Elk Rapids Almanac
April
Spring temperatures bring out hibernating wildlife of all kinds, including turtles. These well-known and beloved members of the reptile family emerge each spring from hibernation to find mates and dig nests. The Painted Turtle is the most common and well-recognized species in our region, but the state is home to 9 other species, some of which are facing rapid declines in population, including once-common species like Wood and Eastern Box Turtles. Their unfortunate decline is due to habitat loss, vehicle collisions, and poaching, among other threats, including increased predation on their nests. The Michigan DNR lists ten species of turtles found in Michigan, and all are an important part of our state’s ecosystems. Turtles can survive in a variety of natural habitats and residential areas. Please drive cautiously and be on the lookout for snakes, turtles, and other reptiles that either need to cross roads to get to their fragmented habitats or are attracted to the warmth of the dark asphalt on sunny days. - Angie Bouma, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Senior Conservation Ecologist
Leaving the leaves
https://www.mlive.com/news/2021/03/delaying-early-spring-yardwork-helps-save-michigan-bees-and-butterflies.html
Beach-nesting birds--including, the importance of leaving driftwood on beaches:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=q5q9D3pYJUw
Leaving the leaves
https://www.mlive.com/news/2021/03/delaying-early-spring-yardwork-helps-save-michigan-bees-and-butterflies.html
Beach-nesting birds--including, the importance of leaving driftwood on beaches:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=q5q9D3pYJUw
April 15
Do you know how much urban trees contribute to your neighborhood? The trees planted and maintained by Village of Elk Rapids (Thank You!) provide notable benefits for our entire community to enjoy, including:
-Improving air quality by filtering the air, removing pollutants, reducing ozone levels
-Reducing noise pollution by absorbing sound waves
-Providing shade by cooling down the air and making downtown areas more comfortable
-Improving property values of homes and businesses
-Boosting mental health and well-being by providing places for spending time in nature
-Improving water quality by filtering and remove pollutants
-Providing habitat for wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals
-Adding beauty to downtown areas by making them more pleasant to visit _Julie Farrell
-Improving air quality by filtering the air, removing pollutants, reducing ozone levels
-Reducing noise pollution by absorbing sound waves
-Providing shade by cooling down the air and making downtown areas more comfortable
-Improving property values of homes and businesses
-Boosting mental health and well-being by providing places for spending time in nature
-Improving water quality by filtering and remove pollutants
-Providing habitat for wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals
-Adding beauty to downtown areas by making them more pleasant to visit _Julie Farrell
Hard Working Elk Rapids Municipal Trees Making our Lives Better!
Reducing stormwater runoff and providing shade and beauty to the community
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April 22-Earth Day 2023
Another time to plant a tree!!! Many naturalists have said the best thing anyone can do for the planet is plant a tree. The best time to do that was 20 years ago. The second-best time is TODAY! Antrim Conservation District is doing just that, planting 10,000 oak trees on county owned property near Hawk Lake. If you want to help, contact the Antrim Conservation District at 231-533-8363.
April 28 - Arbor Day
P lant a native species tree. Doug Tallamy, noted author and naturalist, reminds us to plant native species trees and plants wherever we live. He would tell Michiganders that planting an oak tree is a very smart thing to do. Why is that? Oaks support more forms of life and more fascinating interactions than any other tree genus in North America. In our area, April is generally when oaks flower. Both male and female flowers, called catkins, are produced by the same tree, but the male flowers are the conspicuous ones, generally not occurring until the oak is at least 17 years old. Catkins release their pollen by wind, and although oak pollen can trigger mild allergies, it is only in the air for a few days. Learn more about native species in these books and when Doug Tallamy visits Elk Rapids August 24. _Doug Tallamy, The Nature of Oaks, 2021; Natures’ Best Hope, 2019; Bringing Nature Home, 2008.
April Fools Day!
APRIL 1-ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY IN EFFECT! To combat an influx of Great Northern Snow Rabbits to the community, Green Ek Rapids is negotiating with the DNR to resettle two pairs of Gray Wolves from the UP to the village. This is in response to Garden Club alarms that the dog-sized bunnies are eating some of the nicest gardens in town, as we near the beginning of tourist season.
It is known that rabbits are choice items in wolf diets, but residents are reminded the wolves might not distinguish between large rabbits and small dogs.
Beautification Commission has offered to finance the wolf resettlement efforts, and DPW has volunteered to monitor the rabbit reductions.
Planning Commission will create an ordinance mandating native plantings toxic to the rabbits, but favorable to the environment.
The police chief has stated rabbit hunting will be permitted in the village for the duration of this emergency. The wolves are protected, however.
The village council has offered honorary commission memberships to all citizens who participate, and the Interim Village Manager feels all these actions will generate much needed positive media coverage, in the spirit of 14 Ways. All parties are excited about this latest opportunity for collaboration.
It is known that rabbits are choice items in wolf diets, but residents are reminded the wolves might not distinguish between large rabbits and small dogs.
Beautification Commission has offered to finance the wolf resettlement efforts, and DPW has volunteered to monitor the rabbit reductions.
Planning Commission will create an ordinance mandating native plantings toxic to the rabbits, but favorable to the environment.
The police chief has stated rabbit hunting will be permitted in the village for the duration of this emergency. The wolves are protected, however.
The village council has offered honorary commission memberships to all citizens who participate, and the Interim Village Manager feels all these actions will generate much needed positive media coverage, in the spirit of 14 Ways. All parties are excited about this latest opportunity for collaboration.