserve, inLocal citizens are working to create the Chocolay Bayou Nature Preserve, seen in cluding the Superior Wa- above photos. Funds are being raised to preserve the unique habitat in Harvey. (Photershed Partnership, the tos courtesy of Christopher Burnett)
Aiming True Continued from 2E
better than their last score, not trying to do better than that kid next to them who may be a little better archer than them,” Hansen said. Hansen is certified to teach in the program, although efforts are being made to have more certified instructors. “Certainly I want to see the program last past when the Salvation Army moves me from here, and continue to serve kids,” he said. The program is partially funded through the Safari Club International Foundation and the Salvation Army USA Central Territory, according to Hansen, with funds also were received through local foundations. The Ishpeming Salvation Army, he pointed out, didnt pay anything for a kit, which would have
cost $3,000 to order on its own. Hansen said the Army wants to see kids spending time outdoors and enjoying “this beautiful land that was created for us,” instead of watching television all night and having problems later in life by not being active. “We might even morph this into more of an outdoor group where we do different activities every week, not just focus on the archery,” Hansen said. Hansen also has plenty of outdoors experience from which to draw, so to speak, for the archery program. “I love hunting, fishing and camping and Im an avid geocacher, so although I may not look like it, Im always outside, trying to be active,” he said. “And so thats kind of
where the passion from me came.” Several signs in the space where the archery range is located list the 11 steps to archery success. In chronological order, they are: stance, nock, draw hand set, bow hand set, pre-draw, draw, anchor, aim, shot set-up, release and follow through/reflect. “Its something we try to ingrain in their heads so that potentially you get to the point where youre not even thinking about it,” he said. Safety, of course, is paramount. Anyone whos not an active shooter has to stand behind the waiting line, Hansen said. Once the shooters empty their quivers at the shooting line, they go back behind the waiting line. Hansen uses various
whistle commands as well: one for shoot, two for “get bow” and three for “go get arrows,” for instance. The equipment also can be adapted to a childs hands. Hansen said the arrows lock into place on the bows, which come in lefthanded and right-handed varieties. The bows can be adjusted, he noted, so they have easier pulls for the youngsters. “Not everybody wants to pull a 70-pound bow,” Hansen said. For more information about the National Archery in the Schools Program, visit naspschools.org. Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-2282500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.
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8E — The Mining Journal, Wednesday, March 30
PROGRESS2016
New Location: 250 N. McClellan, Marquette
Since your Community Foundation began in 1988, more than 4 million dollars has been granted to improve the quality of life in Marquette County. Negaunee Community Fund
In 2014, over $750,000 was granted to 100 non-profit organizations. 2015 audited numbers are expected to be similar, with the competitive grant portion detailed below…
Big Bay Community Fund
Fund for Marquette
Youth Advisory Committee
Negaunee Scholarship Recipients
Big Bay Library Grant
Lake Superior Hospice Associaton.....................$1,000 Little Friends’ Childrens Center..............................$692 Marquette Range Iron Mining Heritage Theme Park dba Cliffs Shaft Mine Museum..........................$500 Negaunee Commission on Aging..........................$850 Alzheimer’s Association – Greater MI Chapter, U.P. Region....................$1,000 Big Brothers Big Sisters..............................................$600 Great Lakes Recovery Centers.............................$1,000 Great Lakes Recovery Centers.................................$500 MARESA - Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC)...............................................$850 Negaunee Public Schools.........................................$750 Superior String Alliance, Inc.....................................$500 Upper Peninsula Luge Club..................................$1,000 YMCA of Marquette County.....................................$800
Greater Ishpeming Area Community Fund
U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame
City of Ishpeming.....................................................................$2,570 Ishpeming Historical Society...............................................$1,000 Ishpeming Independence Day, Inc.......................................$600 Lake Superior Hospice Accociation......................................$500 NICE Community Schools.........................................................$500 Society of St. Vincent de Paul..................................................$500 U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame..............................................$1,500 Westend Gearbusters (NICE Community Schools)..........$700 Wesley United Methodist Church..........................................$750 YMCA of Marquette County....................................................$750
Marquette County Gwinn Community Fund
Forsyth Township Public Library Forsyth Township...............................$1,000 Forsyth Township Public Library...$1,000 Marquette County.................................$700
8-18 Media...............................................................$100 Camp New Day U.P............................................$1,000 Chocolay Twp. Police Dpmt...........................$1,000 City of Marquette...............................................$1,500 Forsyth Twp. (Greenhouse)................................$350 Forsyth Twp. (Art Supplies).............................$1,500 Grace United Methodist Church..................$1,000 Great Lakes Recovery Centers..........................$500 Lake Superior Hospice Assoc............................$500 Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.......................$400 MAPS Bothwell Middle School......................$3,000 Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan......$1,000 Marquette Area Public Schools....................... $500 Marquette County.................................................$250 Marquette Maritime Museum.......................$1,000 Marquette Township............................................$500 Marquette-Alger Young Authors Program.........................................$1,000 Marquette Beautification & Restoration Committee, Inc....................$1,000 Marquette Township............................................$500 Marquette-Alger Resolution Service..........$1,000 Noquemanon Trails Network.........................$1,000 Superiorland Ski Club.......................................$3,000 MAPS Bothwell Middle School......................$3,000 Pregnancy Services...........................................$1,500 of Marquette Inc. dba Care Clinic Planned Parenthood of West............................$200 and Northern Michigan, Inc. Peter White Public Library..............................$1,600 Room at the Inn.....................................................$450 St. Anthony Catholic Church Parish...................................................$600 Superior Alliance for Independent Living.......................................$500 The Salvation Army...............................................$450 Superiorland Ski Club.......................................$4,000 Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum.............$900 Upper Peninsula Luge Club...........................$2,000 Women’s Center.................................................$2,100
A Donor’s Story… A scholarship fund has been established for graduates of the Gwinn Area Community Schools with a gift of $837,415.00 from the Philip A. Spade and Ruth M. Spade Trust. The funds were designated as an endowed scholarship fund for graduates of the Gwinn schools enrolled in at least a four-year college degree program with preference given to students who have excelled academically and who attended the George D. Gilbert Elementary School (or, if closed,
whatever elementary school then exists in the Gwinn School System). The endowment, known as the Philip A. Spade and Ruth M. Spade Scholarship Fund, has been established with the Community Foundation of Marquette County. An advisory committee of Gwinn High School teachers and guidance counselors has been tasked with recommending the recipients of the scholarships which are to be awarded annually.
“What exactly is a Community Foundation?” A Community Foundation is a vehicle for people of all means to make a lasting difference in their community. The central purpose of a Community Foundation is to serve the needs and philanthropic aims of donors who wish to better their community, now and in the future. Community Foundations do this by providing donors with flexible, efficient, and taxeffective ways to ensure their charitable giving achieves the greatest possible impact. The concept of a Community Foundation is as ingenious as
it is simple - it is a means to build, over time, substantial endowment funds for a community through gifts large and small. Because these contributions are endowed, they are never spent. Instead, they are permanently invested to produce income. The income earned is then used to help meet the community’s charitable needs from social work to art and culture. So gifts to a Community Foundation continue to benefit your community forever. Call 226-7666
Philip & Ruth Spade Scholarship
Foundation partners with MARESA & SHF
The Michigan Health Endowment Fund has granted $84,595 to support initiatives aimed at improving the quality of health for children in the region. The funds will be used to support the current P.E.-Nut UP program to all elementary schools in the county which will present simple nutrition and physical activity messages including nutrition lessons with food sampling and fitness activities and lessons for parents/caregivers on how to buy and prepare low-cost, healthy snack items. In the back row, from left, are Chris Marana, principal, Aspen Ridge Elementary School; Kevin Hooper, principal, Sandy Knoll Elementary School; Travis Smith, principal, Cherry Creek Elementary School; Julie Peterson, principal, Lakeview Elementary School; and Bob Anthony, principal, Superior Hills Elementary School. In the front row, from left are Sarah Kemppainen, principal, Graveraet Elementary School; Jim LaJoie, Superior Health Foundation; Michelle Granger, nutrition educator, MARESA; Rachel Sabin, nutrition educator, MARESA; and Gail Anthony, CEO, Community Foundation of Marquette County.
250 N. McClellan Ave., Marquette • 906-226-7666 • www.marquettecountycommunityfoundation.org