Elk Rapids Almanac: July 2019
July 19 - When the weather is hot in summer, we flock to dunes and beaches for sun and refreshing swims. But while they’re a fun escape for us, these landscapes can present harsh conditions for wildlife. Plants and animals that thrive here are adapted to endure extremes, including surface temperatures that can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit! While these plants can be hardy and durable, they can also be very sensitive to habitat loss, disturbances from invasive species intrusion and from people and their pets. One such plant is the beautiful Lake Huron Tansy. As suitable habitat is lost or negatively impacted, the plant struggles, and it is currently on the State Threatened species list. Due to its sensitivity, the presence of Lake Huron Tansy can be an indicator of a healthy dune habitat. Thanks to many staff & volunteer hours spent removing invasive plant species, and conscientious visitors (and their pets) treading lightly in or avoiding sensitive areas, the Tansy is in bloom right now at several coastal properties, including the beautiful Antrim Creek Natural Area, as seen in the video below. Enjoy Lake Huron Tansy’s beautiful deep yellow-orange button shaped flowers (and a dip in the water)! -Reprinted from Field Notes from Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy: Gtrlc.org
July 22 - From my patio in Meadowview Commons, I have been enjoying all the bunnies, "GREAT and small." They enjoy the apple and carrot slices I share, interspersed with the clover leaves they munch in our lawns. They also enjoy flowers and foliage that grace a number of our condos, much to the dismay of some residents. I, for one, treasure the hopping, leaping and chasing of the mating dances of the "GREAT" rabbits, which result in the delightful "small" bunnies that grace our lawns. Bless those creatures "GREAT and small." -Linda Travis
July 22 - Harbor Master Mike Singleton reported that Lake Michigan is 16” higher than this date in 2018, and just shy of the record all time high level. Levels are expected to peak on July 31. He also suggested we look at the fuel dock and see how the wind has pushed so much water into the harbor.
Next question: any idea what a “seiche” (pronounced saysh) is???
Find out at: www.oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/seiche
The links below will provide additional data and info about our Great Lakes water levels.
https://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Portals/69/docs/GreatLakesInfo/docs/NewsAndInformation/JUN19summary.pdf?ver=2019-07-08-151004-010
https://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Portals/69/docs/GreatLakesInfo/docs/BH-TABLEBOJul19.pdf?ver=2019-07-08-152352-683
July 19 - When the weather is hot in summer, we flock to dunes and beaches for sun and refreshing swims. But while they’re a fun escape for us, these landscapes can present harsh conditions for wildlife. Plants and animals that thrive here are adapted to endure extremes, including surface temperatures that can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit! While these plants can be hardy and durable, they can also be very sensitive to habitat loss, disturbances from invasive species intrusion and from people and their pets. One such plant is the beautiful Lake Huron Tansy. As suitable habitat is lost or negatively impacted, the plant struggles, and it is currently on the State Threatened species list. Due to its sensitivity, the presence of Lake Huron Tansy can be an indicator of a healthy dune habitat. Thanks to many staff & volunteer hours spent removing invasive plant species, and conscientious visitors (and their pets) treading lightly in or avoiding sensitive areas, the Tansy is in bloom right now at several coastal properties, including the beautiful Antrim Creek Natural Area, as seen in the video below. Enjoy Lake Huron Tansy’s beautiful deep yellow-orange button shaped flowers (and a dip in the water)! -Reprinted from Field Notes from Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy: Gtrlc.org
July 22 - From my patio in Meadowview Commons, I have been enjoying all the bunnies, "GREAT and small." They enjoy the apple and carrot slices I share, interspersed with the clover leaves they munch in our lawns. They also enjoy flowers and foliage that grace a number of our condos, much to the dismay of some residents. I, for one, treasure the hopping, leaping and chasing of the mating dances of the "GREAT" rabbits, which result in the delightful "small" bunnies that grace our lawns. Bless those creatures "GREAT and small." -Linda Travis
July 22 - Harbor Master Mike Singleton reported that Lake Michigan is 16” higher than this date in 2018, and just shy of the record all time high level. Levels are expected to peak on July 31. He also suggested we look at the fuel dock and see how the wind has pushed so much water into the harbor.
Next question: any idea what a “seiche” (pronounced saysh) is???
Find out at: www.oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/seiche
The links below will provide additional data and info about our Great Lakes water levels.
https://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Portals/69/docs/GreatLakesInfo/docs/NewsAndInformation/JUN19summary.pdf?ver=2019-07-08-151004-010
https://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Portals/69/docs/GreatLakesInfo/docs/BH-TABLEBOJul19.pdf?ver=2019-07-08-152352-683
Bunny at Walk of Art Sculpture Park. Photo: Kristen Turick
Lake Huron Tansy. Photo: MSU, Michigan Natural Features Inventory