Michigan Dark Sky Watch: Rockport State Recreation Area

Posted on by farlane
Rockport Recreation Area by SG Captures

Rockport Recreation Area by SG Captures

Sometimes I start projects and stick with them like cataloging the waterfalls of the Great Lakes State, profiling all of Michigans turtles, or finding Michigan’s tallest things. Many other times, I start them, see a squirrel, and promptly forget about them. Such is the case with an idea one of Sarah’s photos sparked 4 years ago today to profile all six of Michigan Dark Sky Preserves & our two Dark Sky Parks. Now there’s even an entire Dark Sky Island so let’s get busy!

Visit Alpena shares that Rockport State Recreation Area in northeast Michigan’s Presque Isle County was Michigan’s 100th State park and holds a variety of terrain and unique geologic, historic, and natural elements. They also share:

Rural isolation has its benefits. Being miles away from any major metropolitan area gives northeast Michigan an unique advantage for those who enjoy the mysteries revealed in the night sky. Our lack of concentrated light pollution makes the cosmos appear crisp and clear. Dark lands can be found at Rockport State Park Recreation Area where light emissions are among the lowest in the Great Lakes. Stars, meteors, planets and moons await your discovery.

More about Rockport Recreation Area and Michigan Dark Sky Parks, Preserves & Sanctuaries from the State of Michigan.

Sarah is a Michigan State Parks Photo Ambassador which seems like a very cool thing to be. You should definitely check out her website where you can view & purchase her work as well as her Facebook & sg.captures on Instagram!

Dark Skies at Rockport Recreation Area by SG Captures

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Belle Isle Freedom City is basically Belle Isle for Billionaires

Posted on by farlane

Belle Isle by charles hildebrandt

You may have heard about a poll that had a majority of Michiganders approving a concept to create a “special economic zone” on Belle Isle, which is owned by the city of Detroit. The news (rightfully imo) raised an online furor in Detroit where residents wondered why they should care what the rest of the state thought they should do with our beloved island park. Under the proposal, investors would make a one-time $1 billion payment to the city in exchange for a long-term lease, and Detroit would receive an additional $50 million annually.

EDITOR’S NOTE: although the poll claims majority support from Detroiters, every article is wall to wall “do not do this” comments so color me skeptical about anything that comes from this organization.

Currently, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources manages Belle Isle State Park on a 40 year lease, and the park is home to an amazing variety of destinations including the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, Belle Isle Aquarium, the currently being renovated James Scott Fountain, and lots more amazing sights & spaces!

Belle Isle Freedom City is the organization behind the concept for “a self-governing hub of innovation, economic freedom, and private-led development” with “a great degree of autonomy with regard to taxation and regulation.” So basically, a new suburb? You can read the “speculative fiction” about a plucky group of billionaires who turn a city park into their home below if you want.

Charles took the photo of the Nancy Brown Peace Carillon back in June of 2023. You can (and should) dive into his Belle Isle photos on Flickr for all kinds of reasons why this park should stay a park.

screenshot of belleisle-freedomcity.com
screenshot of belleisle-freedomcity.com
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Measuring Michigan’s Progress

Posted on by farlane
Porcupine Mountains by Daniel

Porcupine Mountains by Daniel

“We should not measure human progress solely on the basis of what we’ve built, but also on what we have preserved and protected.” – Michigan Governor William Milliken

Today is the 189th birthday of the great state of Michigan, and I thought it fitting to share the words of Michigan’s longest serving Governor on what he believed Michiganders were called to do. The Great Lakes State has definitely risen to his challenge with 103 state parks and recreation areas, 140 state forest campgrounds with almost 14,000 campsites & cabins, and 360,000 acres of land within state parks and recreation areas drawing nearly 40 million visitors every year!

Daniel took this back in October of 2017 in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Follow him on Instagram for his latest!

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Michigan DNR seeking summer workers

Posted on by farlane

Bear Triplets by Ross Ellet

Are you looking for a summer job in the outdoors or do you know someone who is? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking for new members for their 1,300 person team of summer park workers and spend the season in Michigan state parks, boating facilities, and other amazing outdoor spaces. You’ll welcome visitors, help campers, and keep our parks looking their best. With flexible scheduling, these positions are perfect for college students, teachers, retirees or anyone interested in working at Michigan state parks. Apply online today!

While you may not be able to hold three bear cubs like DNR worker in these photos, you might be able to! You’ll also be making the state better for everything that Michigan in Pictures is about, so if you do get a summer internship with the DNR and want to share a photo here every so often with a link to support you, just send me an email and we’ll work it out!

Ross took these shots of baby black bears being held during a bear den visit way back in April of 2014. See more in his awesome Wildlife gallery on Flickr and view & purchase his work at rossellet.com.

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Happy Birthday to America’s second National Park!

Posted on by farlane
Mackinac Island by Mark Swanson

Mackinac Island by Mark Swanson

Most remember that President Ulysses S. Grant signed a law establishing that Yellowstone as America’s first national park on March 1, 1872, but not that many are aware of the 2nd national park that Congress created just three years later on March 3, 1875. The National Parks Traveler has a great feature on America’s “forgotten” national park which existed from 1875 to 1895 when it became Mackinac Island State Park, the nation’s first state park which is now Mackinac State Historic Parks.

Mark has shared a ton of Mackinac Island pics on Flickr and in our Absolute Michigan group. Here are some of my faves. See more in his Mackinac, Michigan gallery on Flickr!!

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2024 West Michigan Photo Contest

Posted on by farlane

Hoffmaster State Park Rainbow by Lillian Dotzlaf

The West Michigan Tourist Association invites you to participate in their 2024 West Michigan Photo Contest. Prizes include packages from some great businesses & they are looking for traveler photo submissions from the entire west half of Michigan – all the way from the Indiana border to Mackinac Island and into the Upper Peninsula.

“We love getting to see all of the amazing photos from all throughout West Michigan – it’s a highlight of the summer!” said Kaylie Pomper, Marketing Manager. “We love seeing so many different perspectives from the photos shared with us. It’s a great way to see involvement from the communities that make up our beautiful state.”

Pomper also noted that photos do not need to be taken this month in order to submit them to the photo contest. “If you have West Michigan photos from your past visits to the area, we encourage you to enter those as well! West Michigan is photogenic all seasons of the year, so don’t feel that you’re only limited to submitting summer photos.”

All photo entries must be received by July 29th, 2024. Judges will be awarding prizes in the categories of “Beach/Lake Photo; Travelers Exploring Iconic West Michigan Destinations; Downtown Photo; Fairs & Festivals Photo” with an additional prize awarded via public voting by WMTA’s Facebook audience.

Lillian won the public vote last year & shared “I am elated I won the public vote category with the rainbow photo I took just after my Dad passed away. I am so blessed to call this place home. Thank you WMTA for giving me the opportunity and to Mackinac Island for the phenomenal prize package. I know I’ve got an extra angel looking out for me.”

Indeed!! Check out Lillian’s work on Instagram and at Little Lill’s Photography on Facebook!

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Hartwick Pines donor honored

Posted on by farlane

Hartwick Pines State Park by James Salinas

Hartwick Pines State Park by James Salinas

mLive shares that the woman whose donation created Hartwick Pines State Park has been honored by the Michigan Environmental Hall of Fame:

Nearly 100 years ago, a Grayling woman named Karen Hartwick bought and then donated to the state of Michigan an 8,000-acre parcel containing a rare and precious grove of pristine virgin pine trees.

The donation was significant for a woman acting alone at that time, but also considering that Hartwick’s father had made his fortune from the logging boom that had leveled much of Michigan’s ancient forests.

…Hartwick’s vision gave Michigan its beloved Hartwick Pines State Park, and it’s continued to keep that land safe in the century that has followed. As recently as a decade ago, the original “spirit and intent” of Hartwick’s donation was invoked as reason for the state to drop the land from an auction that would have allowed drilling exploration underneath those prized old-growth pines.

Lots more at mLive, visit the Environmental Hall of Fame & learn more about Hartwick Pines on Michigan in Pictures.

James took this photo way back in 2010. You can see more in his Hartwick Pines State Park gallery on Flickr.

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Good morning from Lake Erie’s only Michigan State Park!

Posted on by farlane

Lake Erie Sunrise by Charles Hildebrandt

Lake Erie Sunrise by Charles Hildebrandt

Charles took this photo over the weekend at William C. Sterling State Park in Monroe, which Pure Michigan says is Michigan’s only state park on Lake Erie. The 1300-acre park at the mouth of Sandy Creek is known for walleye fishing and also offers lakefront camping, 7 miles of trails, and over a mile of sandy beach.

Head over to Charles’s Flickr for his latest & have a great week everyone!

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Michigan State Parks announce Covid-19 policy changes

Posted on by farlane

Dune Climbers by Bill Dolak

Dune Climbers by Bill Dolak

The Michigan DNR has announced that although state parks and recreation areas remain open to provide residents with local opportunities to get outdoors, extensive travel should be minimal & effective social distancing is required so that unsafe conditions do not develop and state-managed lands can remain open.

“We are doing everything possible to protect the health and safety of visitors and staff at state parks and recreation areas,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “No matter how people are choosing to get outdoors, it is critical that everyone follows the social distancing guidelines. If they don’t, we will be forced to close public access to all state-managed lands.”

Closures and reduction in services include

Many park amenities have been closed in order to minimize the chance of people gathering in groups and/or maximize the environment for effective social distancing. Current closures include, but are not limited to, concessions, playgrounds and play equipment, viewing platforms, fishing piers, GaGa ball bits, volleyball and basketball courts, designated dog areas, disc golf courses, radio-controlled flying fields, pump tracks, and picnic tables and shelters.

All bathroom buildings and vault toilets will be closed in all state parks and recreation areas, including those at campgrounds, boating access sites, trailheads at state-designated trails, etc. People are encouraged to plan accordingly to avoid needing a restroom during a visit. Note: Over the next few days, vault toilets will be closing. Many locations, where available, will be transitioning to portable toilets that will be cleaned by local vendors.

There will be minimal trash service available. Visitors are encouraged to bring trash bags, if needed, to carry trash home and minimize litter.

No hand washing stations will be provided. Please carry hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes containing at least 60% alcohol, as well as trash bags to carry out used wipes.

Additionally, grooming of snowmobile trails (the season closes March 31) and grooming, brushing, grading and clearing of all nonmotorized trails and ORV trails are suspended until at least the end of the order. When out on any trail, be aware of surroundings, including the potential for washouts or debris. To report anything that could be a risk to other trail users, call 517-331-0111.

Follow the DNR’s COVID-19 response webpage for the latest closure information related to events, meetings and facilities, including campgrounds, harbors and other sites.

Bill took this photo last October at Van Buren State Park near South Haven. See many more incredible shots in his Drone the Sixth – DJI Phantom 4 Advanced album on Flickr!

See photos and read about many of Michigan’s state & national parks on Michigan in Pictures!

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Union Gorge Falls

Posted on by farlane

For some reason this post went to May 26th when I published it this morning. Not sure what I did, but I will try not to do it again!

Union Gorge Waterfalls

Union River Waterfalls, photo by David Clark

Every time I think I know every waterfall in Michigan, one more comes a long. Great Lakes Waterfall Adventures shares that Little Union Gorge Falls is:

Located inside an outpost campground off of South Boundary Rd. in the beautiful Porcupine Mountains State Park, the Union Gorge Falls slide shallow water over a 100 plus foot drop in a forested setting. It is a short hike to reach the start of the falls, and the trail follows the river bank for a quarter mile, intersecting several times with the Union Mine Interpretive Trail. Several sections of 10-25 feet highlight the area, thin water most of the year, most likely the best time to visit is in the spring.

…The first long drop has a small, three foot deep pool below it, adding to the calm of the area.

View the photo background bigtacular, see more in his Waterfalls slideshow, and check out David’s blog for a report with more from the Porcupine Mountains!