Northern Michigan Events: To celebrate 60 years of protecting Michigan's natural heritage, the Michigan Nature Association (MNA) invites the public to take part in a special tour of Michigan during the 60th Anniversary Odyssey Tour.
Since its foundation in 1952, MNA has worked to protect rare, threatened and endangered species and natural communities across Michigan. Over the past six decades, MNA has built a statewide network of more than 170 nature sanctuaries, with sanctuaries in 58 of Michigan's 83 counties.
The tour will visit Northern Michigan's Upper Peninsula September 23-30, 2012 and include four sanctuaries: Schafer Family Nature Sanctuary at Roach Point in Chippewa County, Twin Waterfalls Memorial Plant Preserve in Alger County, Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary in Keweenaw County, and Black Creek Nature Sanctuary in Keweenaw County.
Schafer Family Sanctuary is one of the MNA's largest sanctuaries, totaling a staggering 800 acres. Twin Waterfalls’s main feature is the two beautiful waterfalls, named Memorial Falls and Olson Falls to honor past MNA members. Estivant Pines is one of the last remaining old-growth white pine forests in Michigan, with pines twisting and stretching hundreds of feet in the air. Black Creek features 1,300 feet of Lake Superior shoreline, a lagoon, and sand dunes.
A hike and a picnic will take place at each location. The Odyssey will provide an easy opportunity for everyone to learn more about Michigan's natural areas.
For more information and/or to RSVP, please visit michigannature.org, email michigannature@michigannature.org, or call 866.223.2231.