Lauren Macintyre
Our Walloon Lake Watershed
Protecting the Walloon Lake watershed is crucial for maintaining the health of the ecosystem and water quality and supporting local communities. As board president for the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy, I want to thank you for helping protect the watershed as a unique resource.
Spanning nearly 22,650 acres, this watershed includes the lake, its tributaries, wetlands, and forests, all of which work together to sustain Walloon’s pristine water, biodiversity, and connection to our people. The watershed plays a pivotal role in keeping our water clean and clear, ensuring that the activities we cherish can continue safely and sustainably. By protecting the watershed, we preserve our lake for generations to come.
In addition to its recreational (such as the hiking trails in our WLAC preserves) and economic (the farms that grow the fresh produce we love) benefits, the watershed also helps regulate the local climate by managing stormwater and reducing flood risks. Wetlands within the watershed act as natural filters, absorbing excess water and preventing soil erosion. These ecosystems provide critical habitats for a variety of plant (beautiful wildflowers, morel mushrooms) and animal (turtles, frogs, deer, butterflies, and birds) species, many of which are specific to the area.
As development pressures increase, protecting the Walloon Lake watershed becomes even more important. By adopting sustainable land use practices, supporting conservation efforts, and raising awareness, we can ensure that the watershed remains healthy, vibrant, and resilient on into the future. It’s our responsibility to safeguard this valuable resource for the benefit of both nature and our communities.
The Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy invites you to join us as we collectively conserve, care for and enhance the connection of people to Walloon Lake and its watershed, now and forever.
Two ways you can champion and support the protection of the Watershed include:
• Attending WLAC’s Annual Gala on August 14 at Lavender Hill Farm.
• Making a gift to the $250,000, Critical Lands Matching-Gift Campaign by June 30, 2025.
Please find more information on the Annual Gala and the Critical Lands Campaign at walloon.org.
Sincerely,
Marty MakinenPRESIDENT
Lauren Macintyre
Cover Photo by Skylar MacNaughton, Trail Maintenance Technician
We are thrilled to invite you
to an unforgettable evening that promises to be nothing short of magical. On August 14th, join us for Love Walloon, our 2025 Summer Gala and Fundraiser – a celebration that will not only honor our pristine lake and watershed but also unite us in a shared commitment to preserving this cherished treasure for generations to come.
Step into an enchanting night where elegance meets community. The evening will be set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lavender Hill Farm, with twinkling lights and the fragrant scent of lavender filling the air. Immerse yourself in live jazz music, dancing, and heartfelt conversation, all while enjoying local food and drinks. We want this evening to be a testament to the beauty of Walloon and the collective passion that drives the work of WLAC.
Whether you are a long-time WLAC supporter or joining us for the first time, Love Walloon is an experience designed for everyone who shares a deep love for our lake and its future. This will be a night to remember –filled with inspiration, connection, and a sense of purpose as we come together to support our mission.
Mark your calendars & invite your loved ones – we
Updated details can be found at walloon.org/events or at the QR code below. Tickets will go on sale mid-April and can be purchased online, in person, or by calling (231) 535-6112.
Proper Landscaping On and Around Your Septic System
The drainfield is a vital part of your septic system. Having the right landscaping on and around your system is important, as tree and shrubbery roots can grow into the drain lines. Also, other heavy items like cars and livestock can break drain lines. Strong roots and heavy items can cause the drainfield to fail. And if the drainfield fails, your system fails.
Locate your septic tank and drainfield. Then make sure the area is clear of:
• Underground sprinkler lines
• Decks and patios
• Sports courts
• Storage sheds
• Swing sets
• Sand boxes
• Driveways
• Vehicles
• Swimming pools
Plant native, drought-tolerant plants. These are some of the best for your septic system and its drainfield:
Grass:
• Fescue
• Lawn
• Ornamental grasses
• Wildflower meadow mixes
Groundcovers for sun:
• Bugleweed (Ajuga)
• Carpet heathers (Calluna Vulgaris)
• Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster)
• Ground ivy (Glechoma)
• Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos)
• Periwinkle (Vinca)
Groundcovers for shade:
• Bunchberry (Cornus)
• Chameleon (Houttuynia)
• Ferns
• Mosses
• Sweet woodruff (Galium Odoratum)
• Wild ginger (Asarum)
• Wintergreen (Gaultheria)
Follow Septic Sam’s landscaping do’s and don’ts:
Don’t:
• Plant a vegetable garden on or near the drainfield.
• Put plastic sheets, bark, gravel or other fill over the drainfield.
• Reshape or fill the ground surface over the drainfield and reserve area. However, just adding topsoil is generally OK if it isn’t more than a couple of inches.
• Make ponds on or near the septic system and the reserve area.
Do:
• Plant grass or keep existing native vegetation. These are the best covers for your drainfield.
• Direct all surface drainage away from the septic system.
• Use shallow-rooted plants (see plant list above). Tree and shrub roots can grow into the drainlines, clogging and breaking them.
• Avoid water-loving plants and trees.
• Make sure the tank lid is secure.
Walloon’s Call: A LEGACY OF PRESERVATION
By Tanner Yurk, Conservation Programs Manager
As spring returns, Walloon Lake awakens, its waters shimmering with renewed life. But this beauty masks a delicate ecological balance. Walloon isn’t just a lake; its watershed—a tapestry of streams, forests, and wetlands—is its lifeblood. From the flowing waters of Fineout Creek and Schoof’s Creek to the thriving waters of Mill Pond, each waterway sustains the lake’s vibrant heart. This vital connection between land and water guides our work here.
Al Damschroder, a local resident, understands this intimately. With roots deep in this land, he’s witnessed Walloon’s transformation. “It wasn’t always like this,” he recalls. “ A lot has changed. There are a lot more developments than there used to be.”
He saw the subtle shifts, the gradual changes, and knew he had to act.
When the opportunity arose, Al answered. Alongside neighbors, he helped purchase and donate land to the Walloon Lake and Conservancy (WLAC).
“We wanted to protect this plot,” he explains, “to ensure future generations could experience what we’ve loved.” It was a decision driven by responsibility, a desire to give back.
Nearly 75 percent of the nation’s wetlands are privately owned—making conservation a community calling. Each preserved acre is a victory for biodiversity, clean water, and for Walloon’s magic. These wetlands, often unseen, are ecosystem heroes, filtering pollutants before they reach the lake.
For the WLAC, this is a mission. We partner with landowners and communities to
protect vulnerable ecological treasures. Our approach is strategic and personal, recognizing each piece of land, each landowner’s story, is unique.
Conservation isn’t one-size-fits-all. Perhaps a conservation easement—retaining ownership while protecting the land’s natural heartbeat—is right for you. Or maybe a life estate balances your needs with the ecosystem’s long-term health. We work with individuals to find the best solution.
“I’ve always been interested in agriculture and conservation,” Al shares. “Protecting our natural resources safeguards our water, our heritage, our future.” It’s about more than scenery; it’s about the entire watershed’s vitality.
His hope is clear: That children will continue discovering Walloon’s wonders—trails waiting to be explored, pristine preserves telling stories of dedication. He envisions future generations forging their own connection to this special place.
We respect the balance between land use and water quality. Every raindrop, every stream, carries the potential for preservation or ruin. It’s a shared responsibility.
Walloon Lake is a living legacy, a promise to future generations. Its health reflects our collective commitment. It’s a testament to community, individuals uniting to protect something they love.
So what can you do? Everything. Donate land. Explore conservation options. Make a financial contribution. Every action creates ripples.
The invitation is open. Become part of Walloon’s conservation story. Join passionate stewards who understand true preservation isn’t stopping change but guiding it wisely.
“Protecting these critical areas for future generations, even if they don’t know they want it now, is vital,” Al emphasizes.
Walloon Lake awaits. Its waters shimmer, its forests whisper. Will you listen? Will you help write the next chapter in its story of resilience, beauty, and hope?
The lake is
calling.
ARE YOU READY?
THE WALLOONGarden
by: John F. Rohe
Our ancestors appreciated the beauty of nature long before Thoreau reached for his feathered pen. Pulitzer recipient E.O. Wilson called it biophilia (love of nature). The beauty of nature captures the eye of every beholder. He explained how plants and animals thrive in a system of “biodiversity” (biological diversity). No form of life exists in isolation. Every plant, every animal depends on other plants and animals. This fabric makes nature interesting. It’s how nature works. It enables the privilege of wonder.
Biodiversity is colorful. It inspires. It beautifies the land. But on some properties, the beholder’s eye demands something very different. Something unknown to nature.
A single species, in isolation, can be found on some lawns. It seems fair to ask how our intuition for aesthetics took this turn. How could a single species of grass, alone, become more interesting than the diversity of life? No wildflowers. No variety. No chance of a four-leaf clover. All for singularity of color and uniformity of grass blade. This sterile monotony would have been alien to our ancestors. How did we allow the beauty of nature’s mosaic to suffer a fall from grace? The tedium of a single grass species exists only with the support of chemicals engineered to eliminate other life forms. Landscaping tankers scurry around the lake spewing these chemicals for a singular purpose: to erase nature’s tapestry. This chemistry next seeps into Walloon.
Herbicides and pesticides designed to extinguish living things on a lawn cannot be healthy for us. We are a part of, not apart from, nature. Literature on a computer search will quickly reveal the risks of these chemicals range between mild irritant to lethal carcinogen. The magnitude of risk is determined by the type of chemical, the amount distributed, and the duration of human exposure. In other words, if you are visually drawn to the boredom of no diversity on a lawn, it’s best to appreciate it from a distance.
Woody Harrelson, of Cheers fame, observed: Pesticides came about after the first world war. Some brainy petrochemical money maker said, “Hey, that mustard gas worked great on people, maybe we could dilute it down and spray it on our crops (lawns) to deal with pests.”
We escape the harshness of urban life by flocking to Walloon. Can’t we just ease in softly? Why recreate what we fled? Why subject our families, our pets, ourselves, and Walloon to the risks? The physicians’ maxim comes to mind: “First do no harm.”
To honor the conservation aspirations of WLAC’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, let’s rescue Walloon’s threads of life. Let’s restore biodiversity. Bring back the clover. Allow the naturally-occurring wildflower to claim a piece of our heart. Give the lake a break. Give Walloon’s natural beauty a chance. Helpful guidance is readily accessible with search terms such as: natural garden or native landscaping. The website www.wildones.org offers specific plans.
And might we somehow brand the effort? Something uncomplicated. Something kind. Something to express a shared gratitude. Something to confer respect upon the place. Walloon’s legacy is our legacy. Something to say the natural amenities of this place are good enough. The clover is worthy of our affection. And if someone asks why our yard isn’t a monoculture, perhaps we courteously point out it’s a “Walloon garden.”
Preserve Practices with Furry Friends: Important Reminders for Responsible Dog Walking
Dog walking is one of the most popular activities on our trails, bringing joy to both pets and their owners. With an increasing number of dogs exploring the preserves, we’d like to share some important guidelines to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all visitors.
• Please keep all dogs on a leash at all times. As pet parents, we may know our dogs are well-behaved and friendly, however, other trail users may feel an off-leash pet is unpredictable. Additionally, unleashed dogs can often frighten or disturb the wildlife our preserves are designed to protect. Even though you may be the only person on a trail, keeping your dog leashed helps maintain the balance of our natural areas.
• Leave No Trace – please be sure to always pick up after your pet. Dog waste not only creates an unpleasant experience for other visitors, it negatively impacts local waterways, natural habitats, and wildlife. Remember to carry waste bags and dispose of them properly.
• Know your trail! Our trails vary in difficulty and terrain. Be mindful and make sure to choose a trail that’s appropriate for your pet’s abilities and endurance level. Always keep plenty of water on you for yourself and your pet.
We always love to see our happy pups enjoying our trails. If you capture any photos of wagging tails along your way, please send them to us at wlac@walloon.org.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, clean environment for generations to come!
LAND PROTECTION IS AN URGENT PRIORITY
Walloon Lake’s natural resources are valuable and vital. Overdevelopment, pollution, and climate change compromise the land and water that sustain us in real time. The future of Walloon Lake and watershed is in our hands, and we must act now to protect it.
WLAC works tirelessly to outpace the threats to natural lands. We’ve preserved thousands of acres that sustain clean air, clear water, native plants, and wildlife. Unfortunately, we lack abundant resources to protect the land we love and depend on. We know this to be true, as we protect land within the watershed.
A LAND PROTECTION FUND IS THE SOLUTION
Establishing a Land Protection Fund would accelerate the scale and impact of land conservation around Walloon Lake, but we must act now to implement it.
The future of Walloon Lake is inextricably linked to the health of its watershed—the forests, wetlands, and streams that feed into the lake. These areas form a protective buffer, safeguarding the water quality and the very essence of Walloon. Without them, the clear blue waters we cherish would be at risk. The threats— development, climate change, invasive species—are real and growing. We can confront these challenges head on through conservation.
WLAC has identified several high conservation parcels, but we lack the flexibility and the resources to move toward saving them.
These parcels represent more than 3,600 acres of land in our precious watershed, which are linked to the health of our water and the protection of open spaces from development.
• More than 25% of these parcels are critical wetlands connected to the major inlets of Walloon Lake (Fineout Creek, Schoofs Creek, and Mill Pond), acting as natural filters that keep our lake clean and healthy. These areas are of the utmost importance to protect, for these also provide vital habitat to fish, wildlife, and waterfowl.
• Land for agriculture covers approximately 5% of these priority parcels around Walloon Lake. These agricultural lands, which are often overlooked, are vital to the local businesses and rural character of the region. Many of the farms around Walloon have been established for generations and struggle to fight the constant pressure of encroaching development, which threatens to pollute the soils and groundwater.
A LAND PROTECTION FUND IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO SAFEGUARD AT-RISK PARCELS OF LAND BEFORE THEY ARE SOLD TO DEVELOPERS AND LOST FOREVER.
LAND PROTECTION FUND WOULD:
• Provide us with the funds to purchase and protect identified heritage lands
• Allow us to quickly and nimbly respond to purchase opportunities
• Cover the initial costs of land appraisals, environmental assessments, options, down payments, and surveys so that we can accelerate the pace of land acquisitions
A $250,000 OPPORTUNITY
As loyal stewards of Walloon Lake and watershed, Gary and Amy Norcross have issued a challenge to our community. The Norcross Family will donate a $250,000 grant in support of our Land Protection Fund if donors step up to match their generosity with $250,000 by June 30, 2025.
This is your moment to become part of the movement–and the solution–to protect Walloon Lake and watershed. By supporting the Land Protection Fund, you will ensure that Walloon Lake remains pristine and precious to future generations.
WAYS TO GIVE
WALLOON’S FUTURE DEPENDS ON YOU. MAKE YOUR GIFT TO THE WLAC LAND PROTECTION FUND BETWEEN NOW AND JUNE 30.
GIFTS OF CASH
Make an outright, tax-deductible gift to WLAC.
GIFTS OF STOCK
Stock, or other appreciated assets, can be donated and may qualify for a charitable tax deduction. If the stock has appreciated in value, you may avoid paying capital gains upon transferring it to WLAC.
QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS
Individuals who are 701/2 years old, or older, can donate a maximum of $108,000 to WLAC directly from a taxable IRA, rather than taking their required minimum distributions.
RETHINKING SWIMMER’S ITCH
A Case for Coexistence and Smart Prevention
Authors: Kelsey Froelich, MSc., Ronald Reimink, Dr. Patrick Hanington
Swimmer’s itch (cercarial dermatitis) is caused by avian schistosomes (parasitic flatworms), that rely on birds or mammals and snails to complete their life cycles. Though irritating to humans, these parasites play an important role in freshwater ecosystems. Common avian hosts include ducks such as mergansers and mallards and Canada geese.
Early efforts to control swimmer’s itch used copper sulfate (CuSO4 ) to kill snails (Blankespoor & Reimink, 1991), but this method has been outlawed in many states due to its harm to aquatic life and ineffectiveness against drifting parasites (Froelich et al., 2019). Research has since explored treating waterfowl with parasite-killing medicine or removing mergansers, but these methods show minimal impact on lakes with healthy and diverse ecosystems, such as Walloon Lake (Rudko et al., 2022). Genetic studies have identified at least 8–10 schistosome species in Michigan lakes, further diminishing the effectiveness of lake-wide control methods.
Research by Freshwater Solutions, LLC and the University of Alberta found three swimmer’s itch species in Walloon Lake: Trichobilharzia stagnicolae, T. physellae, and the newly discovered Avian Schistosome C. Having such parasite diversity is a positive indicator of overall ecosystem health, since
these parasites provide food for many aquatic organisms, ultimately supporting healthy fish populations.
While swimmer’s itch can be a nuisance for lake users, new findings suggest shifting the focus from lake-wide control to individual prevention strategies. Treating these parasites as an important part of the ecosystem aligns with most lake associations’ mission to “preserve and protect.”
PREVENTION STRATEGIES TO TRY:
1. Rash guards– Tight-fitting rash guards act as a barrier against parasites and (bonus!) reduce the need for chemical sunscreens.
2. Swim later in the day – Parasites emerge each morning and swim to the top layer of water (Rudko et al., 2018) where they get eaten or die throughout the day, so swimming later in the day reduces exposure.
3. Avoid onshore winds and shallow water - Because the parasites float in the top inch(es) of the water column, they are highly influenced by wind patterns and accumulate along shorelines when onshore winds are present (Sckrabulis et al., 2020). Swimming in deeper water off a platform or ‘lilypad’ can reduce contact. Avoid the first few feet of water from shore, especially with the little ones!
A generalized life cycle of the swimmer’s itch parasites
A severe case of swimmer’s itch (cercarial dermatitis)
4. Physical barriers and surface skimming – Experiments with ways to remove or direct the floating parasites away from swim areas may be tested soon on Walloon Lake. If successful, these methods could add more effective prevention strategies to this growing list so we can all enjoy the water itch free, yet not disrupt the natural ecosystem. Your support of the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy can help support this ongoing research to better empower lake users from getting swimmer’s itch!
An ecological approach prioritizing prevention strategies over species elimination is the best way to protect Walloon Lake while allowing people to enjoy the water without fear of swimmer’s itch. Adapting human behavior and using targeted mitigation strategies will ensure a balance between recreation and ecosystem health.
» Blankespoor, H. D., & Reimink, R. L. (1991). The Control of Swimmer’s Itch in Michigan: Past, Present, and Future. Michigan Academician, 24(1), 7–23.
» Froelich, K. L., Reimink, R. L., Rudko, S. P., VanKempen, A. P., & Hanington, P. C. (2019).
» Evaluation of targeted copper sulfate (CuSO4) application for controlling swimmer’s itch at a freshwater recreation site in Michigan. Parasitology Research, 118(5), 1673–1677.
» https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-019-06280-3
» Rudko, S. P., McPhail, B. A., Reimink, R. L., Froelich, K., Turnbull, A., & Hanington, P. C. (2022). Non-resident definitive host presence is sufficient to sustain avian schistosome populations. International Journal for Parasitology, 52(5), 305–315.
» https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.11.010
» Rudko, S. P., Reimink, R. L., Froelich, K., Gordy, M. A., Blankespoor, C. L., & Hanington, P. C.
» (2018). Use of qPCR-Based Cercariometry to Assess Swimmer’s Itch in Recreational
» Lakes. EcoHealth, 15(4), 827–839. https://doi. org/10.1007/s10393-018-1362-1
» Sckrabulis, J. P., Flory, A. R., & Raffel, T. R. (2020). Direct onshore wind predicts daily swimmer’s itch (avian schistosome) incidence at a Michigan beach. Parasitology, 147(4), 431–440. https://doi.org/10.1017/ S0031182020000074
Renew Your Membership
Join us in preserving the vibrant beauty and community spirit of Walloon Lake for generations to come.
Your support as a member and donor is the foundation of our work-connecting people to nature and fostering a thriving community. Together, we ensure Walloon Lake remains a treasure for all.
Your membership dues and contributions empower us to protect Walloon Lake and its watershed, ensuring its beauty and vitality for years to come.
P.S. Donations of $500 or more to the Annual Guardian Fund include a complimentary membership. Join us as a Guardian of Walloon Loke and deepen your impact.
Thank you for being an essential part of our mission. Together, we are protecting Walloon Lake-now and forever.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: MARIANNE BARRY’S JOURNEY with the Walloon Lake Association & Conservancy
By Tanner Yurk, Conservation Programs Manager
Marianne Barry’s volunteer journey with the Walloon Lake Association & Conservancy (WLAC) began seven years ago when she joined the Board as a trustee. She had been a lifelong volunteer for various non-profits and has a deep love of nature, so it felt like a natural fit to her. The Board trustee role blossomed into a deeper commitment to Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy by eventually becoming secretary and vice president of the WLAC during her tenure as well as Chair of the land stewardship committee, member of the water quality, membership/ outreach committees and WLAC ambassador for her neighborhood. Through her work, Marianne has become a vital part of the organization’s efforts to preserve the natural beauty and ecological health of this cherished community resource. Working with Marianne for the last few years, I have seen how volunteering can make a tangible difference in the organization. The lake is an important part of her life, and she knows that helping preserve it for future generations was something she wanted to dedicate her time to.
Marianne cites the successful merger of the Walloon Lake Association with the Walloon
Lake Trust and Conservancy as one of the most significant experiences as a trustee. “Being part of the WLAC merger was incredibly fulfilling,” she says. The merger united the two organizations, creating a nonprofit capable of pursuing even greater conservation goals for the Watershed.
In addition to the merger, Marianne enjoys participating in preservation projects, such as workday clean ups and being a preserve monitor for Church, Maplecrest and Northshore Preserves. “I take great pleasure in hiking all of our preserves.” “I especially enjoy walking the new Maplecrest and Church Family Preserve loop, which gives me a great sense of accomplishment to see the joining of these two trails “
Marianne underscored the importance of having an active community that is passionate about preserving the land and playing a role in encouraging others to enjoy the beauty of our preserved properties.
VALUABLE LESSONS LEARNED ALONG THE WAY
For Marianne, volunteering with WLAC has been a learning experience in more ways than one. “Working in a larger group like the Board was a learning curve, as my strength has been in smaller working groups. However, I enjoyed adapting to the challenge. My confidence in making decisions, problem solving and collaborating with the board and other volunteers has become my strength. A key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of staying focused on the WLAC mission and how our strategic plan guides us,” she explains.
Marianne also points to the importance of strategic planning in every project. “I’ve learned that projects take far more time than initially anticipated. Doing things right requires time and careful consideration of how we’ll achieve our goals and sustain them. Volunteering is a way to give back to the
community and the watershed. There are many reasons to volunteer, and each person brings their own strengths and knowledge to the organization which allows us to accomplish a great deal”
ADVICE FOR ASPIRING VOLUNTEERS
As for those considering volunteering with WLAC or another nonprofit organization, Marianne has simple but valuable advice: “The hardest part of volunteerism is taking that first step and making the initial connection with a group you find interesting, and a good match. Find an organization that aligns with your passions and get involved-you won’t regret it!”
“I wish more people understood that volunteering is about sharing your energy and ideas with others. It’s not a passive experience. Volunteers are vital for any organization, especially WLAC, and it is a place where you can learn and share your skills with other volunteers and staff who are like minded”
“Commitment, patience, and a desire for fulfillment—with the hope of making an impact—are the words I’d use to describe my volunteerism experience.”
As she continues to work toward the protection of Walloon Lake, her story remains an inspiring reminder of the power of giving back and the difference one person can make. The WLAC relies upon many dedicated volunteers annually and would love to share more with you about volunteer opportunities that may align with your time and interests. If you would like to learn more about volunteering with WLAC, please contact Tanner Yurk, Conservation Programs Manager, at Tanner@walloon.org, or call the office at (231) 535-6112.
100 YEARS OF CAMP DAGGETT MAGIC
2025 Marks the Centennial of Walloon’s Beloved Camp
by Lauren Macintyre
It began as a dream… a dream of just a few dedicated men, wellknown community leaders in Petoskey, hoping to provide local boys with a chance to experience the beauty of Walloon through a camping experience. That vision was quickly adopted by a plethora of community organizations vowing to finance the dream.
Petoskey High School physical education teacher Walter MacMillan was the driving force behind the birth of Camp Daggett. Having taken a group of boys camping at Walloon in the early 1920’s and seen the positive benefits of such a program, he set out to find a permanent location on the lake. He took his quest to the Rotary Club, and soon enlisted leading citizen Bert Cook.
Also on board was the family of Henry Daggett, an early settler of Petoskey, who along with his brother operated a prosperous hardware business downtown. Henry had acquired 40 acres of land on the west side of Walloon’s West Arm through the Homestead Act and had taken his Sunday School pupils camping on the grounds of his cottage there. Henry passed away in 1901, but Bert Cook, whose late wife was Henry’s daughter, remained connected to the family.
Bert Cook therefore contacted his sister-in-law Harriet Daggett-Harper, Henry’s other daughter, who lived in California but had retained ownership of the Walloon acreage. Harriet agreed to assign the deed to the newly-appointed Camp Daggett Board of Trustees for the sum of one dollar. The caveat to this generous donation? She wanted the camp
named after her father Henry Daggett, whose guiding spirit certainly influenced the formation of the camp.
The first board reflected widespread community support, including representatives from the Kiwanis, Rotary, Boy Scouts, Board of Education and the City Wide Boys Activities organization, headed by Watson Snyder. Mr. Snyder, a prominent businessman and civic leader in Petoskey, now considered one of the “fathers” of Camp Daggett, went on to head the board for over 20 years.
The camp had land, it had a board and it had Walter MacMillan as director, but now it needed manpower. That need was amply met through an outpouring of support from an army of community volunteers. The Kiwanis blazed the trail to the lake in 1925, constructing a road, clean-
Petoskey civic leaders at the dedication ceremony in 1925, L>R: Tom & Minnie Hankey Forman, Bert & Nellie Hankey Connable Cook, Olive & Guy Hankey (Photo above courtesy of Meryl Hankey; all other photos courtesy of Camp Daggett)
Walter “Mac” MacMillan
ing the beach and hauling stones for the kitchen building. Rotary Club members purchased tents and cots, and constructed the dock and diving platform. This initial volunteer effort that built the camp set the tone for a century of continued support that continues today.
Simple tents were utilized to house campers and counselors for the first two years, and water was brought up from the creek. Later concrete pads were laid down by Rotary members and WWI era tents were placed on them. The first cabin, compliments of the ever-generous Bert Cook, was constructed in 1930.
Another early volunteer was Art Treloar, legendary Petoskey High School teacher of industrial arts for 43 years, athletic director, acclaimed Rotarian, athlete and community volunteer. Instrumental in the building of Curtis Stadium, he turned his talents to Camp Daggett, providing labor, serving on the board and recruiting other helpers. Some Rotarians still have fond memories of Art showing up at Rotary every year with a new list of things that Camp Daggett needed.
Although the camp was initially established to provide young men with character building camping experiences, it did not take long for the good people of Petoskey to decide that girls needed to camp as well. In 1927 the girls program was off and running, as the kitchen, main lodge, and cabins were completed,
“The Other Fellow First,” an inspirational phrase first coined by Walt MacMillan, became the guiding principle of Camp Daggett, and continues yet today. This principle is not only taught to campers, it is also the inspiration for the tremendous support the camp still enjoys from so many community organizations from around the entire area. This community support is what makes Camp Daggett unique; few camps can boast of that level of support from so many local organizations.
There was always a spiritual, character-building element to the camp as well, and non-denominational chapel services were often held. To that end, a chapel at the camp was completed in 1959. An outdoor cross was also built and donated by James Whitfield, of Walloon’s pioneering Whitfield family. His son James, daughter Mary Whitfield Erb and other family members were all campers at one time.
The 1970’s presented some challenging financial times for the camp, but in 1975 high school teacher Jerry Donnelly was hired as business manager, and soon turned things around. It was Jerry who proposed that the camp increase numbers by hosting boys and girls at the same time, which would necessitate the construction of separate facilities.
Art Treloar, initially an opponent to the idea, eventually saw the wisdom of it and stepped up to supervise the building of the girls’ side. Jerry Donnelly, who would work at the camp until 1991, wrote a definitive history of the camp and remains active to this day.
Today Camp Daggett offers opportunities for overnight camp, day camp and wilderness trips for a variety of ages. Half the campers are local while the other half come from all over the country. Scholarships are available to ensure that no child is turned away for financial reasons. Even though the camp does not advertise, it is always full — no need to recruit, as news of the camp’s attractions is spread though word of mouth and handed down through families.
Bert Cook, Walter MacMillan, Watson Snyder and Art Treloar would marvel at Camp Daggett’s facilities today. From their dream evolved a campus of 135 acres, an enormous lakefront cedar lodge, twelve cabins, two shower facilities, a nature study building, an arts and crafts building, a recreational hall, an indoor challenge course and 1,600 feet of lake frontage.
As the camp prepares to commemorate its 100th anniversary in 2025, the extraordinary contributions made by these and other individuals will be celebrated at a variety of events and noted in a commemorative souvenir booklet. The public is cordially invited to join in the celebration.
LEFT: The sailing program remains a popular option at the camp; CENTER: Girls canoeing around 1956; RIGHT: Campers doing high ropes
Camp Daggett girl campers in 1928
CAMP DAGGET CENTENNIAL EVENTS
THURSDAY, JUNE 12 Camp Daggett Benefit Golf Outing, Walloon Lake Country Club
MONDAY, JUNE 23 "One Hundred Years of Camp Daggett Magic," Lauren Macintyre, Crooked Tree Arts Center, 7:00 PM (Sponsored by the Friends of Petoskey Library and the Little Traverse Historical Society)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 23 Centennial Celebration Day
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28 Non-Profit Fun Day
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13 Farm to Table Dinner
For more information about centennial events, please visit campdaggett.org.
COMMITTEE UPDATES:
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
As we anticipate the arrival of the summer season, the long days, and all the joy it brings, from children’s laughter, the 17 sailboat races, s’mores by the campfire, family bbqs, sunset cruises, and the 4th of July celebration and fireworks, the members of the Government Affairs Committee (GAC) are quietly working behind the scenes.
The GAC is a liaison between the governing bodies of the five townships surrounding Walloon Lake and the WLAC. Each committee member collects information on their assigned township activities and actions related to Walloon Lake. We also keep an eye on state and federal regulations affecting inland lakes. As part of WLAC’s strategic plan, we are working on how best we can develop a collaborative partnership with all five townships, under two counties, to protect Walloon Lake as a natural gem and important economic resource in the watershed.
Please join me in thanking the following GAC members: Bay Township: Marty Makinen
Bear Creek Township: Jeff Beno
Evangeline Township: Mary Ellen Geist
Melrose Township: Cindi Nelson Resort Township: Bob Sloan WLAC Staff: Tanner Yurk
We will keep you posted about various township activities that affect Walloon Lake. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please reach out.
See you all on our beautiful lake very soon!
Mary Ann L Smith
Chair, GAC
maryannlsmith@icloud.com
FUND DEVELOPMENT
Our Fund Development Committee is working hard on two pivotal initiatives that will have a lasting impact on Walloon Lake and its Watershed.
First, our Critical Lands Land Protection Fund, detailed on page seven, represents our most urgent and effective opportunity to protect vulnerable lands. This fund will allow us to act swiftly to preserve at-risk parcels and ensure their lasting conservation. Thanks to the generosity of the Norcross Family, we have a matching grant that doubles our impact, enabling us to rapidly build this crucial fund. Our committee is actively engaging with members to rally support for this important cause, recognizing the urgency of safeguarding these lands for future generations.
In addition to our conservation efforts, our committee is also organizing Love Walloon, a celebration of the heart and soul of our community. Set for August 14th at Lavender Hill Farm, this elegant gala will be a heartfelt tribute to Walloon Lake and a special occasion to honor the WLAC’s commitment to preserving our treasured lake and watershed. For more details, see page three.
We want to thank all who generously donated to our Annual Giving program - the Guardian Fund. We achieved our 2024/2025 goal. We look forward to celebrating with our major donors at a pre-Gala appreciation event. We will be introducing our Legacy Sociey program in 2025 - more details to come in the near future.
Together, these initiatives are helping us secure a brighter, more sustainable future for Walloon Lake, and we are deeply grateful for the support of all those who contribute to these vital projects.
Bob
Flynn,
Vice President Chair, Fund Development Committee
The allure of the classic cottages of Walloon is undeniable. Cherished and preserved by many Wallooners all around the lake, these vintage cottages, whether large and small, simple or elaborate, have fascinating stories to tell. Some have been lovingly owned by multiple generations of the same family, while others may have new owners who fortunately respect their historic value. This article showcases six classic, beautifully preserved cottages of varying styles and sizes, as well as an interesting vintage cottage resort currently undergoing restoration.
COOPER COTTAGE JOHN AND TINA COOPER, OWNERS
M-75
Built by the prominent Fairback family of St. Louis, most likely in the 1930’s, this elegant cottage has been owned by John and Tina Cooper for 30 years. Lifelong Wallooner Tina first learned of Walloon from her Aunt Jane and Uncle Bud Limbocker, who had a cottage here. After renting on Walloon for a while, the Coopers bought the cottage from Mark Hyde in the 1990’s, and began an extensive renovation. They re-sided the house, rebuilt the fireplace, brightened the dark interior and decorated in charming fashion. Colorful, whimsical wallpaper now adorns the walls of the bedrooms in both the main house and the guest house, which are filled with antiques and wicker furniture. Stunning views of the gardens and the lake are visible through the many windows of this airy, light-filled cottage.
CLASSIC COTTAGES of Walloon PART SEVEN
By Lauren Macintyre
THE CEDARS (Pictured Above) ADRIA AND DAVID HERRMANN, OWNERS
South Shore Drive
Surrounded by the towering cedar trees which give its name, this splendid white cottage features an arched and pillared promenade porch, the perfect spot to enjoy its expansive views of the lake. Built in 1902 by Edgar and Margery Johnson of Muncie, IN, the cottage eventually passed to the Ritchie family after the widowed Mrs. Johnson married Captain L.P. Ritchie. In 1979 Lee and Ruth Dorman of Cincinnati, who owned a small cottage in Fort Wayne Camp, purchased the five bedroom cottage with its large guest house. After an extensive renovation the cottage was featured in a 1983 house tour of Walloon. The beautifully designed interior, which features arched doorways, original beadboard and mullioned windows, is filled with antiques. The Dormans’ daughter Adria and husband David Herrmann assumed ownership in 2011 and serve as conscientious stewards of the cottage’s history
PINECREST WILL, TOM AND JOHN HUTCHENS, OWNER
North Shore Drive
Nestled high above the lake overlooking the North Shore path, this intriguing cottage displays a dichotomy of styles. The enclosed front porch suggests the 1950’s, but the back portion and charming interior tell a different story, one that began in 1904 when a one room cabin was constructed by the Throp family of Big Rapids, MI. The most celebrated feature of Pinecrest is its enchanting stonework done in 1907 that included meandering paths and a stone bridge. A major addition was done to Pinecrest in the 1950’s, but its classic interior was preserved. Clara Throp Smith and husband Tom moved there full-time upon retirement and added a greenhouse. Their daughter, Nell Smith Hutchens Ernst, was a beloved Wallooner and talented sailor whose sons Will, Tom and John now own the cottage.
LAKEVIEW FARMHOUSE DAVE AND LYNN SKORNIA, OWNERS
Zenith Heights Road
High on a hill overlooking Lily Pad Bay is this picturesque, 110 year old farmhouse, built by Paul Skornia on his scenic farm. The farm has been in the Skornia family since 1882 and remains so today. The four bedroom house not only served as the Skornia family home, but also housed the local schoolteacher and later accommodated summer visitors and skiers. Retaining much of the original features, this quaint homestead houses a treasure trove of Walloon memorabilia. A 2000 addition done by Paul’s grandson Dave, also a farmer and builder, sports a fieldstone facade and aligns beautifully with the roofline of the original house. Two cabins and several barns grace the lawn behind the house, which sweeps down to a whimsical gazebo at the lakefront.
BELL HOUSE
DR. LIZ FARNER, OWNER
North Shore Drive
This interesting, four bedroom cottage was probably built in the early 1900’s, with an amusing deed restriction that forbade the sale of intoxicating liquor! Several early owners were friends of the nearby Saffell family, including Edward Bell of Edwardsville, IL, who dubbed it “Bell House,” a name still found today on an original sign. The Bells sold to the Whitfields, who owned it for 30 years before selling to Dr. Jim Farner of South Bend in 1967. Its quaint interior features wooden floors, original beadboard and mullioned windows overlooking the lake. Today Bell House is lovingly maintained by Dr. Jim’s daughter Dr. Liz Farner. Her brother John, an avid Walloon historian, lives just across North Shore from Bell House.
“DDDD”
DAN CRAVEN AND DIANE LUNDY, OWNERS North Shore Drive
The DDDD, a quaint North Shore cottage with an interior nearly untouched by time, was built in 1903 by William Saffel of Urbana, IL.
The Saffel family owned the cottage until 1960, when it was purchased by Dick Craven and wife Doris. Dick first came to Walloon as a child in the 1920’s, spending many summers at the old Watson farmhouse owned by his parents. Today the DDDD is owned by Dan Craven and sister Diane Lundy; their Ehinger and Gilmette cousins live nearby in other classic cottages. Filled with vintage photos, antiques and original wicker furniture, the DDDD boasts its original knotty pine paneling and hardwood floors. An avid historian, Dan maintains an amazing collection of vintage Walloon postcards.
Just as you turn on M-75 from US 131 you will notice a picturesque enclave of tiny cottages behind a quaint farmhouse and barn on the right hand side of the road. This is Windcrest, a popular little resort operated for many years by Wallooners Christopher and Alice Emling. The resort is known to date back to 1931 or earlier, but the property and its barn were owned prior to that time by well-known Walloon businessman C.J. Mizer, who had opened the grand Hotel Mizer in the Village in 1886. One of the original construction walls in the barn even bears C.J. Mizer’s name. In the 1960’s it was bought by Tom and Clara Smith, longtime Wallooners who lived in Pinecrest, their cottage on North Shore. Clara, a talented artist who founded the Walloon Lake Art Club, operated Windcrest as an artist colony,
naming some of the cabins after favorite artists such as Braque, Matisse and Dufy. The barn served as Clara’s studio, and art fairs were held on the grounds in the “Boardwalk Gallery.” The Smiths sold it in 1973 to Faustino and Carole Pumarejo; several different owners followed after that. After some subsequent years of neglect, the cottages have undergone a remarkable transformation both inside and out under the ownership of Wallooners Jeff and Stacey Kuhn, who bought Windcrest in 2018. Today there are twelve cabins of varying sizes, charmingly decorated, sporting gleaming white paint with dark green or black trim, with whimsical names such as “Barngalow.” Only the farmhouse is available as a vacation rental; the remaining cottages are all occupied by long-term renters who work in the area.
Make plans to join the Miami University Alumni Association Tip of the Mitt chapter for the
ANNUAL SUMMER GATHERING
TUESDAY, JULY 22 • 6 P.M.
WALLOON LAKE COUNTRY CLUB 5995 Country Club Shores • Petoskey, MI 49770
More details to come!
Cost is $75. Please register by July 11 at MiamiAlum.org/TipoftheMitt25
For registration questions, contact Emily LeFevers at 513-529-1497 or email bostiae@MiamiOH.edu
For general event questions, contact Kathy Schmitt ’85 at 513-518-2048 or email KathyDSchmitt@gmail.com.
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The Wallooner is published three times per year in March/April, June/July and November/December, by the Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy, 4060 M-75 N Suite 102, P.O. Box 579, Walloon Lake, MI 49796
Phone (231) 535-6112
E-mail wlac@walloon.org | Web www.walloon.org
©Copyright 2025 Walloon Lake Association & Conservancy
Post Office Box 579 Walloon Lake, MI 49796
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PHOTO BY SKYLAR MACNAUGHTON