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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Michigan's Rails-to-Trails Carolyn Kane Nationally Recognized

Carolyn Kane is recognized in Washington, D.C. for her service in promoting and developing rails-to-trails systems throughout West Michigan. (supplied photo)

based on a news article in the Ionia County Sentinel-Standard

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy honored Carolyn Kane as one of 25 people across the United States with a special passion for trails.

Kane began her involvement with the Friends of the Heartland Trail in 1994. Serving on the board, the group has since created 37.5 miles of rail trail from Ionia to Greenville. They had to raise $2.3 million dollars to succeed in this endeavor.

Next, Kane went to work with the West Michigan Trails and Greenway Coalition, and is currently working on connecting 125 miles of trails that goes through six counties to make the fifth largest rail trail in the nation.

She commented, “They said what I had done was very unusual from all the other people. I have done so many things; I did the banking, worked on maintenance, I covered the whole gamut for what it takes to build a trail, and I thought that was really nice of them to tell me that and point that out. Whether it was administration work for trail building, fundraising, maintenance, I was there, and had been supportive for a long time as a volunteer."



See Rails to Trails
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Volunteers Given Expanded Opportunities on State Land in Michigan

volunteers at work (photo by jhy)

a news release of Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance

Gov. Rick Snyder has signed legislation that will allow the Department of Natural Resources to better protect Michigan’s natural resources by allowing volunteers to take on a larger role in the state’s land and wildlife conservation efforts.

The DNR has long relied on volunteers to help ensure the state’s natural areas remain accessible, but under current law, volunteers are limited to assisting with park operations and maintenance. House Bill 4111, sponsored by state Rep. Bruce Rendon, removes restrictions on most types of duties volunteers may perform, opening up opportunities for volunteers to work on a wide range of conservation projects such as improving wildlife habitats in state forest areas and wetland preservation.

“One of the great things about this state is the number of individuals and community groups who are willing to devote their time and energy to making our park system something everyone can enjoy,” Snyder said. “By expanding volunteer opportunities, the state will be able to use taxpayer resources more efficiently and maximize our conservation efforts. This is a perfect example of the kind of cooperation we want to encourage at all levels.”

DNR Director Rodney Stokes added, “This new law will help us ensure we have tremendous outdoor recreation opportunities now and in the future.”

In addition to allowing volunteers to work outside the state park system, they will also be able to use DNR equipment and machinery at the department’s discretion, and they will be protected from lawsuits resulting from their work.

H.B. 4111 is now Public Act 65 of 2011.

See Michigan Trails and Greenways
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Volunteers Needed for Karner Blue Monitoring

male and female Karner Blue butterflies (photo from the National Forest Service)

from Heather Keough, District Wildlife Biologist USDA Forest Service

The Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District, located in western lower Michigan, is looking for volunteers to assist with monitoring and management activities for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly in 2011. Volunteers are needed to help conduct surveys between late June and early August to assess the status of Karner blue butterfly populations, and evaluate the effectiveness of different management strategies for restoring Karner blue butterfly habitat. There are opportunities for individuals of all skill levels to participate. Training will be provided. Interested parties can volunteer during weekdays, for a few days, or a week or more. Limited mileage reimbursement and/or housing may be available upon request.

Volunteer participation has allowed the Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District to dramatically increase its management and monitoring activities for the Karner blue butterfly. The volunteers, partners, and U.S. Forest Service personnel that have made the Karner blue butterfly recovery program a success were recently recognized for their achievements with the receipt of two prestigious national awards: Wings Across the Americas Award for Butterfly Conservation, and Making Tracks with the Forest National Award for outstanding accomplishments in the Habitat Management Program. To those who volunteered during past field seasons, thank you and congratulations! Your participation made these awards possible!

The assistance of volunteers is vital to meet our recovery goals! Please choose to volunteer this year and help conserve a locally endangered species. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the 2011 field season, please contact me at 231-745-4631 x 3111 or hkeough@fs.fed.us.

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Volunteer for Karner Blue Butterfly Surveys 2010

male and female Karner Blue butterflies (photo from the National Forest Service)

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
from Heather Keogh District Wildlife Biologist, USDA Forest Service, Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District

The Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District, Manistee National Forest, is looking for volunteers to assist with monitoring and management activities for the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly in 2010. Volunteers are needed to help conduct surveys between July and August to assess the status of Karner blue butterfly populations, and evaluate the effectiveness of different management strategies for restoring Karner blue butterfly habitat. In addition, volunteers are needed to collect native plant seed between July and September, and plant seeds and plugs between September and October. There are opportunities for individuals of all skill levels to participate. Training will be provided. Interested parties can volunteer during weekdays, for a few days, or a week or more. Reimbursement for mileage and housing may be available. Paid internships also are available.

Volunteer participation has allowed the Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District to dramatically increase its management and monitoring activities for the Karner blue butterfly. The volunteers, partners, and U.S. Forest Service personnel that have made the KBB recovery program a success were recently recognized for their achievements with the receipt of the prestigious Wings Across the Americas Award for Butterfly Conservation. To those who volunteered during past field seasons, thank you and congratulations! Your participation made this award possible!

The assistance of volunteers is vital to meeting our recovery goals! Please choose to volunteer this year and help conserve a locally endangered species. If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the 2010 field season, please contact me. Also, please distribute the attached notice to anyone you think might be interested in volunteering. Thank you.

See Karner Blue Butterfly 2010 Survey Info
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Baldwin Rotary Helps Build Sterling Marsh Boardwalk

completed boardwalk

by JHY

Today the Baldwin Rotary Club showed up in force to help build another section of raised boardwalk in Sterling Marsh on the North Country Trail. This section of trail, in Lake County, has long been a problem area for hikers because of the high water table. One could expect muddy boots most any time, and the potential for needing to wade very real in spring through early summer.

So far this summer the Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association has built 436 feet of boardwalk which now stretch into the marsh, beckoning people to explore the area. This section was funded through the National Park Service.

digging post holes

The process of building a boardwalk of this type begins with digging a lot of holes! The posts need to be set firmly, but it takes a lot of muscle power and time to put in two holes every eight feet. Having all the help from the Rotary Club members was great. The goal today was to get a good start on an additional 112 feet of boardwalk which is being funded by the Forest Service.

cutting boards

Thanks to a purchase funded by the Park Service last year, the chapter now owns a small generator. This allows projects like this to be accomplished much more easily than with hand tools. Boards can be cut on site, and the generator is small enough to carry to the boardwalk sections so that power drivers can be used to screw the boards down. Trail Work Coordinator, Ed Chappel, quickly cut the decking to length.

laying out the stringers

By the time I had to leave, the boardwalk was taking shape. The stringers were being put in place, and all the wood had been carried to the location. I suspect that enough people stayed long enough to nearly complete the additional 112 feet today. Whatever is not done today will be finished by the regular "seniors" work group.

In addition to the boardwalk work, a number of people worked hard to rehabilitate sections of trail which are high enough to be dry. The trail here is very old, and has become entrenched. Using McCleods and Pulaskis, special hand tools, this small army improved the treadway to make it more level and encourage proper water drainage.

Many thanks to the people who turned out today to help make Sterling Marsh an appealing place to hike, rather than a nasty challenge!

See Getting Sterling Marsh Out of the Mud

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Forest Service Looking for Recreation Resource Committee Members

from the USDA Forest Service

Do you love the outdoors? Would you be willing to share your insights to improve recreation opportunities on our National Forests? If so we would like you to consider joining the Eastern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee.

We are seeking applications to fill 5 positions on the 11-member RRAC. The RRAC gathers public views and makes recommendations on recreation fees to the Agency for national forests in the 20-state Eastern Region (Minnesota to Missouri and Maine to Maryland). Advisory group members have found the assignment to be very rewarding while providing a great public service.

We are seeking applications from individuals to represent the following interests: 1) Winter motorized recreation, 2) Winter non-motorized recreation, 3) Summer non-motorized recreation, 4) State Tourism, and 5) Local environmental groups. Demonstrated ability of the prospective committee members to represent minorities, women, and persons with disabilities will also be considered. The United States Department of Agriculture policies regarding equal opportunity will be followed in committee selections and appointments.

Appointments will begin in February of 2010. Committee members will be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture and serve a 3-year term. Members do not receive compensation; however, travel expenses will be reimbursed.

If you would like to apply please contact Marcia Heymen mheymen@fs.fed.us

Forest Service additional information

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Regional Youth to Work at Sleeping Bear and Film Experiences

Sleeping Bear beach (photo by Todd VerBeek)

based on a news article in the Traverse City Record-Eagle, "Youth corps to get to work at Sleeping Bear," by Lindsay VanHulle, April 9, 2009

Students from Forest Area, Suttons Bay, Benzie Central, Frankfort, Brethren and Bear Lake high schools, Northside Alternative High School in Kalkaska and Casman Academy in Manistee may have a chance to be the first workers with the regional Northwest Michigan Youth Conservation Corps.

Their assignments will be environmental projects at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. And the young people will be filming their experiences for a series of video diaries.

Bill Watson is the project manager, and he developed the program after leading a similar effort for several years at Traverse City High School. Local funding has been provided through SEEDS, in excess of $20,000, and a federal grant is pending. SEEDS is a non-profit research, design and educational institution whose mission is to seek the development of socially and ecologically sustainable environments. They favor projects that are participatory in nature and holistic in perspective.

The video project will document students' experiences as they work at the Lakeshore throughout the spring and summer. A group of students from Detroit will visit for a week and be part of the films. The diaries are planned to be shown this fall at the State Theatre in Traverse City and the Bay Theatre in Suttons Bay, Watson said.

See SEEDS
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Public Lands Corps May Expand Volunteer Opportunities

from the Outdoor Industry Association

Congress is considering a major expansion of the Public Lands Corps program to expand volunteer and paid opportunities for work on federal lands and to recruit a new generation of public land managers.

The bill (H.R. 1612) would rename the corps the "Public Lands Service Corps." The new corps would have the potential to receive greater funding and it would give the departments of Interior, Agriculture and Commerce broader authority to recruit new members with a focus on attracting participants from under-represented communities.

The mission of the existing Public Lands Corps would also be broadened to address the new environmental challenges posed by climate change as well as continuing its original mission of addressing a severe backlog in maintenance and infrastructure projects on public lands.

Sally Jewell, CEO of REI, was one of several witnesses who testified before a House committee in support of the bill last week.

On March 19, the bill was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, and Education and Labor, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Follow the bill at thomas.gov, enter HR 1612 in the search bar.
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Izaak Walton Celebrates 40 Years of "Save Our Streams"

Pere Marquette River below Walhalla Bridge (photo by J Young)

a news release of Izaak Walton League

Please join us as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Save Our Streams (SOS) program. With the creation of SOS, the League pioneered citizen-based stream monitoring in 1969, and gave people everywhere a simple, reliable tool to assess and protect the streams where they live. Over the past 40 years, volunteers have spent countless hours analyzing water quality and developing solutions that protect our waters.

In addition to celebrating this rich history of accomplishments, we will spend 2009 highlighting the conservation work of League members and other volunteers all across the country. Over the next 12 months, the League will provide materials and support for your stream conservation events. Please visit this site frequently for more information. Coming soon: project ideas, commemorative items, and media outreach to help you celebrate the anniversary.

Citizen involvement in watershed protection and conservation activities has proven to have measurable, positive results on the quality of our nation's waters. Today, more than ever, citizen involvement is critical to the protection and restoration of America's waters. Recognizing the importance of the work you do, we provide tools and resources to help you conserve local waterways.

Search the web site to find the tools you need to become active in the fight for the conservation of America's waters. If you still have questions give us a call at 1-800-BUG-IWLA. Staff is generally available from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST to offer you consultation over the phone, assist you in research, or help to connect you with another organization currently working on a similar issue. If no one is available, simply leave a message and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. You can also contact us by email at sos@iwla.org for the same free services.

See Izaak Walton League - National
See Izaak Walton League - Michigan
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Karner Blue Butterfly Survey Opportunity

from Heather Keogh, District Wildlife Biologist, USDA Forest Service, Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District

The Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District, located in western lower Michigan, is looking for volunteers to assist in monitoring the federally endangered Karner blue butterfly within the Manistee National Forest in 2009. The District is conducting various surveys between May and August in order to assess the status of Karner blue butterfly populations, develop a habitat suitability model, identify high priority areas to target management, and evaluate the effectiveness of different treatments at restoring Karner blue butterfly habitat. A more detailed description of our Karner blue butterfly monitoring program can be found in the attached outreach notices.

Last summer, volunteers contributed a total of 158 volunteer days, which allowed us to monitor over 800 acres! We need volunteers again this year to achieve our monitoring goals for 2009. There are opportunities for individuals of all skill levels to participate. Training will be provided. Interested parties can volunteer during weekdays, for a few days or for a week or more. Reimbursement for mileage and housing (on a first-come/first-serve basis) is available. Paid internships also are available. If you are interested in participating in the 2009 field season, please contact me. Also, please distribute the attached notices to anyone you think might be interested in volunteering. Thank you.

See Likely Habitat of Karner Blue to be Mapped, Oct 2005
See USFWS Recovery Plan - Karner Blue Butterfly, Oct 2003
See Endangered Karner Blue Butterfly, Sep 2001
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Crystal Valley Ski Trail Opens Two More Loops

volunteers Mary Jo Bakker and Ellen Lightle work at removing a tree stump from new treadway

by Joan H. Young
a GOTC exclusive

Following the club motto to "Move forward until physically restrained," members and friends of the Oceana Cross Country Ski Association (OCCSA) have been working hard to complete two more of the projected five loops of the Crystal Valley cross-country ski trails this fall.

On a crisp Saturday morning six people met in in the russet and golden woods. They came with a mower complete with brush hog, chain saw, shovels, nippers, and a trunk full of lunch items to be prepared on a camp stove when the work was done.

Sid Whitaker mows down grass and shrubs to prepare the trail for skiing

Sid Whitaker of Crystal Valley brought his narrow Kubota tractor to brush down the grass and shrubs that were growing up in the beginner loop. The 39" wide machine was perfect to easily pass through the vehicle barriers and quickly perform the needed maintenance.

Members Mary Jo Bakker, Dick Sorenson, Donna Loney, and Ellen Lightle wielded various other tools. Dick worked the chain saw to quickly dispatch any large branches or trees that were blocking pathways. To use a chain saw as a volunteer within the National Forest he has completed a required Sawyer training course and has been certified.

Maggie the mutt and I showed up to provide moral support and take some pictures. The group seemed as happy to see us as if we had actually planned to do some real work!

The club's ambitious project for this year is to open two additional loops of the five planned for the site. They believe that they are on track for this to happen. Two loops have previously been completed. This will raise the amount of trail at Crystal Valley to more than ten miles!

Grooming is also done by OCCSA on a volunteer basis. They try to groom the trails, both at Crystal Valley and at Pentwater Pathway, whenever there are more than four inches of new snow.

Membership in OCCSA is very reasonable, at only $10 a year for individuals, or $30 for a family. Contact Donna Loney or more information

See Oceana Cross Country Ski Association (site under construction, more detailed information soon)
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National Public Lands Day- Give Something Back

news release of National Public Lands Day

Every year on the last Saturday in September (this year it's September 27), volunteers work to keep America's outdoor areas beautiful, as part of National Public Lands Day (NPLD). A program of the National Environmental Education Foundation, National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest cleanup of public lands, and helps carry on the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The efforts of the historic Civilian Conservation Corps not only benefited well-known campgrounds, but also prepared many soldiers for duty in World War II. This year marks both the 15th anniversary of NPLD and the 75th anniversary of the CCC. The Civilian Conservation Corps "Tree Army" planted 2.5 billion trees over nine years. This year volunteers and partnering organizations aim to plant 1 million trees in the days leading up to National Public Lands Day.

"This year is a landmark event for National Public Lands Day," said Robb Hampton, Program Director of National Public Lands Day. "This event furthers our goal of improving and enhancing public lands and parks and symbolizes the passing of a torch from one generation of conservationists to the next."

National Public Lands Day is an opportunity to get outdoors, travel to a new park or re-visit an old favorite while learning about history and making the community a nicer place. This year 120,000 volunteers are expected to participate, and it is a perfect volunteer opportunity for all ages

West Michigan events will be held at:

1. Augusta- Fort Custer- Tree planting and establishment of handicap accesible hunting locations.
2. Empire- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore- Volunteers will take part in a beach cleanup on Lake Michigan in conjunction with the Alliance for the Great Lakes and the Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup.
3. Battle Creek- Leila Arboretum- Nurturing the Native Garden (includes selected Native plants of Michigan); The Annual Annual Pull; The Leila Arboretum Mulch March; The Partial Peck Tree Planting.
4. Rockford- Luton Park- A portion of social trail reclaimed for the multi use natural surface trail system will require erosion control. Trail work will include a slight reroute and several rolling grade dips to control water flow during storms. Above the trail area sustained heavy tree loss in a spring ice storm. Additional water flow control will be attained by native tree plantings on a park boundary with a private owner, also shielding public use from private use.

NPLD began in 1994 with three federal agencies and 700 volunteers. Last year 110,000 volunteers worked in 1,300 locations and in every state. Now, eight federal agencies and many state and local lands participate in this annual day of caring for shared lands. NPLD continues the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the "tree army" that worked from 1933-1942 to preserve and protect America's natural heritage.

See National Public Lands Day
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What Helps / Hinders the DNR

The following is an excerpt from a story which we believe is worthy of reading, but would lose too much of its value if it were re-written for presentation on this blog. Please link through for the rest of the story, but hurry back! ... Editor

by Howard Meyerson

"There is a move afoot within the DNR to get more volunteers involved with state game areas. And, perhaps I should say, there are volunteers who are pushing to have it become easier to donate their time.

That meeting of the minds should prove a good thing for Michigan. We live in a cash-strapped state where state land managers are making due with far fewer paid hands than a decade ago. Tapping a motivated volunteer force makes good economic sense provided it can be done productively.

To date, the use of volunteers is a hit-and-miss proposition... "

finish the story at the Grand Rapids Press - see FAIR USE notice.
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Vacations Blend Public Service, Hiking

The following is an excerpt from a story which we believe is worthy of reading, but would lose too much of its value if it were re-written for presentation on this blog. Please link through for the rest of the story, but hurry back! ... Editor

by Howard Meyerson

An American Hiking Society volunteer enjoys the views on the Damfino Lakes trail in Washington

"Ted Siereveld was 61 years old when he signed up with the American Hiking Society for his first volunteer vacation, a week spent doing trail maintenance on the Appalachian Trail in Vermont.

The retired tool and die supervisor from Grand Rapids simply loved it. So much so that he has signed up for one or more trips almost every year since.

This summer he returns to Arkansas's Buffalo National River which was dedicated by Congress in 1972. It will be his seventh year... "

finish the story at the Grand Rapids Press - see FAIR USE notice.
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Volunteer River, Stream and Creek Cleanup Grants Available

2008 Grants from the Great Lakes Commission and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for Michigan’s Volunteer River, Stream and Creek Cleanup Program applications will be accepted through January 25, 2008. $25,000 is available.

The Great Lakes Commission (GLC) and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) are pleased to announce the release of the 2008 Grant Application Package (GAP) for Michigan’s Volunteer River, Stream and Creek Cleanup Program (VRSCCP). A total of $25,000 (plus carryover from FY 2007) is available under the program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2008. This funding is provided by the MDEQ through fees collected from the sale of the State’s Water Quality Protection license plates (Public Act 74 of 2000). The application deadline for Volunteer River, Stream and Creek Cleanup grants is January 25, 2008.

The Michigan VRSCCP provides small grants to local units of government to help implement the cleanup and improvement of the waters of Michigan’s rivers, streams, and creeks. Local units of government may partner with nonprofit organizations or other volunteer groups to carry out the cleanups. There is a minimum local match requirement of 25 percent of the total project costs.

The Volunteer Stream Cleanup GAP and application instructions are available online at http://www.glc.org/streamclean/app08. The GAP contains detailed instructions, including eligibility requirements and other information for developing a proposal, evaluation criteria, and items that should be included with your application. Applications will be reviewed and assessed by GLC and MDEQ staff, with final decisions anticipated in March 2007. Contractual arrangements will be facilitated by the GLC, which is administering the VRSCCP on behalf of the MDEQ.

If you have questions regarding the GAP or your application, please contact John Hummer at the Great Lakes Commission at 734-971-9135 or jhummer@glc.org.

Thank you for your interest in cleaning up Michigan’s water resources!

news release of the Great Lakes Commission
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