Michigan Nature Magazine - Spring 2017 by Michigan Nature Association

Michigan Nature Association Spring 2017 Volume 65 Issue 1

magazine

michigan nature

Protecting Coastal Wetlands

A Bold Vision for Brockway Mountain

65th Anniversary

www.michigannature.org

Your gift makes a difference. By protecting Michigan’s natural heritage, together we build a brighter future. How you can help: • Join or renew your membership • Become a monthly supporter • Honor a loved one with a memorial gift • Remember MNA in your will or estate plan Use the enclosed envelope, call (866) 223-2231 or visit www.michigannature.org to contribute.

Michigan Nature Association www.michigannature.org

James and Alice Brennan Memorial Nature Sanctuary Photo © Jason Steel

Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary Huron County Photo ÂŠ Jason Steel

Spring 2017

Features A Bold Vision for Brockway Mountain

Protection of land on the Keweenaw Peninsula’s famed Brockway Mountain continues to expand.

Land Protection

Generous landowners leave a lasting legacy.

18 24

“

The key thing that makes MNA different is that it is participatory. At MNA, there are opportunities to get directly involved. - Don Reed page 31

”

Departments MNA 360 8 65th Anniversary Vernal Pools at the Bloomfield Meeting Annual Members’ Meeting

MNA Online

Protecting the Eastern Massasauga Pollinators of All Types Need Our Help Partners Fight to Save the Poweshiek Skipperling Nature News in Your Inbox

Sanctuaries

Stewardship

Education

Roach Point Carlton Lake Wetlands Dolan Nature Sanctuary Great Bear Swamp

Restoring Critical Habitat at Butternut Creek Shortcuts Newaygo County Kids’ Day

MNA Helps Kids Explore Nature

Research

Booknotes

Voices

Legacies

Sanctuaries Serve as Living Laboratories

Recommended Reading From MNA

Don Reed, MNA Trustee and Volunteer

Professor George W. Swenson Jr. Memorials and Honoraria

28 On the Cover: Grand Prize Photo Contest Winner.

A common merganser. Photo © Ann Zukowski

Make Your Name Live On at MNA MNA’s new office building in Okemos serves as a collaborative and educational space with other conservation organizations, including Michigan Audubon, Michigan Wetlands Association and many others who use our space for meetings. Building plans for 2017 include the creation of a multi-function education room that can seat 110 for workshops, speaker series, and other events for larger audiences. You can help! Please consider an investment in MNA’s educational programming with naming opportunities for the building and rooms.

Michigan Nature Association 2310 Science Parkway, Suite 100 Okemos, MI 48864 (866) 223-2231 www.michigannature.org

Our Mission The purpose of the MNA is to acquire, protect and maintain natural areas that contain examples of Michigan’s endangered and threatened flora, fauna and other components of the natural environment, including habitat for fish, wildlife and plants of the state of Michigan and to carry on a program of natural history study and conservation education.

Naming Opportunities Building at 2310 Science Parkway

$100,000

Education/Board Room

TAKEN

Library $20,000 Conference Room $10,000 Working Offices (8)

$5,000

Recognition Wall $1,000

Board of Trustees

Staff

Aubrey Golden President

Garret Johnson Executive Director

Yu Man Lee Vice President Ruth Vail Secretary Kurt Brauer Treasurer Paul Messing Trustee-at-Large Bill Bobier David Cartwright Mary Ann Czechowski Kara Haas

All gifts go to the Environmental Education Fund for MNA’s educational programs, including education minigrants. Please contact Garret Johnson at gjohnson@ michigannature.org for more information or to tour the building.

Steve Kelley Gisela Lendle King Stan Kuchta Don Reed David Sharpe Karen Weingarden Margaret Welsch

Paul Steiner Operations Director Julie Stoneman Director of Outreach and Education Andrew Bacon Conservation Director Jack Flakne Land Protection Specialist John Bagley Regional Stewardship Organizer, W.L.P. Natalie Kent-Norkowski Regional Stewardship Organizer, N.L.P. Rachel Maranto Regional Stewardship Organizer, E.L.P. Jess Foxen Outreach & Communications Coordinator Sherry Stewart Member Services Coordinator

Please direct questions about this magazine to Outreach & Communications Coordinator Jess Foxen, jfoxen@michigannature.org or 866-223-2231. © 2017. Except where used with permission, entire contents copyright 2017 Michigan Nature Association.

From the Executive Director

I was really struck by the news of the March listing of the rusty-patched bumble bee as a federally endangered species. Within a span of 20 years, a once common bumble bee is now on the brink of extinction. How did that happen? Like the overall decline of bee populations, monarchs and other pollinators, no specific cause is certain, but the decline is most likely the result of several factors including habitat loss, pesticide use, disease and climate change. The plight of the rusty-patched bumble bee is a symptom of a much bigger problem, one that has a direct impact on all of us as one third of all foods and beverages we consume depend on pollinators. MNA is no stranger to the fight to protect vulnerable species. For 65 years MNA has worked hard to secure and restore habitat and manage lands so rare plants and animals have a chance. A new endangered species listing hits hard even when it comes with the good news that federal protections will be put in place to help recover the species. It also hits hard because of the news from Washington D.C. and Lansing about proposed deep cuts to programs that protect these vulnerable species. Indeed, for a time, federal protections for the rusty-patched bumble bee were frozen by the new administration. The current political climate underscores the foresight of MNA’s founders. 65 years ago, a small group of spirited individuals took matters into their own hands and established an organization to do what they felt government was ignoring. How many more endangered species listings would there be without groups like MNA? So today when so many headlines bring dismay, you only need to open the pages of Michigan Nature to find some really terrific stories of great work to protect our natural heritage. Stories made possible by people who deeply care and give from the heart— landowners, members, donors, volunteers and you. Partnerships and collaboration are key. If the last 65 years have taught us anything, they’ve taught us that we cannot do it alone. If a common bumble bee can slide toward extinction, we’ll need to join together to help save it. MNA’s mission brings people together so we can build a brighter future. We have been doing so for 65 years and will continue to do so for the next 65 years and beyond. Thank you for doing your part.

P.S. Citizen scientists played an important role in the listing of the rusty-patched bumble bee. You can learn more about how you can share your bumble bee sightings at www.bumblebeewatch.org.

michigan nature | spring 2017

Inside | MNA

MNA 360

People • Land • Legacy

Celebrating 65 Years

The Michigan Nature Association is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year! MNA’s spirited founding generation pioneered the protection of critical habitat for rare, threatened and endangered species in Michigan. They also laid the foundation for a statewide organization that now protects a remarkable network of more than 175 nature sanctuaries across Michigan.

65th Anniversary 8

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65th Anniversary

Vernal Pools: The Coral Reefs of the Forest

Members and guests joined MNA for the third annual Bloomfield Regional Members’ Meeting in Oakland County on February 25. The afternoon featured an informative presentation on vernal pools from special guest speaker Yu Man Lee, Senior Conservation Scientist at the Michigan Natural Features Inventory and MNA Trustee. Small, scenic, isolated, and ephemeral, vernal pools fill with water in the spring or fall and dry out during the summer or drought. They may be physically small, but they play an enormous role in forest health. They provide habitat for more than 500 animal species, including rare species and several specialized for life in vernal pools.

Inside | MNA

2017 Annual Members’ Meeting Over 100 volunteers, donors, stewards, and guests gathered at MNA’s Annual Meeting at Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids on April 29. We were pleased to host special guest speaker Dr. Stephen Malcolm, Chemical Ecologist and Biological Sciences Professor at Western Michigan University. Dr. Malcolm’s presentation—Monarch Butterfly Conservation in Michigan and Beyond—demonstrates how we can better interact with our colorful visitors, such as planting milkweed and other nectar plants in our gardens.

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Online | MNA

michigannature.org Protecting the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake In October 2016, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the eastern massasauga rattlesnake as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. This rare rattlesnake is Michigan’s only venomous snake and is found in the Lower Peninsula. Once abundant, population decreases are due largely to habitat loss and human interaction. The eastern massasauga is found primarily in wetlands and fens, sometimes moving to drier uplands as the weather gets warmer. Despite its poisonous venom, the snake is generally docile and prefers to avoid conflict. It will only strike when threatened. The eastern massasauga preys on rodents such as voles and mice. It plays an incredibly important role in the food chain, keeping rodent populations in check. Persecution of the species by humans, as well as habitat loss and snake fungal disease, have contributed to the massasauga’s rapid decline. Wetlands have been filled in for development, eliminating much of the massasauga’s habitat in many states. MNA and other organizations are working to protect important wetland habitat for species like the eastern massasauga rattlesnake.

Reports of lower numbers of monarch butterflies overwintering in California and Mexico forests this year continue to raise alarms about the serious decline of this most-recognized North American migratory marvel. The March listing of the rusty-patched bumble bee as a federally protected endangered species—the first for a bumble bee in the continental United States—reflects a stunning, precipitous decline of a bee that was abundant just 20 years ago. Pollinators of all types need our help. June 19-25 is National Pollinator Week and the Pollinator Partnership reminds us we can all do our part by reducing or eliminating pesticide use and increasing green space with pollinator-friendly plants. You can find out more by visiting some of the many online resources offering more ways to protect pollinators, including www.monarchjointventure.org and www.pollinators.org.

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Pollinators of All Types Need Our Help

Online | MNA

Partners Fight to Save the Poweshiek Skipperling

The Poweshiek skipperling, a tiny butterfly on the U.S. endangered species list, is found in only six places on Earth, and four of them are in Michigan. Poweshiek skipperlings live mainly in prairie fen wetlands in southeast Michigan. MNA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MDNR, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, The Nature Conservancy, and many other organizations have come together in a partnership for Poweshiek skipperling conservation. The team’s goals are to stabilize and improve resiliency of current populations, expand the butterfly’s current range to improve population redundancy and representation, and educate others about this endangered species. MNA recently acquired additional land designated as critical habitat in Oakland County at one of only four sites in Michigan with a known population of Poweshiek skipperlings.

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michigan nature | spring 2017

Sanctuaries | MNA

Protected Area at Roach Point Grows to Nearly 1,000 Acres

Several generous donations from brothers Mason and Melvin Schafer established what is now known as the Schafer Family Nature Sanctuary. Nine acquisitions began in 1978 and continued over three decades when Melvin made a final 259 acre donation in 2010 after Mason passed away. Mason also donated the original 22 acre Munuscong Lake Nature Sanctuary. The brothers were long-time members, volunteers and donors of MNA. In their honor, the MNA Board of Trustees created the Mason and Melvin Schafer Distinguished Service Award in 2011 to recognize exceptional volunteers to MNA. The Schafer family’s remarkable legacy grew even larger with the new 160 acre acquisition made possible by the Everts family. Mason and Melvin’s nephew, Greg Everts, said, “The fact that future generations may experience the thrills of nature on land we hold dear gives my family a great deal of satisfaction.”

Munuscong Lake

Munuscong Lake Nature Sanctuary 160 Acre Addition

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Schafer Family Nature Sanctuary at Roach Point

The addition of a key 160 acre parcel to MNA’s Roach Point Conservation Area along the shores of Munuscong Lake and the nearby St. Mary’s Channel in Chippewa County now brings the total area protected to 945 acres. The new parcel is adjacent to MNA’s Munuscong Lake Nature Sanctuary. Together with the nearby 763 acre Schafer Family Nature Sanctuary at Roach Point, they comprise MNA’s largest Conservation Area in the state.

Sanctuaries | MNA

The new addition, acquired with funding from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant program, consists of mesic northern forest, rich conifer swamp and Great Lakes marsh. Conservation values include the coastal wetlands on the northern side adjoining the Munuscong Lake Nature Sanctuary. These Northern Great Lakes marshes are herbaceous wetland communities found along the St. Mary’s River and Great Lakes shorelines, according to the Michigan Natural Features Inventory.

Today, the MNA sanctuaries provide excellent landscape connectivity in the overall Roach Point Conservation Area. The scale of the forests and coastal wetlands at this location are critically important to area sensitive wildlife, coastal fisheries, waterfowl, and other birds that migrate through the Straits of Mackinac.

The Conservation Area features abundant birdlife, including American bittern and bald eagles. A bird of particular note, but one without a confirmed sighting in the Conservation Area since the early 1990s, is the black tern, which breeds in freshwater marshes across Canada and the northern United States. The American population has seen a recent decline due to habitat loss—all the more reason for protecting areas like the Roach Point Conservation Area. MNA is deeply grateful to the Schafer and Everts family for our longstanding partnership. Their foresight and love of nature now protect nearly 1,000 acres of forest and Northern Great Lakes marshes in the Roach Point Conservation Area.

Tips for Visiting Roach Point Spring is the wettest season but boasts wildflowers and visiting waterfowl to Munuscong Lake and the Roach Point Conservation Area. Visitors experience incredible foliage in the fall, while winter brings snowshoeing opportunities. The best access is at the Schafer Family Nature Sanctuary. This sanctuary is densely forested and contains large wetlands with large hummocks, so visiting can be quite challenging. With no recognized trails, water-proof footwear, a map and compass are strongly advised. To find out more about this extraordinary place, visit the MNA Sanctuaries page at www.michigannature.org and search for the Schafer Family Nature Sanctuary.

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Sanctuaries | MNA

Carlton Lake Wetlands Expands to 520 Acres

While valuable as an access acquisition in its own right, the parcel is significant as part of the overall wetland complex. The wetlands include emergent and sub-emergent marsh, northern shrub thicket, and rich conifer swamp. Northern wet meadow and northern fen are also found in the Carlton Lake Wetlands addition. Due to the scale of this wetland complex and its location within the migratory flyway between the Straits of Mackinac and mainland Canada, a great diversity of birds use this sanctuary. This addition provides significant wetland habitat utilized by secretive marsh birds and flocks of migratory waterfowl. The Carlton Lake Wetlands Nature Sanctuary addition also hosts beaver, bear, large canids, deer, and grouse populations.

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A 120 acre addition to MNA’s Carlton Lake Wetlands Nature Sanctuary solved one of our most difficult access issues. Before this addition, visitors had to traverse a long and cumbersome route to reach the lake, and then canoe across the lake to reach the sanctuary. Thanks to this addition, the sanctuary can now be accessed year-round by foot. This Chippewa County sanctuary area now spans 520 total acres.

Sanctuaries | MNA

127 Acres Acquired Along the Coldwater River In the spring, beautiful—but state endangered— Virginia bluebells carpet portions of a floodplain forest in the recently acquired Dolan Nature Sanctuary in southeastern Kent County. This lovely sanctuary boasts a number of habitats, as well as the cool, spring-fed waters of two designated trout streams, Coldwater River and Tyler Creek, that pass through the 127 acre site. Blanding’s turtles, field sparrows, and northern flickers are just some of the wildlife found at Dolan. Oxbow ponds and wetlands pools hide amongst the trees of the floodplain forest, while its mature trees shelter the population of Virginia bluebells. The forested river corridor along the Coldwater River provides excellent habitat for neo-tropical migrants, forest birds, amphibians, and reptiles. MNA’s stewardship program is also restoring 30 acres of oak barrens from old agricultural fields at Dolan. That this remarkable property still exists in a largely natural state in populous Kent County is due to the foresight of Dr. James Maher and Helen Maher. They donated the property to the Schrems West Michigan Chapter of Trout Unlimited, which in turn transferred it to MNA late last year. MNA is proud and honored to be the caretaker of this wonderful sanctuary.

Acquisition Doubles the Size of Great Bear Swamp We recently doubled the size of our Great Bear Swamp Nature Sanctuary with a 40 acre addition of outstanding conservation value. The addition not only enhances wetlands protection in the immediate sanctuary—vital for the overall water quality of the Black River—but also contributes to a much larger conservation area in southwest Michigan.

The stretch of the Black River riparian corridor from Bangor to Gobles includes MNA’s Black River Nature Sanctuary, the mouth of the Great Bear Lake Drain and the Great Bear Swamp Nature Sanctuary. This 1,800 acre complex is home to a great blue heron rookery and a variety of turtles. The seasonally flooded wetlands of the Great Bear Swamp Nature Sanctuary provides excellent habitat for amphibians while the forest supports habitat for songbirds, woodpeckers, and wood ducks. The Great Bear Swamp addition is an excellent example of MNA’s strategic conservation goal of improving the ecological integrity of our sanctuaries and linking to larger conservation landscapes. The addition was funded with a North American Wetland Conservation Act grant for the Southwest Lower Peninsula. michigan nature | spring 2017

Stewardship | MNA

Restoring Critical Habitat at Butternut Creek © Andrew Bacon

MNA is currently implementing a multi-year plan to reinvigorate the prairie fen and wetland corridor found at two sanctuaries in southwest Michigan. Located near Benton Harbor, MNA’s Butternut Creek Nature Sanctuary and its adjoining Four Macomb Ladies Nature Sanctuary together protect more than 154 acres. MNA received funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program to restore prairie fen habitat at Butternut Creek. MNA completed a 10 acre prairie fen restoration project in 2015, and is working on another 5 acre habitat restoration project adjacent to the first. Both projects focus on removal of encroaching trees and shrubs, which shade out the understory and herbaceous layer of the prairie fen, as well as removing invasive species. Additionally, a prescribed burn took place this spring.

Above: Prescribed burn at Butternut Creek. Below: Eastern box turtle.

A prairie fen is a wetland habitat found only in glaciated areas of the U.S. and Canada. Characterized by flowing alkaline groundwater (pH greater than seven), prairie fens are typically associated with limestone formations and wet soil. Because of these unique characteristics, prairie fens can provide ideal habitat for a number of rare plants and animals. However, to avoid prairie fen habitat from being degraded by invasive species and the growth of large trees and shrubs, fen areas need active stewardship and periodic burning. The riparian corridor of Butternut Creek is another defining feature for which both sanctuaries were acquired. The creek flows in a southwesterly direction, flowing from a pond northeast of the sanctuary and emptying into nearby Pipestone Lake. The sanctuaries are primarily forested along either side of the creek, with southern hardwood swamp, mesic southern forest, and southern

Falling Tree Destroys New Bridge at Dowagiac Woods A recent windstorm felled a tree at Dowagiac Woods Nature Sanctuary—right across our newly constructed bridge—on the eve of the wildflower season at this beautiful showcase sanctuary. The new bridge was built just last year with a generous grant from the Pokagon Fund. Several of our sanctuaries experienced damage from high winds this year—a not too subtle reminder that stewardship work, which includes restoration of native habitat but also the construction of visitor amenities like bridges, is never ending. By the time you read this, the bridge at Dowagiac Woods will have been fixed and the downed tree a distant memory because of the fast work of our volunteers.

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Shortcuts

Stewardship | MNA

shrub carr communities prevalent. There are pockets of wetlands along the creek corridor which include emergent wetlands, prairie fen communities and vernal pools in the forests. These two sanctuaries provide high quality habitat for a number of rare species. Two rare insects are present, including the Mitchell’s satyr butterfly, a federally listed endangered species. Additionally, seven plant species listed on the Michigan endangered species list are present, primarily within the prairie fen and forested communities. Populations of the eastern box turtle and the eastern massasauga rattlesnake are also present in these sanctuaries. Because of their highly sensitive nature, both MNA sanctuaries are Class C sanctuaries, meaning visitation is only allowed with permission. © Andrew Bacon

Kids’ Day in Newaygo County In September 2016, MNA staff, Brooks Township and other partners held a Kids’ Day at Coolbough Natural Area in Newaygo County. The eager kids caught, learned about and released snakes, frogs, salamanders, butterflies, spiders, snails, and beetles. Interns and volunteers led 18 kids in various fun activities, such as making nature folders using paper bags as the pages and decorating them with stickers and native animal pictures. The Coolbough Natural Area, owned by Brooks Township, is over 400 acres of various ecotypes. Visitors have the chance to explore ponds and wetlands, hike through white pine and white oak forests, search for butterflies and wildflowers on prairie and barrens remnants, and listen to the bubbling waters of Bigelow and Coolbough creeks. © John Bagley

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A Bold Vision for Brockway Mountain Partners across the Keweenaw Peninsula are collaborating to protect a Wildlife Corridor that spans thousands of acres

ÂŠ J. Haara

ÂŠ Alan Vernon

Protecting a Key Migration Flyway

Thousands of raptors, owls, and other birds use this flyway as they migrate toward their summer nesting grounds in Canada. Large numbers of neo-tropical migrants also pass through the Keweenaw Peninsula during their annual migrations.

umerous conservation organizations, including the Michigan Nature Association, have been cooperatively acquiring parcels of land on and around the Keweenaw Peninsulaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famed Brockway Mountain. Over the past three years, these efforts have resulted in the protection of hundreds of additional acres on Brockway Mountain. With a little hard work and continued support, hundreds more acres will be protected as well. As one of the highest points of elevation in the United States east of the Mississippi, visitors at the top of Brockway Mountain have a commanding view of Lake Superior and surrounding forests. The key to effective conservation of this iconic landscape is working across a patchwork of public and private ownership to connect and assemble protected areas at a landscape scale. This requires vision, partnership, coordination, and strong financial backing. Fortunately, the pieces are coming together.

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Corridor for Protection

Above: (Left) A thimbleberry flower that can be found on Brockway Mountain. (Right) View from the Stocker tract at John J. Helstrom Nature Sanctuary.

A Defining Vision During the past decade a local partnership led by Eagle Harbor Township has developed a vision for the landscape on and around Brockway Mountain called the Keweenaw Coastal Wildlife Corridor. The bold idea behind this vision is to connect more than a dozen separately owned parcels and create a corridor to protect migratory bird habitat, rare plants, and the area’s unique geology, as well as the scenic views, historic sites and remote character that drives the tourism economy of Copper Harbor. The concept of the corridor takes advantage of several important tracts that are already protected. MNA protected the first land on Brockway Mountain, starting in 1974 with what is now the 156 acre Klipfel Memorial Nature Sanctuary. Down the road to the west of that sanctuary, Michigan Audubon owns its 400 acre Brockway Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary. To the east of Klipfel Memorial, Keweenaw County owns a 165 acre park, including a popular scenic overlook of Copper Harbor.

Assembling the Pieces The effort to create a corridor of contiguous protected areas accelerated in 2013 when Eagle Harbor Township successfully acquired

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314 acres at the summit of Brockway Mountain with the help of a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. The 314 acre summit tract (now publicly protected by the township) is immediately adjacent, west along Brockway Mountain Drive, to MNA’s 156 acre Klipfel Memorial Nature Sanctuary, creating 468 contiguous acres of protected land. MNA began working to complement Eagle Harbor Township’s acquisition of the summit on the west of Klipfel Memorial by acquiring additional land to the east of the sanctuary. In 2014, MNA successfully acquired an adjacent 77 acres, and followed in 2015 with another 40 acre tract. In August of 2016, MNA closed on an additional 40 acres. These three acquisitions now form one of MNA’s newest nature sanctuaries, the John J. Helstrom Nature Sanctuary on Brockway Mountain. Two large anonymous donations, generous support from the John J. Helstrom Memorial Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, and donations from MNA members across the state helped make these acquisitions possible. Taken together, MNA’s two adjoining nature sanctuaries and the Township’s property at the summit now protect 627 contiguous acres along Brockway Mountain Drive. And more adjacent acquisitions are planned by both the Township and MNA.

The John J. Helstrom Nature Sanctuary The 157 acre John J. Helstrom Nature Sanctuary on Brockway Mountain is located along the Keweenaw Fault and ascends to 1,320 feet above sea level, 720 feet above the surface of Lake Superior. The height of the Brockway Mountain cliffs and proximity to Lake Superior create an important bird migration flyway. Natural communities at the wind buffeted summit are much different than those below in the sheltered valley. Historical features of cultural importance also contribute to Brockway Mountain’s diverse landscape. Brockway Mountain Drive bisects the John J. Helstrom Nature Sanctuary as the road climbs to the summit of the mountain. Brockway Mountain Drive itself is of more than passing historic interest. It was built in 1933 during the Roosevelt Administration’s famed Depressionera Works Progress Administration (WPA) program. Along the drive visitors experience stunning views of Copper Harbor, the rugged and undeveloped character of the Keweenaw Peninsula, and Lake Superior. On a clear day, visitors to the summit of Brockway Mountain can even see Isle Royale.

An Historic Drive

Brockway Mountain Drive is considered one of the premier scenic drives in the Midwest.

Not surprisingly, regional and national magazines and other media promoting the most scenic driving tours in the Midwest regularly feature Brockway Mountain Drive.

A Vast Sanctuary

The John J. Helstrom Nature Sanctuary is comprised of over 150 acres of land. The sanctuary protects diverse ecosystems and habitat for rare, threatened and endangered species.

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A Unique Environment

Vegetation at the top of Brockway Mountain is dwarfed by the grueling winds and inhospitable climate. The semi-alpine habitat has a magnificent covering of plant species that thrive in the full sunlight.

Semi-Alpine Habitat

The top of Brockway Mountain, including the new Helstrom Sanctuary, is a unique environment in Michigan and very rare in the Great Lakes region due to the thin soils, harsh climate and grueling winds. These conditions are produced by the mountain’s elevation and 300 foot volcanic cliff, its unique location near the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula and its close proximity to the largest freshwater lake on earth, Lake Superior. The vegetation found on Brockway Mountain is significantly impacted (stunted, or “dwarfed”) by these conditions, resulting in pockets of remarkable semi-alpine habitat covered in grasses, sedges, creeping forbs, and small shrubs which thrive in the full sunlight. The natural communities exhibiting these conditions on the new sanctuary include volcanic bedrock cliff, dry-mesic northern forest and some small volcanic bedrock glades. These stunted bedrockoriented communities contain numerous species listed by the State of Michigan as Endangered, Threatened, or Species of Special Concern and an impressive concentration of these rarities are known to occur on Brockway Mountain.

The Valley Floor MNA’s protected lands incorporate a portion of the southern valley floor at the base of the volcanic bedrock cliff. The valley, sheltered from the harsh winds, includes exceptionally large trees. Northern mesic forest and mixed conifer swamp are found at the bottom of the cliff and in the southern third of the Helstrom sanctuary. The dry mesic northern forest slowly transforms into mesic northern forest near the northern boundary as well. These forests include birch, oak, maple, spruce and balsam fir with an understory including species such as bigleaved aster and bracken fern. The wetlands south of the 300 foot cliff are the headwaters for the Garden Brook as it flows toward Copper Harbor and Lake Fanny Hooe. The sanctuary also protects Beauty Pond, which is used by ducks, such as hooded merganser, and provides excellent breeding habitat for frogs, including spring peepers. 22

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Natural Communities

Northern mesic forest and mixed conifer swamp are found at the bottom of the cliff.

Migratory Bird Flyway and Stopover Site The Brockway Mountain cliffs provide an extraordinary opportunity to watch raptors and other birds during spring migration. The birds use thermal updrafts created by the dramatic topography and rising warm air along the bluff to gain altitude, bringing them within close proximity of observers. Thousands of raptors, owls, and other birds use this flyway as they migrate toward their summer nesting grounds in Canada. Recent surveys indicate however, that few raptors cross Lake Superior from the Keweenaw Peninsula, choosing rather to fly back down the Keweenaw and along the Lake Superior shoreline to either Whitefish Point or Duluth in order to bypass the hazard of the lake’s open waters. Large numbers of neo-tropical migrants also pass through the Keweenaw Peninsula during their annual migrations. As neotropical migrants need to build up their fat reserves before and after crossing large migratory barriers, such as Lake Superior in the fall and spring, land preservation is very important to their migratory patterns near the tip of peninsulas like the Keweenaw and near coastal areas.

Brockway Mountain

Lake Superior

The Tip of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula

Collaboration is Key Exciting things are happening on Brockway Mountain. Partnership and collaboration are clearly a key to success. But it all starts with the support of the many people who have stood or someday hope to stand on Brockway Mountain and take in the breathtaking views and now support the protection of this very special place.

3rd Edition of Walking Paths The 3rd Edition of Walking Paths & Protected Areas of the Keweenaw describes over 20 sanctuaries and preserves in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. Each description includes driving directions, a trail map, interesting plants, animals and geology, and conservation history, along with color photos of each site. The guidebook is a collaboration with other land conservation organizations and units of government with protected lands in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Call MNA at (866) 223-2231 to reserve your copy!

Spring Migration

The Northern Goshawk uses the Keweenaw Peninsula as a stopping point during its spring migration.

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Land Protection | MNA

Generous Landowners Leave a Lasting Legacy © Marianne Glosenger

Most of Michigan’s rare, threatened or endangered species and unique natural communities rely on privately owned land for habitat. MNA is very grateful to work with individuals and families who wish to protect their natural lands using options that are tailored to fit their needs and the property’s conservation values. The results are exceptional places and lasting legacies. This issue of Michigan Nature shares the story of the Roach Point Conservation Area and the families whose extraordinary land donations over three decades allowed MNA to protect nearly 1,000 acres. (See p. 12.) Other landowners, as in the examples that follow, have also made invaluable contributions to MNA’s growing sanctuary network—all with the motivation of protecting conservation land for the future. Glenna and Lefty Levengood had a vision for a nature preserve so they began buying property in the 1940s in Jackson County. After learning of MNA and its mission, the Levengoods began donating and selling their parcels to MNA in 1970, well below market value, to ensure the long-term protection of the land they held dear. Over multiple decades, the 208 acre Lefglen Nature Sanctuary was established. Concerned about the future loss of public access to Lake Superior and adjoining forests and streams, Ruth Sablich of Calumet donated the first 121 acres of the Black Creek Nature Sanctuary in 1991. Ruth also spearheaded fundraising to expand the sanctuary to its current size of 242 acres.

Lefglen Nature Sanctuary

Decades later, families still turn to MNA for options that are flexible and tailored to their needs and interests while protecting cherished natural lands. McCulleyBastian Nature Sanctuary and Mariner’s Preserve at Silver River Falls are two new and outstanding examples of landowner generosity.

“As part of our estate planning, we wanted to make certain our beautiful land was protected forever.” - Barbara McCulley 70 acres along the River Raisin in Lenawee County have been protected as a result of Barbara McCulley and Duane Bastian’s partnership with MNA.

michigan nature | spring 2017

Land Protection | MNA

A New Sanctuary on the River Raisin Barbara McCulley and her husband Duane Bastian are two such landowners. Passionate about their 70 acre property along the banks of the River Raisin in Lenawee County and fearful that it might be subdivided one day, they turned to MNA to explore protection options. The land lies within a priority land protection area identified in the River Raisin Watershed Plan, notable as a forested river corridor in an otherwise fragmented and agriculture-dominated landscape. Wild hyacinth and toadshade, two state-listed threatened species, grow on the property, which also serves as an excellent nesting habitat for neo-tropical migratory birds.

“As part of our estate planning, we wanted to make certain our beautiful land was protected forever,” said Barbara, “So we were very happy to work with MNA to make a land donation that fit our interests while supporting MNA’s mission of protecting Michigan’s rare plants and animals.” For MNA, the location of Barbara and Duane’s land within a sizable forested riparian corridor in southeast Michigan, the potential presence of other rare species (a “BioBlitz” survey was undertaken this spring), the opportunity for more land protection near existing sanctuaries, and its consistency with our conservation goals for the region made it an excellent addition to MNA’s sanctuary system. Thanks to Barbara and Duane’s generosity, the new McCulleyBastian Nature Sanctuary was established in late 2016. © Rachel Maranto

Above: (Left) Threatened toadshade (Middle) Threatened wild hyacinth (Right) River Raisin

michigan nature | spring 2017

Land Protection | MNA

Every property is different, and so may be the reasons and landowner options for protection. Terry and Patricia Murphy and family wanted to ensure the long-term protection of and public access to the popular Silver River Falls in Keweenaw County. They also wanted to honor Terry’s brother David, a former Chief Purser (CDR) U.S. Merchant Marine, who previously owned the land. Their wonderful gift of the Mariner’s Preserve at Silver River Falls does just that, while also protecting a unique geological feature and popular tourist spot.

Protecting Access to a Natural Wonder

The Mariner’s Preserve at Silver River Falls is a charming 1.7 acre property on the west side of Brockway Mountain in Keweenaw County. Although small, it is recognized as one of MNA’s high profile sanctuaries in the area. The property contains an unusual geologic feature where the Silver River cascades over a series of falls composed of conglomerate and basalt rock. Silver River Falls is a well publicized waterfall for visitors to the Keweenaw Peninsula. It is advertised in numerous visitor guides and has space for parking near the Silver River Bridge on M-26 where it crosses the Silver River. The bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places and was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps under President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933. Terry and Patricia Murphy wanted to share and preserve the history and unique geological features of the sanctuary with MNA members and visitors. Private landowners make all the difference when it comes to saving our natural treasures. Donating land, as in these examples, is just one of several options that may be available depending on property characteristics and landowner’s needs. Some options provide tax advantages and can offer tremendous flexibility in use of the land. © MNA Archives

If you own land that you think has conservation value and you are interested in seeing it protected, please consider contacting MNA. Our experienced team can help you understand all the options available so you can discuss your personal situation with your own financial and legal advisors.

michigan nature | spring 2017

Seventh Annual Photo Contest Now Open! Calling all nature enthusiasts! Do you love Michigan and all of its natural beauty? Do you love capturing this beauty in pictures? If so, the Michigan Nature Association has just the opportunity for you! MNA announces its seventh annual Photo Contest. Winners will be featured on the MNA website and will be used in upcoming issues of Michigan Nature magazine. Other prizes include gift certificates, tickets to productions, and more. Photos may be taken anywhere in the state of Michigan, and should highlight Michigan’s natural beauty in any way. Photos will be judged in three categories: Flora & Fauna, Landscapes, and People in Nature. Photos must be in jpg, tif, or gif files upon submission and photo quality of 300 dpi is highly preferred. To enter, download and fill out the entry form found on the MNA website. Photos and completed forms can be emailed to Jess Foxen at jfoxen@michigannature.org or mailed on a CD or flash drive to the MNA office before September 1, 2017. We look forward to seeing your favorite photos of nature and some of Michigan’s best flora, fauna and landscapes through your lens!

People in Nature

2016 Grand Prize Winner “In Flight” at Karner Blue Nature Sanctuary in Newaygo County © Randy Butters

Flora & Fauna

2016 First Place Winner White-lined sphinx moth © Mary Rasmussen

Landscapes

2016 First Place Winner Late Autumn Snowstorm at Wilcox Warnes Memorial Nature Sanctuary © Jason Steel

2016 First Place Winner “Chance Encounter” at Newaygo Prairie © Randy Butters michigan nature | spring 2017

Education | MNA

MNA Helps Kids Explore Nature “I like the calm noises and the birds and seeing fish.” “We got to be in nature and see science.” We saw a “turtle on a log just chillin,” “black and orange birds, beautiful rainbow fish and turtles,” a “snake wrapped up on a branch,” and “some real live erosion.” These are just a few of the comments made by students from Westland’s Marshall Upper Elementary School on a field trip last year to the Proud Lake Recreation Area. The trip, made possible by an MNA education mini-grant, included a canoe trip to explore habitats and ecosystems, weathering and erosion, as well as pollution and other human impacts. If it is your first time in a canoe, as it was for many kids that day (an intentional lesson on teamwork), the experience is bound to be transformational. And, according to their teacher, Carrie German, the kids had a blast learning.

Across Michigan, MNA supports teachers with small grants for field trip transportation to natural areas, including our own sanctuaries. The objective: hands-on and hands-in opportunities to learn about nature and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders. Many of the trips have service learning components as well, so a lesson on ecosystems may just include spreading native plant seeds. Whether it is students visiting Michigan Tech to explore Keweenaw sanctuaries and potential career paths, attending an Earth Day Extravaganza at a Wayne County park, making prairie seed balls for the Karner Blue Nature Sanctuary in Newaygo County, or viewing the microscopic inhabitants of a marsh, an engaging day outside enhances appreciation for the natural world in ways that cannot be experienced in a classroom. The grant application deadline for fall field trips is September 8, 2017. MNA is especially interested in supporting urban schools with limited access to natural areas. If you are an educator or know of one who might be interested, contact Julie Stoneman at (866) 223-2231 or jstoneman@michigannature.org

• • • • • • • •

Vicksburg High School in Vicksburg: Visited the Kalamazoo Nature Center Newaygo Middle School in Newaygo: Invasive species and seed distribution with MNA Haisley Elementary School in Ann Arbor: Detroit River Cruise and Metropark Marsh Program Brandon Academy of Arts and Science in Ortonville: Raised salmon in classroom for release Holland Woods Middle School in Port Huron: Trip to Pine River Nature Center Jefferson International Academy in Waterford: U of M Dearborn’s “Trip of a Drip” program Marshall Upper Elementary School in Westland: Canoe Trip at Proud Lake Recreational Area Michigan Tech University in Houghton: Conservation Camp at MTU for 22 Detroit high school students • Wayne County Parks in Detroit: Transportation for Detroit Public Schools to Wayne County Parks Earth Day Celebration

michigan nature | spring 2017

Environmental Education Fund Mini-Grant 2016 Recipients:

Research | MNA

Sanctuaries Serve as Living Laboratories © Gary Hofing

MNA’s vast, statewide network of nature sanctuaries creates tremendous research opportunities to better understand needed conservation actions and appropriate management practices for vulnerable and at-risk plants and animals. Research partnerships with universities, agencies and other researchers yield scientific outcomes that help guide our efforts to secure and restore critical habitat. For example, northern saw-whet owl migration routes are welldocumented along Great Lakes shorelines, but not further inland. MNA recently hosted a research project at the Lefglen Nature Sanctuary in Jackson County where a scientist successfully captured 13 saw-whet owls over five nights using mist nets and audio lures. This evidence shows that the diminutive owls use an inland route through a woodland complex that includes Lefglen Nature Sanctuary and the Sharonville State Game Area, one of the largest habitat blocks in southeast Michigan.

In Saginaw Bay, MNA worked with the Great Lakes Orchid Lab, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other partners to test an experimental method of eastern prairie fringed orchid propagation in its native lakeplain prairie habitat. Testing a propagation method from seed, advanced by the Lab, coupled with greater understanding of necessary soil, hydrology and other habitat requirements, gives promise in learning how to establish successful colonies of this otherwise disappearing orchid. This work is underway and monitoring over the coming years should provide early results.

MNA encourages responsible scientific research projects at our sanctuaries to facilitate effective management for priority species and natural communities. Currently, there are over a dozen research initiatives underway and many dozens more completed. For more information or to secure permission to conduct research, contact Andrew Bacon at (866) 223-2231 or abacon@michigannature.org.

michigan nature | spring 2017

Booknotes | MNA Recommended Reading The Genius of Birds Jennifer Ackerman Penguin Press Hardcover: $29.35

Birds are astonishingly intelligent creatures. In fact, according to revolutionary new research, some birds rival primates and even humans in their remarkable forms of intelligence. Like humans, many birds have enormous brains relative to their size. Although small, bird brains are packed with neurons that allow them to punch well above their weight. In The Genius of Birds, acclaimed author Jennifer Ackerman explores the newly discovered brilliance of birds and how it came about. As she travels around the world to the most cutting-edge frontiers of research—the distant natural laboratories of Barbados and New Caledonia, the great tit communities of the United Kingdom and the bowerbird habitats of Australia, the ravaged mid-Atlantic coast after Hurricane Sandy and the warming mountains of central Virginia and the western states—Ackerman not only tells the story of the recently uncovered genius of birds but also delves deeply into the latest findings about the bird brain itself that are revolutionizing our view of what it means to be intelligent.

New & Noteworthy Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? Frans De Waal W.W. Norton & Company Hardcover: $39.99 From world-renowned biologist and primatologist Frans de Waal, a groundbreaking work on animal intelligence destined to become a classic.

Thoreau’s Wildflowers Henry David Thoreau Yale University Press Hardcover: $23.00

Silent Sparks: The Wondrous World of Fireflies Sara Lewis Princeton University Press Hardcover: $26.95

For centuries, the beauty of fireflies has evoked wonder and delight. Yet for most of us, fireflies remain shrouded in mystery: How do fireflies make their light? What are they saying with their flashing? And what do fireflies look for in a mate? In Silent Sparks, noted biologist and firefly expert Sara Lewis dives into the fascinating world of fireflies and reveals the most up-to-date discoveries about these beloved insects. The nearly two thousand species of fireflies worldwide have evolved in different ways—and while most mate through the aerial language of blinking lights, not all do. Lewis introduces us to fireflies that never light up at all, relying on wind-borne perfumes to find mates, and we encounter glow-worm fireflies, whose plump, wingless females never fly. We go behind the scenes to meet inquisitive scientists who have dedicated their lives to understanding fireflies, and we learn about various modern threats including light pollution and habitat destruction. In the last section of the book, Lewis provides a field guide for North American fireflies, enabling us to identify them in our own backyards and neighborhoods. A passionate exploration of one of the world’s most charismatic and admired insects, Silent Sparks inspires us to reconnect with the natural world.

michigan nature | spring 2017

The first collection of Thoreau’s writings on the flowering plants of Concord.

Fine Lines: Vladimir Nabokov’s Scientific Art Stephen H. Blackwell Kurt Johnson Yale University Press Hardcover: $32.20 The first comprehensive, interdisciplinary accounting of Nabokov’s scientific work, its significance in his artistry, and his contribution to evolutionary theory.

Voices | MNA

Q&A Don Reed

Avid volunteer, Trustee, and recipient of MNA’s 2016 Richard W. Holzman Award

How did you get your start volunteering on conservation projects? I got my start working on an urban garden project outside the headquarters of a large conservation organization in Lansing’s Old Town District. At a volunteer appreciation dinner there, I met Sherri Laier and I volunteered to help. I told her I wanted to do something that would get me some exercise, keep me away from the refrigerator, and get away from a computer and more involved with nature. Soon after, Sherri joined MNA. She called and asked if I’d give her a hand, helping her to revitalize MNA’s stewardship program. This turned out to be a great match for me. What have you learned since starting at MNA?

“The key thing that makes MNA different is that it is participatory. At MNA, there are opportunities to get directly involved.”

my own community. I am deeply involved doing stewardship for our local elementary school’s nature center, and the restoration and stewardship of our village park. What else do you like about MNA? The key thing that makes MNA different is that it is participatory. There are opportunities to get directly involved, there are lots of ways to help out. My wife, Carolyn, volunteers regularly at MNA’s headquarters. For example, on one of her projects she helped MNA get its legal files for each property it owns in order so that MNA would meet national accreditation standards. That was huge. MNA owns over 175 properties across the state, and they were acquired over a 65 year period.

“The organization has given me more than I have given it over the years.”

When I started learning about invasive species, it was a real eye opener. I came home after a day of removing glossy buckthorn from a sanctuary and, sure enough, in my ignorant home landscaping days I realized I had planted glossy buckthorn in my own yard. So I ripped out most of my landscaping and I started buying native plants for my yard. Volunteering with Sherri for MNA taught me how to identify plants, control invasive species, conduct prescribed burns, and how to improve the habitat. You have been volunteering for MNA for more than a decade now, and you still regularly volunteer in the field even after joining the Board of Trustees. What makes your experience with MNA so worthwhile?

Well, like I said, I’ve learned a lot. One of my reasons for volunteering was I wanted to see some of the nature I remember as a kid. Volunteering with MNA not only do I get to see it, I get to help save it, and I have seen beautiful parts of Michigan I never would have seen. It has really opened up a whole world for me. I’ve also met some wonderful people. The things I learned doing stewardship with MNA have been valuable to me and has made me a better part of

So she and I are a good example. While I may be out in the field pulling invasive species, she may be in the office helping keep all the records straight. We both feel we are making a real difference. That means a lot. What prompted you to join the Board of Trustees?

Well, it wasn’t something I was looking to do. When you work with a small nonprofit with limited resources you have to realize not everything is going to go perfectly smoothly all the time. Back in 2010 I got pretty concerned about some of the actions being taken by the Board, so I felt I needed to speak up. That wound up leading to my joining the Board. As I say, it’s not something I looked for. I just want to help MNA. The organization has given me a lot more than I have given it over the years. I will say that I think we have made incredible progress since then. The change has been remarkable and I am really excited about the direction we are heading in now. And it’s great to see the magazine back!

michigan nature | spring 2017

Join MNA in the 2017 Race for Michigan Nature Around Michigan Show your support for protecting Michigan’s rare, threatened and endangered species -- and experience Pure Michigan at its finest!

Endorsed by:

The Michigan Nature Association is hosting the Race for Michigan Nature, a statewide series of Family Fun Runs & 5Ks stretching from Belle Isle in Detroit to Marquette in the U.P. Each race spotlights one of Michigan’s rarest species and helps promote the importance of protecting Michigan’s remaining natural areas. The runs are endorsed by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and each qualifies for the Pure Michigan Challenge. Join us for the race nearest you, or take the challenge and run all six! Participants learn about Michigan’s endangered species, receive race t-shirts, medals, and complimentary memberships to the Michigan Nature Association. Each 5K race is timed and there are prizes for the male and female overall winners. Not a runner? No problem! Walkers are welcome, too! Bring the whole family! Kids can walk/run their own short course. The races and locations are listed on the following page. Early registration is open! Go to our website at www.michigannature.org or the Race for Michigan Nature Facebook page to sign up. Contact Jess Foxen for questions at (866) 223-2231 or jfoxen@michigannature.org. We hope to see you there! © Garret Johnson

michigan nature | spring 2017

Grand Rapids

Millennium Park May 20, 2017

Join us in 2018!

Marquette

Presque Isle Park August 26, 2017 Kids Fun Run: 9:30 a.m. 5K Run/Walk: 10:00 a.m.

Rochester

Paint Creek Trail September 17, 2017 Kids Fun Run: 10:30 a.m. 5K Run/Walk: 11:00 a.m.

Ann Arbor

Gallup Park September 24, 2017 Kids Fun Run: 10:30 a.m. 5K Run/Walk: 11:00 a.m.

Kalamazoo

Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Riverfront Park October 1, 2017 Kids Fun Run: 10:30 a.m. 5K Run/Walk: 11:00 a.m.

Belle Isle, Detroit

Belle Isle Park October 8, 2017 Kids Fun Run: 8:30 a.m. 5K Run/Walk: 9:00 a.m. michigan nature | spring 2017

Legacies | MNA

Remembering Professor George W. Swenson Jr.

George W. Swenson Jr. with his granddaughter Madeleine © Jud Swenson

In 1992 George W. Swenson Jr. (1922–2017), and his wife Janice of Champaign, Illinois, donated 80 acres of land in the Keweenaw Peninsula that became part of Gratiot Lake Overlook Nature Sanctuary. The Swensons made this gift to preserve the natural beauty of the area and to encourage others to do so.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Dr. Swenson moved to Houghton, Michigan as a baby when his father, also Professor George W. Swenson, became the founding Chairman of the Electrical Engineering Department at Michigan Technological University in 1928. George W. Swenson Jr. received his Bachelors of Science degree from MTU in 1944, finishing by correspondence while serving on active duty in the U.S. Army. He received his Masters degree in electrical engineering from MIT in 1947, and his PhD from the University of Wisconsin in 1949. He then taught Electrical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Michigan State University before beginning an extremely prolific 60 year career at the University of Illinois. In the late 1950s, Dr. Swenson designed and built the largest and most productive radio telescope of its kind–the VRO (Vermillion River Observatory)–which propelled the University of Illinois to the forefront of Radio Astronomy research. From 1964–1968, Dr. Swenson chaired the design committee for the VLA (Very Large Array) and sited the instrument flying a small plane around the desert near Socorro, New Mexico. This is the iconic radio telescope we see pictured on television and in the movie Contact. Professor Swenson enjoyed the great outdoors and was an avid hiker, woodsman, and birder. He was also a canoeist circumnavigating Isle Royale and nearly completing a full trip around the Keweenaw Peninsula. He also started a family camp in the Keweenaw Peninsula in 1962 that is still in use today. We honor his memory.

Memorials and Honoraria December 1, 2016 - March 31, 2017

Donations given in honor or memory of MNA members and friends appear here in tribute. To learn how you can honor a loved one, call (866) 223-2231 or visit www.michigannature.org.

In Memory of: Maureen Berlucchi Shirley Bourasaw David Catellier Nicole Clouse Dennis Egnater Marsha Holloway Gertrude Juhasz Mira Lewis Sally Romanowski Gertrude Rosen Marilyn Silver Steven Sloan Stanford Stoddard Gerald Waechter by Dr. Lewis Rosenbaum David Carleton 34

michigan nature | spring 2017

Helen Rice Don Vandermolen by Anonymous Robert and Viola Brown by Erik Brown by Ellen Regal Michael Hitchiner by Rachael Cobb by Allen and Alisa Dodson by Martha Hitchiner by Donald Levitt by William Pflager by Mark and Rosemary Pinsky by Andy Tenka and Ping P. Kho by Christian and Clare Winkel

by Gordon Witte Marcus Ng by Yu Man Lee and Jon Noyes Dimo Georgieva by Elena Georgieva James H. Metting by Barbara Metting David Overlander by Manfred and Judith Schmidt Maynard and Marie Remer by Bill and Donna Remer Forbes and Ruth Sibley by David and Alice Lewandowski Carolyn Williams Metting by Barbara Metting

Sharon Zahrfeld by Ted Zahrfeld

In Honor of: Stephen Kelley by Barbara Kelley by Brian and Anita Kelley by Susan Kelley Stephanie and Jeff Taras by Daniel Rose Jim Tercha by Bill and Nancy Leonard Sara Watkins by Katie Joyner

“The work MNA has done is simply irreplaceable... MNA is protecting the soul of Michigan.” Dave Dempsey

award-winning author of Ruin and Recovery: Michigan’s Rise as a Conservation Leader

MNA’s Statewide Network of Nature Sanctuaries For over 65 years, MNA’s members, donors and volunteers have built an unparalleled statewide network of nature sanctuaries. Today there is at least one MNA nature sanctuary in 58 of Michigan’s 83 counties.

Alcona County

Benzie County

Alger County

Berrien County

McAlvay Memorial Handford Memorial Twin Waterfalls

Allegan County Allegan Valley Wade Memorial

Alpena County

Hart

Four Macomb County Ladies Pepperidge Dunes Trillium Ravine Beck Memorial

Alta Warren Parsons Memorial

Calhoun County

Clinton County

Kope Kon

Antrim County

Cass County

Baraga County

Baraga Old Growth Lightfoot Bay

Barry County

Thornapple River Thornapple Lake

Clare County

Branch County

Colby Peter Memorial Gull Island Grass Island Bird Island Morris Bay Cedar River Green River

Zeerip Memorial Soo Muskeg Schafer Family at Roach Point Carlton Lake Wetlands Harvey’s Rocks Carey Memorial

Campbell Memorial Pennfield Bog Fish Lake Bog Flowering Dogwood Dowagiac Woods Riley-Shurte Woods Radebaugh Memorial Wilding

Chippewa County

Pat Grogan Munuscong Lake Lake Superior Lake Huron Sand Dunes

A Looking Glass Sanctuary

Delta County

Martin Bay Three Wilderness Islands Bertha K Daubendiek

Genesee County

Dauner Martin White Cedar Swamps Zahrfeld Memorial

Gladwin County

Briggs Cox Memorial

Hillsdale County Sarah Jane’s

Hobert Memorial Sand Creek Prairie

Houghton County

Robert Thorson Brown Rockafellow Memorial River Bend

Huron County

Sonnenberg Memorial Saginaw Wetlands Kernan Memorial

Ingham County

Red Cedar River

Iosco County Frinks Pond

Jackson County Columbia Lefglen

Kalamazoo County Wilkie Memorial Flowerfield Creek Barton Lake Palmer Memorial Brewer Woods

Kent County Dolan

Keweenaw County

Dean Webster Memorial Estivant Pines Upson Lake Keweenaw Shores I Keweenaw Shores II Klipfel Memorial Rooks Memorial Hylton Memorial Gunn Memorial Grinnell Memorial Eagle Harbor Red Pine Dunes Cy Clark Memorial Black Creek Redwynâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dunes Gratiot Lake Overlook John J. Helstrom Marinerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Preserve at Silver River Falls

Scherer Epoufette Bay Bois Blanc Island Beavertail Point Michigan Meridian Hiawatha

Macomb County Wilcox Warnes

Marquette County

Braastad Echo Lake Myrtle Justeson Memorial

Midland County Bullock Creek

Monroe County Swan Creek

Montcalm County Krum Memorial

Lake County

Muskegon County

Lapeer County

Newaygo County

Pere Marquette Petite Wetland Zucker Memorial

Lenawee County

Martin Beland Miller Robert Powell Memorial Willow Lake Prairie Slough Goose Creek Grasslands McCulley-Bastian Broehl Memorial 1 Broehl Memorial 2 Tiffin River

Five Lakes Muskegon Karner Blue Newaygo Prairie

Oakland County

Lambs Fairbanks Clifford and Calla Burr Memorial Lakeville Swamp Timberland Swamp Yntema Wildlife Oasis Rose Center Wetlands Brandon Township Morgan Porritt Big Valley

Frost Pocket

Presque Isle County Mystery Valley Karst

Roscommon County

Leatherleaf Jack Pine Bog Jackson Memorial

Sanilac County Birch Creek

Schoolcraft County

Oceana County

Fox River Huntington Memorial Walker Memorial Cedar Lake Manistique Dune and Swale

Ogemaw County

Shiawassee River

Two Hearted River Swamp Lakes Moose Refuge Trout Lake

Ontonagon County

Mackinac County

Oscoda County

Leonatti Memorial Louis G. Senghas Polovich Memorial Bertha A. Daubendiek Trillium Trail Galbraith Ray Memorial McGaw Memorial

Livingston County

Bullard Lake Fen Lyle and Mary Rizor Hudspeth Memorial H.E. Hardy Memorial

Luce County

Stratton Memorial Beaver Dam Fred Dye

Genevieve Casey Lost Lake

Theodore Hunt Memorial

Osceola County Osceola Woods

Kenneth R. Luneack

Otsego County

Shiawassee County St. Clair County

Jasper Woods Memorial Brennan Memorial Edna S. Newnan Alice W. Moore Woods St. Clair Lakeplain Forest

St. Joseph County

Prairie Banks White Pigeon River Sauk Indian Trail Chen Memorial Prairie Ronde Savanna Hildegard Wintergerst

Tuscola County

Wood Duck Domain

Van Buren County

Phillips Family Memorial Black River Hultmark Memorial Barvicks Sand Dunes Bankson Lake Bog Great Bear Swamp

Washtenaw County

Joan Rodman Memorial

Wayne County

Evans Memorial

Michigan Nature Association 2310 Science Parkway, Suite 100 Okemos, MI 48864 www.michigannature.org

Help Connect Children to Nature By Donating to MNA’s

Environmental Education Fund

Donate Today Use the enclosed envelope or call (866) 223-2231 to make a contribution to MNA’s Environmental Education Fund.

Help Michigan’s next generation of conservation leaders with a gift to the Environmental Education Fund. All donations will support MNA’s education programs, including outreach efforts like our minigrants to teachers for nature field trips. Other education programs include opportunities for the whole family, like guided hikes and tours, youth volunteer projects, educational publications, and more.