Lower Michigan's Topography

elevation map of Lower Michigan (map from muir-way.com)

from Michigan Trout Streams

Northern Michigan’s landscape is basically a frozen moment of the last ice age thawing out. What you see today—rolling hills, sandy soils, clear rivers, and thousands of lakes—was shaped almost entirely by the advance and retreat of massive continental glaciers during the Wisconsin Glaciation about 75,000 to 11,000 years ago.

Instead of sharp mountains, northern Michigan has a softer, sculpted terrain:
• Moraines: Ridges of rock and debris pushed up by glaciers. These form many of the region’s hills and divides.
• Outwash plains: Flat, sandy areas where meltwater spread sediments—these are why so many northern rivers run over gravel beds.
• Kettle depressions: When buried ice chunks melted, they left behind holes that became lakes and wetlands.
• Drumlins: Long, streamlined hills shaped by moving ice, common in parts of the Lower Peninsula. This mix gives northern Michigan its “rolling” feel—nothing extreme, but constantly changing elevation.

Michigan’s lakes weren’t just filled in—they were carved out:
• As glaciers advanced, they scoured and deepened basins in softer bedrock.
• When they melted, those basins filled with water, forming inland lakes and contributing to the Great Lakes system.
• Many smaller lakes are kettle lakes—steep-sided and surprisingly deep for their size. That’s why you’ll find clusters of lakes in places like the inland areas around Petoskey and Gaylord.

Rivers in northern Michigan are direct products of glacial meltwater:
• As glaciers retreated, huge volumes of water carved channels through loose sand and gravel.
• These channels became today’s rivers, often following winding, natural paths rather than straight lines.
• Because the substrate is porous, groundwater feeds many rivers, keeping them cold, clear, and stable in flow—ideal for trout.

Several good trout rivers:
• Au Sable River – formed through outwash plains, known for steady flow and sandy bottom sections.
• Manistee River – a mix of glacial valleys and groundwater influence.
• Jordan River – tighter valley, more direct glacial carving, colder and more confined.

Glacial geology still controls how these rivers behave:
• Cold groundwater inputs → consistent temperatures (perfect for trout)
• Gravel and sand bottoms → ideal spawning habitat
• Meandering channels → create pools, riffles, and habitat diversity
• Wetlands and headwaters → act like sponges, regulating flow

In short, northern Michigan’s rivers aren’t accidental—they’re the lingering fingerprints of melting ice. The same forces that flattened mountains elsewhere created one of the most stable, trout-friendly river systems in the country.

See Michigan Geology


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Grandville to Increase Pedestrian Friendliness

Chicago Avenue project (photo from Beckett & Raeder)

from several sources

The City of Grandville, Michigan, is transforming the east end of Chicago Drive into a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use space, featuring "road diet" traffic calming, new sidewalks, and improved public areas. This initiative aims to extend the vibrant downtown atmosphere eastward, enhancing safety and aesthetics.

The street has been oriented solely for vehicular use. Pedestrians and cyclists were at risk. The Chicago Drive Streetscape Project will dramatically change the aesthetic quality of the area.

Four traffic lanes will be cut to two with a center turn lane. Parking, crosswalk bump-outs and widened sidewalks are more welcoming to non-motorized users. The sidewalks will be buffered from traffic by planters, street trees, and the parking lane. Benches and bicycle racks have been added.

Completion will probably be in the fall of 2026.

See more at Fox 17


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Sign Up for Winged Wednesdays

mourning warbler (photo from Michigan DNR)

a news release of Michigan DNR

Get text tips on birding hot spots!

A male mourning warbler, with a bright yellow body and bluish-purple head, perches on a thin, rust-colored branch, Marquette County, Michigan.

Michiganders know spring is one of the best times for birding! Early-season migrating species are hunkering down to make and raise their families, while other birds are dotting the skies with brilliant colors as they scout for nesting places.

Whether you're a veteran birding enthusiast or brand new to this popular pastime, you're in good company: A recent Audubon article cites a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service report that shows the U.S. is home to an estimated 96 million birders in the United States — more than a third of U.S. adults!

Everyone can take advantage of the DNR's Winged Wednesday texts that provide updates on birds being spotted in state parks, state wildlife areas and other places around the state. A new bird and new park are highlighted each week, an easy encouragement to help birders build meaningful connections to this lifelong pursuit.

Maia Turek, engagement and innovations specialist for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, said more than 5,000 people currently are subscribed to receive the text messages each Wednesday.

"The program actually started with the intent of getting seniors out of their homes post-COVID for 30 minutes a day to help prevent isolation, which was a secondary pandemic at the time," Turek said. "Now, Winged Wednesday texts are really for anybody who’s interested in finding new places to explore birds doing amazing bird things."

Ready to get started? Text BIRD to 51555 or sign up online for Winged Wednesday weekly text updates. Learn more at Michigan.gov/Birding. Questions? Contact Maia Turek at 989-225-8573.


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New Threat from Balsam Wooly Adelgid in Michigan

balsam wooly adelgid (photo from USDA Forest Service)

from Michigan DNR

Balsam woolly adelgid can infest true fir trees, including balsam, Fraser and concolor (white) fir in forests and landscapes in Michigan. Balsam fir can be found in conifer and mixed hardwood/conifer forests of Michigan's Upper and Northern Lower peninsulas. Unlike hemlock wooly adelgid, there are many more obvious symptoms of infected trees including loss of crown needles, swollen twigs, and white scale on the bark in addition to the small white eggs around the needles.

Balsam woolly adelgid is a sap-feeding insect that attacks true fir trees, including balsam, concolor (white) and Fraser fir. Repeated attacks weaken trees, cause twig gouting, kills branches and, over the course of several years, cause trees to die. There are nearly 1.9 billion balsam fir trees in Michigan's forests. As the third largest Christmas tree-growing state in the country, Michigan produces nearly 13.5 million fir trees each year, grown on over 11,500 acres. True fir trees, including forest, landscape and Christmas trees, are susceptible.

Balsam woolly adelgid can be introduced on infested nursery stock, Christmas trees, firewood or tree products. Though the insects don't move far on their own, they can be carried by wind, wildlife, humans or vehicles to new locations.

Adelges piceae (Ratzeburg), an invasive sap-feeding insect, were identified in lower Michigan in fall 2023. This tiny insect is native to Europe but has probably been introduced into North America multiple times.

Balsam wooly adelgid was found in 2023 Missaukee County. Since then, more infestations of BWA have been identified on balsam fir in forests in Missaukee and Clare counties. Osceola County, Marion Township is also subject to quarantine.

See much more and photos as Michigan State Univeristy


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Rowan Park in Muskegon Dedication

Rowan Park (photo from Greater Muskegon Economic Development)

partially from a news release of Muskegon Heights

The revitalization of Rowan Park stands as a pivotal milestone in the ongoing redevelopment efforts within the Muskegon Heights community. Aligned with the comprehensive Reaching NEW Muskegon Heights, Michigan, vision plan, this project serves as a cornerstone for the rejuvenation of the downtown area. This transformative project will assist with community building, visitor engagement, and developing a flourishing environment for downtown businesses to thrive.

This transformative project encompasses the installation of an interactive splash pad, the addition of essential public restroom facilities, meticulously designed landscaping, and ADA-compliant enhancements to ensure accessibility for all. The redevelopment of Rowan Park promises to create a secure, engaging, and visually captivating environment, offering residents an inviting space to savor leisurely moments and foster community connections.

With efforts begun in 2024, $1.27 million has been raised. New restrooms, a playground, and a splash pad have been built. The park is located at 2800 Moffett Street, Muskegon Heights, Michigan.

A dedication ceremony will be hosted on Monday, May 18,2026, at 4:00 pm.

See M-Live article about Rowan Park


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EXTRA- Pine River Safety Alert

graphic from Manistee National Forest

a news release of Manistee National Forest

The Huron-Manistee National Forests is strongly cautioning anglers and paddlers to consider not navigating the waters of the Pine River this weekend.

A massive logjam between Peterson's Bridge and Low Bridge River Accesses has made navigation dangerous in the swift moving waters. Logjams were also reported at Dobson Bridge upstream from Peterson's Bridge. Logjams also pose additional risks to river recreation users.

• Water passing through logjams traps solid objects, posing higher drowning risks for kayakers and canoers.
• Redirect water flow, often causing intense erosion on stream banks, which can lead to unstable banks.
• Accumulated debris can block bridges and culverts, triggering severe flooding, forcing water onto roads sometimes causing them to fail.
• Portage can become difficult or impossible.
• Flow of water can be at a higher velocity.
• Potential to have watercraft puncture by submersed debris.
• Surfaces with heavy silt or sand can be water saturated and react like quicksand.

See more at Safety Alerts


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Highlights of North Country Trail Annual Report

cover of NCTA 2025 Annual Report

from the NCTA

The North Country Trail Association has issued their 2025 Annual Report which helps people see at a glance what has been accomplished over the past year.

If anyone has reservations about the how their contributions are being used, this should make you proud to support the trail. There are 618 miles of the 4800-mile trail in Lower Michigan.

Highlights from 2025:
• total miles of NCT - 4860
• 53 bridges built or replaced
• 4066 feet of puncheon built or replaced
• of the 4860 trail miles, 3365 are now off road (70% off road, and more miles off road than the original estimate for the entire trail

Concerning finances, the report states: "The NCTA continued remarkable financial sustainability in 2025. Despite a 22% decline in agency grants and early uncertainty about federal funding, which accounts for roughly 20 to 25% of revenue, strategic “belt-tightening” ensured a resilient bottom line. Growth was fueled by a record-breaking year for private support: Donations and memberships hit $900,000 (up 20%), while corporate and foundation giving rose by 23%. These resources were immediately mobilized for the trail"

NCTA Board President Jan Ulferts-Stewart says, "This report features work that honors our history as a volunteer-powered organization while positioning us to reach even further in the years ahead. Thank you for your role in caring for the North Country Trail and ensuring it remains a place of pride. "

See the full NCTA Annual Report


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Petoskey Moves to Preserve Little Traverse Wheelway

collapsed Little Traverse Wheelway (photo from City of Petoskey Parks and Recreation))

from Bridge Michigan

The Petoskey City Council says it intends to preserve public trail easements along the Little Traverse Wheelway. The damaged section of what is known as the "Miracle Mile," is an easement across private property.

Owners, Gustav and Courtney Lo, have sued Petoskey for not repairing damaged sections of the trail that fall on their land. They want the easement released back to them saying that the lack of maintenance makes this necessary.

The city has instructed its attorney to continue to negotiate to maintain the easements. However, the major stumbling block is the $20 million price tag to rebuild and stabilize the shoreline that collapsed from erosion in 2020.

Public input strongly supports protecting the trail, but the funds will be difficult to raise under possible time constraints of the Los' lawsuit.

After a closed session of the council on April 20, Mayor John Murphy read the following statement: “It’s the city council’s intention to preserve the easements of the trail. The city council has authorized the city attorney to continue in discussions with the Los with a goal, with the intent to preserve existing easements while addressing the Los’ concerns.”

See Little Traverse Wheelway Repair Still Uncertain


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Extra- Cheboygan Waterways Closed Until May 8

warning for Cheboygan waterways (graphic from Cheboygan County Sheriff)

from Cheboygan County Sheriff's Office

By order of the Coast Guard three waterways in Cheboygan County are closed to boat traffic until May 8, 2026. This includes the Cheboygan River, Black River, and Indian River.

Lakes are open to boaters, but extreme caution is urged. High water and significant debris are the biggest issues.


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Grand Haven Kite Festival- May 16, 17

kite festival (photo from City of Grand Haven)

from the city of Grand Haven

Look up and get ready to be amazed! The Grand Haven Kite Festival transforms the Lake Michigan shoreline into a sky full of color, creativity, and high-flying fun. Watch professional kite fliers perform synchronized routines, stroll the beach lined with giant show kites, and even bring your own to join in.

This free, family-friendly event takes place at Grand Haven State Park on Saturday, May 16 (10 AM–5 PM) and Sunday, May 17 (11 AM–5 PM), weather permitting. It’s the perfect spring getaway—plan your stay and make a weekend of it in Grand Haven.

See the full schedule at Grand Haven Kite Festival

See Kite Festival Facebook

See Grand Haven Kite Festival


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Significant North Country Trail Detour

damage to Highbridge Road (photo origin uncertain)

by jhy

The recent high water and flooding in Michigan is having significant impacts on a multitude of recreation facilities and opportunities.

Perhaps two of the most significant are in the Manistee National Forest. There are two areas of closure. One is a part of the North Country Trail, and the other concerns the Manistee River Trail which has formed the eastern part of what may be the most popular loop trail in the state of Michigan.

Highbridge Road, north of Highbridge over the Manistee River has experienced washouts on both sides of the road and the structural integrity of the road surface is compromised. The picture above does not show the extent of the damage. The Forest Service has closed the road EVEN TO PEDESTRIANS, which means that hikers can not cross the river at this bridge. There are very few bridges across the Manistee.

What this means for at least a month is that any thru hikers (northbound or trail WEBO although the local direction of travel is east) will need to follow M-55 east from Udell TH for 11 miles to Warfield Rd, turn north and then west on Coates Highway to Red Bridge. There, you can access the connector to rejoin the NCT. (south or trail EABO should follow the connector to Red Bridge, take Coates Hwy east, south on Warfield, and M-55 west to Udell TH)

This is a 17- mile detour, but the total length of the skipped trail is about the same, so mileage is approximately equal, but the experience will definitely be compromised. Note that this entire route will be busier than usual with vehicle traffic as all the usual Highbridge traffic will also be using this road detour.

Perhaps the best news is that since Highbridge is a main county thoroughfare, the road will be repaired in good time.

The other huge impact is that for the foreseeable future, the entire Manistee River Trail is closed. The Forest Service is still evaluating damage. Any plans to hike the loop will need to be postponed.

See Manistee National Forest trail alerts updates


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Celebrate Arbor Day- Friday, April 24

graphic from the Michigan DNR

a news release of Michigan DNR

Arbor Day is an internationally celebrated holiday: from Australia to Yemen, people love trees! While everyone might not celebrate on the same day, differing even state to state, most places will celebrate their love of trees with a tree week, tree festival and other events.

Check the DNR's Arbor Day webpage for resources on planting trees and Arbor Day events. The Arbor Day Foundation also has a list of ways you can celebrate Arbor Day by yourself. Statewide events map

Plant a tree: A tree planting checklist to help classrooms or families plant trees.

A Tree’s Life: Learn about the life cycle of a tree.

Seed collecting: Gather seeds from a wooded area. Have children examine their seed collections and invent a system for sorting or classifying them. Explain that plants have developed many different methods of seed dispersal, to ensure the success of their species.

Discover the Forest: This website helps families and educators find simple, fun ways to play and learn in nearby nature, building confidence, connection and curiosity along the way.

Exploring the Neighbor-wood: Explore a nearby outdoor space — like a yard, sidewalk or park — looking closely for signs of how trees are used by animals, plants and people, and take time to observe, wonder and reflect together.

Texture Detectives: Explore natural materials with your sense of touch and practice using descriptive words. Children can test their detective skills by feeling a mystery object and identifying it just by touch.

Gifts of Green: Take a slow, mindful walk, or a “wonder wander,” through nature and use your senses to notice trees, animals, plants and other natural elements. Reflect on the gifts nature provides by drawing or writing a thank-you card.

See DNR Arbor Day


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