Dan Boss hauls in a dandy catfish.
By Jack Payne
Darkness surrounded us as we left my driveway. The flag was nearly straight out, and the tree tops were rustling. We planned to fish a 4,000-acre lake. Those plans were quickly changed.
We arrived at a 400-acre lake, and within 30 minutes, the surface started getting frothy. So much for Plan B. Since we were here and found two large schools of panfish on the side scan, we shifted plans once more.
In this case, the drift socks came to our rescue. Two 30-inch diameter drift socks were employed, and the result was a manageable drift speed. We fished for 3.5 hours and the final tally was 26 real nice crappie and bluegill, along with five good perch. Half of that number was thrown back to fight another day. Many outings, the drift socks have saved the day. Spiders, glow baits and thin plastics were used.
If we had known that a northwest wind would be blowing and that the temperature of Lake Michigan had plummeted, a new plan would have been in place.
When Lake Michigan flips over, many anglers chase down the walleye or the salmon. Walleyes can be caught off the piers or inside the drowned river mouths. Salmon will find closer to the shoreline and more accessible for the small boat anglers or the pier anglers.
However, when we see this happening, we shift gears and chase down the sheepshead. Sheepshead will mangle a crawler harness into a piece of garbage. They literally destroy a harness rig.
Crankbaits can become useless after a trip or two. The large master angler class of sheepshead is a vicious, hard-striking fish. Looking for bone-jarring hits? Then consider using a jig.
Your basic walleye or bass rods will work nicely on the sheepshead. A 1/4-ounce jig head with a 3-inch action tail or a 3-inch Charlie Brewer grub will land plenty of fish.
Just remember that most of the sheepshead will suspend and be feeding on schools of gizzard shad. Using side scan is a great way to locate pods of these hard-hitting fish. We find most of the fish down 8-14 feet, regardless of the depth of the water that you are in.
We rarely cancel a scheduled day on the water. Channel catfish have saved the day for us many a time. When I see a cold front in the forecast, it's catfishing time.
Cold fronts often follow either a thunderstorm or a shift with northern winds. Clear blue bird skies with low humidity and maybe even a touch of briskness in the air are common elements.
Our catfishing is different than that of most anglers. We drift and we fish during daylight hours. During the summer, we like fishing rivers that connect to Lake Michigan or the drowned river mouths.
Rivers such as the St. Joe, the Kalamazoo River, the Black River in South Haven, or the Grand River are good picks. Lakes such as Lake Macatawa, Muskegon, or White hold plenty of fat, mean fighting channel cats, and bonus flatheads.
Cut bait is hands down our favorite. We use mostly suckers or sheepshead, but any cut bait will work. We pre-soak our cut bait in either anise oil or some type of blood concoction that you can buy locally or via the internet.
We use two types of rigs. The old faithful and simple rig is the three-way rig. The second rig uses a slip sinker and a hook. When the fish are finicky, the slip sinker rig works best. Feeding the fish some line can make a big difference.
In both cases, a circle hook is used. A circle hook or an octopus hook is the only hook used on my boat. Both of these hooks result in a lip or corner hooked cat that can be safely returned to the water. We use a 2/0 up to a 6/0 hook. The larger hook is needed to push through the cut bait and still have the hook and barb exposed.
Don’t let a change in the weather hamper your fishing plans. Adjust on the fly and consider a different species. Remember to visit Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop for your outdoor products.
Darkness surrounded us as we left my driveway. The flag was nearly straight out, and the tree tops were rustling. We planned to fish a 4,000-acre lake. Those plans were quickly changed.
We arrived at a 400-acre lake, and within 30 minutes, the surface started getting frothy. So much for Plan B. Since we were here and found two large schools of panfish on the side scan, we shifted plans once more.
In this case, the drift socks came to our rescue. Two 30-inch diameter drift socks were employed, and the result was a manageable drift speed. We fished for 3.5 hours and the final tally was 26 real nice crappie and bluegill, along with five good perch. Half of that number was thrown back to fight another day. Many outings, the drift socks have saved the day. Spiders, glow baits and thin plastics were used.
If we had known that a northwest wind would be blowing and that the temperature of Lake Michigan had plummeted, a new plan would have been in place.
When Lake Michigan flips over, many anglers chase down the walleye or the salmon. Walleyes can be caught off the piers or inside the drowned river mouths. Salmon will find closer to the shoreline and more accessible for the small boat anglers or the pier anglers.
However, when we see this happening, we shift gears and chase down the sheepshead. Sheepshead will mangle a crawler harness into a piece of garbage. They literally destroy a harness rig.
Crankbaits can become useless after a trip or two. The large master angler class of sheepshead is a vicious, hard-striking fish. Looking for bone-jarring hits? Then consider using a jig.
Your basic walleye or bass rods will work nicely on the sheepshead. A 1/4-ounce jig head with a 3-inch action tail or a 3-inch Charlie Brewer grub will land plenty of fish.
Just remember that most of the sheepshead will suspend and be feeding on schools of gizzard shad. Using side scan is a great way to locate pods of these hard-hitting fish. We find most of the fish down 8-14 feet, regardless of the depth of the water that you are in.
We rarely cancel a scheduled day on the water. Channel catfish have saved the day for us many a time. When I see a cold front in the forecast, it's catfishing time.
Cold fronts often follow either a thunderstorm or a shift with northern winds. Clear blue bird skies with low humidity and maybe even a touch of briskness in the air are common elements.
Our catfishing is different than that of most anglers. We drift and we fish during daylight hours. During the summer, we like fishing rivers that connect to Lake Michigan or the drowned river mouths.
Rivers such as the St. Joe, the Kalamazoo River, the Black River in South Haven, or the Grand River are good picks. Lakes such as Lake Macatawa, Muskegon, or White hold plenty of fat, mean fighting channel cats, and bonus flatheads.
Cut bait is hands down our favorite. We use mostly suckers or sheepshead, but any cut bait will work. We pre-soak our cut bait in either anise oil or some type of blood concoction that you can buy locally or via the internet.
We use two types of rigs. The old faithful and simple rig is the three-way rig. The second rig uses a slip sinker and a hook. When the fish are finicky, the slip sinker rig works best. Feeding the fish some line can make a big difference.
In both cases, a circle hook is used. A circle hook or an octopus hook is the only hook used on my boat. Both of these hooks result in a lip or corner hooked cat that can be safely returned to the water. We use a 2/0 up to a 6/0 hook. The larger hook is needed to push through the cut bait and still have the hook and barb exposed.
Don’t let a change in the weather hamper your fishing plans. Adjust on the fly and consider a different species. Remember to visit Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop for your outdoor products.
ODC Network Opens New Nature Preserve Friday
The ODC Network’s newest preserve, Redlum Farm Preserve at 15275 Greenly St. in Park Township, will open to the public Friday.
This new preserve will offer the community a unique blend of greenspace and recreation, including walking trails, dedicated bike trails, a biking skills course with varying levels of difficulty, and a children’s balance bike track, making it a destination for all ages and skill levels.
Formerly a blueberry field, Redlum Farm Preserve will feature native habitats, a pond, a small blueberry patch, and a greenhouse to support educational programming.
The project was made possible thanks to the generous support of Larry and Karen Mulder, owners of Redlum Farms, who donated the use of the property and provided funding for the preserve’s development.
To mark the opening, ODC will host a community open house and ribbon-cutting event from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with activities for all ages, including:
• Velo Kids, a local nonprofit working to get more kids on bikes, will provide bikes and have coaches on-site to assist riders.
• The Hirdes Group, a local health insurance agency, will be giving away free helmets for children.
• ODC will also offer face painting, animal encounters, and free ice cream treats from Hudsonville Ice Cream.
ODC Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Holland with a mission to advance outdoor education and conservation throughout West Michigan. Since 2000, ODC has connected more than 1.3 million people to nature through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences designed to serve all ages.
ODC is comprised of numerous divisions, including two greenway projects, a watershed cleanup initiative, four nature-based early childhood centers, two nature centers, numerous public nature preserves, an eco-tourism venture, a land conservation and restoration service, and an educational consulting division.
This new preserve will offer the community a unique blend of greenspace and recreation, including walking trails, dedicated bike trails, a biking skills course with varying levels of difficulty, and a children’s balance bike track, making it a destination for all ages and skill levels.
Formerly a blueberry field, Redlum Farm Preserve will feature native habitats, a pond, a small blueberry patch, and a greenhouse to support educational programming.
The project was made possible thanks to the generous support of Larry and Karen Mulder, owners of Redlum Farms, who donated the use of the property and provided funding for the preserve’s development.
To mark the opening, ODC will host a community open house and ribbon-cutting event from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with activities for all ages, including:
• Velo Kids, a local nonprofit working to get more kids on bikes, will provide bikes and have coaches on-site to assist riders.
• The Hirdes Group, a local health insurance agency, will be giving away free helmets for children.
• ODC will also offer face painting, animal encounters, and free ice cream treats from Hudsonville Ice Cream.
ODC Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Holland with a mission to advance outdoor education and conservation throughout West Michigan. Since 2000, ODC has connected more than 1.3 million people to nature through hands-on, outdoor learning experiences designed to serve all ages.
ODC is comprised of numerous divisions, including two greenway projects, a watershed cleanup initiative, four nature-based early childhood centers, two nature centers, numerous public nature preserves, an eco-tourism venture, a land conservation and restoration service, and an educational consulting division.
Angler Hauls In State-Record Flathead Catfish
While bowfishing recently in Monroe County, an angler from Newport in southeast Michigan caught a new state-record fish: a flathead catfish weighing in at 64.46 pounds and measuring 45 inches!
Codie Carlson was bowfishing Plum Creek in the early-morning hours of Sunday, June 29, when he brought in the record-breaker.
This fish beats the previous state-record flathead catfish — 53.35 pounds, 43 inches — caught in 2022 by Lloyd Tanner, of Hobart, Ind., on the St. Joseph River in Berrien County.
Codie Carlson was bowfishing Plum Creek in the early-morning hours of Sunday, June 29, when he brought in the record-breaker.
This fish beats the previous state-record flathead catfish — 53.35 pounds, 43 inches — caught in 2022 by Lloyd Tanner, of Hobart, Ind., on the St. Joseph River in Berrien County.
Codie Carlson was bowfishing Plum Creek in Monroe County in the early-morning hours of Sunday, June 29, when he brought in a new state-record flathead catfish weighing 64.46 pounds.
Photo courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources
DNR Confirms Red Swamp Crayfish in Southwest Michigan
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently confirmed the presence of invasive red swamp crayfish in an outdoor muskellunge rearing pond at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery in Mattawan in Van Buren County.
After stocking muskellunge in Thornapple Lake in Barry County and Lake Hudson in Lenawee County, hatchery staff found the carcasses of two unusual crayfish in the collection basket of Wolf Lake Hatchery Pond 20 (where the fish were reared) after the pond was drained. Crayfish traps were quickly deployed in Pond 20 and two adjacent ponds, resulting in the capture of one live, positively identified red swamp crayfish in Pond 20.
Though native to the southern U.S., red swamp crayfish have been prohibited in Michigan since 2014 and considered invasive in the state because of their ability to aggressively outcompete native crayfish for food and habitat, their high reproductive rate and their destructive burrowing along shorelines that can destabilize banks and infrastructure.
Populations of red swamp crayfish were first detected in Michigan in 2017, with simultaneous discoveries in Sunset Lake in Kalamazoo and a drainage pond in Pontiac. To date, isolated infestations have been confirmed in Kalamazoo, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Van Buren and Wayne counties. Infestations are believed to result from the release or escape of aquarium pets, live bait or live crayfish brought to Michigan for crawfish boils.
Most fish stocked from Michigan’s state hatcheries are raised in tanks within hatchery buildings, inaccessible to outside species. Some fish, like muskellunge and walleye, are moved to outdoor rearing ponds to grow and improve survivability before being released.
The muskie sent to Thornapple Lake and Lake Hudson from Wolf Lake Hatchery in July were 12 to 13 inches in length, and each was individually handled and tagged before release, significantly reducing the likelihood that red swamp crayfish were transferred with them to the receiving waters.
Out of an abundance of caution, the DNR is developing a monitoring plan for both lakes and will alert lake users to report any sightings of the invasive crayfish.
The outdoor ponds at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery are sourced from well water, along with natural spring water that circulates through the ponds and is then released into a drain that eventually connects to the Paw Paw River.
According to Joe Mickevich, DNR southern area hatcheries manager, such an open system cannot easily prevent undesired species – including crayfish, tadpoles and even some small fish – from finding their way into the ponds, either over land or from bird and waterfowl movement.
When collecting fish from ponds for stocking at Wolf Lake Hatchery, the ponds are drained into the kettle, or collection box. Fish are netted from the collection box and loaded onto stocking units while staff attempt to remove as much bycatch, or undesired species, as possible. When needed, ponds are treated with rotenone, an aquatic pesticide, before the next use.
While the source of the adult red swamp crayfish in Pond 20 is still unknown, Michigan’s Invasive Species Program staff is exploring several possibilities, including a known population 15 miles away, bait or aquarium release into the pond or nearby Wolf Lake, or accidental transport through forage fish used to feed the fish reared in Pond 20 but sourced from other states.
The DNR and MISP are working together to determine the extent of the infestation and minimize the possibility of spreading the invasive crayfish to new locations.
In the last week, 165 traps were set, spanning all 11 earthen bottom ponds at Wolf Lake Hatchery to determine the range of infestation at the site.
The DNR is exploring the use of environmental DNA, or eDNA, to help determine the potential source, spread and presence of red swamp crayfish in the hatchery and surrounding waters.
Suppliers and officials from states where minnows were sourced are fully cooperating with Michigan’s efforts to trace shipments and verify quality control measures to prevent contamination.
Pending the results of trapping and assessment of risk, the DNR plans to explore potential control options at Wolf Lake Hatchery ponds, such as draining and drying ponds over the winter or adding pesticide, which has been used successfully on an experimental basis in some infested ponds in southeast Michigan.
Wolf Lake Hatchery’s lined muskellunge ponds will be offline in 2026 for previously planned construction. Young muskie from this year’s harvest will be reared at Thompson State Fish Hatchery in Manistique, Michigan.
Because red swamp crayfish is a prohibited species in Michigan, it is illegal to knowingly possess, introduce, import, sell or offer the species for sale as a live organism, except under certain circumstances.
People can help prevent the spread of invasive species by knowing the laws, never releasing aquarium pets or plants into the wild, using bait only in the waters where it was captured and disposing of unused bait in the trash.
For more information on invasive red swamp crayfish, including identifying characteristics, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives. To report sightings of red swamp crayfish, collect and freeze a sample or take photos, note the location, and email information to Kathleen Quebedeaux, DNR Fisheries Division, QuebedeauxK@ Michigan.gov.
After stocking muskellunge in Thornapple Lake in Barry County and Lake Hudson in Lenawee County, hatchery staff found the carcasses of two unusual crayfish in the collection basket of Wolf Lake Hatchery Pond 20 (where the fish were reared) after the pond was drained. Crayfish traps were quickly deployed in Pond 20 and two adjacent ponds, resulting in the capture of one live, positively identified red swamp crayfish in Pond 20.
Though native to the southern U.S., red swamp crayfish have been prohibited in Michigan since 2014 and considered invasive in the state because of their ability to aggressively outcompete native crayfish for food and habitat, their high reproductive rate and their destructive burrowing along shorelines that can destabilize banks and infrastructure.
Populations of red swamp crayfish were first detected in Michigan in 2017, with simultaneous discoveries in Sunset Lake in Kalamazoo and a drainage pond in Pontiac. To date, isolated infestations have been confirmed in Kalamazoo, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Van Buren and Wayne counties. Infestations are believed to result from the release or escape of aquarium pets, live bait or live crayfish brought to Michigan for crawfish boils.
Most fish stocked from Michigan’s state hatcheries are raised in tanks within hatchery buildings, inaccessible to outside species. Some fish, like muskellunge and walleye, are moved to outdoor rearing ponds to grow and improve survivability before being released.
The muskie sent to Thornapple Lake and Lake Hudson from Wolf Lake Hatchery in July were 12 to 13 inches in length, and each was individually handled and tagged before release, significantly reducing the likelihood that red swamp crayfish were transferred with them to the receiving waters.
Out of an abundance of caution, the DNR is developing a monitoring plan for both lakes and will alert lake users to report any sightings of the invasive crayfish.
The outdoor ponds at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery are sourced from well water, along with natural spring water that circulates through the ponds and is then released into a drain that eventually connects to the Paw Paw River.
According to Joe Mickevich, DNR southern area hatcheries manager, such an open system cannot easily prevent undesired species – including crayfish, tadpoles and even some small fish – from finding their way into the ponds, either over land or from bird and waterfowl movement.
When collecting fish from ponds for stocking at Wolf Lake Hatchery, the ponds are drained into the kettle, or collection box. Fish are netted from the collection box and loaded onto stocking units while staff attempt to remove as much bycatch, or undesired species, as possible. When needed, ponds are treated with rotenone, an aquatic pesticide, before the next use.
While the source of the adult red swamp crayfish in Pond 20 is still unknown, Michigan’s Invasive Species Program staff is exploring several possibilities, including a known population 15 miles away, bait or aquarium release into the pond or nearby Wolf Lake, or accidental transport through forage fish used to feed the fish reared in Pond 20 but sourced from other states.
The DNR and MISP are working together to determine the extent of the infestation and minimize the possibility of spreading the invasive crayfish to new locations.
In the last week, 165 traps were set, spanning all 11 earthen bottom ponds at Wolf Lake Hatchery to determine the range of infestation at the site.
The DNR is exploring the use of environmental DNA, or eDNA, to help determine the potential source, spread and presence of red swamp crayfish in the hatchery and surrounding waters.
Suppliers and officials from states where minnows were sourced are fully cooperating with Michigan’s efforts to trace shipments and verify quality control measures to prevent contamination.
Pending the results of trapping and assessment of risk, the DNR plans to explore potential control options at Wolf Lake Hatchery ponds, such as draining and drying ponds over the winter or adding pesticide, which has been used successfully on an experimental basis in some infested ponds in southeast Michigan.
Wolf Lake Hatchery’s lined muskellunge ponds will be offline in 2026 for previously planned construction. Young muskie from this year’s harvest will be reared at Thompson State Fish Hatchery in Manistique, Michigan.
Because red swamp crayfish is a prohibited species in Michigan, it is illegal to knowingly possess, introduce, import, sell or offer the species for sale as a live organism, except under certain circumstances.
People can help prevent the spread of invasive species by knowing the laws, never releasing aquarium pets or plants into the wild, using bait only in the waters where it was captured and disposing of unused bait in the trash.
For more information on invasive red swamp crayfish, including identifying characteristics, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives. To report sightings of red swamp crayfish, collect and freeze a sample or take photos, note the location, and email information to Kathleen Quebedeaux, DNR Fisheries Division, QuebedeauxK@ Michigan.gov.
Outdoor Truths: My University
By Gary Miller
This year is going to be odd but special. I’m hunting a new piece of property that I once hunted about 30 years ago.
This place holds many memories. I learned about cattle at this place. I killed my first turkey at this place. And many deer stories came from this place. To say it’s special would be an understatement. It’s over 400 acres of individual life chapters that are now compiled into one story that I’m getting to read in book form.
To be honest, I have felt some deep emotions since having access to this property. This last turkey season brought of wave of them. And I imagine deer season will be no different.
As I sit in a tree stand on opening day and look around, I’ll not be looking for a deer but for another memory that made me who I am today. The work I do now came from the time I spent there. I actually do a ministry to hunters and fishermen because God used this particular farm as my university.
The farmer was a tremendous teacher. He used bulls, bushhogs, and barns to teach me about this way of life. But God used them to teach me about His way of life, and the future life He had for me.
Creation spoke to me. Trees rustled prayers. Hay fields waved praise. Creeks flowed promises. And I watched and listened. And then God pasted these things on my life like two pages pasted together – that it would be impossible to pull one page away without tearing off a part of the other.
The truth is, I’m not unique. My story is not unique. We all have a story like this one. We all have a time and a place that God used as a school to bring us to where we are today. You have it.
It may not be something as delightful as a farm. It might be something that was difficult and demanding. But this, too, was meant to make you into the man or woman you are today. And it’s for the same purpose as mine was. To create your calling. To mold your message. To make your ministry. To give you a voice to the people in your life that God wastes nothing, and uses everything, to make us into the perfect vessel to hold His timeless message.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 22 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoor truths.org.
This year is going to be odd but special. I’m hunting a new piece of property that I once hunted about 30 years ago.
This place holds many memories. I learned about cattle at this place. I killed my first turkey at this place. And many deer stories came from this place. To say it’s special would be an understatement. It’s over 400 acres of individual life chapters that are now compiled into one story that I’m getting to read in book form.
To be honest, I have felt some deep emotions since having access to this property. This last turkey season brought of wave of them. And I imagine deer season will be no different.
As I sit in a tree stand on opening day and look around, I’ll not be looking for a deer but for another memory that made me who I am today. The work I do now came from the time I spent there. I actually do a ministry to hunters and fishermen because God used this particular farm as my university.
The farmer was a tremendous teacher. He used bulls, bushhogs, and barns to teach me about this way of life. But God used them to teach me about His way of life, and the future life He had for me.
Creation spoke to me. Trees rustled prayers. Hay fields waved praise. Creeks flowed promises. And I watched and listened. And then God pasted these things on my life like two pages pasted together – that it would be impossible to pull one page away without tearing off a part of the other.
The truth is, I’m not unique. My story is not unique. We all have a story like this one. We all have a time and a place that God used as a school to bring us to where we are today. You have it.
It may not be something as delightful as a farm. It might be something that was difficult and demanding. But this, too, was meant to make you into the man or woman you are today. And it’s for the same purpose as mine was. To create your calling. To mold your message. To make your ministry. To give you a voice to the people in your life that God wastes nothing, and uses everything, to make us into the perfect vessel to hold His timeless message.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 22 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoor truths.org.
Friends of Ludington State Park, DNR to Renovate Skyline Trail
One of Ludington State Park’s most beloved and scenic features – the Skyline Trail – will receive a major upgrade thanks to a collaboration between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Friends of Ludington State Park.
The $3.5 million reconstruction project, which will get underway this fall and be completed in 2026, will ensure the Skyline Trail meets modern safety and construction standards. The Friends of Ludington State Park has pledged to raise 10 percent of the total cost, up to a maximum of $350,000, with the DNR using dedicated capital outlay funds to cover the remaining amount.
“This is the most ambitious project in our 33-year history,” said Patrick O’Hare, president of the friends group. “But we believe in it and our community.”
Construction is expected to go out for bid later this season, with work projected to begin this fall and conclude by late summer or early fall next year.
“We’re excited to see this long-anticipated project moving forward,” Ludington State Park Manager Jim Gallie said. “The Skyline Trail is a treasure, and thanks to the dedication of the park's friends group, we’re one step closer to ensuring it remains a part of the park experience for years to come.”
Friends of Ludington State Park is pleased with its fundraising progress so far, O'Hare said.
"With $50,000 from Friends of Ludington State Park and $212,000 from donors, we are steadily climbing toward our goal of $350,000," O’Hare said. “In addition, if we reach our goal by Sept. 30, Pennies from Heaven will contribute $50,000, which can be used for other projects.”
Winding a half-mile along a forested ridge, the Skyline Trail offers a breathtaking journey above the state park’s southern dunes. From this elevated boardwalk, visitors are treated to sweeping views of Lake Michigan and, on especially clear days, even a glimpse of the distant dunes at Silver Lake State Park.
"The Skyline Trail’s staircases offer both a physical climb and a moment of awe, one step at a time,” O’Hare said. “In speaking with donors, I’ve heard amazing stories about how this trail has touched lives, from quiet moments of reflection to family hikes filled with laughter. This project is about more than rebuilding a trail – it’s about preserving a shared history and creating new memories yet to come. Together, we will reach the summit and help others do the same for generations.”
Friends groups like Friends of Ludington State Park are nonprofit organizations that play an invaluable role in helping to protect Michigan state parks and recreation areas.
“We’re incredibly grateful for our friends groups and all that they do for our parks,” said Kristen Kosick, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “Whether it’s fundraising, recruiting volunteers, leading restoration projects or providing educational programming for the public, these dedicated individuals make a difference, every day, and enhance the visitor experience at parks throughout the state.”
Anyone who has an interest in supporting state parks is welcome to join or start a friends group. Find more information and resources at Michigan.gov/DNR/ About/Get-involved/Friends-sp.
Follow Friends of Ludington State Park on Facebook or visit the group’s website at friendsoflud ingtonstatepark.org for more information about the Skyline Trail project, group happenings, volunteer opportunities, membership or donations.
The $3.5 million reconstruction project, which will get underway this fall and be completed in 2026, will ensure the Skyline Trail meets modern safety and construction standards. The Friends of Ludington State Park has pledged to raise 10 percent of the total cost, up to a maximum of $350,000, with the DNR using dedicated capital outlay funds to cover the remaining amount.
“This is the most ambitious project in our 33-year history,” said Patrick O’Hare, president of the friends group. “But we believe in it and our community.”
Construction is expected to go out for bid later this season, with work projected to begin this fall and conclude by late summer or early fall next year.
“We’re excited to see this long-anticipated project moving forward,” Ludington State Park Manager Jim Gallie said. “The Skyline Trail is a treasure, and thanks to the dedication of the park's friends group, we’re one step closer to ensuring it remains a part of the park experience for years to come.”
Friends of Ludington State Park is pleased with its fundraising progress so far, O'Hare said.
"With $50,000 from Friends of Ludington State Park and $212,000 from donors, we are steadily climbing toward our goal of $350,000," O’Hare said. “In addition, if we reach our goal by Sept. 30, Pennies from Heaven will contribute $50,000, which can be used for other projects.”
Winding a half-mile along a forested ridge, the Skyline Trail offers a breathtaking journey above the state park’s southern dunes. From this elevated boardwalk, visitors are treated to sweeping views of Lake Michigan and, on especially clear days, even a glimpse of the distant dunes at Silver Lake State Park.
"The Skyline Trail’s staircases offer both a physical climb and a moment of awe, one step at a time,” O’Hare said. “In speaking with donors, I’ve heard amazing stories about how this trail has touched lives, from quiet moments of reflection to family hikes filled with laughter. This project is about more than rebuilding a trail – it’s about preserving a shared history and creating new memories yet to come. Together, we will reach the summit and help others do the same for generations.”
Friends groups like Friends of Ludington State Park are nonprofit organizations that play an invaluable role in helping to protect Michigan state parks and recreation areas.
“We’re incredibly grateful for our friends groups and all that they do for our parks,” said Kristen Kosick, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “Whether it’s fundraising, recruiting volunteers, leading restoration projects or providing educational programming for the public, these dedicated individuals make a difference, every day, and enhance the visitor experience at parks throughout the state.”
Anyone who has an interest in supporting state parks is welcome to join or start a friends group. Find more information and resources at Michigan.gov/DNR/ About/Get-involved/Friends-sp.
Follow Friends of Ludington State Park on Facebook or visit the group’s website at friendsoflud ingtonstatepark.org for more information about the Skyline Trail project, group happenings, volunteer opportunities, membership or donations.
Renovation of the Skyline Trail at Ludington State Park in Mason County is expected to go out for bid later this season, with work projected to begin this fall and conclude by late summer or early fall next year.
Photo courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Photo courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Gathering Ideas for Next Year’s Garden
By Melinda Myers
Summer is a time when many gardeners begin making plans for new additions to next year’s gardens. You may already be doing ongoing evaluations of your own plantings and may want to include tours of others’ gardens.
A walk around your neighborhood can provide inspiration and a chance to observe plants thriving in the same or similar conditions that exist in your landscape. Local garden tours allow you to take a closer look at both front and backyard gardens filled with plants, garden art and more.
Whether you tour alone or with a group of friends, it is a great opportunity to meet the gardener, gather ideas, exchange gardening secrets, and get inspired. Many of the garden tours are sponsored by garden clubs, libraries, beautification groups and other similar organizations. The proceeds from the event usually support a worthy cause in the community. You’ll find local garden tours promoted online, in local publications, garden centers, botanical gardens and other similar venues.
The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days program is a one-of-a-kind private garden tour. Participating gardens are located around the country in small and large lots that feature a variety of styles, plants and features. All you need is a little time and a ticket to participate in the self-guided garden tours. A listing of the Open Days gardens, their location and dates for each garden is listed on their website.
Visit your local or nearby public botanic gardens and arboreta. They feature plants in gardens and natural settings with similar growing conditions to nearby home gardens. They often feature new and unique varieties, traditional favorites and garden designs, providing inspiration to all who visit.
All-America Selections’ (AAS) Display Gardens are another valuable resource for gardeners. AAS is a non-profit organization that trials and evaluates plants for outstanding qualities suitable for the home garden. They have been helping gardeners grow award-winning flowers and vegetables since 1932.
New never-before-sold plant varieties bred for home gardens are planted, observed and evaluated at various trial gardens throughout North America. Trial gardens are located at public gardens, seed companies, or universities. The potential plant introduction is observed and its performance evaluated throughout the growing season. Volunteer judges rate the plants on improvements in characteristics such as aesthetics, performance and productivity as well as pest and disease tolerance. A plant must have significantly improved qualities to be considered for an AAS award.
Display gardens feature the newest AAS winners in a well-maintained setting where you can view the winners. There are nearly 200 display gardens in the United States and Canada located in public botanic gardens and arboreta, municipality gardens, garden retailers, university gardens and more. Some locations also offer related educational opportunities, open houses or field days during the growing season.
Take some time to enjoy and evaluate your gardens. Then set aside some time to visit local gardens for ideas and inspiration.
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Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is www.Melinda Myers.com.
Summer is a time when many gardeners begin making plans for new additions to next year’s gardens. You may already be doing ongoing evaluations of your own plantings and may want to include tours of others’ gardens.
A walk around your neighborhood can provide inspiration and a chance to observe plants thriving in the same or similar conditions that exist in your landscape. Local garden tours allow you to take a closer look at both front and backyard gardens filled with plants, garden art and more.
Whether you tour alone or with a group of friends, it is a great opportunity to meet the gardener, gather ideas, exchange gardening secrets, and get inspired. Many of the garden tours are sponsored by garden clubs, libraries, beautification groups and other similar organizations. The proceeds from the event usually support a worthy cause in the community. You’ll find local garden tours promoted online, in local publications, garden centers, botanical gardens and other similar venues.
The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days program is a one-of-a-kind private garden tour. Participating gardens are located around the country in small and large lots that feature a variety of styles, plants and features. All you need is a little time and a ticket to participate in the self-guided garden tours. A listing of the Open Days gardens, their location and dates for each garden is listed on their website.
Visit your local or nearby public botanic gardens and arboreta. They feature plants in gardens and natural settings with similar growing conditions to nearby home gardens. They often feature new and unique varieties, traditional favorites and garden designs, providing inspiration to all who visit.
All-America Selections’ (AAS) Display Gardens are another valuable resource for gardeners. AAS is a non-profit organization that trials and evaluates plants for outstanding qualities suitable for the home garden. They have been helping gardeners grow award-winning flowers and vegetables since 1932.
New never-before-sold plant varieties bred for home gardens are planted, observed and evaluated at various trial gardens throughout North America. Trial gardens are located at public gardens, seed companies, or universities. The potential plant introduction is observed and its performance evaluated throughout the growing season. Volunteer judges rate the plants on improvements in characteristics such as aesthetics, performance and productivity as well as pest and disease tolerance. A plant must have significantly improved qualities to be considered for an AAS award.
Display gardens feature the newest AAS winners in a well-maintained setting where you can view the winners. There are nearly 200 display gardens in the United States and Canada located in public botanic gardens and arboreta, municipality gardens, garden retailers, university gardens and more. Some locations also offer related educational opportunities, open houses or field days during the growing season.
Take some time to enjoy and evaluate your gardens. Then set aside some time to visit local gardens for ideas and inspiration.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is www.Melinda Myers.com.
