Arguably,one of the most devastating invasive species to inhabit the Great Lakes watershed, the Sea Lamprey continues to require active control measures by Great Lakes fish biologists to keep their numbers in check. A parasitic fish native to the Atlantic Ocean, the...

One of the telltale signs of spring in northern Michigan is the sweet fragrant aroma wafting through the air of the blooming Lilac bushes. These hearty bushes produce a beautiful purple flower that is common in this region. Mackinac Island even hosts a Lilac festival...

Whether strolling through the sand dunes or hiking on one of Sleeping Bears' numerous trails or even enjoying one of the many scenic vistas along Pierce Stocking Drive, you may come across a common resident of the park; the North American Porcupine. If I get too...

Well, if you saw it in Michigan, it was more than likely a Bobcat. That's because the Canada Lynx is classified as a threatened species in Michigan with very few reported sighting over the last 40 years. Of these, most occurred in the Upper peninsula. In March of 2019...

Baby's Breath is the most abundant invasive plant species found within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore. Native to Europe and commonly found in home gardens and used as a filler flower in store bought bouquets, Baby's Breath can today be found in mountain...

In mid winter, with the foliage from the beech, oak, maple and other deciduous trees gone, a wintering bird in Michigan can be more easily seen; The Pileated Woodpecker  (Dryocopus pileatus). Easily recognized by it's black body, white stripes down the neck and most...

One of the most amazing aspects of Antrim county is the amount of paddling options exist. From the vastness of the Big Lake (Michigan) to the numerous streams, rivers and lakes that adorn Antrim County, there is no shortage of paddling options. Did you know that you...

1826 completion of the Erie Canal linked the eastern seaboard with middle America and brought rapid development and growth to the Sleeping Bear area. It was a water highway and docks were built to serve as cord wooding stations for steamers, homesteading immigrants,...

Approximately 15,000-19,000 black bear roam Michigan forests. 90% of these bear are found in the upper peninsula with the remaining 10% found in the northern portion of lower Michigan. This includes Leelanau, Antrim, Grand Traverse and Benzie counties. Of course the...

Michigan has two native swan species, the tundra swan and trumpeter swan. The mute swan, native to Europe and Asia, was introduced to north America in the mid 1800's and to Michigan in 1919. Here's how to tell the difference. Native adult male swans, the tundra and...