June 15 at 10 am — MAP | RSVP | VIEW PHOTOS
Visit Beautiful Leelanau County
Hike
with John Nelson
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Directions: We will gather at the Woolsey Airport at 10am sharp, where we will carpool to the beginning point for our hike.
An Overview: John Nelson will take you to a place that few people will ever see, or know about. Along the way we will enjoy a panoramic hike overlooking the expanses of beautiful Leelanau County and the surrounding islands. I cannot begin to describe the incredible views we will experience on his hike. This is definitely not some place you will find on the maps or in the trail guides.
Exertion Level: Moderate-Some dune climbing will be required.
Bring: We suggest that you pack your own lunch, snacks, and water. Don't forget to hydrate.
Duration: This will be approximately a three hour hike.
About: John serves on the Garfield Township Planning Commission, sits on the Boards of Directors for The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay and the Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council. John is also the chair of the Coalition for Sensible Growth.
Carpool Available : Congregate at Tom's West Bay by 9am, if you wish to carpool to Northport.
If We Are Rained Out: Our make-up hike if this event is rained out will be on June 21 at 10am. To receive a last minute notice via your mobile phone click here.
Contact:
M'Lynn at (231) 943-4000 or (231) 943-5050 or
John at (231) 941-1099 or (231) 218-0890
NMEAC@Traversearea.com
July 19 at 10 am — MAP | RSVP
Tour the Maple Bay Natural Area
Hike with Kip Knight
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Directions: Follow US 31 north of Acme and Yuba to the green sign marking Maple Bay Natural Area on the west side of the road. A red barn can be seen on the east side of 31. Turn into the farm road and follow the two-track as far as it goes to a metal gate and grass parking area.
An Overview: The hike will feature a walk down an old ridge line into a beech and maple forest. From there the hike will continue to follow the path to over 2,600 feet of undeveloped shoreline along Grand Traverse Bay. Hikers will also be updated on plans by Grand Traverse County to develop portions of the 460-acre property into a park. Many feel the county plans may overdevelop what should remain as a natural area. Mr. Knight is well informed and has visited this property many times.
A considerable portion of the Maple Bay Natural Area is vernal wetland and wet meadow which is an important, valued factor in providing nesting habitat for Mallards and Blue-winged Teal while providing valued spring feeding ground for the former as well as Wood Duck, Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Black Duck, Common Snipe, Canada Geese, Sandhill Crane, Rusty Blackbird, and other indigenous and migrating species while supporting the function of maintaining the water quality of the area and East Grand Traverse Bay in the future.
This watershed is the only place in Grand Traverse County where Black Terns, species of special concern in Michigan, have nested; where Sedge Wrens also, nest; where Bald Eagles have nested and still visit for food; where Northern Harriers, also of special concern, nest; and where American Bitterns, also of special concern, and Sandhill Cranes have been observed as possible breeding species. It is the only place (because of low water levels) in G.T. County where Pied-billed Grebes are known to have produced young,, and quite possibly the only place where Marsh Wrens, rare in Grand Traverse County, are known to have nested. VIEW: WILDLIFE SURVEY
Exertion level: Fairly easy. This area is primarily flatland.
Bring: Pack lunch or munchies and water. Don't forget to hydrate. You will want to bring along your favorite INSECT REPELENT.
Duration: This will be approximately a two hour hike.
About : Kip has been recognized by his school district and the village of Elk Rapids for his work with students at Lakeland Elementary as well as by NMEAC as our Environmentalist of the Year in Education.
In 1995 Kip was honored by receiving the Olmstead Award for Geography Paper entitled "County Living Preference Report". He also was a Semi-finalist Michigan Student Teacher of the year award honoree. Kip has received the Teacher Award of Excellence Math, Science and Technology Centers 2002-2003 Finalist-Middle Level Science Teacher of the Year, Michigan Science Teacher Association 2002-2003. His hobbies/interests include: Cross country skiing, bicycling, guitar, kayaking, water skiing, and photography. Kip explores the world with his two children, 4 and 6 and wife of eight years
Carpool Available : Congregate at K-Mart by 9:30am, if you wish to carpool .
If We Are Rained Out: To receive a last minute notice via your mobile phone click here.
Contact:
M'Lynn at (231) 943-4000 or (231) 943-5050
Kip Knight (231) 264-0214
NMEAC@Traversearea.com
September TBA
Hike and Paddle the Grass River Natural Area
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