Support America the Beautiful Act Today

graphic from American Hiking Society

from the American Hiking Society

BREAKING NEWS and ACTION ALERT!

With the support of 63 million hikers across the country, American Hiking Society applauds the unanimous passage of the America the Beautiful Act (S.1547) by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

The leadership of Sen, Daines, Sen. King, Ranking Member Heinrich, and Chairman Lee Chairman to come together in a bipartisan way exemplifies how public lands and the outdoors unify us all.

The original Great America Outdoors Act has been a massive success, generating $4.5 billion in economic impact and restoring 1,500 critical projects. The America the Beautiful Act will expand on that victory — upgrading visitor recreation experiences, funding projects in every corner of the country, and driving economic growth in communities nationwide.

There is no better way to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary this year than by investing in the public lands that unite us all.

TAKE ACTION! Hikers need to make their voice heard by sending a message to urge the Senate and House of Representatives to get this to the President's desk and signed into law by July 4.”

— Tyler Ray, Senior Director for Programs and Advocacy, American Hiking Society

Send a message


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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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Plainfield Charter Township's Strategy for Trail Funding

Plainfield Township trails (graphic from Plainfield Charter Township)

from Plainfield Charter Township

Non-motorized trails in Plainfield Charter Township, Kent County, Michigan have been funded since 2016 by a tax millage. This includes the Jericho Trail, Rockford Trail, South Rogue River Trail, Jupiter Trail, Township Hall Connector, and the Rogue River Meadows Connector to the White Pine Trail. These trails give residents safe, convenient ways to walk, bike, and explore close to home. In the past ten years this millage has resulted in $6.4 million spent on trails.

This August, Plainfield Charter Township voters will be asked to decide whether to renew the Non-Motorized Public Trails and Recreation Areas Millage—the same millage that helped create these nearly nine miles of paved trails connecting the community.

The proposal keeps the millage at its current rate. There is no increase in the amount taxpayers would pay. The renewal would help protect and maintain the trails the community has already built together.

See more at Plainfield Charter Township


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Teamwork Reopens Manistee River Loop Trail

Spirit of the Woods volunteers (photo by Berny Barnes)

from the Manistee News Advocate

Heavy flooding this spring closed the Manistee River Side of the popular Manistee River Trail/ North Country Trail loop. This 23-mile loop is heavily hiked, being a perfect length for weekend backpackers. The MRT is on the east side of the Manistee River, while the NCT section is on the west.

Both sides were affected by many downed trees from a snowy winter and spring wind storms.

Forest Service staff worked hard to reroute severely damaged portions of the MRT side while Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association volunteers removed the obstacles on the NCT side. The complete loop is now open.

Read the full article at the link above.


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Method May Be Effective against Japanese Knotweed

Japanese knotweed trying to grow through hardware cloth (photo from Japanese Knotweed Solutions, Ltd.)

from Vermont Invasives

Vermont Invasives suggests a non-chemical way to kill small stands of Japanese Knotweed, Fallopia japonica. Japanese Knotweed aggresively forms dense mats of vegetation that crowds out any other plant, stealing nutrients and diversity. (the editor of GOTC calls it the "Kudzu of the north.")

If you don't have acres of knotweed to eradicate, this method has proved effective in Great Britain.

Buy hardware cloth (metal mesh) with half-inch squares. In early spring, clear off the dead stalks and detritus from previous years. Lay the hardware cloth over the growth area and stake it down firmly.

As the new shoots push up through the metal mesh, they will grow and soon be girdled and die. The plant will attempt to send up new shoots. Same result. Eventually, the carbohydrate stores in the rhizomes will be depleted and the plant will die.

Total control can still take multiple years, and you have to make sure new shoots don't escape the sides of the mesh, but it is a low-risk, and safe method of treatment.


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Brown Bridge Quiet Area to Expand

Brown Bridge Quiet Area (photo from GTRLC)

from Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy

We are delighted to share exciting news that has been years in the making: Last week, the City of Traverse City officially closed on the acquisition of 528 acres adjacent to the Brown Bridge Quiet Area.

The conservation value of this property is extraordinary, with high-quality dry-mesic forest and riparian wetlands that provide critical habitat for rare and state-threatened species, including the Trumpeter Swan, Bald Eagle, Common Loon, Osprey, and Red-shouldered Hawk. It safeguards water quality within the Boardman/Ottaway River watershed, expands passive outdoor recreation, and provides future trail connections.

Traverse City voters overwhelmingly supported using the Brown Bridge Trust Fund to support the project, and the city was awarded a Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grant in 2023. After navigating the appropriations process, we're excited to say the finish line has finally been crossed, and it was worth every step. None of this would have been possible without the residents of Traverse City, who have shown time and again their commitment to protecting the places that make this region extraordinary — and without supporters like you, whose dedication to conservation makes this work possible.

While the property is now publicly owned, additional work must occur before the site can safely support regular public access. Stay tuned for updates on the City of Traverse City website.

See GTRLC Active Projects


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Mason County Multi-Use Trail Seeking Input

map of the proposed route (from MCMUT)

from Ludington Economic Development

Mason County, Michigan, has recently revived their county-wide trail plan. Priorities would be to connect Ludington State Park with downtown, downtown to Consumers Pumped Storage property, then on to Pentwater, and finally from Ludington to Scottville. This concept has been broken into these four segments.

The first section likely to be completed combines part of “Segment 1” (Ludington State Park to Downtown Ludington) with a section of “Segment 2” (Downtown Ludington to Mason County Campground), making a fundable section that connects two recreation assets (parks) and largely follows existing US Bike Routes. There are features to this segment that could be attractive to granting agencies.

Norm Cox of Greenway Collaborative has created a survey to solicit the community’s input on this first trail section. Feedback from this survey can help with grant writing in the fall to support funding of this initial section.

This all-ages-and-abilities route will enhance US Bicycle Routes 35 and 20. Please take a look at the Draft Plan for more details and then complete a brief Survey to share your thoughts and help shape the final plan.

Read the Draft Plan

Take the Survey


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Get Your Tickets for the Preserve Pedal

Preserve Pedal poster (from Land Conservancy of West Michigan)

a news release of Land Conservancy of West Michigan

As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations, we are hosting the Explorathon: a three-event series highlighting connected, protected natural lands and the impact of collaboration in conservation in West Michigan. The second installment in the series, the Preserve Pedal, is this weekend!

Cyclists will ride across Eastern Kent County’s rolling hills and along the Grand and Flat Rivers, with opportunities to stop at parks and preserves and learn about the importance of protecting places where biodiversity can thrive.

Get your tickets for the Explorathon: Preserve Pedal on June 6, 2026!

Thank you to our sponsors, Grand Rapids Chair, Tim & Jane Stoepker, and Loose Spokes Bicycle Shop for helping make this event possible!

When: Saturday, June 6, 2026, 7:30 a.m.

Where: Bike begins at the Wittenbach Wege Center in Lowell, Michigan Choose Your Route

We will offer three different routes: a 7-mile, 25-mile, and 50-mile ride with stops to highlight parks, preserves, and the partnerships that make keeping nature nearby possible.

Ride on your own or join a group ride and bike in community! Choose from four different guided and paced groups.

This is a non-competitive, self-guided ride. Check in at any time during the registration hours and ride at your own pace. If you’re interested in riding with community and receiving some extra naturalist interpretation along the way, join a group ride! Learn more when you purchase your tickets. Tickets are required to attend.

Learn more and buy your tickets on our website


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Alpena County Nature Preserve Nearing Fundraising Goal

Potter's Point (photo by Sarah Harding Real Estate)

from Up North Live

Chris Engle, the communication associate for Huron Pines, says they are attempting to protect 41 acres on the Lake Huron shore. The parcel includes Potter's Point and Misery Bay.

This is located just south of the city of Alpena, Michigan.

$1.1 million have been raised to date, but they need $1.5 million to make the purchase and protect the land.

The property will become a nature preserve with walking and paddling opportunities, accessible to everyone. They hope to complete the fundraising by the end of this summer, and then there will be some preparations that will need to happen before it will be open for public use.

See Huron Pines


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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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