Elk Rapids Almanac
September 11-During the installation of my art exhibit at the botanic garden, the Monarch butterflies were migrating-it was such a magical sight and was a beautiful reminder of nature’s constant transformation. It made the whole day even more special. _Katie Lowran
September 20-Regarding Monarch migration time, in 2022 Elk Rapids was the first community in Northern Michigan to earn the Monarch City USA designation, and the first Village in the State of Michigan. Our Village government made several commitments to support the Monarchs, as well as all other pollinators. By becoming a Monarch Village, we subscribed to the Monarch City USA and committed to educational activities, promising to encourage milkweed for habitat, and banning neonicotinoid use on all publicly owned lands. _Laura Schumate
September 22-If you are someone interested in growing native plants in your yard, this is prime time to collect seeds. While some seeds “ripen” earlier in the season, many are ready right now. These include the milkweeds, blue false indigo, purple coneflowers and prairie blazing star to name a few. Many look brown and dry right now. Often the seeds need to be separated from the chaff or the fuzzy stuff that carries the seeds in the wind. Seed heads, like coneflowers can be crushed in a tub on top of 1/8” hardware cloth. Seeds will drop through the hardware cloth and the chaff can be discarded. An easy way to clean milkweed seeds is to put them in a paper bag with10 pennies. Close the top and shake vigorously for 3-4 minutes. Then cut a small hole in the bottom corner and gently shake out the seeds. A tip to remember when collecting is to always store the seeds in paper bags or envelopes. If stored in plastic bags, they may develop mold if not completely dry. Remember to get permission if you see plants on private property. A good time to sow native seeds is right before or during the first snow fall. Happy collecting! _Elise Roe
September 20-Regarding Monarch migration time, in 2022 Elk Rapids was the first community in Northern Michigan to earn the Monarch City USA designation, and the first Village in the State of Michigan. Our Village government made several commitments to support the Monarchs, as well as all other pollinators. By becoming a Monarch Village, we subscribed to the Monarch City USA and committed to educational activities, promising to encourage milkweed for habitat, and banning neonicotinoid use on all publicly owned lands. _Laura Schumate
September 22-If you are someone interested in growing native plants in your yard, this is prime time to collect seeds. While some seeds “ripen” earlier in the season, many are ready right now. These include the milkweeds, blue false indigo, purple coneflowers and prairie blazing star to name a few. Many look brown and dry right now. Often the seeds need to be separated from the chaff or the fuzzy stuff that carries the seeds in the wind. Seed heads, like coneflowers can be crushed in a tub on top of 1/8” hardware cloth. Seeds will drop through the hardware cloth and the chaff can be discarded. An easy way to clean milkweed seeds is to put them in a paper bag with10 pennies. Close the top and shake vigorously for 3-4 minutes. Then cut a small hole in the bottom corner and gently shake out the seeds. A tip to remember when collecting is to always store the seeds in paper bags or envelopes. If stored in plastic bags, they may develop mold if not completely dry. Remember to get permission if you see plants on private property. A good time to sow native seeds is right before or during the first snow fall. Happy collecting! _Elise Roe
September 22-I started walking on a regular basis several years ago when I retired. Walking three to four miles a day gives me daily exercise, builds strength, and helps maintain my weight. Of course, the added benefits include getting me outside in the fresh air and enjoying the beautiful homes, landscaping and natural areas here in the Elk Rapids area. When I don’t walk, I really miss it, as well as the interactions I have with my friends and neighbors along my route. Walk, get healthy and enjoy the great outdoors. _Judy Willette
September 23-We were strolling through the newly created Lauren’s Garden in downtown Elk Rapids, appreciating the landscaping and the flowers and the quiet song of the river running beside it, when we spotted a heron stalking some fish. We stopped and watched as silently as we could, as the heron stealthily moved toward the spot where it had spotted his dinner. It bent down slowly, crunched up his long neck and suddenly snatched its prey from the water. It’s so amazing that in our small town we have such an abundance of flowers, fish, birds, streams and trails. Watching the drama of the Heron’s search for food reminded us to slow down more often on our walks to watch the beauty of Nature unfold in front of us with all its sights, sounds, and smells. _Bobbitt Bellingham
Note: Current research shows nature’s benefits for both physical and psychological wellbeing, including stress reduction, weight control, creativity, slowed physical and mental decline, etc.
-Journalist Richard Louv addresses impacts of “nature deficit” and benefits of outdoor activities on children’s development: Last Child in the Woods, 2008.
-Author and psychologist Jonathan Haidt summarizes anxiety trends among youth as the result of “over-supervision in the natural world” and “under-supervision in the digital world”: The Anxious Generation, 2024.
-Author Florence Williams presents a lively exploration of modern research on the myriad health benefits of the great outdoors: The Nature Fix-Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative. 2024.
P.S. Beethoven reportedly hugged the Linden tree in his back yard as a source of inspiration and comfort as his hearing deteriorated…..maybe the first “tree hugger”?
September 23-We were strolling through the newly created Lauren’s Garden in downtown Elk Rapids, appreciating the landscaping and the flowers and the quiet song of the river running beside it, when we spotted a heron stalking some fish. We stopped and watched as silently as we could, as the heron stealthily moved toward the spot where it had spotted his dinner. It bent down slowly, crunched up his long neck and suddenly snatched its prey from the water. It’s so amazing that in our small town we have such an abundance of flowers, fish, birds, streams and trails. Watching the drama of the Heron’s search for food reminded us to slow down more often on our walks to watch the beauty of Nature unfold in front of us with all its sights, sounds, and smells. _Bobbitt Bellingham
Note: Current research shows nature’s benefits for both physical and psychological wellbeing, including stress reduction, weight control, creativity, slowed physical and mental decline, etc.
-Journalist Richard Louv addresses impacts of “nature deficit” and benefits of outdoor activities on children’s development: Last Child in the Woods, 2008.
-Author and psychologist Jonathan Haidt summarizes anxiety trends among youth as the result of “over-supervision in the natural world” and “under-supervision in the digital world”: The Anxious Generation, 2024.
-Author Florence Williams presents a lively exploration of modern research on the myriad health benefits of the great outdoors: The Nature Fix-Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative. 2024.
P.S. Beethoven reportedly hugged the Linden tree in his back yard as a source of inspiration and comfort as his hearing deteriorated…..maybe the first “tree hugger”?