The long-awaited demolition of four dams in downtown Grand Rapids to restore the natural flow of the Grand River will start on July 1, after more than a decade of planning.
(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
While Grand Rapids leaders recently kicked off a years-in-the-making project to restore the city’s namesake rapids to the Grand River downtown, one nagging question remains: how to put the rapids in while keeping invasive sea lamprey out.
The first phase of the “restore the rapids” project will remove four aging low-head dams between Bridge Street and Fulton Street and replace them with rock and boulder structures designed to restore more natural river conditions. Those changes are intended to improve fish passage, increase habitat diversity and recreate some of the river’s historic flow patterns.
One of the most complex parts of the project, however, is the Sixth Street Dam, which currently serves as a barrier preventing lampreys from moving upstream.
Sea lampreys are parasitic fish that attach to native species and have had major ecological and economic impacts across the Great Lakes region.
In the Grand River, the Sixth Street Dam protects roughly 1,900 miles of upstream habitat. That dam will not be removed until a new barrier is constructed, a project still being studied by the US Army Corps of Engineers, said Lisa Walter, aquatic connectivity coordinator for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.
“We’re looking at probably 2028 until we have a project design selected,” Walter said.
More than $20 million in federal funding has already been secured for the future barrier project, according to planning documents.
Kyle Karpowicz, a Grand Rapids resident who has lived in the area since 2002, said he supports efforts to improve the river but said protecting fish populations should remain a priority as the project moves forward.
“A lot of people still come here to fish,” Karpowicz said. “For a lot of people, the fish in this river are an important resource and the invasive lamprey might take that away.”
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‘Our primary natural asset’
For city leaders, the project represents a broader shift in how Grand Rapids sees its riverfront.
“It’s our primary natural asset,” Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand said. “It is our primary thing of beauty in this community.”
The effort is designed to bring back the rapids that gave the city its name while also improving habitat, safety, and public access along the waterfront.
The first phase will cost up to $26 million and is expected to take place over two construction seasons, with work continuing through fall 2027.
Matt Chapman, executive director of Grand Rapids WhiteWater, a coalition of government, business and environmental groups leading the initiative, said the project reflects a longstanding community vision.
“A lot of people come here and say, ‘Where are the rapids?’” Chapman said.
The Grand Rapids project reflects a broader trend in river restoration, as communities across Michigan and the United States remove outdated dams to improve habitat, water quality and public access to waterways.
Mike Staal, Grand Rapids project manager, said safety is a key reason for removing the dams because the dams create dangerous recirculating currents that can trap people.
He added that the project also reflects a shift in how the city interacts with its river.
“We really built our city with our backs to the river,” Staal said. “Now, we’re basically trying to do an about-face.”
Habitat restoration is also a major goal of the project. The design is expected to benefit native species such as lake sturgeon and federally endangered species like the snuffbox mussel.
—————
‘This is amazing’
During the project’s groundbreaking ceremony on June 1, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians held a ceremonial water blessing near the Gillett Bridge downtown.
“I feel like I’m really representing my family and ancestors, and just everybody in my community,” said McKenzie Boda, a citizen of the tribe who participated in the blessing. “This is amazing.”
Rob Yob said the Grand River Bands (GRB) have been tied to the region for more than 2,000 years and continue to see the river as central to their identity.
“The GRB have been part of the living creation that has made this place their home,” he said. “We have faced much adversity over the years, but we continue to call this our home.”
Yob said the tribe supports restoration efforts that benefit not only people, but all living things in the ecosystem.
“We welcome the efforts not only for ourselves, but also for all the living creations that are hoped to benefit — fish, turtles, birds, insects, plants and many other creatures,” said Yob.
By Isabella Figueroa Nogueira
Bridge Michigan
While Grand Rapids leaders recently kicked off a years-in-the-making project to restore the city’s namesake rapids to the Grand River downtown, one nagging question remains: how to put the rapids in while keeping invasive sea lamprey out.
The first phase of the “restore the rapids” project will remove four aging low-head dams between Bridge Street and Fulton Street and replace them with rock and boulder structures designed to restore more natural river conditions. Those changes are intended to improve fish passage, increase habitat diversity and recreate some of the river’s historic flow patterns.
One of the most complex parts of the project, however, is the Sixth Street Dam, which currently serves as a barrier preventing lampreys from moving upstream.
Sea lampreys are parasitic fish that attach to native species and have had major ecological and economic impacts across the Great Lakes region.
In the Grand River, the Sixth Street Dam protects roughly 1,900 miles of upstream habitat. That dam will not be removed until a new barrier is constructed, a project still being studied by the US Army Corps of Engineers, said Lisa Walter, aquatic connectivity coordinator for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.
“We’re looking at probably 2028 until we have a project design selected,” Walter said.
More than $20 million in federal funding has already been secured for the future barrier project, according to planning documents.
Kyle Karpowicz, a Grand Rapids resident who has lived in the area since 2002, said he supports efforts to improve the river but said protecting fish populations should remain a priority as the project moves forward.
“A lot of people still come here to fish,” Karpowicz said. “For a lot of people, the fish in this river are an important resource and the invasive lamprey might take that away.”
—————
‘Our primary natural asset’
For city leaders, the project represents a broader shift in how Grand Rapids sees its riverfront.
“It’s our primary natural asset,” Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand said. “It is our primary thing of beauty in this community.”
The effort is designed to bring back the rapids that gave the city its name while also improving habitat, safety, and public access along the waterfront.
The first phase will cost up to $26 million and is expected to take place over two construction seasons, with work continuing through fall 2027.
Matt Chapman, executive director of Grand Rapids WhiteWater, a coalition of government, business and environmental groups leading the initiative, said the project reflects a longstanding community vision.
“A lot of people come here and say, ‘Where are the rapids?’” Chapman said.
The Grand Rapids project reflects a broader trend in river restoration, as communities across Michigan and the United States remove outdated dams to improve habitat, water quality and public access to waterways.
Mike Staal, Grand Rapids project manager, said safety is a key reason for removing the dams because the dams create dangerous recirculating currents that can trap people.
He added that the project also reflects a shift in how the city interacts with its river.
“We really built our city with our backs to the river,” Staal said. “Now, we’re basically trying to do an about-face.”
Habitat restoration is also a major goal of the project. The design is expected to benefit native species such as lake sturgeon and federally endangered species like the snuffbox mussel.
—————
‘This is amazing’
During the project’s groundbreaking ceremony on June 1, the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians held a ceremonial water blessing near the Gillett Bridge downtown.
“I feel like I’m really representing my family and ancestors, and just everybody in my community,” said McKenzie Boda, a citizen of the tribe who participated in the blessing. “This is amazing.”
Rob Yob said the Grand River Bands (GRB) have been tied to the region for more than 2,000 years and continue to see the river as central to their identity.
“The GRB have been part of the living creation that has made this place their home,” he said. “We have faced much adversity over the years, but we continue to call this our home.”
Yob said the tribe supports restoration efforts that benefit not only people, but all living things in the ecosystem.
“We welcome the efforts not only for ourselves, but also for all the living creations that are hoped to benefit — fish, turtles, birds, insects, plants and many other creatures,” said Yob.
Canada, or Not?
Jack Payne shows off a nice-sized pike from a recent fishing trip.
Photo credit Jack Payne
Photo credit Jack Payne
By Jack Payne
The Johnson Silver Minnow spoon was slowly being reeled in. The spoon gives off a unique thump-thump-roll sound, unlike the Daredevel Spoon and its side-to-side rocking motion. The spoon stopped, I reared back, and a fish started a deep dive with powerful runs.
I could tell right away that this was not an average-sized fish. And, as typical of a pike, it exploded once it saw the boat. The fish would make a hard run, like a freight train taking off each time it spotted the boat. Finally, the battle ended.
What I like about a spoon is that it uses a single hook, which results in less harm to the fish. My goal when pike fishing in Canada is to land 40-inch fish and safely return them to the water.
Our recent drive-in trip to Canada yielded two pike over 40 inches, with the largest measuring 44 inches. Both of my buddies landed 40-inch pike, too.
I enjoy Canada, but I hate the long drive. We were on Lac Suel, a 115-mile-long reservoir north of International Falls, Minn. There is something special when landing a fish and watching a loon diving near the boat. One morning a black bear was spotted grazing along the shoreline.
Our last four trips to Canada, all drive-in trips, pike were the targeted fish. If I wanted walleye, I could name five outstanding fisheries within our state. And I will do that at the end of the article.
Timing and location play a huge part when targeting both walleye and pike in Canada. We arrived 10 days after the ice had left the lake. For pike anglers, this means back bays, dark bottoms, and areas with new vegetation.
For the walleye anglers, it meant finding the spawning areas.
In the summer months, islands, long points, rock, and steep rock walls will hold both species. You need to consider this when booking a trip. These are Canadian shield lakes with rock. Running long distances, or running period, means using your chart and track features on your graph.
One-ounce Daredevil and Johnson Silver minnow spoons in the Black, the Red/White, and the Five of Diamonds. Make sure to carry a few with a brass or gold backside. And remove the treble hooks and use a single hook.
Better hooksets and easier on the fish.
Walleye anglers, jigs rule. We carry three sizes, with the quarter-ounce being the standard. A close second would be the one-eighth-ounce model. The old round ball fits most of the needs, but on occasion, we like throwing the Whistler Jighead.
The propeller blade generates some turbulence, creates noise, and works well in and around the weeds. We carry three-inch plastic action tails and paddle tails. Both come from the Charlie Brewer Company. White, Chartreuse, and Yellow are our top three colors. We also use white as a trailer on the Silver Minnow spoon.
A slip bobber comes in handy. When paired with a leech, it becomes a fish-catching machine. If you want to be more creative, you can throw in some Rapala Husky Jerks. They catch walleye, pike, and smallmouth bass. But they can become a hindrance when a deep-hooked fish or a fish that decides to roll around in the net is involved.
Our best walleye broke the 27-inch mark. Half were caught around or in the cabbage weeds, the other half on fast-dropping rocky points. Smallmouth bass were caught on the rocky points and rocky shoals.
Folks, if you have never fished the St. Clair River or Lake St. Clair, you are missing a treat. The same applies to the Detroit River and Lake Erie. All of these spots are destination spots for walleye anglers from across the country.
However, my favorite spot in the state is Deer Lake near Ishpeming in the Upper Peninsula. We enjoyed 100 fish walleye days on this lake. And we land plenty of bass, crappie, and pike. The disclaimer for this 2,000-acre lake is that it's catch-and-release only, and no live bait is allowed. Still, it's well worth the drive and a blast to fish.
Remember to stop in at Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop this summer.
The Johnson Silver Minnow spoon was slowly being reeled in. The spoon gives off a unique thump-thump-roll sound, unlike the Daredevel Spoon and its side-to-side rocking motion. The spoon stopped, I reared back, and a fish started a deep dive with powerful runs.
I could tell right away that this was not an average-sized fish. And, as typical of a pike, it exploded once it saw the boat. The fish would make a hard run, like a freight train taking off each time it spotted the boat. Finally, the battle ended.
What I like about a spoon is that it uses a single hook, which results in less harm to the fish. My goal when pike fishing in Canada is to land 40-inch fish and safely return them to the water.
Our recent drive-in trip to Canada yielded two pike over 40 inches, with the largest measuring 44 inches. Both of my buddies landed 40-inch pike, too.
I enjoy Canada, but I hate the long drive. We were on Lac Suel, a 115-mile-long reservoir north of International Falls, Minn. There is something special when landing a fish and watching a loon diving near the boat. One morning a black bear was spotted grazing along the shoreline.
Our last four trips to Canada, all drive-in trips, pike were the targeted fish. If I wanted walleye, I could name five outstanding fisheries within our state. And I will do that at the end of the article.
Timing and location play a huge part when targeting both walleye and pike in Canada. We arrived 10 days after the ice had left the lake. For pike anglers, this means back bays, dark bottoms, and areas with new vegetation.
For the walleye anglers, it meant finding the spawning areas.
In the summer months, islands, long points, rock, and steep rock walls will hold both species. You need to consider this when booking a trip. These are Canadian shield lakes with rock. Running long distances, or running period, means using your chart and track features on your graph.
One-ounce Daredevil and Johnson Silver minnow spoons in the Black, the Red/White, and the Five of Diamonds. Make sure to carry a few with a brass or gold backside. And remove the treble hooks and use a single hook.
Better hooksets and easier on the fish.
Walleye anglers, jigs rule. We carry three sizes, with the quarter-ounce being the standard. A close second would be the one-eighth-ounce model. The old round ball fits most of the needs, but on occasion, we like throwing the Whistler Jighead.
The propeller blade generates some turbulence, creates noise, and works well in and around the weeds. We carry three-inch plastic action tails and paddle tails. Both come from the Charlie Brewer Company. White, Chartreuse, and Yellow are our top three colors. We also use white as a trailer on the Silver Minnow spoon.
A slip bobber comes in handy. When paired with a leech, it becomes a fish-catching machine. If you want to be more creative, you can throw in some Rapala Husky Jerks. They catch walleye, pike, and smallmouth bass. But they can become a hindrance when a deep-hooked fish or a fish that decides to roll around in the net is involved.
Our best walleye broke the 27-inch mark. Half were caught around or in the cabbage weeds, the other half on fast-dropping rocky points. Smallmouth bass were caught on the rocky points and rocky shoals.
Folks, if you have never fished the St. Clair River or Lake St. Clair, you are missing a treat. The same applies to the Detroit River and Lake Erie. All of these spots are destination spots for walleye anglers from across the country.
However, my favorite spot in the state is Deer Lake near Ishpeming in the Upper Peninsula. We enjoyed 100 fish walleye days on this lake. And we land plenty of bass, crappie, and pike. The disclaimer for this 2,000-acre lake is that it's catch-and-release only, and no live bait is allowed. Still, it's well worth the drive and a blast to fish.
Remember to stop in at Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop this summer.
Five North American Native Shrubs for the Garden
Buttonbush Cephalanthus has flowers that turn into spherical fruit that persist through winter.
Photo courtesy MelindaMyers.com
By Melinda Myers
Here are a few of the many North American shrubs you may want to include in your landscape. As always, make sure each is suitable for the growing conditions, hardy for your location and will fit the available space once mature.
Support a wide range of pollinators and songbirds with buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) which is native to much of North and Central America. It grows 5-to-8 feet tall, prefers full to part sun, moist to wet soil and is tolerant of heat and compaction. It is late to leaf out but your patience is rewarded when the one-inch diameter, fragrant white flowers appear in summer, attracting a variety of pollinators. The flower heads mature to red and the round seed heads provide food for songbirds.
Consider including one or more of the North American native roses to your landscape. Look for those species native to your area and ones that complement your garden design. Grow them in a sunny location with plenty of space and good air circulation for the best flowering and fewest disease problems. Enjoy the flowers and many pollinators that visit and the colorful fruit (rose hips) that songbirds enjoy.
When looking for a drought tolerant shrub consider ninebark, Physocarpus opulifolius. Watch for white or pinkish flowers and visiting pollinators and songbirds dining on the seeds. Place the plant where you can appreciate the exfoliating bark which reveals layers of reddish to light brown inner bark and looks great against a winter sky. Hardy in zones 2 to 8, it prefers full sun in northern locations and benefits from a bit of afternoon shade in the south.
Plant common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) if you need a vigorous plant to control erosion, support pollinators and songbirds and naturalize large spaces. Hardy in zones 4 to 8, it tolerates both wet and dry soil and is often included in rain gardens. The fragrant white flowers appear in summer and are used to make elderflower water. The purple-black fruit is used to make jams, jellies and wine and is eaten by birds.
The fruit of another native elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is also black and not considered as tasty as those of the common elderberry. Always cook or ferment the fruit of both as eating uncooked fruit can cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. The flowers are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Give elderberries plenty of space as they quickly grow and spread. Regularly remove suckers and seedlings if you need to contain the size of these vigorous plants.
Add year-round greenery along with shelter and food for songbirds by growing one of the North American native junipers. They tolerate full sun and well drained to dry soil once established. Songbirds and small mammals feast upon their fleshy cones that have also been used to flavor gin and season some foods.
Check with your local garden centers and plant nurseries as more of them are selling native plant species. You will also find cultivars of native plants being bred for unique features or more compact growth to better fit into urban and suburban landscapes. Find out more about native plants at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflowers Center website wildflower.org and from your local extension service.
—————
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.
Here are a few of the many North American shrubs you may want to include in your landscape. As always, make sure each is suitable for the growing conditions, hardy for your location and will fit the available space once mature.
Support a wide range of pollinators and songbirds with buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) which is native to much of North and Central America. It grows 5-to-8 feet tall, prefers full to part sun, moist to wet soil and is tolerant of heat and compaction. It is late to leaf out but your patience is rewarded when the one-inch diameter, fragrant white flowers appear in summer, attracting a variety of pollinators. The flower heads mature to red and the round seed heads provide food for songbirds.
Consider including one or more of the North American native roses to your landscape. Look for those species native to your area and ones that complement your garden design. Grow them in a sunny location with plenty of space and good air circulation for the best flowering and fewest disease problems. Enjoy the flowers and many pollinators that visit and the colorful fruit (rose hips) that songbirds enjoy.
When looking for a drought tolerant shrub consider ninebark, Physocarpus opulifolius. Watch for white or pinkish flowers and visiting pollinators and songbirds dining on the seeds. Place the plant where you can appreciate the exfoliating bark which reveals layers of reddish to light brown inner bark and looks great against a winter sky. Hardy in zones 2 to 8, it prefers full sun in northern locations and benefits from a bit of afternoon shade in the south.
Plant common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) if you need a vigorous plant to control erosion, support pollinators and songbirds and naturalize large spaces. Hardy in zones 4 to 8, it tolerates both wet and dry soil and is often included in rain gardens. The fragrant white flowers appear in summer and are used to make elderflower water. The purple-black fruit is used to make jams, jellies and wine and is eaten by birds.
The fruit of another native elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is also black and not considered as tasty as those of the common elderberry. Always cook or ferment the fruit of both as eating uncooked fruit can cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. The flowers are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Give elderberries plenty of space as they quickly grow and spread. Regularly remove suckers and seedlings if you need to contain the size of these vigorous plants.
Add year-round greenery along with shelter and food for songbirds by growing one of the North American native junipers. They tolerate full sun and well drained to dry soil once established. Songbirds and small mammals feast upon their fleshy cones that have also been used to flavor gin and season some foods.
Check with your local garden centers and plant nurseries as more of them are selling native plant species. You will also find cultivars of native plants being bred for unique features or more compact growth to better fit into urban and suburban landscapes. Find out more about native plants at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflowers Center website wildflower.org and from your local extension service.
—————
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.
DNR Seeks Removal of Aging Crawford County Dam
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is pursuing removal of Big Creek Dam in Crawford County, a 62-year-old dam with significant structural issues.
To that end, the DNR recently awarded a $75,000 grant to Michigan Trout Unlimited for a study of engineering, design and construction costs that will inform the removal process for the dam.
Big Creek Dam, which impounds Middle Branch Big Creek, is managed by the DNR and is surrounded by DNR-managed lands.
The dam was constructed in 1964, with the goal of providing fishing opportunities and benefits to the trout fishery downstream — the impoundment is located on a tributary of the North Branch Au Sable River, which is known for its high-profile trout fishing.
The dam, however, did not meet these goals; it negatively affected trout habitat, was not shown to help maintain coldwater conditions downstream and did not provide unique fishing opportunities not found in natural lakes in the area.
The dam was drawn down in 2025 after inspections found significant damage to the concrete riser structure and headwall.
The timing of the drawdown was fortunate, as this spring’s high water levels and flooding would have posed a serious risk of dam failure for the compromised structure. Such a failure would have destructive effects on the downstream ecology of Middle Branch Big Creek and the North Branch Au Sable River.
Given the current condition of the structure, repairing Big Creek Dam is not feasible. If the dam were to remain in place, it would have to be completely rebuilt. The estimated cost of replacement (based on national data from the Association of State Dam Safety Officials) is $3.47 million.
DNR engineers estimate removal of the entire dam infrastructure at $900,000, based on costs to remove similar-sized structures. The cost may be much higher if upstream channel restoration is pursued.
Given that Big Creek Dam does not fulfill its intended purpose, the costs of replacement and maintenance outweigh the value of retaining it. Natural resource managers must evaluate several important factors when considering dam removal, including public safety, benefits to the resource and recreational uses, as well as wise stewardship of limited funding.
The DNR is currently responsible for more than 200 dams, many of which are no longer critical to the department’s mission and, as they age, require extensive maintenance and repair.
Staff engineers estimate that nearly $74 million will be required over the next five years to address DNR-managed dams in need of maintenance, repair or removal.
To responsibly manage these state-owned dams, the DNR is working to make the best use of all available internal and external funds for dam management.
Learn more about DNR dam management at Michigan.gov/ DNR Dams.
To that end, the DNR recently awarded a $75,000 grant to Michigan Trout Unlimited for a study of engineering, design and construction costs that will inform the removal process for the dam.
Big Creek Dam, which impounds Middle Branch Big Creek, is managed by the DNR and is surrounded by DNR-managed lands.
The dam was constructed in 1964, with the goal of providing fishing opportunities and benefits to the trout fishery downstream — the impoundment is located on a tributary of the North Branch Au Sable River, which is known for its high-profile trout fishing.
The dam, however, did not meet these goals; it negatively affected trout habitat, was not shown to help maintain coldwater conditions downstream and did not provide unique fishing opportunities not found in natural lakes in the area.
The dam was drawn down in 2025 after inspections found significant damage to the concrete riser structure and headwall.
The timing of the drawdown was fortunate, as this spring’s high water levels and flooding would have posed a serious risk of dam failure for the compromised structure. Such a failure would have destructive effects on the downstream ecology of Middle Branch Big Creek and the North Branch Au Sable River.
Given the current condition of the structure, repairing Big Creek Dam is not feasible. If the dam were to remain in place, it would have to be completely rebuilt. The estimated cost of replacement (based on national data from the Association of State Dam Safety Officials) is $3.47 million.
DNR engineers estimate removal of the entire dam infrastructure at $900,000, based on costs to remove similar-sized structures. The cost may be much higher if upstream channel restoration is pursued.
Given that Big Creek Dam does not fulfill its intended purpose, the costs of replacement and maintenance outweigh the value of retaining it. Natural resource managers must evaluate several important factors when considering dam removal, including public safety, benefits to the resource and recreational uses, as well as wise stewardship of limited funding.
The DNR is currently responsible for more than 200 dams, many of which are no longer critical to the department’s mission and, as they age, require extensive maintenance and repair.
Staff engineers estimate that nearly $74 million will be required over the next five years to address DNR-managed dams in need of maintenance, repair or removal.
To responsibly manage these state-owned dams, the DNR is working to make the best use of all available internal and external funds for dam management.
Learn more about DNR dam management at Michigan.gov/ DNR Dams.
Learn About ID’ing Grass at Kellogg Sanctuary
Identifying grass-like species can be tricky — even for experienced botanists.
You might know the saying, “sedges have edges, rushes are round, grasses have nodes all the way to the ground.” Need more than that? We’ve got you covered.
Join the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary to learn more about grasses in a two-day, in-person, hands-on course, slated for 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 30-31.
The course will be taught by Tyler Bassett, a botanist with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, and Bradford Slaughter, a botanist with Orbis Environmental Consulting.
Grasses (family Poaceae) occur worldwide in nearly every ecosystem — from forests to wetlands to grasslands. Incredibly abundant, they are also remarkably diverse, often occupying unique microhabitats. Identifying them can be challenging. This course will explore grass anatomy, key identification features, and ecological clues that make species recognition easier and more accurate.
The Grass ID course is designed for conservation professionals, land managers, naturalists, and curious learners; cost is $250 for Sanctuary members and $300 for non-members.
Read more about the course and register at bit.ly/kbs-grass-ID-2026 by Monday, July 27; space is limited.
The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary’s mission is to conserve native habitat for migratory and resident birds and to promote environmental awareness through research, education and outreach.
Since 1928, the Sanctuary has served as a practical training school for animal care and land management, and remains an innovator in wildlife conservation efforts.
For more information about the Sanctuary, visit birdsanctuary.kbs.msu.edu. Direct questions to birdsanctuary@kbs.msu. edu or (269) 671-2510.
You might know the saying, “sedges have edges, rushes are round, grasses have nodes all the way to the ground.” Need more than that? We’ve got you covered.
Join the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary to learn more about grasses in a two-day, in-person, hands-on course, slated for 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, July 30-31.
The course will be taught by Tyler Bassett, a botanist with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory, and Bradford Slaughter, a botanist with Orbis Environmental Consulting.
Grasses (family Poaceae) occur worldwide in nearly every ecosystem — from forests to wetlands to grasslands. Incredibly abundant, they are also remarkably diverse, often occupying unique microhabitats. Identifying them can be challenging. This course will explore grass anatomy, key identification features, and ecological clues that make species recognition easier and more accurate.
The Grass ID course is designed for conservation professionals, land managers, naturalists, and curious learners; cost is $250 for Sanctuary members and $300 for non-members.
Read more about the course and register at bit.ly/kbs-grass-ID-2026 by Monday, July 27; space is limited.
The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary’s mission is to conserve native habitat for migratory and resident birds and to promote environmental awareness through research, education and outreach.
Since 1928, the Sanctuary has served as a practical training school for animal care and land management, and remains an innovator in wildlife conservation efforts.
For more information about the Sanctuary, visit birdsanctuary.kbs.msu.edu. Direct questions to birdsanctuary@kbs.msu. edu or (269) 671-2510.
