Elk Rapids Almanac - October 2019
October - Fall color: Schizachyrium scoparium or Little Bluestem.
In northern lower Michigan, we often focus on the fall colors of our deciduous trees (mainly sugar maple) but trees aren't the only ones with beautiful changing foliage. Native grasses are often overlooked and are a real treat if you find them or incorporate them into your landscaping. One species that is a showstopper when the sun is shining is Little Bluestem--this hardy native bunchgrass grows on sandy soils of dunes, dry fields, jack pine forest openings, and along roadsides. Called "bluestem" for the blue-ish hue of the leaves in the spring, in the fall its leaves are more like a rainbow of colors as they lose their chlorophyll at the end of their growing season. Little Bluestem is a classic prairie plant which grows about 2-4 feet high and its roots can extend 5-8 feet down into the soil, which helps with erosion control on sandy sites. It is especially visible this time of year as the feathery spikelets on the seeds catch the sun rays. These seeds persist well into winter, which makes it a great wildlife food for many species of migrating and resident birds that consume the seeds. Due to its bunchgrass growth form, it also makes excellent roosting for ground nesting grassland birds, which are part of the group of birds who are declining the most in the US. So given all these attributes, it is a wonderful plant to observe, plant for wildlife, or just learn more about. -Angie Lucas, Senior Land Steward, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy: alucas@gtrlc.org
October 4 - I saw this coyote at Maple Bay. It was in the afternoon and he appeared to be hunting in the field. -Gary Stauffer
October 4 - Cranes from Michigan migrate to Florida. Depending on the weather, most leave in November, but some have stayed through December. They usually return to Michigan in late February or early March. -Kathie Carpenter.
October 21 - No more bear sightings around the house or in the neighborhood. Although I miss my furry friend and its antics, I am dutifully not feeding the birds and keeping bird seed in a covered metal container in the garage. After talking to the DNR, I know that if the bear keeps returning to forage for food, it will be seen as a nuisance, and it is possible all may not end well. Cheers to the excitement of our bear sightings around town, but also to keeping our furry friend out of the neighborhoods and safe. -Terri Reisig
October 21 - Lake Michigan-Huron is 1 inch below its level from last month. The lakes are 3 to 16 inches higher than they were at this time last year. Both Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are predicted to fall 2 inches over the next 30 days, while Lakes St. Clair and Erie are projected to each decline 3 inches. -Harbor Master.
October - Fall color: Schizachyrium scoparium or Little Bluestem.
In northern lower Michigan, we often focus on the fall colors of our deciduous trees (mainly sugar maple) but trees aren't the only ones with beautiful changing foliage. Native grasses are often overlooked and are a real treat if you find them or incorporate them into your landscaping. One species that is a showstopper when the sun is shining is Little Bluestem--this hardy native bunchgrass grows on sandy soils of dunes, dry fields, jack pine forest openings, and along roadsides. Called "bluestem" for the blue-ish hue of the leaves in the spring, in the fall its leaves are more like a rainbow of colors as they lose their chlorophyll at the end of their growing season. Little Bluestem is a classic prairie plant which grows about 2-4 feet high and its roots can extend 5-8 feet down into the soil, which helps with erosion control on sandy sites. It is especially visible this time of year as the feathery spikelets on the seeds catch the sun rays. These seeds persist well into winter, which makes it a great wildlife food for many species of migrating and resident birds that consume the seeds. Due to its bunchgrass growth form, it also makes excellent roosting for ground nesting grassland birds, which are part of the group of birds who are declining the most in the US. So given all these attributes, it is a wonderful plant to observe, plant for wildlife, or just learn more about. -Angie Lucas, Senior Land Steward, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy: alucas@gtrlc.org
October 4 - I saw this coyote at Maple Bay. It was in the afternoon and he appeared to be hunting in the field. -Gary Stauffer
October 4 - Cranes from Michigan migrate to Florida. Depending on the weather, most leave in November, but some have stayed through December. They usually return to Michigan in late February or early March. -Kathie Carpenter.
October 21 - No more bear sightings around the house or in the neighborhood. Although I miss my furry friend and its antics, I am dutifully not feeding the birds and keeping bird seed in a covered metal container in the garage. After talking to the DNR, I know that if the bear keeps returning to forage for food, it will be seen as a nuisance, and it is possible all may not end well. Cheers to the excitement of our bear sightings around town, but also to keeping our furry friend out of the neighborhoods and safe. -Terri Reisig
October 21 - Lake Michigan-Huron is 1 inch below its level from last month. The lakes are 3 to 16 inches higher than they were at this time last year. Both Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are predicted to fall 2 inches over the next 30 days, while Lakes St. Clair and Erie are projected to each decline 3 inches. -Harbor Master.
Arcadia Dunes. Photos: Angie Lucas
Coyote at Maple Bay. Photo: Dave Stauffer
Migrating cranes. Photo: Kathie Carpenter
Fall color. Photos: Kathie Carpenter
