Northwoods Flora and Fauna
Botany, Birds & Bikes
S3
Mid-May in the Northwoods offers a marvelous cornucopia of wildflowers and singing birds. We'll cycle along the very popular bike trail from Boulder Junction to the Crystal
Lake Campground, stopping along the way to hike into sites like the North Trout Lake Nature Trail as well as into a bog. We'll stop for lunch next to a lake along the trail, and go slow enough to enjoy whatever the day presents. 60 806 815 00
John Bates/Mary Burns
Friday,May 16, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Boulder Junction Trail
Fee: $28 Class #65997
Hawks and Hikes: Brockway Mountain, Copper Harbor
S2
The farthest northern point on the mainland of Michigan is the Keweenaw Peninsula, a 45-mile-long rugged strip of rock and forest that juts into Lake Superior. Near its tip is Copper Harbor and
here, on a following wind in May, migrating raptors often pass through in large numbers as they try to find a route to cross Lake Superior into Canada. Brockway Mountain Drive, an eight mile ridge of rock, offers the perfect site for hawks to ride the thermals on their way north. Advertised as the highest road between the Allegheny Mountains and the Rockies, the scenic vistas from Brockway are spectacular. There are wonderful rock-walled turnouts for hawk-watching, though sometimes birders have to look down into the valleys below to see hawks passing by. Frequently, the hawks are at eye level or just overhead, making observations very personal and exciting. Early in the day we'll explore
some of the lower woodland areas for migrating songbirds then focus our
efforts on raptors. We'll also take time to hike a few of the local
trails, including the Estivant Pines, a site celebrated for its virgin
stand of white pines.
Transportation is provided and fee includes two nights lodging at the beautiful Keweenaw Mountain Lodge (double occupancy). 60 806 61104
John Bates/Mary Burns
Friday - Sunday, May 9-11
Depart Manitowish Waters 2 p.m. on Friday Return around dinnertime on
Sunday
Fee: $150 Double Occupancy Class #65994
Fee: $180 Single
Occupancy Class #65995
Spring Wildflowers!
S2
Hepatica, bloodroot, Dutchman's breeches, wood anemone, trout lily, spring beauties - need we say any more? Spring flowers proliferate in the short window that occurs between snow-melt and leaf-out of the overhead canopy. Catch them while you can. We'll hike at a very moderate pace - we're after flowers, not distance records! This class is offered twice, once in the morning, once in the afternoon. 60 806 611 01
Offered Twice
John Bates/Mary Burns
Sunday,May 4, 9 a.m. - Noon
Elcho Area
Fee: $20 Class #65992
Sunday,May 4, 1 - 4 p.m.
Elcho Area - same location as morning class
Fee: $20 Class #65993