Indian Mounds Drive May be Vehicle Free

display of one of the potential plans for Indian Mounds Drive (photo from Fox 17)

from an articla at Fox 17

Kent County, Michigan, continues to plan for the future use of Indian Mounds Drive.

A community open house gave neighbors a chance to hear about the plans and to share their opinions.

Maps displayed several possible scenarios for future use. One of these is that the road might be closed to vehicular traffic

Nearly 2000 people responded to the survey in November, and that input was used to guide the county's plans.

"We've gotten great reaction every time that we've talked about it. The people that use it think that it can be improved. The people that don't want to use it want to see it improved so they can use it. It's definitely generated a lot of opinions and lots of excitement," said Ben Swayze, Director of Parks and Recreation for Kent County.

See Indian Mounds Drive Plans


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Northland Drive Pedestrian Tunnel Groundbreaking

concept of approach and Northland Dirve tunnel at upper right (graphic from Kent County Parks)

from Michigan Trails Magazine

A ceremony Saturday morning marked the start of construction on a new pedestrian tunnel under Northland Drive (Kent County, Michigan)— creating a safer, stronger connection to the emerging South Rogue River Trail and the growing Grand River Greenway.

“This groundbreaking represents more than the start of construction—it’s about connection,” said Kent County Parks Department Director Ben Swayze. “We are connecting communities, parks and people while removing a significant safety barrier along one of the busiest roads in northern Kent County. This project brings us one step closer to a seamless regional trail network that improves quality of life and expands access to the outdoors for residents of all ages and abilities.”.

Once complete, this effort will help link a 23-mile stretch from Millennium Park to Lowell, bringing us closer to the Grand River and to each other.

Thanks to our Kent County leadership and many community partners for bringing this vision—funded entirely through $10 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars awarded through a Michigan Department of Natural Resources grant to Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.—to life!

Construction will take place in phases, with completion anticipated in late fall 2026

See South Rogue River Trail


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DNR Adds Specialty Aircraft to Battle Wildfires

two water-scooping aircraft (photo by Michigan DNR)

a news release of Michigan DNR

These Fire Boss planes – Air Tractor AT-802 models modified to scoop water for wildland firefighting – are flying for the DNR during the spring fire season.

Two Fire Boss aircraft, each capable of scooping up to 800 gallons of water from a lake in just 15 seconds, have been added to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources firefighting fleet this season.

The planes, leased from late April through early June – historically the worst part of Michigan’s fire season – are housed at the Gaylord Regional Airport. This central location is ideal to respond to wildfire anywhere in the state and especially for the areas hit hard by the ice storm of 2025. The planes were used earlier this week to assist with a fire on federal land near Mio.

Fire danger is elevated across the state this weekend, so make sure to check Michigan.gov/BurnPermit or, in southern Michigan, contact your local municipality to make sure it is safe to burn.

“The branches and trees downed from the ice storm can impede us getting into the woods with equipment,” said Kevin Jacobs, DNR aviation manager. “The added debris on the ground will add fuel to the fire, which could cause wildfires to spread faster and burn with more intensity.”

He said the Fire Boss aircraft don’t replace crews on the ground but can offer an important head start once a fire is discovered.

“They can get to a fire scene fast,” Jacobs said. “Having two of these planes working in tandem can make a difference in our ability to contain fires and protect people, property and natural resources.”

The planes are Air Tractor AT-802 models, designed for agricultural use and modified to include floats for landing on water. They need approximately a mile of open water to perform their water-scooping sequence.

The cost of the planes is paid for by a one-time allocation from the Michigan Legislature to mitigate the effects of the March 2025 ice storm.

See the entire article


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Nakwema Trailway Progress

Nakwema Trailway map (graphic from Top of Michigan Trails Council)

from Top of Michigan Trails Council

Last week, the Village of Elk Rapids received exciting news from the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). Phase 1 of the Nakwema Trailway Elk Rapids to Maple Bay segment secured a conditional funding commitment of $2 million. This development provides critical momentum for this generational project. We are grateful to the Village for its leadership and to the community for its support. Huge shout-out to our Elk Rapids Trail Team for their hard work!

Engineers from Spicer Group, Inc. are conducting an on-the-ground survey of the Torch Lake Township corridor. When you see an orange vest, give 'em a wave. Their surveying efforts started just before the major March snowstorm, and they can now complete evaluations in slightly less snowy conditions.

The Nakwema (nah-KWAY-mah) Trailway is a generational investment in the region, our identity, our people, and our future. Nakwema — meaning "where paths connect" in Ojibwe — will provide critical non-motorized transportation and recreation infrastructure joining Charlevoix and Traverse City, in between, and beyond. Top of Michigan Trails Council is partnering with TART Trails on this project.

See Nakwema Trailway Project


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Huron National Forest Fire Update

Mapes fire (photo from Huron National Forest)

a news release of Huron-Manistee National Forest

The Mapes fire in the Huron National Forest, Oscoda County, MI, has burned 124 acres but is 90% contained as of Wednesday, May 6, 2026.

Operations staff conducted another aerial mission using UAS aircraft to identify remaining hotspots using infrared photography. The aircraft is able to detect heat signatures while capturing coordinates that enable crews to locate these remaining areas of heat. Crews will work the firelines to both the north and south flanks of the fire to identify any areas of heat remaining in proximity to containment lines.

The Mapes Fire is currently staffed by 52 individuals. Operations staff have the use of three bulldozers and eight engines. A UAS and crew are assigned to the fire to assist with mapping and identification of remaining hotspots. Aircraft are available as needed.

Weather will remain cool through Thursday with maximum temperatures in the 50s and minimum relative humidities around 30%. Winds may be variable between 5-15 mph. Without wetting rains, conditions will continue to support fire behavior.

There are no closures currently in place for the Mapes Fire. Caution is urged for those residents using Mapes Road. A barrier is in-place to restrict traffic use while the road is being used by fire operations.

See a map of the extent of Mapes Fire


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Lower Peninsula Home to 2100 Black Bears

Michigan Black Bear density (graphic from Michigan Storm Chasers)

a news release of Michigan DNR

As spring approaches and Michigan’s estimated 12,450 black bears emerge from their dens — many with new cubs in tow — here are a few important things to remember:

Bears have an extraordinary sense of smell and memory. They can smell food from a mile away and remember food locations for years, including that backyard bird feeder or grease-spattered grill.

When bears get used to human-associated food sources, they are more apt to roam neighborhoods — not flee when harassed by people — and even break into homes and outbuildings for food.

A bear raiding your bird feeder is not cause to contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to request the animal be relocated. Remove the bird feeder for at least two weeks and the bear should stop coming around and move on to other food sources. Talk to your neighbors about taking the same action.

“Michigan is bear country,” said Jared Duquette, human-wildlife interactions specialist for the DNR. “And as bears come out of their winter dens, it’s important to remember that we can live responsibly with these magnificent animals and avoid conflicts by following some basic best practices. Take down bird feeders, especially in the spring and summer, clean grills after use, don’t leave pet food outside and wait until collection day to put your trash out.”

People in high-density bear areas should consider using bear-resistant trash bins. Ask your trash company if they provide these containers.

There are an estimated 10,350 black bears throughout the Upper Peninsula, while the Lower Peninsula is home to 2,100 bears, according to a 2024 DNR survey. Lower Michigan’s bear population is concentrated mainly in the northern part of the peninsula, although bears have been pushing south into urban areas of mid-Michigan.

See link above for more info


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Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day at Fenner Nature Center

World Migratory Bird Day (photo from Fenner Nature Center)

from Fenner Nature Center on Facebook

We're very close to World Migratory Bird Day weekend! Do you have your calendars marked for Saturday, May 9th? Fenner Nature Center in Lansing, Michigan, has guided hikes, fascinating presentations from local birders and partners, Animal Encounters with our ambassadors, and family-friendly activities throughout the day!

The first hike will be led by Michigan Audubon, with educational booths and presentations taking place from 10 AM to 3 PM. Michigan Avian Experience will also host a Birds of Prey program featuring a live raptor (space may be limited).

Spend time exploring booths hosted by local educators and community partners who are excited to share their work and passion for birds, conservation, and nature! There’s something for every age to enjoy. Along the way, learn about simple ways to support birds and their habitats right in your own community.

Registration is not required. All hikes will meet at the Welcome Booth in front of the Visitor Center

See Fenner Schedule


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Talk to the State About Rivers

Big South Branch Pere Marquette River (photo by jhy)

from Bridge Michigan

Michigan is launching a series examining Michigan rivers — the threats they face, conservation efforts, recreational opportunities and what they mean for the communities that depend on them.

Please take a few moments to fill out a brief survey and tell us what matters to you about Michigan’s rivers.

This survey is part of Bridge Listens, an intentional effort to listen to you — and put readers’ priorities at the center of our coverage.

This yearlong listening effort aims to identify what you believe are Michigan’s most important issues, and we’ll use that feedback to help shape our reporting.

Link to River Survey


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Yale Developing New Lyme Vaccine

tick saliva invading skin (graphic from It's Science)

from Yale News

A vaccine for humans against Lyme disease is still at least a few years in the future, but Yale University may have come one step closer to solving the problem.

A vaccine released over 25 years ago was withdrawn from the market in 2002. The withdrawal was not for medical reasons but was based on low sales, and negative perception about vaccinations in general.

Researchers at Yale are working on a completely different type of vaccine. This will not target one particular strain of the tick-borne disease, but the new approach quickly responds to the presence of tick saliva. The vaccine targets 19 different proteins found in several species of ticks.

The vaccine uses the same mRNA technology that was used to quickly develop COVID-19 vaccines, which is totally different chemistry from traditional vaccines which are usually weakened strains of the disease.

As an analogy, the vaccine makes a tick bite more like a mosquito bite. If you are vaccinated and then are bitten, you will notice redness and itching right away and can remove the tick before it can transmit diseases. Tick saliva normally supresses the human immune response allowing the pathogen time to infect the host, but the vaccine stops that supression.

Tests are being conducted on guinea pigs which can develop Lyme disease. Early animal trials showed 100% protection across six major Borrelia strains over a full tick season. Human trials are still in the future.



See mRNA vaccination induces tick resistance and prevents transmission of the Lyme disease agent. Science Traslational Medicine has made the entire scientific paper available free of charge.


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Your Michigan Library Can Help You Get Off The Couch

Little Sable Light (photo by jhy)

by jhy

Wish you could visit some fun places around the state of Michigan but that it didn’t cost so much? The Library Network is here to help!

Just when we are hearing so many questions about the relevance of libraries in the digital age, we are presented with yet another good reason to love the local library.

MAP, the Michigan Activity Pass program, brings participating destinations and public libraries together to help people discover new cultural and recreational opportunities. Museums, public gardens, parks and more are already signed up. More venues are regularly being added. Each pass provides the user with a discount that can be applied to a portion of the fee.

What’s the catch? You have to have a Michigan Library Card. How do you get one? Go to the library, or the library web site, and sign up. No charge for that. There is no minimum age to obtain a library card, but children must have the consent of a parent or guardian. (And, of course, a library card is also a ticket to a world of discovery through books and visual media.)

Some participating locations nearby include Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, Historic White Pine Village, the Dennos Center in Traverse City, Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Little Sable Point Lighthouse and the Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse. Lists from downstate include such well-known places as the Detroit Institute of the Arts, the Michigan Renaissance Festival at Holly, Hidden Lake Gardens, and many more. The Upper Peninsula is also well-represented.

All state parks and state forest campgrounds (not federal campgrounds) are part of the program. The savings vary by location. For example, at state forest campgrounds the discount can be used toward a campsite. At state parks, the discount applies to the entrance fee, but not for camping.

You can use one pass per library card every seven days, and once you request the pass you have seven days to use it before it expires. There is a complete list of options at miactivitypass.org including a map with filters that will allow you to search for participating venues within a specific radius of a particular location. The filters allow you to narrow the search if you only want certain results, such as children’s activities or art museums. Lists by region can also be found at tln.org (The Library Network).

For example, if a family has two adults who each have a library card, one pass could be used for a discount to camp at a state forest campground while a second pass could be applied toward a visit to an historical site.

To obtain the passes, start at miactivitypass.org. You will need to know your library card number(s), and if you aren’t sure of this, simply contact your local library. The passes can be printed from that site, or emailed to you or sent by text. It is up to the person requesting the pass to check on operating hours of the venue to be sure it will be open. A video tutorial is available at miactivitypass.org/resources-2.

The Library Network Michigan Activities Pass is a great way to increase your potential fun on a budget. Get off the couch and go get a library card and a pass to adventure.



See Michigan Activity Pass on Facebook


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Dragon Trail Flooding Damage

damage to Dragon Trail (photo from Michigan's Dragon at Hardy Dam)

from Michigan's Dragon at Hardy Dam

Dragon Trail Update 4/28/26: The Good, the Bad, and The Ugly!

The Good: 37 miles of the Dragon are rideable! Yea!

The Bad: There are a few areas, mostly drains and a few water saturated areas in that 37 miles. Expect to get dirty.

The Ugly: Section #7 is closed to users until catastrophic failures on the trail caused by the massive rainfall in early Aprilare repaired. There are side hills sliding downhill, washouts and tree root balls in the trail. There also are mudslides from uphill that cover the trail with MUD. The cycling group is working with the trail builder on corrective measures but they need time. Time to plan, time to dry out, time to organize. The best thing you can do now is be patient and stay out of section #7's closed area. Please don't be that person who ignores the trail closed sign and adds to the problems!

Volunteer trail days will be scheduled as soon as the plan is in place. Thanks!

See more pictures and detour around Section 7


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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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