William Bowerman, deputy director and chairman of the board for Wings Over Water Research Institute, and two volunteers examine a Michigan bald eagle in May.
(Ed. note: This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Visit the newsroom online: bridgemi.com.)
By Isabella Figueroa Nogueira
Bridge Michigan
The number of bald eagles in Michigan is declining, and funding delays aren’t helping the cause.
Researchers who have spent decades climbing trees, banding eaglets and monitoring nests across Michigan say something unusual is happening this year.
Field crews working with long-term bald eagle monitoring programs say they’ve found empty nests where aerial surveys previously documented young birds. They’ve also seen malnourished eaglets, damaged nests and signs that some adult bald eagles may be attempting to nest a second time after earlier failures.
For scientists who have tracked Michigan’s bald eagle recovery for decades, the observations are raising concern.
“Our initial impressions are that this is not a typical year,” said Bill Bowerman, a professor of wildlife ecology and environmental toxicology at the University of Maryland and deputy director and chairman of the board at the Ann Arbor-based Wings Over Water Research Institute. “We are seeing widespread reproductive difficulties that appear linked to a combination of severe weather and limited food availability.”
Michigan’s bald eagle population is considered one of the country’s major conservation success stories. After decades of decline caused by habitat loss, hunting and the pesticide DDT, federal protections and environmental regulations helped the species recover.
Annual aerial surveys by Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Disease Laboratory showed breeding pairs increased from about 52 pairs in 1961 to roughly 835 pairs by 2017.
But researchers and state wildlife officials said recovery does not eliminate ongoing threats.
State wildlife pathologist Julie Melotti said that, from 1987 to 2024, trauma accounted for the majority of documented eagle deaths examined by the lab, including 34% from vehicle strikes and about 26% from other trauma, while lead toxicosis accounted for nearly 13%.
Melotti said those patterns reflect long-standing risks tied to human activity and scavenging behavior, particularly when eagles feed on roadkill or remains containing lead ammunition.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, also caused major disruptions beginning in 2022.
Melotti’s lab documented 64 eagle deaths during the initial bird flu outbreak from April 2022 to January 2023, with about 70% of those cases involving adult birds. Additional confirmed cases have continued into recent years, including dozens examined since late 2024, with adults again making up a substantial share of infections.
According to Bowerman and other Michigan eagle researchers affiliated with Wings Over Water, monitoring after the 2022 outbreak documented the loss of more than 400 breeding pairs, and researchers estimate roughly 2,500 individual eagles may have been lost statewide.
Unlike species that reproduce quickly, bald eagles mature slowly and typically produce only one clutch of one to three chicks per year, making population recovery more sensitive to large disruptions.
—————
Funding delays
For decades, state-supported aerial surveys and field crews allowed researchers to monitor nests across Michigan.
This year, however, more than $700,000 in federal funding expected through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for bald eagle and colonial waterbird monitoring has yet to be released, said Wings Over Water officials.
“We were all under the same belief in November that this funding would be available,” Bowerman said. “And we didn’t find out until April that it wasn’t coming.”
Bowerman said the delay has changed what monitoring looks like in practice.
“In normal years, both the aerial surveys that DNR guys (do) would have been funded, and we would have up to three banding crews in the field at one time,” he said.
Instead, Wings Over Water researchers say many nests are being visited by volunteers, limiting how many sites can be visited during the short window when eaglets can safely be handled.
That window typically lasts only five to nine weeks, when researchers climb trees, lower eaglets from nests in specialized bags, collect blood samples, measure feathers and body size, determine sex, band birds and test for contaminants including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), mercury, pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
The data help scientists understand not only eagle health but also broader ecosystem conditions, since young eagles reflect contaminants and environmental conditions present in local food systems.
“Every nest visit provides critical information about the health of Michigan’s waters and wildlife,” said Jennifer Day, executive director of Wings Over Water.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials said the agency provided about $800,000 in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for bald eagle and colonial waterbird monitoring in Michigan during the 2026 field season. An additional $500,000 was provided for bald eagle and herring gull contaminant monitoring across Michigan and Wisconsin.
EPA directed questions about the distribution of those funds to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wings Over Water officials said funding expected for their monitoring work had not been released as of this spring.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife did not respond to messages seeking comment.
—————
Nesting under pressure
Recent flooding and high water levels may have reduced fishing opportunities for adult eagles, making it harder for parents to feed young.
“We have fewer eagles that are young,” Bowerman said. “We have some birds that are starving to death.”
Wings Over Water field crews say they have documented dead nestlings, severely malnourished chicks and nests damaged or destroyed during wind events.
The combination of field observations and long-term mortality data helps provide context for what researchers are seeing on the ground.
Melotti’s statewide records show that, even after population recovery, eagles continue to face persistent threats from trauma, poisoning and disease.
Researchers said this year’s observations suggest multiple stressors may be overlapping.
“The long winter, spring flooding, and repeated severe wind events likely created very challenging conditions for nesting eagles,” Bowerman said. “While each of these events can occur naturally, it is unusual to see them happening together and affecting nests across such a broad area.”
Exactly how widespread those conditions are remains unclear.
Bowerman said aerial surveys are still being completed in parts of the state, making it too early to fully assess overall productivity.
But field observations have already surprised even longtime researchers.
Bowerman said conditions this year have looked different from anything he has seen in decades of monitoring. During one recent trip, he went three days without finding an active nest.
While researchers said they are not suggesting bald eagles are again nearing endangered status, they say continued monitoring is essential.
By Isabella Figueroa Nogueira
Bridge Michigan
The number of bald eagles in Michigan is declining, and funding delays aren’t helping the cause.
Researchers who have spent decades climbing trees, banding eaglets and monitoring nests across Michigan say something unusual is happening this year.
Field crews working with long-term bald eagle monitoring programs say they’ve found empty nests where aerial surveys previously documented young birds. They’ve also seen malnourished eaglets, damaged nests and signs that some adult bald eagles may be attempting to nest a second time after earlier failures.
For scientists who have tracked Michigan’s bald eagle recovery for decades, the observations are raising concern.
“Our initial impressions are that this is not a typical year,” said Bill Bowerman, a professor of wildlife ecology and environmental toxicology at the University of Maryland and deputy director and chairman of the board at the Ann Arbor-based Wings Over Water Research Institute. “We are seeing widespread reproductive difficulties that appear linked to a combination of severe weather and limited food availability.”
Michigan’s bald eagle population is considered one of the country’s major conservation success stories. After decades of decline caused by habitat loss, hunting and the pesticide DDT, federal protections and environmental regulations helped the species recover.
Annual aerial surveys by Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Disease Laboratory showed breeding pairs increased from about 52 pairs in 1961 to roughly 835 pairs by 2017.
But researchers and state wildlife officials said recovery does not eliminate ongoing threats.
State wildlife pathologist Julie Melotti said that, from 1987 to 2024, trauma accounted for the majority of documented eagle deaths examined by the lab, including 34% from vehicle strikes and about 26% from other trauma, while lead toxicosis accounted for nearly 13%.
Melotti said those patterns reflect long-standing risks tied to human activity and scavenging behavior, particularly when eagles feed on roadkill or remains containing lead ammunition.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, also caused major disruptions beginning in 2022.
Melotti’s lab documented 64 eagle deaths during the initial bird flu outbreak from April 2022 to January 2023, with about 70% of those cases involving adult birds. Additional confirmed cases have continued into recent years, including dozens examined since late 2024, with adults again making up a substantial share of infections.
According to Bowerman and other Michigan eagle researchers affiliated with Wings Over Water, monitoring after the 2022 outbreak documented the loss of more than 400 breeding pairs, and researchers estimate roughly 2,500 individual eagles may have been lost statewide.
Unlike species that reproduce quickly, bald eagles mature slowly and typically produce only one clutch of one to three chicks per year, making population recovery more sensitive to large disruptions.
—————
Funding delays
For decades, state-supported aerial surveys and field crews allowed researchers to monitor nests across Michigan.
This year, however, more than $700,000 in federal funding expected through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative for bald eagle and colonial waterbird monitoring has yet to be released, said Wings Over Water officials.
“We were all under the same belief in November that this funding would be available,” Bowerman said. “And we didn’t find out until April that it wasn’t coming.”
Bowerman said the delay has changed what monitoring looks like in practice.
“In normal years, both the aerial surveys that DNR guys (do) would have been funded, and we would have up to three banding crews in the field at one time,” he said.
Instead, Wings Over Water researchers say many nests are being visited by volunteers, limiting how many sites can be visited during the short window when eaglets can safely be handled.
That window typically lasts only five to nine weeks, when researchers climb trees, lower eaglets from nests in specialized bags, collect blood samples, measure feathers and body size, determine sex, band birds and test for contaminants including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), mercury, pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
The data help scientists understand not only eagle health but also broader ecosystem conditions, since young eagles reflect contaminants and environmental conditions present in local food systems.
“Every nest visit provides critical information about the health of Michigan’s waters and wildlife,” said Jennifer Day, executive director of Wings Over Water.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials said the agency provided about $800,000 in Great Lakes Restoration Initiative funding to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for bald eagle and colonial waterbird monitoring in Michigan during the 2026 field season. An additional $500,000 was provided for bald eagle and herring gull contaminant monitoring across Michigan and Wisconsin.
EPA directed questions about the distribution of those funds to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wings Over Water officials said funding expected for their monitoring work had not been released as of this spring.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife did not respond to messages seeking comment.
—————
Nesting under pressure
Recent flooding and high water levels may have reduced fishing opportunities for adult eagles, making it harder for parents to feed young.
“We have fewer eagles that are young,” Bowerman said. “We have some birds that are starving to death.”
Wings Over Water field crews say they have documented dead nestlings, severely malnourished chicks and nests damaged or destroyed during wind events.
The combination of field observations and long-term mortality data helps provide context for what researchers are seeing on the ground.
Melotti’s statewide records show that, even after population recovery, eagles continue to face persistent threats from trauma, poisoning and disease.
Researchers said this year’s observations suggest multiple stressors may be overlapping.
“The long winter, spring flooding, and repeated severe wind events likely created very challenging conditions for nesting eagles,” Bowerman said. “While each of these events can occur naturally, it is unusual to see them happening together and affecting nests across such a broad area.”
Exactly how widespread those conditions are remains unclear.
Bowerman said aerial surveys are still being completed in parts of the state, making it too early to fully assess overall productivity.
But field observations have already surprised even longtime researchers.
Bowerman said conditions this year have looked different from anything he has seen in decades of monitoring. During one recent trip, he went three days without finding an active nest.
While researchers said they are not suggesting bald eagles are again nearing endangered status, they say continued monitoring is essential.
My Favorite Trophy Fish
By Jack Payne
Rod buckled down, throbbing downward, just a banging in the rod holder. The fish fights hard and long, and will test anyone’s tackle. Yes, the channel catfish is a favorite of mine.
The subtle tick of a crappie sucking in a plastic jig while using my custom-built three-weight flyrod blank converted to a spinning rod is a hoot to fish with. And any crappie larger than eleven inches creates a challenge on this blank. Catch a true, honest 14-inch, well, it’s an incredible sport fish.
However, the top honor for me is the toothy northern pike. The small pike hit hard, then roll over. The big brutes hit fast, make long runs, and go ballistic once they see the boat. The fight never ends until the fish is gently released to fight again.
A master angler pike in Michigan measures in at 36 inches. The gold standard for me and other fans of the pike is the elusive 40-inch pike. Yes, luck is on my side, as I have caught a good number of the gold standard-sized fish.
Hands down, my favorite method is casting with a rod in hand. Early-season back bays and shallow water will allow for random casting. During late spring and lasting until freeze over, knowing where to cast is paramount to success.
The deep side of the weeds is the perfect beginning spot. The best summer weedbed will border deep water. The closer to a dropoff, the better the spot. And if the deep water is at 20-to-30 feet, the better the location.
Another prime location would be a deep point. The point can be the easy visual landmarks that extend from the shore. Or they might be the long underwater points found on a topographic map or by driving over the spot with your eyes glued to the graph screen.
Deep water points are just plain fish magnets for many species during the summer. The best points will have some type of structure. Scattered weeds, rocks, a log, something the fish can relate to. The best points drop off into deep water. I like points that have two dropoffs.
Maybe the first break drops into 12-to-20 feet of water. The next dropoff is into, say, 30 feet of water.
You can fancast the points working various depths from one location. Points can also be fished with a trolling technique. You can troll parallel to the point, or you can troll criss-crossing the point.
Pike are notorious suspenders. Along a weedline, you might find the fish sitting close to the bottom, but as the depth changes, the best fish will be suspended. Knowing the depth of a thermocline will solve the question of how deep your baits need to run.
A Johnson Silver Minnow with a Twister Tail Trailer works great. Try both the pure silver and the pure gold/brass colors. On different days, a different color might land the majority of the fish. Adding a 3-to-5-inch plastic action tail brings out the best of this lure. The one-ounce spoon my favorite.
Another spoon I throw a lot is the Daredevel spoon. The old red/white combination gets about 40% of my time. A Black Ghost color another 40%, followed by the famous five of diamonds. These spoons are offered with either a standard silver back or a gold back. Try both. Remove the treble hook and use a single hook. I rarely add plastic to the Daredevel spoon. I love the side-to-side action of the spoon as is. Once again, only a one-ounce spoon is used.
My next bait is actually two: the Rapala Husky Jerk for casting, and the original Floater for trolling. When trolling, I add weight. Sometimes I use an inline weight, and other times I use the old stand-by three-way rig.
A deep-diving Husky Jerk, with a few pauses, drives fish along the weedline nuts. The same can be applied to a suspended fish. The deep diver Husky Jerk performs better than the regular Husky Jerk during the summer months.
Try pike fishing and visit Bob’s Gun and Tackle Shop.
Grand Explorers’ Trail Race Returns Saturday
The Ottawa County Parks Foundation and Ottawa County Parks and Recreation invites runners and walkers of all ages to participate in the Grand Explorers’ Trail Race this Saturday.
This unique trail race spans not one but two of West Michigan’s most beloved parks: Grand River County Park and Grand Ravines County Park. Participants will experience scenic riverfront landscapes, wooded trails, and natural areas while celebrating the connection between people and nature.
The event features a 10K race, 5K race, and Kids’ 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk. The Kids’ Fun Run begins at 8 a.m., followed by the 10K and 5K races at 8:30 a.m.
The course begins at Grand River County Park and follows natural surface trails before connecting to the Idema Explorers Trail, which links Grand River County Park and Grand Ravines County Park. Along the way, participants will enjoy views of the Grand River and one of Ottawa County’s most popular park destinations.
Dogs are welcome to participate in the 5K and 10K races provided they remain on a six-foot leash and are comfortable around people and other dogs.
Every registration directly supports the Ottawa County Parks Foundation, whose mission is “bridging community to nature.” Funds raised through the event help support trail stewardship, park improvements, environmental education programs, and other initiatives that keep Ottawa County Parks healthy, accessible, and welcoming for future generations.
Additional race information and registration details are available at grandexplorerstrailrace.com.
The Ottawa County Parks Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission. Through private donations and grants, the Foundation works to enhance parks, trails, outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental education opportunities throughout Ottawa County.
This unique trail race spans not one but two of West Michigan’s most beloved parks: Grand River County Park and Grand Ravines County Park. Participants will experience scenic riverfront landscapes, wooded trails, and natural areas while celebrating the connection between people and nature.
The event features a 10K race, 5K race, and Kids’ 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk. The Kids’ Fun Run begins at 8 a.m., followed by the 10K and 5K races at 8:30 a.m.
The course begins at Grand River County Park and follows natural surface trails before connecting to the Idema Explorers Trail, which links Grand River County Park and Grand Ravines County Park. Along the way, participants will enjoy views of the Grand River and one of Ottawa County’s most popular park destinations.
Dogs are welcome to participate in the 5K and 10K races provided they remain on a six-foot leash and are comfortable around people and other dogs.
Every registration directly supports the Ottawa County Parks Foundation, whose mission is “bridging community to nature.” Funds raised through the event help support trail stewardship, park improvements, environmental education programs, and other initiatives that keep Ottawa County Parks healthy, accessible, and welcoming for future generations.
Additional race information and registration details are available at grandexplorerstrailrace.com.
The Ottawa County Parks Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission. Through private donations and grants, the Foundation works to enhance parks, trails, outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental education opportunities throughout Ottawa County.
$273 Million in ARPA-funded State Park Projects Near Completion
Powered by a historic $273 million investment from the American Rescue Plan Act, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is entering the final stretch of extensive upgrades at state parks and trails.
Outlined in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Building Michigan Together Plan, this unprecedented investment has allowed the DNR to tackle many needs from a decades-long maintenance backlog.
To date, 100% of the DNR’s 197 planned improvement projects are either complete or actively underway, ensuring every dollar is successfully put to work. This includes 142 completed projects and another 55 projects actively underway or in progress, all on track to cross the finish line by the end of the year.
“ARPA funding has been monumental for improving our state parks infrastructure,” said Kristen Kosick, DNR Parks and Recreation chief. “Michigan has one of the best state parks systems in the country, and it is vital that we appropriately fund and maintain our facilities to ensure safe, accessible, welcoming and memorable experiences for our visitors.
“These funds have allowed the DNR to modernize and enhance the state parks system, and we’re excited for visitors to enjoy these improved amenities in the parks this summer.”
Kosick said the influx of ARPA dollars was especially consequential, given that roughly 97% of state parks funding is generated by user fees, including the Recreation Passport, and royalty revenues – just 3% comes from Michigan’s General Fund tax dollars.
—————
Projects completed since July
Following are brief descriptions, organized alphabetically by park name, outlining the improvements and upgrades completed since July 2025.
• As part of widespread enhancements at Belle Isle Park (Wayne County), the historic Belle Isle Casino has received a new roof and upgrades in line with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. Additionally, the former zoo complex was removed to make way for several exciting, multifunded features. These upcoming additions include 20 acres of restored natural areas with new hiking trails, the reconnection of Vista Avenue and a 110-space specialized, eco-friendly parking area designed to manage stormwater runoff. These projects, among others, were supported by approximately $35.25 million in ARPA funding.
• Improvements at Bishop Lake Campground – including repaving campground roads and upgrading the electrical – at Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County) were completed earlier this month. These improvements were supported by approximately $2.97 million in ARPA funding.
• Fayette Historic State Park (Delta County) completed several key improvements last summer. The projects delivered much-needed structural upgrades to the historic townsite, and accessible walkways and restrooms at the park’s visitor center. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $3.05 million in ARPA funding.
• Visitors can now enjoy the first phase of enhancements at the popular visitor center at Hartwick Pines State Park (Crawford County). Upgrades include a new roof, windows, carpeting and updated HVAC system, alongside an upgraded auditorium and an ADA-accessible,
push-button entrance door. The building’s aesthetics were also refreshed with new interior finishes, exterior painting, stone pointing and other finishes. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $3.4 million in ARPA funding.
• The Gillette Visitor Center, a popular destination at Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon County), reopened in February following extensive renovations. The building features a new roof, updated HVAC system, restored exterior brickwork, new flooring and updated interior railings. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $6.4 million in ARPA funding.
• Campers at Ionia Recreation Area in Ionia County will notice several upgrades, including improvements to the toilet and shower building, campground roads, site pads and the park’s electrical system. Additionally, the beach house received a new roof, and the historic schoolhouse underwent renovations. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $4.2 million in ARPA funding.
• Visitors to Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County) will find several upgrades this season. The park now features a brand-new contact station with a roundabout, improved underground utilities and newly paved roads, sidewalks and beach parking. Additionally, sections of the popular Blue Trail have been rerouted to enhance safety. These improvements were supported by approximately $2.95 million in ARPA funding.
• As of last summer, Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area’s (Lapeer County) modern campground features extensive campground upgrades, including campground paving and major electrical, water and sewer system improvements. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $5.9 million ARPA investments.
• In October, Muskallonge Lake State Park (Luce County) unveiled a brand-new, accessible boardwalk and path to Lake Superior and newly paved campground roads. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $6.5 million in ARPA funding.
• Upgrades at Snug Harbor in Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County) are now complete. Utilities have been modernized with new electrical, sewer and municipal water line systems, alongside a new ADA-compliant walkway leading to the fishing pier, improved parking and partial repaving. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $5.2 million in ARPA funding.
• Improvements at Pinckney Recreation Area’s (Livingston and Washtenaw counties) Bruin Lake Campground – including a new toilet and shower building and sanitation stations, and freshly paved roads – were completed in late May. These improvements, among others in the park, were supported by approximately $2.65 million in ARPA funding.
• Getting to the brink of the Upper Falls at Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Chippewa and Luce counties) got a lot easier earlier this spring. A new 1,100-foot, fully accessible boardwalk now features five switchback landings offering interpretive displays, pedestrian benches and panoramic views of the Upper Falls, Tahquamenon River and old-growth forest. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $4.75 million in ARPA funding.
• In April, the Eddy Discovery Center at Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson and Washtenaw counties) welcomed visitors back to an enhanced space, including a new roof, modernized atrium, a state-of-the-art HVAC system and brand-new exhibits. Additionally, visitors were greeted with renovations at Sugarloaf and Portage lake campgrounds, a refreshed day-use playground, an improved fishing pier, newly paved park roads and updated water systems. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $2.58 million in ARPA funding.
• Campers will take notice of campground repaving at Young State Park (Charlevoix County). This improvement, among others, was supported by approximately $4.8 million in ARPA funding.
Check the status of all ARPA-funded park projects at Michigan.gov/StateParksProgress.
Outlined in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Building Michigan Together Plan, this unprecedented investment has allowed the DNR to tackle many needs from a decades-long maintenance backlog.
To date, 100% of the DNR’s 197 planned improvement projects are either complete or actively underway, ensuring every dollar is successfully put to work. This includes 142 completed projects and another 55 projects actively underway or in progress, all on track to cross the finish line by the end of the year.
“ARPA funding has been monumental for improving our state parks infrastructure,” said Kristen Kosick, DNR Parks and Recreation chief. “Michigan has one of the best state parks systems in the country, and it is vital that we appropriately fund and maintain our facilities to ensure safe, accessible, welcoming and memorable experiences for our visitors.
“These funds have allowed the DNR to modernize and enhance the state parks system, and we’re excited for visitors to enjoy these improved amenities in the parks this summer.”
Kosick said the influx of ARPA dollars was especially consequential, given that roughly 97% of state parks funding is generated by user fees, including the Recreation Passport, and royalty revenues – just 3% comes from Michigan’s General Fund tax dollars.
—————
Projects completed since July
Following are brief descriptions, organized alphabetically by park name, outlining the improvements and upgrades completed since July 2025.
• As part of widespread enhancements at Belle Isle Park (Wayne County), the historic Belle Isle Casino has received a new roof and upgrades in line with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. Additionally, the former zoo complex was removed to make way for several exciting, multifunded features. These upcoming additions include 20 acres of restored natural areas with new hiking trails, the reconnection of Vista Avenue and a 110-space specialized, eco-friendly parking area designed to manage stormwater runoff. These projects, among others, were supported by approximately $35.25 million in ARPA funding.
• Improvements at Bishop Lake Campground – including repaving campground roads and upgrading the electrical – at Brighton Recreation Area (Livingston County) were completed earlier this month. These improvements were supported by approximately $2.97 million in ARPA funding.
• Fayette Historic State Park (Delta County) completed several key improvements last summer. The projects delivered much-needed structural upgrades to the historic townsite, and accessible walkways and restrooms at the park’s visitor center. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $3.05 million in ARPA funding.
• Visitors can now enjoy the first phase of enhancements at the popular visitor center at Hartwick Pines State Park (Crawford County). Upgrades include a new roof, windows, carpeting and updated HVAC system, alongside an upgraded auditorium and an ADA-accessible,
push-button entrance door. The building’s aesthetics were also refreshed with new interior finishes, exterior painting, stone pointing and other finishes. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $3.4 million in ARPA funding.
• The Gillette Visitor Center, a popular destination at Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon County), reopened in February following extensive renovations. The building features a new roof, updated HVAC system, restored exterior brickwork, new flooring and updated interior railings. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $6.4 million in ARPA funding.
• Campers at Ionia Recreation Area in Ionia County will notice several upgrades, including improvements to the toilet and shower building, campground roads, site pads and the park’s electrical system. Additionally, the beach house received a new roof, and the historic schoolhouse underwent renovations. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $4.2 million in ARPA funding.
• Visitors to Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County) will find several upgrades this season. The park now features a brand-new contact station with a roundabout, improved underground utilities and newly paved roads, sidewalks and beach parking. Additionally, sections of the popular Blue Trail have been rerouted to enhance safety. These improvements were supported by approximately $2.95 million in ARPA funding.
• As of last summer, Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area’s (Lapeer County) modern campground features extensive campground upgrades, including campground paving and major electrical, water and sewer system improvements. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $5.9 million ARPA investments.
• In October, Muskallonge Lake State Park (Luce County) unveiled a brand-new, accessible boardwalk and path to Lake Superior and newly paved campground roads. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $6.5 million in ARPA funding.
• Upgrades at Snug Harbor in Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County) are now complete. Utilities have been modernized with new electrical, sewer and municipal water line systems, alongside a new ADA-compliant walkway leading to the fishing pier, improved parking and partial repaving. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $5.2 million in ARPA funding.
• Improvements at Pinckney Recreation Area’s (Livingston and Washtenaw counties) Bruin Lake Campground – including a new toilet and shower building and sanitation stations, and freshly paved roads – were completed in late May. These improvements, among others in the park, were supported by approximately $2.65 million in ARPA funding.
• Getting to the brink of the Upper Falls at Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Chippewa and Luce counties) got a lot easier earlier this spring. A new 1,100-foot, fully accessible boardwalk now features five switchback landings offering interpretive displays, pedestrian benches and panoramic views of the Upper Falls, Tahquamenon River and old-growth forest. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $4.75 million in ARPA funding.
• In April, the Eddy Discovery Center at Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson and Washtenaw counties) welcomed visitors back to an enhanced space, including a new roof, modernized atrium, a state-of-the-art HVAC system and brand-new exhibits. Additionally, visitors were greeted with renovations at Sugarloaf and Portage lake campgrounds, a refreshed day-use playground, an improved fishing pier, newly paved park roads and updated water systems. These improvements, among others, were supported by approximately $2.58 million in ARPA funding.
• Campers will take notice of campground repaving at Young State Park (Charlevoix County). This improvement, among others, was supported by approximately $4.8 million in ARPA funding.
Check the status of all ARPA-funded park projects at Michigan.gov/StateParksProgress.
How to Grow, Prepare and Enjoy Hot Peppers
Pot-a-peno is a compact, high-yielding jalapeño pepper variety bred for growing in containers and hanging baskets.
Photo courtesy All-America Selections
Photo courtesy All-America Selections
By Melinda Myers
Some like it hot, and that includes the spicy heat of hot peppers added to entrees, beverages and desserts. Others value hot peppers for their help with pain relief and other health benefits. For those who can’t stand the heat, proper pepper selection, care and preparation can help turn down the heat as needed.
The spicy heat of hot peppers is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), named after Wilbur Scoville. The heat units were originally determined by a panel of individual tasters. Chili peppers were ground and added to a sugar-water solution. The solution was continually diluted until the panelists found the solution no longer burned their mouth. Each pepper was assigned a number based on the amount of sugar-water solution needed to reach that point.
Today, a more accurate, less subjective high–performance liquid chromatography method can be used for measuring the pungency of hot peppers.
Poblano and Siracha rate between 1,000 to 2,500, jalapenos up to 8,000, cayenne and Tabasco can peak at 50,000, Thai peppers 50,000 to 100,000, and habaneros up to 350,000. Some of the hottest peppers include the Carolina Reaper at 2,300,000, Dragon’s Breath at 2,500,000 and Pepper X at 3,180,000.
For a bit of a surprise, try Shishito peppers where only one out of ten peppers are rated at 1,000 or higher SHU. The only way to tell which one is hot is by taking a bite. To enjoy the citrusy flavor of habanero peppers but not the heat, grow the All-America Selections winner Roulette.
Ornamental peppers are edible as well as pretty. Most will rate anywhere from 10,000 to 50,000 SHU. Chilly Chili ornamental pepper produces an abundance of attractive yellow, orange and red upright fruit on 10-to-12-inch plants. As the name suggests, they have almost no heat.
Weather influences productivity and the heat in peppers. They grow and produce best when day temperatures are 70° to 80° F and night temperatures are 60° to 70° F. Cold, heat and drought are the most common cause of blossom drop, misshapen fruit and a poor harvest. When summer is filled with long, hot days, hot peppers tend to be even hotter.
Harvest most hot peppers when fully mature and red for the strongest flavor. Green chili and jalapeno peppers are harvested when green. And some, like jalapeno, habanero and Anaheim, are hot whether they are harvested when green or red.
Label hot peppers when growing, harvesting and storing them. Many sweet and hot pepper varieties look similar and confusing the two could be unpleasant. Consider planting them in separate spaces in the garden to further avoid misidentification and keep a glass of milk handy in case you need to neutralize the sting.
If desired, the heat of peppers can be turned down when preparing favorite recipes. Most of the capsaicin that gives hot peppers their heat is in the white membrane that houses the seeds, so removing this along with the seeds will provide the flavor with less heat.
Wear rubber gloves and avoid touching your face and eyes when working with hot peppers as they can burn. Wash your hands, utensils and cutting boards when finished.
Adding hot peppers to your meals will also provide many health benefits. Use them fresh and can, freeze or dry the surplus to enjoy later or share with family and friends.
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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” streaming courses and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Her website is MelindaMyers.com.
Some like it hot, and that includes the spicy heat of hot peppers added to entrees, beverages and desserts. Others value hot peppers for their help with pain relief and other health benefits. For those who can’t stand the heat, proper pepper selection, care and preparation can help turn down the heat as needed.
The spicy heat of hot peppers is measured in Scoville Heat Units (SHU), named after Wilbur Scoville. The heat units were originally determined by a panel of individual tasters. Chili peppers were ground and added to a sugar-water solution. The solution was continually diluted until the panelists found the solution no longer burned their mouth. Each pepper was assigned a number based on the amount of sugar-water solution needed to reach that point.
Today, a more accurate, less subjective high–performance liquid chromatography method can be used for measuring the pungency of hot peppers.
Poblano and Siracha rate between 1,000 to 2,500, jalapenos up to 8,000, cayenne and Tabasco can peak at 50,000, Thai peppers 50,000 to 100,000, and habaneros up to 350,000. Some of the hottest peppers include the Carolina Reaper at 2,300,000, Dragon’s Breath at 2,500,000 and Pepper X at 3,180,000.
For a bit of a surprise, try Shishito peppers where only one out of ten peppers are rated at 1,000 or higher SHU. The only way to tell which one is hot is by taking a bite. To enjoy the citrusy flavor of habanero peppers but not the heat, grow the All-America Selections winner Roulette.
Ornamental peppers are edible as well as pretty. Most will rate anywhere from 10,000 to 50,000 SHU. Chilly Chili ornamental pepper produces an abundance of attractive yellow, orange and red upright fruit on 10-to-12-inch plants. As the name suggests, they have almost no heat.
Weather influences productivity and the heat in peppers. They grow and produce best when day temperatures are 70° to 80° F and night temperatures are 60° to 70° F. Cold, heat and drought are the most common cause of blossom drop, misshapen fruit and a poor harvest. When summer is filled with long, hot days, hot peppers tend to be even hotter.
Harvest most hot peppers when fully mature and red for the strongest flavor. Green chili and jalapeno peppers are harvested when green. And some, like jalapeno, habanero and Anaheim, are hot whether they are harvested when green or red.
Label hot peppers when growing, harvesting and storing them. Many sweet and hot pepper varieties look similar and confusing the two could be unpleasant. Consider planting them in separate spaces in the garden to further avoid misidentification and keep a glass of milk handy in case you need to neutralize the sting.
If desired, the heat of peppers can be turned down when preparing favorite recipes. Most of the capsaicin that gives hot peppers their heat is in the white membrane that houses the seeds, so removing this along with the seeds will provide the flavor with less heat.
Wear rubber gloves and avoid touching your face and eyes when working with hot peppers as they can burn. Wash your hands, utensils and cutting boards when finished.
Adding hot peppers to your meals will also provide many health benefits. Use them fresh and can, freeze or dry the surplus to enjoy later or share with family and friends.
—————
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” streaming courses and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Her website is MelindaMyers.com.
