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 Walking Paths & Protected Areas of the Keweenaw is the new guidebook published by Michigan Nature Association (MNA). This 80-page, one-of-its-kind guidebook describes 22 sanctuaries and preserves in Houghton and Keweenaw counties. Each description in this quick reference and easy-to-use guidebook includes driving directions, a trail map, unique plants, animals and geology, and conservation history, along with color photos of each site. Along with MNA, seven land conservation organizations and units of government with protected lands in the Keweenaw Peninsula collaborated with each other to put together this new guidebook. Printed on recycled paper with vegetable-based ink, the new guidebook is a long-awaited upgrade compared to the last Keweenaw guidebook of the MNA – ‘Walking Paths in the Keweenaw’, first published in 1989, then updated in 1995. The first booklet had black and white pictures with scaled down version of maps and only described MNA nature sanctuaries in Keweenaw county. The new guidebook is designed to increase awareness of local land conservation efforts and special habitats in the Keweenaw, its unique features, and rare plant and animal species found in Houghton and Keweenaw counties. “I noticed that a lot of people were unfamiliar with the sanctuaries and preserves open to the public for walking, education, and non-motorized enjoyment,” said Joan Chadde, K-12 education program coordinator for the Michigan Tech Center for Science & Environmental Outreach and Western UP Center for Science, Math & Environmental Education, who compiled the guidebook. “I hope this publication will help families spend more time outdoors exploring the Keweenaw.” Chadde said that the original plan was to update the old Keweenaw guidebook because MNA had acquired new sanctuaries that were not described in the previous guidebook. The idea was also to describe projects by other conservation organizations and units of government other than MNA and be more useful to the local community at large. This guidebook also describes each of the land conservation organizations and governmental units engaged in protecting land in the Keweenaw. Each organization welcomes volunteers and donations. Moreover, a two-page description titled ‘Geology of the Keweenaw Peninsula’ provides a quick yet comprehensive insight on Keweenaw’s geology. The last page lists additional walking paths in Houghton and Keweenaw counties which may be handy for those who want to explore beyond the 22 sanctuaries and preserves described in the guidebook. According to Chadde the best feature of the guidebook is that it is a one-stop information hub of all the sanctuaries and preserves in the Keweenaw Peninsula. She is confident that through the new Keweenaw guidebook, MNA and the other organizations are going to gain visibility and people are going to appreciate more what each of these organizations have done in protecting these sites. Susan Sanders was the graphic designer and the maps were prepared by Clare Rosen. Each map is in color and has detailed illustration which lends greater depth and dimension to them for quick and easy reference. Each partner organization wrote the descriptions for their sanctuaries and provided photos. The Michigan Nature Association published the guide. The guidebook is now for sale for $14.97 at 22 locations in the Upper Peninsula, in addition to online sales by MNA. More than 700 of the 4200 copies printed have been distributed to partner organizations and businesses in the first month! |
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