Muskegon Lake Removed from "Most Degraded" List

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restored Muskegon Lake (photo from NOAA)

from NOAA

In September 2025, Muskegon Lake was officially removed from the EPA’s Areas of Concern list. 40 years ago it was designated one of the most environmentally degraded sites in the Great Lakes

NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Habitat Conservation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and other partners have worked for decades to restore the area. Early on, there was skepticism as to whether the cleanup was even possible. A long history of industrial use along the shoreline of the lake and contaminated the water and sediment with compounds such as mercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Since 2008, NOAA Fisheries has partnered with the Great Lakes Commission to carry out restoration projects that:
• Restored and reconnected 134 acres of wetland and offshore habitat
• Restored more than 7,000 feet of shoreline
• Removed 347,350 tons of debris
• Removed 190,000 tons of contaminated soil
• Enhanced habitat for species such as walleye, Chinook salmon, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and threatened lake sturgeon
• Improved public recreational access

An economic study found that restoration generated an additional $28 million annually in recreational value and an estimated 500,000 additional visits per year.

See the link above for more pictures, and much more detail about the long-term cleanup.


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Using Mosquitoes to Save Birds

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kiwikiu (photo by Zach Pezzillo- free use)

from an article at CNN

This story takes place in Hawaii, a long distance from Michigan, but the methodology that may save the critically endangered kiwikiu is fascinating.

These birds, also known as the Maui parrotbill honeycreeper Pseudonestor xanthophrys, have been driven ever higher into the mountains to escape an introduced mosquito that carries both a deadly avian malaria and an avian pox. The honeycreepers have no natural defense. The problem mosquitos can not survive the cold elevations, so those places are the last refuges for the birds.

Here's the hopeful solution- a high-tech genetic fix. A coalition of conservation organizations, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of Hawaii, the National Park Service, and the group Birds, Not Mosquitoes, are deploying a strategy called the Incompatible Insect Technique. Male mosquitoes are raised in a lab and infected with Wolbachia bacteria.

Males do not bite, so they pose no threat to the birds. All they do is mate. But when these males mate with a wild female the mosquito eggs are not viable. The mosquito population shrinks.

Millions of these treated mosquitoes are being released by drones over Hawaii.


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Mason County PM Township Revives Sidewalk Plan

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east Ludington Avenue with no sidewalks (photo by jhy)

from an article in the Ludington Daily News and personal knowledge

Several years ago, Pere Marquette Charter Township of Mason County, Michigan, pledged to improve the walkability of the area east of the Ludington city limits. PM Township is the most urban township in Mason County, yet many streets with businesses remain completely pedestrian unfriendly. The majority of proposed stretches where sidewalks would be added have dense business presence, and safe walking options would be a huge improvement.

About five years ago, the township initiated a sidewalk improvement plan to create a special assessment district for sidewalks. But nothing has really happened. Supervisor Kelly Smith says, "We are hoping we can get that back in front of us and build some traction."

Revival of the plan proposes building 3.2 miles of sidewalk on both sides of three critical roads:
• One-and-a-half miles from Jackson St. to Meyers Rd. (Walmart. This is the section pictured above.
• Pere Marquette Highway south to the railroad- about one mile
• Jebavy Drive from US 10 to Johnson Road.

Some engineering problems remain to be worked out. In some areas there is not room for a 5-foot sidewalk outside the MDOT right-of-way. Also, ideally, the sidewalk south would extend to the Conservation Park, but at this time, the plan ends with just under a half-mile gap remaining.

The project is estimated at $2.16 million. This might be funded through a special assessment of property owners, or by a bond.

See more at PM Revisits Discussion on Sidewalk Improvement Plan

See 5-County Multi-Use Trail Plan


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Indigenous Maple Sugaring Technique Demo

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fire to boil maple syrup (photo from Kalamazoo Nature Center)

from the Kalamazoo Nature Center Facebook Page

Chris Chosa, KNC Grants Manager and an Ojibwe descendant raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is leading an experimental project to revive early Indigenous maple sugar production techniques that have not been practiced for centuries. Drawing on more than 20 years of hands-on experience in the sugar bush and academic research conducted at Michigan Technological University, Chris is reconstructing a method that may not have been witnessed in over 500 years. This work blends cultural knowledge, experimental archaeology, and environmental science to better understand how maple sugar was produced long before modern equipment.

Visitors can experience this living history during the Maple Sugar Festival, where Chris will demonstrate the process, share insights, and answer questions in the Arboretum. Check out the process and talk with Chris from 10 am–12 pm and 1-3:30 pm on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Kalamazoo Nature Center, 7000 N. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI 49009

See more at Maple Sugar Festival


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Birdie Blizzard Disc Golf at Gun Lake Winterfest

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Birdie Blizzard promo (photo by Birdie Blizzard)

compiled from several sources

Innova Discs is back again at Gun Lake Winterfest in 2026 with another blizzardy, prize packed tournament for beginners to pros alike with our SIXTH annual – Winterfest Birdie Blizzard.

Located at Yankee Springs TOWNSHIP Park, 1705 Parker Drive Wayland, MI 49348.

Our temporary 2026 Winterfest course is again 9 holes. Most holes are under 150 feet from tee to basket, making Aces and Birdies available to every player – beginner to Pro.

Come and test your disc golf skills. Cool prizes will be awarded! Thank you Innova Discs and Brave Art Studios & Gallery for being primary sponsors since the beginning

February 21, 2026. 10:00 am - 3:30 pm. Registration will be onsite. Flexible tee times.

See Gun Lake Tourism on Facebook


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Michigan Moose Population Strugging

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sedated moose being tagged (photo from the Michigan DNR)

from a news bulletin of the Michigan DNR

Despite the fact that Michigan's lower peninsula has no resident moose, the large mammals are usually of high interest to all Michigan residents.

In an aerial survey, biologists estimated approximately 300 moose within the western Upper Peninsula core range, down from an estimated 426 moose in 2023. It is unclear whether the lower estimate reflects an actual population decline, a shift in moose distribution away from historically surveyed areas, or a combination of both.

Michigan reintroduced moose to the Upper Peninsula in the 1980s with a goal of a herd of 1,000-plus moose. This population goal has not been attained, and currently the herd is declining.

Moose reproduction is stable. Eight of ten tagged cow moose produced eleven calves. However, brainworm, predators, ticks and vehicles remain problematic. Cars have killed 60 moose in the UP in past four years.

Ongoing moose research in the western Upper Peninsula is a collaborative effort between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, and Northern Michigan University, and is supported primarily through federal conservation grants, tribal partnerships and university resources.

See Balsam Oil May be Balm for Moose


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Pedestrian Walkway over 28th Street Open

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28th St Pedestrian Bridge (photo by Isaac Ritchey)

from a news article at M-Live

The first ever elevated pedestrian crossing over 28th St in Wyoming, Michigan is open (Grand Rapids area SW). The bridge officially opened on Sept. 27, 2025, and extends over 28th Street on Hook Avenue SW. The $7.4 million project was fully funded by state and federal grants.

The bridge and a stretch of wooden boardwalk connects to 4.6 miles of new trails recently built by the city of Wyoming. Fully accessible and open to pedestrians and bicycles, the structure is 600 feet long. It connects Wyoming's Trail 3 with Pinery Park. The pedestrian bridge is part of Wyoming’s broader City Center project, an initiative to develop a downtown area off of 28th Street between Burlingame and Clyde Park avenues.

See additional photos and a video at the link above.


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Rudi Hargesheimer to Present at Quiet Adventure Symposium

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Garden Cove segment of the Group of Seven Trail, Ontario (photo by Rudi Hargesheimer)

Intro by jhy: Rudi has been an advocate and publicizer of the Superior Hiking Trail, and thus also of the North Country Trail, for decades. I first saw his media program "Sentiments from the Heart" 26 years ago. This was based on entries left by hikers in log books enhanced with his own phenominal photos. This is a must-see program at QAS.

submitted by Rudi Hargesheimer

Rudi Hargesheimer has published a new book about all the best hiking trails on Lake Superior's Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Ontario shores. Twenty of them are backpacking trails! Of, course the NCT is featured! He will be a speaker at the Quiet Adventures Symposium in Lansing on February 28, 2026 at noon. Rudi has hiked and backpacked every trail in the book, gathering 320 of his best shots to share. On some trips, he used a packraft as well as his backpack or daypack. Of interest to Michigan hikers are the incredible trails north of Sault Ste. Marie. A new one, the Group of Seven Trail, is a highlight. Come visit with Rudi; he will surely whet your appetite for adventure.

Rudi Hargesheimer was an early board member and President of Minnesota's Superior Hiking Trail, now part of the North Country Trail route. He wrote the history of the SHT and included 400 of his photos! His books, The Superior Hiking Trail Story, the Trek Continues and the new Superior Trails, A Photo Tour of Lake Superior's Best Hiking Trails will both be available for purchase at the symposium.

See Quiet Adventures Symposium


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Date Set for Tacos and Trek for the Pentwater-Hart Trail

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cPentwater Hart Trail Logo (graphic from Facebook)

from runsignup.com

Work has been ongoing to extend the Hart-Montague Trail northward to Pentwater, Michigan. A route has been determined, and a portion of designated trail through Pentwater has been marked.

There will be a fundraiser this summer called Tacos and Trek for the Trail on Saturday, June 27, 2026. There will be a 5K Run/Walk/Bicycle event followed by a taco lunch. Registration is $35, for which you get a t-shirt and two tacos. Tacos are also available for sale for those who come out to support the trail for the price of 2/$15. All proceeds and donations are placed in a future maintenance fund for the Pentwater Hart Trail.

This event is sponsored by Friends of the Pentwater Hart Trail. Register at the link above before June 25 at 6 pm.

See more about the proposed trail route at Pentwater- Hart Trail Connection


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Input Requested on Interlochen SP Management

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Interlochen State Park (photo from Michigan DNR)

a news release of Michigan DNR

How would you improve Michigan’s first state park?

Nestled between the shores of Duck and Green lakes, Interlochen State Park offers both modern and rustic camping, boating, paddling, fishing, swimming and much more. The park was acquired by the state in 1917 and established as Michigan's first state park by the Michigan Legislature in 1919. Some of the large, old-growth red and white pine trees, for which the park was originally protected, remain throughout the park. The world-renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts is located just across the northern boundary, offering a year-round calendar of concerts and events.

Those interested in long‐term planning for Interlochen State Park in Grand Traverse County are invited to provide feedback on a new general management plan for the park.

The public input process is essential to ensuring the park continues to serve visitors and the Grand Traverse community for years to come.

Visitors, community members, stakeholders and others interested in sharing their opinions, ideas and experiences are encouraged to participate in an online survey, available through Feb. 22. Links to both the online survey and the project website are available at Michigan.gov/Interlochen.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources uses general management plans to define long-range planning and management strategies that protect parks' natural and cultural resources, while also addressing recreation and educational needs and opportunities.

Link to survey at Interlochen State Park


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Bird Flu Identified in Ottawa County Chickens

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domestic chickens (photo byjhy)

from Wood 8 TV

At the end of January, avian flu was confirmed in domestic chickens in Ottawa County. This is the first case of 2026. This highly pathogenic strain was first found in Michigan in 2022. Wild birds with the virus contact domestic flocks and pass it to them.

The HPAI strain is highly contagious and can spread from contact with infected wild birds. Once in a domestic flock it is difficult to contain. Even clothing and equipment can spread the virus.

While the bird flu does not pose a high risk to human health, 71 people in the United States have contracted the virus since 2024.

If you notice multiple sudden deaths in a flock of wild birds, report those to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources through its Eyes in the Field app.

See the article linked above for tips on protecting domestic birds.

To report possible bird flu cases in wild birds use the Eyes in the Field app


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Saugatuck Hoping to Fund a Riverside Park

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cconcept map (map from Saugatuck Township Facebook page) The map is clickable to enlarge

compiled from several sources

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan is working toward protecting 119 acres of ecologically critical forest, wetlands, and the shores of the Kalamazoo River as it flows into Lake Michigan.

In December 2025, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) board recommended the Riverside Park project for a $2.46 million grant to support the Township’s acquisition of the land so it can become a public park—contingent on support from the local community. Eighty percent of the needed support is committed. The conservancy hopes to raise the remainder of the needed funds, and a private donor has agreed to match all gifts.

Over 75% of the land will be preserved and restored as native habitat, but the previously disturbed 25% of the land will be developed for recreational purposes including trails, a boat launch on the river, parking, pavilions and picnic areas, educational buildings, and athletic fields.

The acquisition would help the Conservancy meet one of its three strategic focal areas, preserving a critical migratory corridor and improving Kalamazoo River water quality.

The land is still privately owned and is not open for public use at this time.

See more at Nature Nearby


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