MNA Fall Adventure 2010

The Keweenaw Peninsula—the northernmost part of the Western Upper Peninsula, is home to more than 900 native plant species supported by the one billion year-old area’s stands of white pine, balsam fir, white cedar, spruce, birch, wetlands and waterfalls.

Join the Michigan Nature Association for our annual Fall Adventure to this unique part of Michigan September 10-12. Here’s a sample of the weekend itinerary:

Sept. 10: Twin Waterfalls Plant Preserve
This preserve holds a special place in MNA hearts as the Association’s 100th sanctuary. Participants can view the waterfalls, for which the preserve was named, flowing over a sandstone escarpment. The day will end with good conversation among participants new and old and dinner near Marquette.

Sept. 11: Explore the Nature Sanctuaries
On Saturday, participants will join one of two groups. Each group is designed to give participants a look at the natural beauty of a couple of sanctuaries with either a light (group 1) or moderate (group 2) hiking level based on each participant’s choice.

James Dorian Rooks Memorial Nature Sanctuary and Keweenaw Shores Nature Sanctuary (group 1)

Orchids like striped and early coral-root, and rattlesnake plantain are found in James Dorian Rooks Memorial Nature Sanctuary along with spectacular views of the Keweenaw landscape and habitat that is sheltered from the winds of Lake Superior.

Colorful lichens of pink, orange, yellow and green can be found on the rocks in Keweenaw Shores Nature Sanctuary. Members can also experience the diversity of four different plant communities while hiking through this one sanctuary.

Estivant Pines Wilderness Nature Sanctuary and Redwyn’s Dunes Nature Sanctuary (group 2)

The Keweenaw giants of one of the state’s oldest Eastern White Pine stands will be hard to miss when this group begins their adventure at Estivant Pines. Some of the trees here are more than 600 years old!

Redwyn’s dunes were created by the strong winds of Lake Superior, which carried sand deposits to this area. Dune ponds support a variety of amphibians, from wood frogs and northern spring peepers to several salamander species.

Views of the Keweenaw Peninsula
Participants will glimpse amazing views of the entire Keweenaw Peninsula from a perch on Brockway Mountain—the spot where both groups will end their sanctuary treks. The group will continue on to Copper Harbor for dinner at Harbor Haus where participants will have an opportunity to meet contributors to Walking Paths & Protected Areas of the Keweenaw, MNA’s newest guidebook. The restaurant also has scenic views of Lake Superior and Copper Harbor.

Sept. 12: A sanctuary surprise!
Participants will take lunch and get a peek at one of the association’s most recent conservation projects during the journey home.

For $300, participants can enjoy a weekend filled with outdoor experiences and scenic views of Michigan in the company of MNA staff, trustees, members and guests. Transportation, hotels and meals are included. A chartered bus will pick up passengers in Southfield and Lansing.

When: Friday, Sept. 10 – Sunday, Sept. 12

Where: Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula

Highlights: Twin Waterfalls Plant Preserve, Redwyn’s Dunes Nature Sanctuary, Keweenaw Shore Nature Sanctuary, James Dorian Rooks Memorial Nature Sanctuary, Estivant Pines Wilderness Nature Sanctuary and more!

To Reserve Your Spot:
Online: Buy a reservation at the MNA store
Phone: 517-655-5655
E-mail: michigannature@michigannature.org.
Please reserve by August 15!

The Michigan Nature Association will once again charter a bus with pickup locations in Southfield and Lansing. We will depart early Friday morning and return late Sunday evening. Traveling by bus with your fellow nature lovers means you get to spend more time having fun and less time fumbling with a map.

The total cost for this weekend $300 per person. This includes the bus trip; a shared double occupancy room; lunch and dinner on Friday; breakfast, lunch and dinner Saturday; breakfast and lunch on Sunday. A terrific value! If you have any questions or need special arrangements call the office at (517) 655-5655. To register, call the office or click here by August 15. Space is limited and we did sell out last year, so don’t delay.

Click here to sign-up today.

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