Free Field Friday 2009
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Matt Kleitch at Grass Bay, Michigan
© Rebecca Hagerman/TNC
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Date:
September 25, 2009 (Friday)
Overview:
Join scientists and stewards from The Nature Conservancy for a day in the field — for free!
This year's Free Field Friday includes long-time Conservancy preserves, places protected by partners and new areas of interest. Staff will explain and explore these six places around the state.
All trips are rated on a 1-10 scale, with 1 denoting an easy walk and 10 denoting an extremely difficult, mountainous trek.
Registration/Fee:
All field trips are free and open, until capacity is met, to anyone who registers before September 21 by contacting Jami Markle of The Nature Conservancy at (517) 316-2271 or emailing her. Registration is essential to provide advance and follow-up information, and in the event that staff needs to contact trip participants in case of extreme weather cancellation.
TRIP #1: Zetterberg Preserve at Point Betsie (Benzie County):
Leader: John Legge, West Michigan Conservation Director
Time:
Morning Trip: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Afternoon Trip: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Difficulty Level:
6 (Moderate: hike of about 1 mile through open sand on sometimes steep terrain)
Description:
Participants will observe and learn about the different successional stages of Lake Michigan dunes. Point Betsie is a dynamic mosaic of shifting sand dunes, interdunal wetlands, boreal forest and sandy Lake Michigan beaches. This globally-imperiled open dune habitat provides a place where threatened species such as Pitcher's thistle, fascicled broomrape and the Lake Huron locust can thrive. We will also observe the Conservancy's intensive program to abate the threat of invasive plants in the dunes, including research to document their impacts.
Important Note:
Please wear sturdy shoes that are suitable for sand, and bring a light-weight jacket or long-sleeve shirt in case of breezy conditions. Sunscreen is recommended due to the lack of shade. Please bring water to drink.
TRIP #2: Mary Macdonald Preserve at Horseshoe Harbor (Keweenaw County):
Leader: Jeff Knoop, U.P. Director of Land Protection
Time:
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Difficulty Level:
2 (Easy: one mile hike on relatively flat but sometimes rocky trail)
Description:
At the northernmost tip of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, stunted shrubs and trees cling to ancient bedrock directly in the path of Lake Superior's fierce winds. The 1,433-acre Mary Macdonald Preserve at Horseshoe Harbor is the largest and highest quality mainland preserve for bedrock beach and bedrock glade communities in Michigan. The hike will be no longer than one mile on relatively flat but sometimes rocky trail.
Important Note:
Lightweight boots or hiking shoes and a light weight jacket or long-sleeve shirt is recommended. It may be cool and breezy along the lake front. Bring a lunch or snack to enjoy a picnic on the beach.
TRIP #3: Barfield Lakes (Luce County):
Leader: Tina Hall, Director of Conservation Programs
Time:
9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Difficulty Level:
6 (Moderate: several hours of hiking along sandy trails)
Description:
Barfield Lakes is at the extreme western end of the Two Hearted River Watershed. These beautiful, remote lakes are surrounded by a unique mix of forest and swamp. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently set aside more than 1,000 acres of their ownership in this area as an Ecological Reference Area. Join Conservancy staff as we explore both our ownership and DNR's in this unique, remote, beautiful landscape of red and white pine and hardwood forest.
Important Note:
We will be walking mainly on sandy two-track roads. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, and bring layers to wear as weather can vary from hot to snow. Please bring a lunch and water.
TRIP #4: Fase Tract (Kent County):
Leaders: Rich Bowman, Director of Government Relations, and Emily Hohman, Assistant Land Steward
Time:
Morning Trip: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Afternoon Trip: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Difficulty Level:
2 (Easy: hiking of 1-2 miles on trails)
Description:
Just outside Grand Rapids, the Fase tract is a partnership project between the Conservancy and Cascade Township, who will own and manage the property as a Natural Area. Purchased by the Conservancy in 2008, the property features high-quality oak-dominated forest, seeps, a small creek, and a diverse spring flora. Conservancy staff and representatives of the Township will lead a low-intensity hike through the property and share information about the partnership to protect this part of the Lower Grand River watershed.
Important Note:
Lightweight boots or hiking shoes and a light weight jacket or long-sleeve shirt is recommended.
TRIP #5: Ives Road Fen Preserve (Lenawee County):
Leader: Steve Woods, Land Steward
Time:
Morning Trip: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
First Afternoon Trip: 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Second Afternoon Trip: 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Difficulty Level:
7 (Moderate: hike through very uneven, wet terrain, portions without a trial)
Description:
Participants will explore several rare ecosystems and see the interesting plants and animals that call this land home. Wet, spring-fed fen blends into floodplain forest to create the globally significant habitat of Ives Road Fen Preserve. Fens are unusual and increasingly rare wetlands that receive water from underground alkaline springs rather than from precipitation. This pure, cool water flows in rivulets under the thick grasses and sedges of the preserve, emptying into the River Raisin. We may see pale Indian plantain, edible valerian, Blanchard's cricket frogs and great blue herons. We will also discuss what The Nature Conservancy stewards are doing to restore grasslands in southern Michigan.
Important Note:
Due to several hazards, it is mandatory that participants bring footwear that covers their ankles (rubber boots that come to the knee are best).
TRIP #6: Grass Bay Preserve (Cheboygan County):
Leader: Matt Kleitch, Northern Lower Peninsula Project Director
Time:
Morning Trip: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Afternoon Trip: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Difficulty Level:
4 (Moderate: about a 2 mile hike, some wet areas and sandy beach)
Description:
A paradise for a multitude of wildflowers and neotropical migrating birds, Grass Bay Preserve extends along two miles of stunning Lake Huron shoreline. Participants will hike through the preserve to the coast as Conservancy staff gives interpretation of plants, animals, and topography of this beautiful area.
Important Note:
Hiking boots and long pants are strongly recommended. The trip will cross through some wetlands. Standing water, poison ivy, and mosquitoes are not uncommon.
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