MyNorth News Services
(Press Release provided by Little Traverse Conservancy)
The following are upcoming events in the month of September offered through Little Traverse Conservancy. Unless noted, there is no charge for these events, but pre-registration is appreciated by calling 231.347.0991 or going online.
Women’s Mountain Bike Ride Series: Thursday, September 8, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Join the Little Traverse Conservancy’s new Membership Coordinator, Emily Hughes, for a fall mountain bike ride at our McCune Nature Preserve southeast of Petoskey. Women of all ages and abilities are invited to join us. Bring your sister, daughter, mother, and friends. No charge, but please bring your own bike and helmet. Meet at Berger Road parking area. Registration is appreciated by calling 231.347.0991.
Guided Odawa Canoe Trip on the Bear River: Saturday, September 10, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join Eric Hemenway, director of the Department of Repatriation, Archives and Records for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, and Emily Hughes, LTC Membership Coordinator and wilderness guide, as we paddle down the Bear River. An intimate group of 12 paddlers will experience the river through the eyes of a native story teller and historian. Experience the sound of paddles dipping into the river as they have for thousands of years. At the end of our journey we will attempt to ignite sparks from flint and steel or bust a coal with a bow drill and cook a native snack over the crackling fire. No previous canoeing experience necessary. Event is rain or shine. Participation is limited, please call to register. $40
Legends, Labyrinths, & Lore: Sunday, September 11, 2 – 5 p.m.
Join Jennifer Eis and Don Ward, authors and lecturers, for an educational walk-about at their 50-acre protected property. Site of the “Wisdom Keeper-Wisdom Seeker” summer lecture series for the past 12 years, this is a rare and wonderful opportunity. You will be free to explore the teachings of the Medicine Wheel, walk the largest turf labyrinth in Michigan, sit in the Talking Circle or the coils of the Great Serpent. Interpretive signs allow for a self-guided experience. Arrive anytime between 2 and 5 p.m. and expect the unexpected. Due to the walking and fragility of structures, this program is not suitable for young children.
Concert for Conservation at Aten Place, Boyne Falls: Sunday, September 18, 5 – 8 p.m.
The Muteflutes join us from Grand Rapids to share their lyric-driven indie folk-rock. The band crafts dynamic musical experiences that range from intimate acoustic folk to soaring post-rock compositions. Between sets, soak in Aten Place. This incredible community-oriented venue lets you and your family enjoy a spot around the bonfire, a game of ladder golf or corn hole, and a screened-in potluck spot to share everyone’s best fall dishes. Aten Place, Beards Brewery, and Grain Train are all graciously donating for this first-time event, so we’d like to give them a shout out! If you’d like to join in the potluck, please bring a dish to pass and your own place-settings. Members receive free admission, an LTC mason jar, and two Beards’ brews.To commemorate our founding in 1972, LTC invites non-members to join for just $19.72! This includes a one-year individual or family membership, an LTC mason jar and two brews. Not interested in becoming a member just yet? No problem. Come enjoy the music and food anyway. No dogs, please.
Wildlife & Birding Hike at Greenwood Foundation: Saturday, September 24, 10 a.m. – noon
During this hike, Conservancy staff will describe wildlife and their habitats as we listen for the sounds of bugling bull elk. Volunteer and birder extraordinaire Mary Trout, will open our eyes and ears to the many ways to identify birds and their songs. Fall migration is a wonderful time to visit this wildlife sanctuary. Meet at the Windswept location of Greenwood along Webb Road. Some binoculars provided, but please bring your own if you have them. Registration appreciated.
Warblers & Waterfowl on North Huron Birding Trail: Sunday, September 25, 8 – 11 a.m.
Come join LTC and MI Sea Grant Educator Elliot Nelson for a birding tour of some of the most spectacular sights along the northern shoreline of Lake Huron. Last year LTC partnered with a number of organizations to create a driving trail pointing out important birding habitat to help raise awareness of the importance of this area to migratory birds. On this trip we will target waterfowl such as Redhead, Scaup, Red-Necked Grebe and Scoters in the Saint Ignace area. In addition we will drive east to the town of Hessel and visit the LTC Birge Nature Preserve where late migrant warblers and large flocks of Bonaparte’s gulls can be expected. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to get some birding in and learn about these shoreline habitats!
Offield Family Preserve Forestry Tour: Wednesday, September 28, 6 p.m.
Have questions about the forest management soon to happen at the Offield Preserve? Join LTC’s Forester Bryce Metcalfe and Wildlife Biologist Glen Matthews on this informational hike around the preserve. Bryce and Glen will explain how the management will occur and the ecological reasons for the particular practices that they will be employing. A terrific opportunity to learn more about best practices logging.