Outdoor Adventures in Michigan July 2014

There were several fun and interesting outdoor adventures in July, here in west Michigan, especially nice with the comfortable weather.  We took advantage of the concerts in the park, Tuesday nights in Grand Haven and Thursday nights in Spring Lake. Every concert was great, a variety of music.  So if you live in the area I would recommend these free concerts. 

Here are a few photos of some of those adventures.
First was a visit to Muskegon County this time with Mike to see the orchid, Rose Pogonia!

July 7th, Marie and I were able to explore some of Newaygo County.  Camp Newaygo Wetland Trail, Newaygo Prairie, and Sailors Pines.

 The Newaygo Prairie is not far from the Wetland Trail, and it is always pleasant to visit.

After the Prairie, off to Sailors Pines, a new to us place.

"Sailors Pines is  a privately owned preserve of the stately Michigan White Pine where the public is welcome to visit this glimpse of our state's past.  Near Croton Pond, stands a testament to Michigan's past, a virgin old growth forest of stately white pines, towering over 100 feet tall and up to 24 inches in diameter.  A small plaque marks the entrance which dedicates this forest to the original owners, William and Elizabeth Sailors. The Sailors came from Indiana and became engaged in the lumbering business here in Michigan in the late 1800's."

 Mid July, Marie and I went to Bass River Recreation Area to explore a new place I saw on Bing maps.  This is the new place I wanted to go to - wet woods with maybe a pond. What a place!

There were dark clouds but we still had sunshine.

Not sure what kind of caterpillar this is - maybe Grapevine Epimenis (Psychomorpha epimenis)?

Into the third week of July, we visited Farview Park in Allegan County.  Farview is a park that has ponds and wet woods, it's a fun place.  We found Green Wood Orchid, several, but none were openly blooming.

I was walking along in the shallow water, ducking under bushes, when Marie let me know that this snake was in the bush ahead of me.  Harmless snake, but I wouldn't want to have it hanging around my neck.

Mike and I walk at Riverside Park in Ottawa County regularly, here are a few shots from Riverside.

At the end of July, Marie and I explored some places in Allegan Forest.  Including "Happy Boots Corner",  Mark Cassino's Homestead pond, and more.  Here are a few things we saw.

                                            Lizard's Tail

              See the purple?  That's an orchid!  Purple Fringed Orchid.

 We found one very scarlet Cardinal Flower blooming in these wet woods!  Just the one, here in this shady area.  Along the creek we found Monkey Flower and liverwort.  Very nice.

 Down the road and around a few corners to Homestead.  I learned of this place from Mark Cassino (http://www.markcassino.com/b2evolution/). 

                                                 Hairy Pinweed (Lechea mucronata) Rock Rose Family

Well, Marie not only got a life plant here, Hairy Pinweed, but I found Virginia Meadow Beauty!!  I had only seen this plant one other time at Ross Coastal Plain Marsh in Van Buren County.  It was near the pond, hidden in tall grass.

 That will wrap up July 2014 now onto August!

 1. Ottawa County Happy Trails Camp  with Vivienne (previous post)
2. Muskegon County with Mike
3. Newaygo County with Marie
4. Ottawa County with Marie
5. Allegan County, Farview, and Herrick Library with Marie
6. Ottawa County, Riverside Park, several visits with Mike
7. Allegan County with Marie

Five Lakes Nature Sanctuary Muskegon, Michigan

June 3, 2013
First stop for the day was along White Road in Muskegon, Michigan - we have been here before and there is a small parking area.  The gated two-track runs all the way down to the Muskegon River near Mosquito Creek and Spring Creek.  The property is owned by the State of Michigan. 

 Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis)  Bean family

 

In the parking lot we saw Wild Lupine, Hoary Puccoon, and Birdfoot Violet.  It was a chilly start to the day but quickly warmed up with the sunshine.
 

 Hoary Puccoon (Lithospermum canescens) Borage family

 

 

We also saw White Campion, Silverweed,  Tower Mustard, Sheep Sorrel, Wild Lily-of-the-Valley, Wild Geranium, Dame's Rocket, Wild Columbine.

Next stop was a place called Lane's Landing, more Michigan State Game Area off Maple Island Road.  Here the gate was open and we drove past the trees and out into the open field.

At Lane's Landing was saw Bird's foot trefoil, Virginia Waterleaf, Cow Vetch, cinquefoil, Yellow Goatsbeard, and buttercups.

We made our way to Five Lakes Nature Sanctuary, 88 acres in Muskegon County owned by the Michigan Nature Association. 

 We saw Field Hawkweed, Birdfoot Violet, Frostweed, tadpoles, many birds, and beautiful bunches of False Heather.

False Heather (Hudsonia tomentosa)  Rock-rose family


 Frostweed  (Helianthemum canadense)  Family Rockrose

It is amazing how fast the day goes by when I'm with my sister Marie out roaming for wildflowers.  It is always fun and something I really look forward to.