Data Review and the Unknown Caterpillar

Much of the past week has been spent in Literature Research about forest composition of Michigan and considering how we can connect what we have learn about our sites with established information.  For sure this has meant several hours on the computer reading many papers about Jack pine, Red pine, and Northern Hardwood forests communities.

Friday was spent making tables and trying to see trends regarding our data.  There is still much to do this coming week.  Finally our soil data has arrived too - so we can start to consider how that data fits into what we have uncovered.

Late in the afternoon on Friday a group of middle school girls walked into Earth Hall with a Rubbermaid container and a Caterpillar.  They asked the secretary if anyone at the Institute could help them.  Over hearing their question, I jumped into action! They were a bit surprised when I opened the container to see the rather large (3 inch) caterpillar. "Is it poisonous?" asked one of the girls. I immediately responded, "No, it is a Spurge Hawk Moth which eats Leafy Spurge. When the moth emerges it will have a 5-7 cm wing span".

The Spurge Hawk Moth has been used in several states in attempts to slow down the movement of Leafy spurge, an invasive herbaceous plant. This plant loves disturbed areas like roadsides and abandoned fields. They departed for home with a plan to release the Spurge Hawk Moth Caterpillar on some leafy spurge near their home.

Our research team has seen these Caterpillars out in the field on our oil pad sites.  Several of our sites are dominantly covered with Leafy spurge - it is also the only plant that was found on all our sites.  

This moment of sharing with these young girls about the Spurge Hawk Moth and Leafy Spurge reminded me of my love for Teaching.  I am enjoying my time at Au Sable, but am starting to look forward to another great school year.  The facilitation of learning is such a great and wonderful vocation!

Jordan River Valley 

Landslide Overview

The first week of second session flew by!  Numerous hours have been spent playing volleyball and getting to know the new students.

Saturday afternoon a small group of us went for an afternoon hike in the Jordan River Valley, an 18,000 acre State Park located in Antrim County.  

The Jordan River is groundwater fed - keeping the water temperatures quite cool.  We hiked from the Landslide Overview down to the river via the North Country Trail.  From the Landslide Overview all one can see is forest!

The trail meandered through a mature forest of Sugar Maple, Beech, and Yellow Birch.  It was interested to watch the landscape change.  There were several areas where groundwater seepage created small forested wetlands.  Potentially these areas were fens - but we did not take the time to determine if that were true.  A fen is an area that is fed by groundwater and supports a unique vegetative community.

At a small brook the group decided to set up a group photo on a log stretching over the river - we moved a portion of the bark and found three red backed Salamanders - the group carefully positioned themselves around the Salamanders for a photo.

A little farther along there a rather impressive series of Fungi including a large self-fungi.


Upon reaching the Jordan River we spent some time exploring the shore of the river.  Before heading back up the trail we enjoyed a lovely snack: Yellow Raspberries!  

Along the way back to the car we did spot a patch of Maidenhair ferns!  Ah, the joys of a Rich-Mesic-Northern Hardwood Forests!


 A return trip is in order - for there are many more miles of trails to be explored! Stay Tuned for Jordan River Part 2 Next week

Pictured Rocks Weekend Adventure 

View of Miners Castle

To celebrate the ending of a successful first summer session at Au Sable - a small group of us decided to head north to the Upper Peninsula to enjoy Pictured Rocks.  Since, I did not have test to prepare for it was my assignment to plan for the trip.

With Paremila (2004 Subaru Impreza) packed to the max with camping supplies and people we departed at 6:30AM.  Immediately it was evident that the my "kiddos" for the weekend were quite tired, as they quickly fell asleep - until we reached the straights of Mackinaw.  Everyone was awake to experience the crossing of the worlds 5th longest suspension bridge that towers 200 feet above the straights that connect Lake Huron with Lake Michigan.  This bridge provides access to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Miners Castle 

Soon after crossing the bridge the "kiddos" were fast asleep.  The landscape of the Upper Pennisula is rather flat with low areas dominated by coniferous swamps.  To help myself stay awake on the long flat straight roads it was essential to watch for changing trees and plants.  Trembling aspen, Tamarack, Spruce, Balsam Fur, Red Maple, grasses, and the list could go on.  Two hours later we stopped for gas and an ice coffee in Shingleton - the destination was in sight. From this point on we enjoyed fellowship and anticipation of arriving to Pictured Rocks!

At the Munising Falls Visitor Center we gathered information about the park: a hiking trail map, learned about camping options, and saw a public service announcement not to touch wild parsnip - apparently it causes a skin rash much worse than poison ivy.

Off we went to see Miners falls and Castle. A few years back a portion of Miners Castle collapsed into Lake Superior.  The cliffs are made of several kinds of Sandstone, which in time are eroded away by the wave action of the lake and weather conditions inevitable result in dramatic crashing of cliffs into the lake. The contrast of colors from the tan, white, brown of the cliffs to the shades of blue of the lake to the sky blue - all combined to create a feast for eyes and soul.

From there we traveled along Rt 58 through the park to Little Beaver Lake to set up camp.  In the park - camping is a first come first serve.  Fortunately, Merriam noticed that one of the sites was available, since the take at the stations was dated for the 12th.  This meant we did not have to travel 15 more miles to the next camp site.  After setting up camp and having a PB and J Sandwiches with cheese and crackers were were off to hike along the Pictured Rock cliffs.

Chapel Falls

To access the cliffs there is a 3.2 mile trail to Chapel beach that meanders through a rich Northern Hardwood forest and passes Chapel falls.  The vegetation of the forest attests to it richness as we found a very vibrant community of Maidenhair Ferns! These are my favorite of the ferns, because of their unique shape.

Along Path Beyond Chapel Falls - a Patch of Maidenhair Ferns

Chapel Rock 

The key feature at Chapel beach is Chapel Rock.  It was named in 1840 by Douglas Houghton who was charged with exploring the southern shore of Lake Superior.  Today Chapel Rock is attached to the main land by a root from the Jack pine that is growing on top of the Sandstone Structure. Upon reaching the lake shore we explored the sandy beach and skipped rocks along the lake.  Since all the rocks are sandstone based there was a plethora of skipping stones.  Adam was the only one to complete go into the lake, the rest of us settled for touching the lake.

Drift Wood along Chapel Beach

Standing on the Point of Grand Portal 

At this point the team had to decide if we were up for hiking another 6 miles or if we wanted to return the way we had come.  Although it was cloudy and there was a heavy midst on the lake we decided to go for it and we were greatly rewarded for this choice.  From here the trail follows along the North Country Trail.  Our first glimpse of the Pictured Rocks  came from Grand Portal. When we first stepped out very little of the cliffs could be seen, but after a few minutes the midst was rolled back and it revealed this lovely view - we contemplated writing a new verse to How Great Thou Art!

View from Grand Portal 

View back towards Grand Portal 

Rock formation at Mosquito Beach

Along the NCT we traveled - every few minutes the trail would lead to more spectacular view spots.  Eventually, after much enjoyment of the sights we reached Mosquito Beach.  One thing to know before you visit the UP, Mosquitoes are very abundant - fortunately Sam was prepared and we were not eaten alive while hiking. Mosquito Beach has a wonderful sitting rock that allows you to look both to the east and west.  From this spot we headed back into the woods for a four mile trek to the car.  The trail was rather muddy and evidently provided pristine conditions for Mosquitoes.  This just made us keep the pace up - or maybe it was just that we were hungry and ready for dinner.

Upon reaching the car at 7:50 we headed for the general store to pick up some firewood.  Here in Michigan, as with other states, you cannot transport firewood because of the emerald ash borer.  As we pulled up we noticed the sign said open.  Upon jumping out of the car the light went off - "Oh no" said the group - I quickly ran to the door and knocked - the nice store owner opened up and we were able to obtain firewood for the evening!

The Campsite - and faithful Parmelia

Back at the site Merriam built a great fire, while the boys worked on splitting the wood for the evening - after a quick lesson. A light rain fell for most of the evening, but that did not deter us from enjoying the warmth of the fire.  We even had a rabbit visit us for the evening - when it divided to dart through our site!  

Sunday morning we awoke to clearing skies! Instant oatmeal, tea, and toast made for a great breakfast. We broke down camp and headed for Au Sable Light House.

 View of Little Beaver Lake - Just beyond our Campsite 

Au Sable Light House and Outbuildings 

This area is known as Shipwreck beach.  Before there was a light house many ships had their voyage end in disaster when they ran aground on the shallow sandstone lake bottom.  The water is only 6 feet deep.  To help decrease the chance of ship wrecks the Au Sable Light house was built in 1895.  It still functions today - but with a programmed LED light.  

Taking in the beauty of Lake Superior

Just beyond the Light House is an access point to the shore.  Here we explored and enjoyed a view of the Dunes!  Along the shore we found the carnivorous Sundew plants.  These small plants (about the size of a large pencil eraser) catch insects on their sticky hairs - slowly the plant closes in on the insect.      

Looking towards the Dunes from Au Sable Point

It was hard to leave Au Sable beach - the warmth of the sun, the vastness of the lake - it was all so inviting, but we all agreed it was time to head home to the Au Sable Institute!

Our Camping Exploring Team

If possible, you should definitely make the effort to visit Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore!

Kalkaska Field Experience 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:6-7

The swish of rain pants, sound of zipper sliding up my coat, and the pitter-patter of rain drops through the trees - these were the sounds present on the walk to the dining hall for breakfast.  Over breakfast we discussed the rain percentage for the day and consulted the Doppler radar. The verdict was in: it was going to rain, likely for a significant part of the day.

Off we headed in the Toyota 4-Runner for the Kalkaska Oil Pad Sites.  Most of the night had been consumed with dreams about disastrous road and weather conditions.  The Lord knows the concerns of our hearts - when we reached our first dirt road (Boardman River road), it was apparent that a grader had just gone down the road! The road was smooth and solid - unlike the soft sand of Sand Lake Road and the Shell Oil Road of last week.

Our first site and last site of the day were completed without rain.  The three others were all done in some decree of precipitation.  The second site was when the mist started - this was at about 10:30 AM.  By the third sight it was a very steady mist and the fourth was a steady rain.  Fortunately, we had packed one umbrella.  Nikki and Jessica collected the data as a team using the umbrella.  Seeing that I had rain pants and a gor-tex coat, I worked on: laying out the transect, collecting the soil sample, and walking the quadrants for shrubs/trees.  The last site was the most challenging to access - we had to return to the center of Kalkaska and then travel about 2.5 miles down a two-track dirt road.  We were all thankful the vehicle we had for the day had a high clearance -  We completed the fieldwork at 4 PM - each was happy to be on our way back to Au Sable for dinner.

For all my trepidation about the day - it turned out to be a great day of success.  Once again showing that we should not be anxious, especially about factors we cannot control.  

Hartwick Pines - July 4th  

Upon the advice of a good friend I headed out for a day of adventure at Hartwick Pines.  The East Branch of the Au Sable runs through the eastern side of the park.    

Au Sable River 

After walking through a red pine plantation you come upon the river.  There was a very vocal group of Ravens in the distance along with a white throated sparrow.

Looking down at the river from the bridge half of the river bottom was rocky and the other sandy.  This should be a clue that the water is moving at two different speeds.  Where the water moves faster the sand particles are carried away leaving a more rocky bottom.  While the slower moving water deposits the sand along the river bottom.  I did not venture into the river to verify this idea, however, I would hypothesize that different macro-invertebrates make use of the two different river bottoms.

Ceder growing in the crux
of a stump 

Add caption

I followed the trail along the river for about a mile to the second stream crossing.  It is worth noting that bug spray was a good idea as there was a plethora of mosquitoes. At this location I noticed  this young White Cedar growing on the stump.  Here I waited patiently in hopes of spotting a Belted Kingfisher.  After about ten minutes of watching in silence along down the stream came one calling out!

Any forest or ecosystem has a way to recycle and utilize nutrients. Theoretically nothing is ever lost just moved around - basis for the law of the conservation of matter.  The trees making up the Old growth forest hold a great amount of nutrients.  Smaller under-story trees are just waiting for additional light to make it to the forest floor for their opportunity to shoot up.  When a tree does fall or loses a limb the nutrients stored in the wood are not wasted but used as moss and eventually herbaceous plants start to grow on the log.  Eventually this will appear like the forest floor with an area slightly raised up.  A great book to enjoy learning about this is Reading the Forested Landscaped by Tom Wessels.

Looking up through the forest at the
towering White Pines >120 feet Tall 

Under-story of the Old Growth Forest

In the midst of the old growth forest was a quaint little chapel.  Inside the chapel was a lovely prayer that I will leave for you to consider:

Inside the Chapel of Hartwick Pines

"Our heavenly father, creator of all that is nature, we humbly come to you in the midst of nature's splendor to thank you that as Americans we are free to worship as we please, work as we please, and live about as we please to enjoy all that is nature. Its mountains, its hills, its valleys, its lakes, its streams, and the living things that dwell therein. We pray unto you that someday the world may be at peace and all men be free to enjoy nature's abundance. We ask you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ that we be guided to protect this priceless heritage which we in a america are privileged to enjoy. Amen 

Oil Pad Botany Experience

Driving down a dirt road off of Sand lake road we turned onto the Oil Sand road.  As named, this road has several active and non-active oil pads.  This grasshopper oil rig was very close to our first Site of the day.  It works day and night just like you will see in this video. In addition to the sound of the oil rig, we also heard a yellow billed cuckoo bird, indigo bunting, and hermit thrush.

Artemsia 

leafy spurge with a caterpillar 

Our plant and grass identification skills are quickly improving.  On this day we successfully identified four different species of grass: Timothy, Poverty Grass, a red topped variety, and a delicate species.  Back in the lab we were able to determine their scientific identifications.  I shall spare you that description here.  However, it is interesting to note how Poverty grass is identified.  This grass grows in clumps, has a hairy collar, and the older blades of resemble wood shavings.  We found this grass the most often.  Other new species of the day included a species of: artemsia, mint, hawkweeds, goats beard, and daisy's.

Can you find the Badger Hole in this photo? 

It appears these sites are being utilized by a variety of wildlife.  We found evidence of Badgers, Deer, Turkey, Sandhill Cranes, green snake and I'm sure many others. The small trees trying to get established were almost all nibbled by deer.  Some would say these open patches of land are good for wildlife as they provide for some open landscape for browsing.  However, our purpose is not to say if these areas are good or bad, but why they are not reestablishing to forest. As you can notice in the photos the soil is very sandy.  Usually sandy soil is not known for its nutrient capacity.  Part of the challenge is was quickly infiltrates through the sand leaving it very dry.  Some of the plants that thrive in these soils have ways that they store water and or are hairy making it harder for them to lose water.  These open areas are quite warm and the sun reflecting off the ground makes it even warmer.  We take precaution against sunburn by wearing: pants, a light weight long sleeved shirt, hat, and using sunscreen on exposed skin.

Jack Pine Cone

One of the sites we visited had one row of Jack Pines that seem to becoming established.  They are currently about 8 feet tall and appear healthy. If there were more of these sized trees they would make good habitat for the Kirtland's Warbler who likes to nest in the low dense branches of the Jack Pine. This species is about to be de-listed from the endangered species list.  A success store of restoration through habitat management. One thing Jack Pines rely on for survival is fire. The cone is tightly held together by a resin that does not allow the cone to open unless subjected to intense heat (Greater than 120 F).  Then the seed can be released once the resin has melted away.

It was here that we enjoyed our lunch under the shade of some older Jack Pines that create a boundary between the oil pad and the neighboring forest.  Here we reflected on the solitude of field work and beauty we are blessed to experience.

Site where we saw two Sandhill Cranes

Arriving at our next sight was a special surprise.  Scanning my eyes along the field I noticed to long necked birds.  My first thought was a Bittern, but the habitat was not right, then we through maybe turkeys. However, our presence startled the pair and as they flew off we heard the distinct call of the Sandhill Crane.

 After completing the inventories of the Antrim County sites we were all ready to head home to the Institute!

Ready to head home for the day

 

Canada Day - July 1st 

There are several Canadians studying and teaching here at Au Sable this summer.  At dinner we had some fun celebrating Canada day.  There was some singing and the kitchen crew decorated the pudding dessert with a coconut shaped maple leaf.

The best part of the day was enjoying an evening trail run with Merriam to Eagle Lake. We laughed, enjoyed conversation, and were rewarded with several lovely views.  She challenged me with a questions that I am still considering - What is concrete about your faith? Encouraging one another along is faith is important. We all need people in our lives who we can be honest with and consider what the scriptures have to say and how they impact the way we live.  This is one of the beautiful things about being in a Christian Community - not that we live separate or in a bubble, but that our faith can be strengthened as we are prepared to go out!

As we ran back, mostly uphill through the woods it there was some light rain.  I said, we should look for a rainbow when we get to the field since the sun was still shining through from the west.  Sure enough as we emerged out of the woods there was a double rainbow going across the sky!  Since we did not have a camera we took a mental snap shot - Merriam stood between me and the rainbow jumped into the air exclaiming "this is the best Canada day ever"!

We ended the night with a group swim in Big Twin Lake.

Day 11 and 12 Field Work Preparation - Oil Pad Project

Preparation for any project is critical to its success!  The old adage "The faster I go the farther behind I get" has merit.  Monday was all about gathering supplies, creating field data sheets, studying maps, and finding a soil lab to analyze samples from our sites.  

Panoramic view of first field site

Jumping into a new project is kind of like leaping from a dock into a lake.  There are things you know, like seeing the surface of the water and a few feet down and then there are things you cannot foresee - such as the deeper cold water.  Anyone who has tried to walk into a cold water lakes, probably would attest that it is easy to jump in and experience the joy, shock, and sometimes uneasiness of the experience. 

Team identifying a specie of grass - festuca xxx

That describes my experience on Tuesday.  We set off in a Ford focus heading to our first site on Sand lake Road.  As you might imagine, the road to Sand lake is Sand!  Such is the case for many roads in this part of the state.  Those of you who know me best, know I like roads to be predictable, this is a bit like driving the logging roads of Northern NH and Maine - accept this time I am the driver and not the passenger who can close my eyes and tell myself everything is going to be okay.  No worries parents, the road wasn't that bad, it is always worse in my dreams about the coming day! 

When driving out here it is critical to know which direction you are traveling, and I don't mean just whether you are turning right or left - the roads are labeled for the direction in which you are traveling: N, NE, NW... etc... So while driving our leader asked us each time we arrived to an intersection (1) " What road are you coming to" , (2) What direction are you turning? N, NE...." .  This added a new dimension to driving. However, it is really important to know this, since the roads we will be traveling are not commonly used and knowing what road and where you are is important in case we ever have to call for help. 

Daubenmire Frame

Once at our site we walked in along the two track (a "road" that has grass growing up between the tire treads - cars are not supposed to drive on "two tracks").  Here the forest opened up to reveal our site.  This had been where an oil extraction rig had been set up.  For some reason they are not reforesting as initially expected.  Our challenge is to survey the plant community currently established on all our sites.  

The surrounding forest was composed primarily of quacking aspen and black cherry.  We had a perfect afternoon for field work with temperatures in the 70's under partly cloudy skies.  After some lunch we set out a quadrant 50 meters by 50 meters using our compass skills.  With the tapes all laid out in a grid we began the process of looking at the species coverage along the tapes using random number approach.  At given distances we used a daubenmire frame and estimated the cover class of the different species in the frame.  This process requires your mind to work a bit like photo shop.  Your challenge is to decide what percentage of the frame each species covers.  At first this is rather hard, but in time one can become faster at estimating.  

The main species we identified were: Sheep Sorrel, St. John Wort, knapweed, three species of grass, and species of assorted moss.  There was also dwarf cinquefoil - however, it did not fall within our randomly selected areas.  Plants are most easily identified when in flower- however when working on an ecological project one must be able to identify without the flower. This was a fun challenge for me and I am very excited the opportunity for field work has surfaced.  The challenge will be learning the grass species. 

Ready - Set - Jump!