Hiker Rescued from Whaleback Natural Area

rescue in operation (photo from Leland Township Fire & Rescue)

from WOOD TV

A hiker who suffered a medical emergency in the Whaleback Natural Area on Tuesday was located and extraced by Leland Township Fire and Rescue.

Whaleback Natural Area is in the Leelanau Peninsula north of Traverse City, Michigan.

The hikers exact location was pinpointed, and the rescue crew was able to travel directly to the site. However, a hand carry for extraction was required over difficult terrain. The rescue took over 90 minutes.

Cell and radio coverage was spotty, but the crew was able to summon help to carry the person to a waiting ambulance. The hiker was transported to Munson Medical Center and is expected to make a full recovery.

Leland Township Fire and Rescue thanks friends and neighbors for their help!

See Whaleback Natural Area


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ID that Engorged Tick

engorged ticks (graphic from Michigan Health Department)

partially from American Lyme Disease Foundation

If you discover a tick on you that has already feasted, it's always a good plan to save the tick in a zip-seal plastic bag so you can take it to your doctor.

This chart may help you identify which type of tick has bitten you.

After tick removal, monitor the bite site over the next few weeks for any signs of Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses, such as a rash or fever. Not all ticks carry disease, and not all tick bites will result in disease. However, if you have concerns or symptoms develop, consult with a healthcare provider. They may advise you based on the type of tick, your geographical area, the duration of attachment, and the local prevalence of tick-borne illnesses.


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Extra- Special Free Karner Butterfly Tour Sunday!

graphic from Bigelow Creek Nature Preserve

a news release of Bigelow Creek Nature Preserve

Witness the Magic of the First Flight of Karner Blue Butterflies, a federally endangered species who calls our Oak Savannahs home.

From 10 am - 1 pm on Sunday, May 31, 2026, Bigelow Creek Nature Preserve in Newaygo, Michigan, which is normally closed to the public, will be hosting free tours to see the endangered Karner Blue Butterfly and its habitat.

Join us at Bigelow Creek Nature Sanctuary, MNA's newest property in Newaygo County, for a guided Karner Blue Butterfly flight tour. Walk the land with local naturalists, learn how this endangered butterfly depends on native habitats, and see firsthand what careful stewardship looks like on the ground.

Your registration supports the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition’s work to protect and restore native ecosystems across our county. This small-group tour offers time for questions, quiet observation, and connecting with the land we share.

You must sign up in advance.

Register for a ticket


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Clearing the Pine for Paddlers

clearing the Pine River (still extracted from video by Hoxeyville Outfitters and Pine River Paddlesports)

compiled from several sources

The Pine River has some of the fastest navigable water in Michigan and two Northern Michigan outfitters, Pine River Paddlesports Center and Hoxeyville Outfitters, spend time each spring clearing downed trees from the waterway.

But this year, they added a new strategy. In addition to cutting from shore or from a canoe, they are repelling from a rope suspended above the river down to chainsaw large trees. The spring flooding in Michigan has left a larger than usual amount of debris, and the outfitters expect the work will continue all summer.

The goal is to make the river as safe as possible for paddlers. They state that personal safety as they do the clearing is a priority, and the work is potentially dangerous. However, they don't want users to be surprised by a sudden obstacle when they round a bend in the river.

Owners, Jacob Miltner and Rylie Gates, say they have decades of combined experience doing work like this. Each year they clear about 45 miles of the Pine River. Except for the repelling, the two businesses do this work every spring. Few people have known what they do to keep the river clear.

They carefully plan how to approach each obstruction. This is not something the average person should try.

See the full video at 9 and 10 News


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North Country Trail Association Introduces New Executive Director

Kate Hagner (photo from the NCTA)

a news release of the North Country Trail Association

Editor's note- With nearly 1200 miles of North Country Trail located in Michigan, about half in the Lower Peninsula, NCT news is definitely Get Off The Couch news.

The NCTA welcomes Kate Hagner, the North Country Trail Association’s new Executive Director. Mid-June, she will begin leading the Association from her home in Vermont.

Kate comes from nearly 20 years of service with the Student Conservation Association. Most recently, she was the Senior Director for Enterprise Operations, providing organizational leadership and aligning systems, processes, and teams to support strategic growth, program effectiveness, and mission impact. She led in other management and director roles for 12 years prior. Kate holds a B.A. in English from Smith College and an M.A. in English and Writing from the University of Texas.

“I’ve lived in Minnesota, upstate New York, and now Vermont – places all connected to the geography of this trail,” said Kate. “Meaningful outdoor experiences do not need to happen only in iconic destinations. I love that the North Country Trail is close to where so many people already live and work. Because of the NCTA, [the trail] is a thread connecting people, place, and time. As Executive Director, I will work to strengthen that thread – to protect it, expand it, and invite more people to see themselves as part of it.”

“I am confident that under Kate’s leadership, the NCTA will continue to thrive, strengthen partnerships, and build momentum toward the forever trail,” said Jan Ulferts Stewart, NCTA Board President.

Cheryl Kreindler will remain Interim Executive Director until Kate is fully onboarded.

You may post a welcome message to Kate at Kudoboard


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See the Depths of Lake Superior, Live

Lake Superior Dive poster

from Great Lakes Now

We suggest to stay ON the couch for this event! However, you'll be able to watch an exploration of the depths of Lake Superior on June 6, 2026.

Join a livestreamed expedition to the deepest point in the Great Lakes! Explore a hidden underwater world from your own screen and have your questions answered LIVE.

More than 1,300 feet beneath the surface of Lake Superior lies the deepest point of the Great Lakes. It’s so deep that no light reaches it, and it has not been visited in 40 years.

Great Lakes Now is teaming up with freshwater explorers Yvonne Drebert and Zach Melnick to send a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to the bottom of Lake Superior. High resolution cameras will broadcast the descent in real-time and document the environment in unprecedented detail.

What We’re Hoping to See:
• The kiyi, a rare deepwater fish that is believed to live only in Lake Superior
• Alien looking deepwater sculpin
• Forests of colorful hydra
• The deepwater-adapted siscowet lake trout

The date and time of this livestream are subject to change due to weather conditions. Sign up for the Great Lakes Now newsletter to get reminders and updates delivered directly to your inbox: Great Lakes Now


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Students Restoring Scottville Nature Center

pond at Ed Malkowski Nature Center (photo by jhy)

from an article in the Ludington Daily News

The Ed Malkowski Nature Center in Scottville, Michigan, is a very small area with a pond and short path that was created a number of years ago by students from the Mason County Central Schools. Malkowski is a former principal.

Teacher Jacob Boone has been taking 8th-graders to the area to clean up the trails and begin to remove some of the invasive species. Some native plantings are being added.

A mini grant from the Mason County Youth Advisory Council has made the project possible. The trail is currently cleared. Some additional repairs will be done to the bridge over the small creek.

Boone says, "I'm trying to teach kids to respect the gift of nature... Helping to improve it is a great way to do that." The teacher stated that they even found trash cans thrown in the pond when they began work.

There is not a set end goal. Boone would like to keep improving the area by using it as an outdoor classroom and teaching resource. The trail is open to the public and the access is just south of the Johnson Road entrance to the school complex.

See Ed Malkowski Nature Path


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Brower Lake Nature Preserve Celebrates 50 Years

wild lupine in bloom (photo from Land Conservancy of West Michigan)

from Land Conservancy of West Michigan

At Brower Lake Nature Preserve in Kent County, Michigan, purple lupine is in bloom where less than ten years ago stood a monoculture of one non-native tree species: Scotch pine.

At this preserve, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan has been working to restore native oak barrens and oak-hickory forest habitat through selective forest thinning and prescribed fire. Year after year, as we watch habitat become more established, we see more biodiversity in the understory of this woodland. Each new blade and blossom is a heartening confirmation that we are heading in the right direction.

The path we are on is a long one, and we will need to keep showing up to keep our promise of protecting these places in perpetuity. As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary this year, we are taking a moment to appreciate how far we've come. Do yourself a favor: Take a walk at Brower Lake Nature Preserve and take it all in.

See Brower Lake Nature Preserve


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Man Arrested in Connection to Duncan Bay Nature Preserve Fire

Duncan Bay Nature Preserve fire (photo by Erik Galloway)

from Up North Live

The Duncan Bay Nature Preserve near Cheboygan, Michigan, burned Friday evening. The fire is 100% contained. The exact cause of the fire has not been released, but a 29-year-old man was taken into custody on Saturday.

Multiple fire departments battled the blaze, and aircraft were also used to drop water.

The Little Traverse Conservancy which manages the preserve says, "Thankfully no one was hurt and we understand a suspect has been detained. The trails and beach are accessible and we will be working to repair damages.”

UPDATE, May 27, 2026 Sean Huddleston, 29 was charged with arson, malicious destruction of property, and two counts of malicious destruction of a building. He is accused of intentionlly setting the fire which burned 40 acres in the preserve. He is being held on $1 million bond.

See Cheboygan Daily Tribune
And see Up North Live


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M-20 Opens Over Lewis Farms Tunnel

M-20 Tunnel (photo from Oceana County Road Commission)

from Oceana County Press

While the actual tunnel will not be open for use for several more weeks, M-20 that passes over the pedestrian tunnel to Lewis Farms in Oceana County, Michigan, has reopened.

In addition to the tunnel, a right turn lane on M 20 for eastbound traffic to access 68th Avenue has been added. The road is widened, and a portion of 68th Avenue has been paved.

Although it appears complete, the tunnel is not yet open for pedestrian and tram use because the contractors are waiting for various electrical materials. A central divider fence separates foot traffic from the trams which will transport people from a parking area to Lewis Farms

See Pedestrian Tunnel Under Construction in Oceana County


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Rogue River Road Non-motorized Bridge Installed

Rogue River Road pedestrian bridge being installed (photo from Plainfield Township)

from M-Live

On Thursday, May 14, the final 175-foot section of the South Rogue River Trail in Kent County, Michigan, was lowered into place by cranes. This 10-foot-wide prefabricated steel bridge will parallel the Rogue River Road bridge.

The $800,000 bridge is the largest portion of the $2.2 million project aimed at connecting trails from Lake Michigan to mid-Michigan. This full segment is about two miles in length from the White Pine Trail to the Rogue River.

The South Rogue River Trail is part of the larger, multi-county project to expand the Grand River Greenway. This section is expected to open in a few weeks

See South Rogue River Trail Construction


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Red Cedar Water Trail Opens

paddlers on the Red Cedar River (photo from Bridge Michigan)

compiled from several sources

The Red Cedar River Water Trail connects Williamston, Michigan, to the Grand River in Lansing. The trail is about 23 miles long and passes through farms, forests, suburban areas, and recreational lands.

The upstream end of the trail is at Williamston in McCormack Park, and the final takeout is at River Street Park/ Sweeney's Landing on the Grand River. Some sections have rapids, and others are calm enough to allow a single put-in where paddlers can easily travel both upstream and downstream.

The designation comes as the result of efforts by the Rotary Club and the City of Williamston.

See a map of the route and public launch sites


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DNR to Host Kirtland's Warbler Tours

Kirtland's warbler (photo from MI DNR)

a news release of Michigan DNR

Want to learn more about one of North America’s rarest songbirds? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hosting two free tours of the Kirtland’s warbler and its jack pine habitat this spring in Grayling.

The outings will take place from 7-10 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, and again on Saturday, June 13. The events start and end at the DNR’s Grayling (Michigan) field office, 1955 Hartwick Pines Road.

The tours will start with a short presentation detailing the Kirtland’s warbler history, past and current conservation status, and future management strategies. Once nearly extinct, the gray and yellow Kirtland’s warbler remains a state-threatened species, with about 95% of the bird’s world population nesting in northern Michigan.

Tour participants will then make a short drive to tour the jack pine habitat and observe the Kirtland's warbler. This involves a walk of about half a mile on a trail road. Bring sturdy footwear, binoculars, water and bug spray.

The events will take place rain or shine.

RSVP to DNR wildlife biologist Tim Riley at rileyt6@michigan.gov or (989) 370-7313.


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Nature Activity Books for Kids

graphic from Leave No Trace

from Leave No Trace

America’s 250th anniversary is a chance to look back at what we’ve built together — and commit to protecting it for the next 250 years. Leave No Trace has partnered with the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to launch a national campaign focused on caring for public lands, from local parks to national forests and open spaces across the country.

We’ve created free resources for young people, families, educators, and outdoor enthusiasts to celebrate, learn, and take action. Watch the campaign video, then explore and download youth activity booklets, posters, and social assets to share the message in your community.

There are two different workbooks that can be downloaded, free, at the link below.

See Leave No Trace


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Grand Rapids Students Take to the River

Grand Rapids student canoeists (still from a video by Spectrum News)

from Spectum News

For the eighth year, Grand Rapids (Michigan) Public Schools has been giving students a chance to experience paddling on the Grand River. More than 900 young people have canoed this week, most for the first time in their lives.

The kids also rotate through manning land stations where they may monitor invasive plants, study native plants, test water quality and learn invertebrate counting, or even try boat building.

The land stations are operated by community partners who volunteer their time. This year's partners include Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., John Ball Zoo, the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds, Camp Newaygo, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services' Environmental Health Bureau, and the City's sustainability and water departments.

Educators agree that this is a real opportunity for outdoor education. "Kids...can connect directly with the natural resources that surround our community and better understand their importance," stated School Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby. Teachers are enthusiastic and hope the program will continue


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Hantavirus Poses Greater Risk to Hikers than on Cruise Ships

deer mouse (photo from Maryland Biodiversity Project)

from Gear Junkie

While hantavirus is in the news of late because of severe illness on a cruise ship, it's really a greater risk to campers and hikers. The disease is caused almost exclusively from contact with the waste products, urine and feces, of rodents. Infection can come from particles entering wounds, or by breathing aerosols or dust.

Most cases in the US are transmitted by deer mice, but most rodents carry some strain of hantavirus. Although the death rate is high from the disease the CDC has tracked only about 30 cases per year for the past 30 years. Voles, shrews, bats, pigs, and cattle have all been noted to sometimes carry a hantavirus. In truth, the risk of contacting the virus is high, but simple cleanliness reduces the risk significantly.

94% of cases in the US have occurred west of the Mississippi.

Campers often use huts, shelters, outhouses, and register boxes where evidence of rodent occupation is obvious. There are simple things you can do to reduce your chances of contracting hantavirus:
• try to sleep elsewhere if you encounter mouse droppings or nests
• store your food in rodent-proof containers
• wear gloves and mask if cleaning areas where you find droppings or nests, and disinfect the areas.

See Hantavirus on Wikipedia


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Michilimackinac State Park Renovation Planned

park entrance (photo from the park website)

compiled from several sources

The 15-acre park between Colonial Michilimackinac and Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse along the Lake Huron shoreline at the base of the Mackinac Bridge, Michilimackinac State Park, will be updated. This is Michigan's second-oldest state park, established in 1909.

The project is being described as a $3.5 million revamp. It will involve extensive updating, including landscaping, increased accessiblility, a pavilion for special events, a boardwalk along the Lake Huron shore for viewing the Mackinac Bridge, and a wedding venue pergola are planned. Irrigation will be installed. Interpretive panels will also be added.

The park is bounded on the west by Colonial Michilimackinc Fort, and the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is on the eastern edge.

No timeline for the work has been established, but fundraising has begun

See Michilimackinac State Park


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National Trails Day to be Fee Free in National Forests

Fee Free National Trails Day (photo from USFS)

a news release of US Forest Service

The U.S. Forest Service announced an additional 2026 recreation fee-free day on Saturday, June 6, in celebration of National Trail sDay, providing no cost use of all standard amenity recreation sites on national forests and grasslands.

"For National Trails Day in 2025, Forest Service trail managers, partners, and volunteers hosted 80 events, including 54 stewardship projects, engaging with more than 3,100 volunteers who maintained 173 miles of trail,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “We hope those who love Forest Service trails will join us at the trailhead on June 6, whether it’s volunteering to build new trails, pick up trash near a trailhead, participating in a nature walk, or taking advantage of the fee-free day benefits.”

Find a local National Trails Day event and join the nationwide movement.

See National Trails Day Events at American Hiking Society


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Manistee River Trail Re-Opens

working to open the Manistee River Trail (photo by Jaylene Marsh, USFS)

a news release of Manistee National Forest

The Forest Service has completed its evaluation and installed a few reroutes to the Manistee River Trail to protect natural resources.

Hikers are reminded to exercise caution around bluff edges and are asked to use established trail reroutes to protect natural resources.

Staff from the Cadillac/Manistee Ranger district worked together over three weeks to get the trail open for the busy recreational season picking up now.

After a few weeks of work, they were able to assess trailtread, remove trees blocking trails and establish some reroutes and puncheon to protect natural resources along the route.

Feedback is welcome to the Huron-Manistee NFs inbox. Email us at sm.fs.hmnf@usda.gov. pictures, locations and a short narrative of what we are looking, and your thoughts.

Exercise extreme caution. Saturated soils have weakened the structural integrity of riverbanks while fast-flowing water undercut the bank's base, losing strength and creating the potential for collapse. High-velocity water and rapid water level drops created intense pressure, caused rapid erosion, sloughed off banks, creating landslides, formed "blowouts," new channels, and heavy sand deposits (drifts) in unexpected areas. Unpredictable conditions like these are unsafe and should be avoided at all costs.

Silt deposits in draining flood plains which can appear stable, can still be saturated soils not supporting weight, and subsequently can push water out, creating a vacuum that pulls you down and can entrap you.

See full report


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Become an Adventure Scientist to Save Trees

Butternuts (photo from University of Connecticut)

from Adventure Scientists

Help Protect Forest Health With Your outdoor adventures. Trees may be common, but healthy trees are becoming increasingly rare.

Healthy, diverse forests support wildlife, clean water, climate resilience, and provide a refuge for you to hike, bike, and explore. But forests across the United States are under increasing stress from disease and a changing climate, quietly reducing forest resilience.

Finding healthy, resistant trees now is critical for future forests and can only happen at scale with outdoor volunteers like you.

Join Adventure Scientists to help guide reforestation efforts and protect your forests for generations to come.

People from a select number of states can participate to help save trees, and Michigan is on the list for both American Beech, Fagus grandifolia, and Butternut, Juglans cinerea. Opportunities include helping to locate healthy trees, recording data on tree health, aid in sampling efforts and more.

See Adventure Scientists for more details


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Section of North Bank Trail Collapses

collapsed section of trail (photo source uncertain)

from M-Live

A section of the North Bank Trail near Spring Lake, Michigan, has collapsed. A land bridge between 148th Ave and 144th Ave has become impassable. This 350-foot section is closed until repairs can be made which is expected to take at least 60 days.

A sewer line located beneath the trail is damaged as well. The area will need to be pumped out, and the public should stay out of the area until the sewage can be removed and the line repaired.

No cause of the collapse was immediately apparent. Engineers have been called in to assess the problem and determine a solution.

The detour will follow the State Road path just north of the North Bank Trail.

See Fundraiser for North Bank Trail


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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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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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