Elk Rapids Almanac
November 7
Elk River has been active with spawning salmon. In recent days large numbers of Coho salmon were thrashing in the shallow waters near the footbridge near Cedar Street. Several local fishermen confirmed the activity was part of the spawning season and nearly over. Mature females were near the end of their life span. Some fishermen were still casting in late October-early November.
Elk River has been active with spawning salmon. In recent days large numbers of Coho salmon were thrashing in the shallow waters near the footbridge near Cedar Street. Several local fishermen confirmed the activity was part of the spawning season and nearly over. Mature females were near the end of their life span. Some fishermen were still casting in late October-early November.
Michigan Holly, Winterberry, Ilex veticillata, in Lauren’s Grove, Elk Rapids. _photo by Royce Ragland
Note: Salar the Salmon: Salar the Salmon's migration through the rivers of Devon - surviving porpoises, seals, nets, fishermen, otters, poachers and weirs - is one of nature's great journeys. Intense, brilliantly imagined, the salmon's perilous return leaves us with a vivid, unsentimental picture of how both people and wildlife rely on a river and its estuary. _Henry Williamson,1935
November 12
A visit to the County Day Park, also home of the Walk of Art Sculpture Park, is a beautiful hike on an autumn day. The park woodlands are also important as a local wildlife corridor for habitat connectivity within larger ecosystems. Such programs as the Nature Conservancy and the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy are increasingly interested in landscapes that connect fish and animal life habitat. It is also important to note negative impacts on wildlife by such practices as extremely bright unshaded all-night security lighting in the park, which can confuse animal night and day cycles.
Note: For an interesting look at recent protections of habitat connectivity and animal corridors on public lands and tribal lands, see: https://www.blm.gov/policy/im-2023-005-change-1
A visit to the County Day Park, also home of the Walk of Art Sculpture Park, is a beautiful hike on an autumn day. The park woodlands are also important as a local wildlife corridor for habitat connectivity within larger ecosystems. Such programs as the Nature Conservancy and the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy are increasingly interested in landscapes that connect fish and animal life habitat. It is also important to note negative impacts on wildlife by such practices as extremely bright unshaded all-night security lighting in the park, which can confuse animal night and day cycles.
Note: For an interesting look at recent protections of habitat connectivity and animal corridors on public lands and tribal lands, see: https://www.blm.gov/policy/im-2023-005-change-1
November 20
According to a binational group of authorities, the comeback of lake trout in Lake Superior is complete. Seven decades after overfishing and invasive species nearly wiped them off the map, their populations have recovered. “It happens that what’s good for lake trout is bad for sea lamprey — chemicals used to kill the invasive species without impacting other wildlife are largely credited with the sportfish comeback.” _Kelly House, Bridge Michigan
Note: Learn about this fascinating story at a screening of The Fish Thief, hosted by Green Elk Rapids, January 15, 6:00 pm, Elk Rapids Cinema. Updates at Greenelkrapids.org
According to a binational group of authorities, the comeback of lake trout in Lake Superior is complete. Seven decades after overfishing and invasive species nearly wiped them off the map, their populations have recovered. “It happens that what’s good for lake trout is bad for sea lamprey — chemicals used to kill the invasive species without impacting other wildlife are largely credited with the sportfish comeback.” _Kelly House, Bridge Michigan
Note: Learn about this fascinating story at a screening of The Fish Thief, hosted by Green Elk Rapids, January 15, 6:00 pm, Elk Rapids Cinema. Updates at Greenelkrapids.org
November 22
In a recent discussion of regional water issues, Matt McDonough, CEO of Discovery Pier, summarized some challenges and the innovations he sees to tackle them. “The Great Lakes face threats from invasive species, PFAs, microplastics, climate impacts, and more. Advancements in better technology and a skilled workforce are needed to understand and address these threats to our Great Lakes and other freshwater systems. On the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay across from the new Discovery Pier, the Freshwater Center for Research and Innovation (opening in spring of 2027) will be a place where water education, research, and innovation translate directly into the development of new technologies to provide scientists and decision makers better tools to understand and manage our water resources and “Blue Tech” sector jobs & new businesses are created.” _Matt McDonough, CEO, Discovery Pier _13170 S West Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684. discoverypier.org
In a recent discussion of regional water issues, Matt McDonough, CEO of Discovery Pier, summarized some challenges and the innovations he sees to tackle them. “The Great Lakes face threats from invasive species, PFAs, microplastics, climate impacts, and more. Advancements in better technology and a skilled workforce are needed to understand and address these threats to our Great Lakes and other freshwater systems. On the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay across from the new Discovery Pier, the Freshwater Center for Research and Innovation (opening in spring of 2027) will be a place where water education, research, and innovation translate directly into the development of new technologies to provide scientists and decision makers better tools to understand and manage our water resources and “Blue Tech” sector jobs & new businesses are created.” _Matt McDonough, CEO, Discovery Pier _13170 S West Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684. discoverypier.org
Coming up:
December 20- Christmas Bird Count. The annual Antrim-Old Mission Christmas Bird Count is taking place this year on Friday, December 20th. It is one of three Christmas Bird Counts (CBC) taking place across the Grand Traverse Bay region during late December with Traverse City and Leelanau also hosting counts.
Nationally, the Christmas Bird count has taken place every year since 1900. Participants spend the day in the field to identify every species of bird, and their numbers, within a predefined 15-mile diameter count circle. Data gathered from the count is compiled regionally and used to study population trends over time, guiding scientists in conservation decisions.
We have a full slate of field participants for this year’s count, but you can still help! If you put out food for the birds during the winter be sure to keep your feeders full around the count date. The village of Elk Rapids lies entirely within the count circle. _Curt Hofer. More about the Christmas.
December 20- Christmas Bird Count. The annual Antrim-Old Mission Christmas Bird Count is taking place this year on Friday, December 20th. It is one of three Christmas Bird Counts (CBC) taking place across the Grand Traverse Bay region during late December with Traverse City and Leelanau also hosting counts.
Nationally, the Christmas Bird count has taken place every year since 1900. Participants spend the day in the field to identify every species of bird, and their numbers, within a predefined 15-mile diameter count circle. Data gathered from the count is compiled regionally and used to study population trends over time, guiding scientists in conservation decisions.
We have a full slate of field participants for this year’s count, but you can still help! If you put out food for the birds during the winter be sure to keep your feeders full around the count date. The village of Elk Rapids lies entirely within the count circle. _Curt Hofer. More about the Christmas.