​Elk Rapids Almanac

Elk Rapids Almanac, September 2025
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September-The Corn Moon of September symbolizes harvest, transition, and the end of summer, leading into the autumn season. Some Native American peoples traditionally used variations of “corn moon” to refer to the moon of either August or September.

Photo By: Michele Spillane

September 10-Sometimes the most delightful neighbors aren’t people at all. At my friend’s house in Elk Rapids, a toad has claimed a cool, shady nook by the front porch. We call him Gary. He sits quietly in his spot, watching the world go by. Wanting to make him more comfortable, I brought him a little toad house and set it in his corner—his own safe retreat. Why does this matter? Toads like Gary are more than backyard mascots. They eat thousands of insects each summer—mosquitoes, flies, and garden pests—providing natural pest control without chemicals. Their presence also signals a healthy environment, since amphibians are sensitive to pollution, habitat loss, pesticides, and even climate change. Simple steps, like offering a shady shelter, leaving damp leaf piles, or providing shallow water, can help toads thrive. In return, they keep our yards balanced and bring a touch of wonder. So here’s to Gary, the porch toad—our quiet neighbor and reminder that small creatures make a big difference.
-Michele Spillane

September 13-We enjoy watching our resident Heron who likes to fish in the shallow water along our Bass Lake Shoreline. They can often be found stalking and fishing by the spillway by the Zupin-Anderson Garden on Dexter Street. Locally, the
Great Blue Heron's success often hinges on people's interest in protecting their sensitive breeding colonies. Fortunately, in many areas, nesting colonies thrive where the birds and their stick nests are left alone during the months-long nesting season. They may move slowly, but Great Blue Herons can strike like lightning to grab a fish or snap up a gopher. In flight, look for this
widespread heron’s tucked-in neck and long legs trailing out behind. The Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias), is a single species and the largest heron in North America, standing close to five feet tall, with a wingspan of up to 6.5 feet. Its large size, blue-gray coloration, and black-striped head distinguish it from other large North American herons.
-Cheryl Bachman

Photo By: Cheryl Bachman

September 12-Right now, the State of Michigan is considering new rules to limit the sale of six invasive species, similar to what other Midwestern states have already done. The plants being reviewed are: Common buckhorn; Glossy buckhorn; Callery pear; Japanese barberry; Water hyacinth; Water lettuce. If you think these plants should be regulated in Michigan, please complete this short survey: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5609veQBST2SXkO
-Gary Buczkowski

September 15-The hardy goldenrod, Solidago canadensis, is now lighting up local roadsides and gardens. A critical component of local ecosystems, it supports at least 135 species of caterpillars and hundreds of pollinators, providing food sources for a variety of insects, in turn providing critical food sources for native birds and other wildlife species. A common misconception about goldenrod is that it causes seasonal allergies, but the real culprit is ragweed, which releases lightweight pollen that easily becomes airborne and causes allergic reactions. Goldenrod pollen is heavy and sticky, making it unlikely to be an airborne allergen. Blooming through late summer to fall, it provides a continuous supply of nectar and pollen for late- season pollinators, with many songbirds eating the showy seedheads.  Michigan has numerous native goldenrod species, including Showy Goldenrod, (Solidago speciosa) and Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)
-more info: Almanac.com (the website companion of The Old Farmer’s Almanac)

Photo By: Royce Ragland

September 17-Amid evidence that PFAS, a “forever chemical”, is far more dangerous than previously thought, state officials have revised guidelines for eating contaminated fish while publishing the annual Eat Safe Fish Guide.
- www.michigan.gov/eatsafefish

Coming in October:
The Fall Harvest Supermoon will reach peak illumination at 11:47 P.M., Monday October 6, 2025.