Oak Savannah Research by Grand Valley

prescribed burn (photo from the Land Conservancy of West Michigan)

from Land Conservancy of West Michigan

Grand Valley State University students in Michigan under Professor Priscilla Nyamai have been studying two sites on Land Conservancy of West Michigan nature preserves. Their research is being conducted to determine the best ways to restore Oak Savannah ecosystems.

Oak savannas are open-canopy habitats with larger but fewer trees and shrubs. More sunlight reaches the ground and the plant community on the ground is diverse. Many such areas were common in Michigan, but a century of fire suppression has resulted in denser forests and a change in the ecosystem.

GVSU has been doing research at Bradford Dickinson White and Brower Lake nature preserves to restore oak savannahs. They are comparing prescribed burns with mechanical thinning. Both result in more open areas, and the students are researching which method results in the best savannah ecosystem.

So far their results indicate that treatment by any method takes time to produce the desired results, and seeding the sites with desirable plant materials is often needed.

This collaboration of a college with a land manager is yeilding valuable information for successful future restoration projects.

Ecosystem responses to ecological restoration treatments of prescribed fire and tree girdling reveal mixed outcomes in two degraded oak savanna communities in West Michigan, USA is available, and the abstract can be read at no cost.


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Report Lily Leaf Beetles to MSU

lily leaf beetle (photo from MSU)

from an article at Click on Detroit

The lily leaf beetle, also called scarlet leaf beetle, was introduced into North America around 1940. By 1992 it had spread across New England, and was confirmed in Michigan in 2016.

It attacks plants in the Lilium and Frittilaria families which include oriental lilies, frittilaria, hosta and a few other plants in the Lily family including Solomon's Seal and possibly Swamp Milkweed. However, day lilies are not at risk. The beetle larvae can completely devastate a plant.

Adults burrow into the soil near their host plants and wait until the next year to emerge and lay eggs.

There is now a significant population in southeast Michigan. Michigan State University Extension is seeking reports of sightings to determine where the insects have spread.

MSU is looking into a biological control program used by the University of Rhode Island that introduces a parasitic insect that targets the larvae of lily leaf beetles.

Any sightings of this insect should be reported, preferably with pictures of plant damage to MSU. See link below. Individual beetles can be killed by dropping into soapy water.



Report Lily Leaf Beetle to the Midwest Invasive Species Network


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Lake Michigan Claims Two More Lives

Lake Michigan beach at Ludington (photo by jhy)

a news release of Bridge Michigan

Two young men drowned in Lake Michigan over the weekend. A Grand Rapids man died trying to rescue an Illinois man off a pier in the Pigeon Lake channel in Ottawa County, according to the Grand Rapids man’s father.

Lake Michigan is consistently the deadliest of the Great Lakes. It claimed 36 lives last year — including at least five in Michigan — according to the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. The next deadliest, Lake Erie, killed 19 people.

Before the drownings over the weekend, Lake Michigan had killed eight people — including one in Michigan — this year, twice as many as the next-deadliest, Lake Ontario.

A number of drownings in recent years prompted South Haven to bring back lifeguards this year for the first time in a quarter-century. Lifeguards there just saved the mayor’s husband who had a medical emergency on the beach.


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More about Alpha-Gal Syndrome

lone star tick ((photo by James Gathany, Public Health Image Library, public domain)

from The Daily Mining Gazette

The meat allergy potentially caused by the bite of the Lone Star tick is on the rise. Here's more information.

Alpha-gal syndrome is not caused by a bacteria or a virus. It is an allergic response of the human immune system to the alpha-gal -- short for galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose -- sugar molecule

If this sugar is ingested, it is harmless. In fact, the molecule is present in the meat of most mammals, but not primates or humans.

The problem is that it's present in the saliva of certain ticks, notably the Lone Star tick which has been making its way northward, and has been found in southern Michigan. When one of these ticks pierces human skin, an allergic response is triggered. Symptoms can increase over time.

After a person develops the antibodies, eating red meat (and occasionally dairy products) can cause hives, diarrhea and itchiness. Seafood and poultry do not trigger the response. Depending on the severity of the reaction, this can be life-threatening.

Although the usual "treatment" is to simply avoid red meat, the FDA approved a drug in 2024 that can reduce the symptoms of the reaction. Also, there is a genetically-modified pork on the market that does not contain alpha-gal. Currently, about 450,000 Americans have the syndrome.

See more at Wikipedia


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Thurston Park in Antrim County to Get Facelift

family fishing at Thurston Park (photo credit uncertain)

from Central Lake

The village of Central Lake in Antrim County, Michigan, is working to transform Thurston Park to make it accessible for all. Paddle Antrim, the Village of Central Lake, and Central Lake Lions are working together to enhance the park, a centerpiece of the community. These improvements will create safe, accessible pathways, connecting all visitors to the park's amenities.

The park is already an access point on the 100-mile Chain of Lakes Water Trail. Enhancing water trail access will strengthen the community's economic vitality, drawing visitors who support the small businesses that make up Central Lake's vibrant downtown. This is economic impact rooted in access, community, and stewardship.

Improvements underway include:
• A universally accessible canoe/kayak launch
• A boat wash station for protecting our lakes from invasive species
• Kayak/Canoe/SUP Rack
• Updated parking with ADA spaces and a loading/unloading zone near the kayak/canoe launch.
• Safe, accessible sidewalks through the park, connecting to downtown, the kayak launch and nearby courtesy docks, and to the pavilion and restrooms.
• Universally accessible picnic tables, bench, and drinking fountain.
• Universally accessible restrooms - including an adult changing station.
• Accessible parking spaces near the pavilion

Donations are being accepted.

See the full article and site plan at PatronCity


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Land Conservancy to Host Paddle on Pere Marquette River

paddling the Pere Marquette (photo by jhy)

a news release of Land Conservancy of West Michigan

Over the past 50 years, LCWM has worked with private landowners, community organizations and governmental bodies to permanently protect and care for the land. From planting native species to applying prescribed fire, LCWM has been committed to our land from day one, with conservation work that bridges its past, present and future.

Today, that work spans 165 properties across eight counties, totaling over 13,000 acres. Among them are beloved Michigan destinations such as Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area, Upper Macatawa Natural Area and North Ottawa Dunes. Key to the success of these projects is a spirit of collaboration between multiple organizations, funders and the communities where these parks are established.

On June 6, The Land Conservancy of West Michigan (LCWM) celebrated its 50th anniversary with over 60 community members participating in bike rides exploring the "Eastern Glacial Corridor,” an ecologically unique region in Kent County, followed by a community celebration. The ride marked the second event of a three-part outdoor Exploration series honoring LCWM's conservation legacy and its ongoing mission to protect ecologically vital land across West Michigan.

“The second event of our Explorathon series exemplified our strategy of connecting people to nature and building a community of conservationists,” said Kim Karn, executive director of LCWM. “It was truly inspiring to celebrate the healthy habitats and protected lands along these trails with our community, and it is always exciting to see familiar faces return from previous events. We look forward to the next event in the series—a guided paddle on the Pere Marquette River later this summer.”

The final Explorathon event on Aug. 29 is set to include a guided paddle along the Pere Marquette River.

Register for the August 29 Paddle


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Indiana Dunes State Park Works to Reopen Trails

Indiana Dunes map (graphic from Indiana Dunes State Park)

from Indiana Dunes State Park

Although this is located in Indiana, it's just barely not southwest Michigan. Due to the storms of the past week, it would probably be a good idea to check before visiting any park in southwest Michigan with plans to hike a particular trail.

Indiana Dunes State Park staff worked to clear nearly 20 trees in the park on Friday. At this time, all roads and trails are open with the exception of one stretch on Trail 2 (see photo). This location is impassable and unsafe. We are asking guests to cooperate by refraining from hiking this section until our crews have cleared the debris. We expect to complete this by the end of the day Monday, June 15th

See Indiana Dunes


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Grand Rapids Extending Riverwalk

Riverwalk construction (photo by Matt Witkos)

from Fox 17

Grand Rapids, Michigan, officials say the primary goal of the Riverwalk is to build a connection throughout the community. This new section will complete trail from Riverside Park to Fulton Street providing non-motorized connections between many businesses, recreation and entertainment venues.

The original plan was for the trail to be partially completed this spring, but the timeline is now pushed to autumn. Custom playground equipment is on order, and an all-season pavilion is being added.

The trail will also serve as a flood buffer from the Grand River.

A future project could connect the trail to the new Acrisure Amphitheater. This would be a part of the proposed Three Towers downtown development.

See more about the Grand Rapids Riverwalk


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Ottaway Crossing Footbridge is Open

ribbon cutting on Ottaway bridge (photo from Grand Traverse Conservation District)

from the Grand Traverse Conservation District

The Ottaway Crossing Footbridge in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, is now open.

Spanning 160 feet across the Boardman-Ottaway River at the former Sabin Dam site, the bridge provides a vital connection between miles of popular recreational trails within the Natural Education Reserve and the broader regional trail network.

The footbridge connects the Boardman River Nature Center with the 24-mile Boardman/Ottaway River Trail, to a larger loop featuring the: Boardman Lake Loop Trail, the North Country Trail, the Vasa Pathway, and Brown Bridge Quiet Area Trails

Named Ottaway Crossing in recognition of the river’s original name and the region’s Indigenous heritage, the bridge represents an important milestone in the ongoing restoration of the Natural Education Reserve. It complements years of restoration work, including riverbank stabilization, habitat improvements, and the planting of thousands of native trees and shrubs, helping transform the property into one of Northern Michigan’s premier outdoor destinations. This project would not have been possible without the generosity, partnership, and dedication of countless supporters, funders, volunteers, and community partners. We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped bring this vision to life and joined us in celebrating the bridge’s opening.

You are invited to visit the Natural Education Reserve, explore the trails on both sides of the Boardman-Ottaway River, and experience the new Ottaway Crossing for yourself.

See Grand Traverse Conservation District


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FDA Expands Sunscreen Ingredient List

chemical structure of bemotrizinol (graphic by ChemDoc 2010)

compiled from several sources

For the first time in 20 years the list of ingredients allowed in sunscreen products in the United States has been expanded. Bemotrizinol has been sucessfully used in Europe, Australia, and part of Asia for many years. By the end of 2026, consumers in the US will be able to find products with this chemical.

All previously approved products here are effective against only UVA or UVB rays. Sunscreens typically contain a mixture of chemicals that will block both. UVA causes wrinkles and aging of the skin while UVB causes sunburn. However, bemotrizinol blocks across the UV spectrum.

Bemotrizinol shows low levels of absorption through the skin which has been a concern with some other sunscreen ingredients, although there has been no clear determination whether this causes harm. For example, oxybenzone, a currently approved chemical has been detected in blood at 515 times the FDA’s threshold of concern after a single weekend of application. It is also highly photostable, breaking down much more slowly than other products.

It has been approved in Europe for the past 26 years.

See an article from NBC


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Nunica Junction Ribbon Cutting June 16

poster from Friends of the North Bank Trail

from Friends of the North Bank Trail

The Friends of the North Bank Trail are folks dedicated to developing a non-motorized rail trail from Grand Haven/Spring Lake to Grand Rapids. They invite the public to a ribbon-cutting ceremony June 16, 2026 at 4:00 pm. This is in Nunica, Michigan at 16980 N. Main St, at the North Bank Trail Junction Trailhead. There will be brief remarks by various people.

In 2025, the Friends group provided a $250,000 grant to Crockery Township to assist in funding the restoration of two railroad trestles over Crockery Creek. The grant was made possible through private donations from generous donors that have supported the North Bank Trail for many years. These two historic trestles one mile east of Nunica were once part of the Grand Trunk Railroad line that ran from Grand Haven to Detroit.

The trestles have been improved to allow pedestrian and bicycle access over the creek offering wonderful views of the flowing water and surrounding forest. The pathway to the trestles will remain a natural surface at this time.

See North Bank Trail


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Superior Maximus: Live Dive

freshwater hydra (photo from Inspired Planet Productions)

from watching the video

Just a few days ago, the Superior Maximus: Live expedition had weather conditions which allowed the team to send a tethered robot to the deepest place in Lake Superior- in all the Great Lakes. It is 1300 feet below the surface of Lake Superior, and had not been visited for 40 years when a small research submersible traveled to the depths. The site is about 35 miles north of Munising, Michigan.

The video is not edited, but is recorded in real time, so what you see is what they saw. A few kinds of fish and other wildlife were found. At those depths, there are no plant materials because of the lack of light.

Although this was not like seeing a tropical reef, it's fascinating because so little is known about life at the depths where the temperature hovers just above freezing, and the pressure is about 40 times what it is at the surface.

Other expeditions have been recorded and can be found at the Hidden Depths channel on YouTube.

See Superior Maximus: Live


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