Visitors walk the boardwalk through the dunes at Rosy Mound Natural Area in Ottawa County.
This July, join Ottawa County Parks in celebrating Park and Recreation Month with opportunities to explore local parks and connect with nature.
At its June 17 meeting, the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission officially adopted a resolution recognizing July as Park and Recreation Month, an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
Celebrated nationwide each July, the observance recognizes the important role parks and recreation play in everyday life. This year's theme, “The Power Of,” highlights the power of parks and recreation to bring people together, support health and well-being, and build stronger, more resilient communities.
Residents and visitors can celebrate Park and Recreation Month by:
• Attending an Ottawa County Parks program
• Exploring a new park through the Visit Every Park Challenge
• Participating in the 2026 Scavenger Hunt
• Sharing favorite park memories on social media by tagging @OttawaCountyParks or using #OttawaCountyParks
With summer heat and changing weather conditions expected, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead before heading outdoors. Bringing plenty of water, dressing for the weather, checking the forecast, and reviewing park and beach safety information can help make every visit safe and enjoyable. Safety tips are available at miOttawa.org/parks/safety.
“Park and Recreation Month is a chance to celebrate the places that make Ottawa County special,” County Parks Director Jason Shamblin said. “We look forward to welcoming visitors throughout the month and encourage everyone to plan ahead so every visit is a safe one.”
Today, Ottawa County Parks cares for more than 7,700 acres of parks, trails, beaches, and open spaces across the county. The park system is supported in part by the voter-approved Parks & Open Space Millage, which helps fund park operations, trail and facility maintenance, habitat stewardship, and park improvements.
Educational information about the Parks & Open Space Millage renewal and restoration proposal appearing on the Aug. 4 ballot is available at miOttawa.org/parks-millage.
To view upcoming events, find a park, or plan a safe visit, go to miOttawa.org/Parks.
At its June 17 meeting, the Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission officially adopted a resolution recognizing July as Park and Recreation Month, an initiative of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
Celebrated nationwide each July, the observance recognizes the important role parks and recreation play in everyday life. This year's theme, “The Power Of,” highlights the power of parks and recreation to bring people together, support health and well-being, and build stronger, more resilient communities.
Residents and visitors can celebrate Park and Recreation Month by:
• Attending an Ottawa County Parks program
• Exploring a new park through the Visit Every Park Challenge
• Participating in the 2026 Scavenger Hunt
• Sharing favorite park memories on social media by tagging @OttawaCountyParks or using #OttawaCountyParks
With summer heat and changing weather conditions expected, visitors are encouraged to plan ahead before heading outdoors. Bringing plenty of water, dressing for the weather, checking the forecast, and reviewing park and beach safety information can help make every visit safe and enjoyable. Safety tips are available at miOttawa.org/parks/safety.
“Park and Recreation Month is a chance to celebrate the places that make Ottawa County special,” County Parks Director Jason Shamblin said. “We look forward to welcoming visitors throughout the month and encourage everyone to plan ahead so every visit is a safe one.”
Today, Ottawa County Parks cares for more than 7,700 acres of parks, trails, beaches, and open spaces across the county. The park system is supported in part by the voter-approved Parks & Open Space Millage, which helps fund park operations, trail and facility maintenance, habitat stewardship, and park improvements.
Educational information about the Parks & Open Space Millage renewal and restoration proposal appearing on the Aug. 4 ballot is available at miOttawa.org/parks-millage.
To view upcoming events, find a park, or plan a safe visit, go to miOttawa.org/Parks.
Transducers and Trolling Motor Concerns
By Jack Payne
One moment we were catching walleye at a steady pace. And the next, well, we were dead in the water.
The trolling motor stopped; I forgot to charge the battery. I have lithium batteries that last for days, and an app on my phone shows the status of each battery. But if you don't look at the app, well, the batteries go dead.
Lithium batteries hold a full load until they die. Regular lead batteries will still allow the prop to turn on the trolling motor, but your fob will not work. If your fob fails, it's either a low marine battery voltage issue or the fob's battery is dead.
The fob is notorious for not working when the marine battery gets low. Two friends called me asking why their trolling motor wasn't working. No power, no working motor.
Remember, batteries have a shelf life, and often a battery charger will show a full load, but the battery will not perform. Use a voltmeter; you should read 13 volts or close to it on a 12-volt system and 24 volts or higher on a 24-volt system.
Last week, a buddy called, and after testing a few items, we determined that the battery charger had failed. I’ve seen this twice in the past three years. A voltmeter will indicate whether the charger is supplying power.
Pull the prop off and check for fishing line and weeds. Anything wrapped around the prop and shaft will reduce the trolling motor's performance.
A properly-mounted transducer will show both bottom readings and fish at any speed. Make sure your transducer runs in smooth water. Keep the transducer behind a smooth spot of your hull, not behind a rib.
If you lose bottom at high speeds, most likely the transducer needs to be moved down slightly. Often, an eighth of an inch is a lot. A sixteenth of an inch might do the trick.
Another suggestion is if you lose the bottom, tilt the transducer downward ever so slightly. Remember how your boat looks when you are on a plane. Again, just a fuzz can make a huge difference.
In the summer, I run 25-30 miles an hour looking for suspended fish. A school of panfish will jump out at you like a Christmas tree. My transducer is mounted properly so that I can run at these speeds. This is a simple procedure.
I run a 16 -volt battery just for my two graphs. Yes, your graph says 12 volts, but nearly all graphs will run on a power source up to 18 volts. A separate battery delivers a crisp screen with super-sharp detail.
With a side scan, you can see 60-100 feet on each side of the boat. What you are looking for are shadows. With a minimal amount of practice, you will learn to spot rocks, logs, and anything vertical. The first place to practice is in front of a marina or a shoreline with docks. You need a visual that your eyes see, and then look at your graph. In time, you will be able to spot baitfish and game fish.
Spawning bluegill and beds will show up as a moon crater. Bed after bed will be clearly visible. I recommend watching a few YouTube videos. Down scan looks downward in the same way as your traditional 2-D sonar, but it shows separation much more clearly. The difference is in the detail. Once again, go out on a calm day and compare the two.
All summer we chase bluegills and crappies. All of these fish will be suspended above the thermocline. And all will show up crystal clear with side imaging.
When we locate schools of panfish, we try to get upwind of them. Then we drift over the schools of fish. Summer panfish are aggressive. We use perch flies, foam spiders, and gnats on a double hook rig with a Hali spoon in place of a sinker. Charlie Brewer is our favorite plastic baits and are in both the one-inch size and the Crappie Grub in yellow or chartreuse.
Last, stop in at Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop.
One moment we were catching walleye at a steady pace. And the next, well, we were dead in the water.
The trolling motor stopped; I forgot to charge the battery. I have lithium batteries that last for days, and an app on my phone shows the status of each battery. But if you don't look at the app, well, the batteries go dead.
Lithium batteries hold a full load until they die. Regular lead batteries will still allow the prop to turn on the trolling motor, but your fob will not work. If your fob fails, it's either a low marine battery voltage issue or the fob's battery is dead.
The fob is notorious for not working when the marine battery gets low. Two friends called me asking why their trolling motor wasn't working. No power, no working motor.
Remember, batteries have a shelf life, and often a battery charger will show a full load, but the battery will not perform. Use a voltmeter; you should read 13 volts or close to it on a 12-volt system and 24 volts or higher on a 24-volt system.
Last week, a buddy called, and after testing a few items, we determined that the battery charger had failed. I’ve seen this twice in the past three years. A voltmeter will indicate whether the charger is supplying power.
Pull the prop off and check for fishing line and weeds. Anything wrapped around the prop and shaft will reduce the trolling motor's performance.
A properly-mounted transducer will show both bottom readings and fish at any speed. Make sure your transducer runs in smooth water. Keep the transducer behind a smooth spot of your hull, not behind a rib.
If you lose bottom at high speeds, most likely the transducer needs to be moved down slightly. Often, an eighth of an inch is a lot. A sixteenth of an inch might do the trick.
Another suggestion is if you lose the bottom, tilt the transducer downward ever so slightly. Remember how your boat looks when you are on a plane. Again, just a fuzz can make a huge difference.
In the summer, I run 25-30 miles an hour looking for suspended fish. A school of panfish will jump out at you like a Christmas tree. My transducer is mounted properly so that I can run at these speeds. This is a simple procedure.
I run a 16 -volt battery just for my two graphs. Yes, your graph says 12 volts, but nearly all graphs will run on a power source up to 18 volts. A separate battery delivers a crisp screen with super-sharp detail.
With a side scan, you can see 60-100 feet on each side of the boat. What you are looking for are shadows. With a minimal amount of practice, you will learn to spot rocks, logs, and anything vertical. The first place to practice is in front of a marina or a shoreline with docks. You need a visual that your eyes see, and then look at your graph. In time, you will be able to spot baitfish and game fish.
Spawning bluegill and beds will show up as a moon crater. Bed after bed will be clearly visible. I recommend watching a few YouTube videos. Down scan looks downward in the same way as your traditional 2-D sonar, but it shows separation much more clearly. The difference is in the detail. Once again, go out on a calm day and compare the two.
All summer we chase bluegills and crappies. All of these fish will be suspended above the thermocline. And all will show up crystal clear with side imaging.
When we locate schools of panfish, we try to get upwind of them. Then we drift over the schools of fish. Summer panfish are aggressive. We use perch flies, foam spiders, and gnats on a double hook rig with a Hali spoon in place of a sinker. Charlie Brewer is our favorite plastic baits and are in both the one-inch size and the Crappie Grub in yellow or chartreuse.
Last, stop in at Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop.
Help Track Michigan’s Next Generation of Wild Turkeys
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources needs your help to tally wild turkeys this summer. Take just a few minutes to report any turkeys you see, now through Aug. 31, and contribute valuable data to track the health of the state’s turkey population.
Photo courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources
If you spot a hen turkey leading a line of poults (baby turkeys) this summer, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources wants to hear from you.
It's time for Michigan's wild turkey brood survey: a community science effort that helps wildlife biologists understand how well turkeys are reproducing across the state and provides valuable information about the health of Michigan's turkey population. The DNR is asking residents to report sightings of wild turkeys and turkey broods — family units consisting of at least one adult hen and her young — now through Aug. 31.
“Summer is one of the best times of year to see wild turkey families,” said Adam Bump, the DNR's upland game bird specialist. “Every brood observation helps us better understand how many young turkeys are surviving and where reproduction is occurring across Michigan.”
Wild turkeys are one of Michigan's greatest wildlife conservation success stories. Once extirpated (locally extinct) from the state, turkeys have rebounded and now are found in every Michigan county.
—————
Building on three years of observations
Maintaining healthy turkey populations requires continued monitoring, and that's where residents can make a difference.
Now entering its fourth year, the turkey brood survey is part of a larger multistate effort supported by the National Wild Turkey Federation to monitor turkey populations using a standardized survey protocol.
Since the survey launched in 2023, Michigan residents have submitted more than 17,000 observations, documenting over 36,200 hens, 95,300 poults and 15,500 male turkeys.
Those observations will allow biologists to track annual changes in turkey reproduction and compare Michigan's turkey population trends with those in other states.
“Turkey populations are influenced by many factors, including weather, habitat conditions and poult survival,” Bump said. “By collecting observations year after year, we're building a long-term dataset that helps us understand trends before they become problems.”
—————
What biologists learn from turkey broods
The survey focuses on turkey broods because they provide insight into reproductive success.
When participants report the number of hens and poults they observe, biologists can estimate average brood size and other indicators that help measure how successfully young turkeys are surviving through the summer months.
“Broods tell us a lot about what happened during nesting season and the weeks immediately after hatching,” said Caitlin Ott-Conn, a laboratory scientist with the DNR Wildlife Division who oversees survey data collection and analysis. “When thousands of people share observations from across the state, we gain a much clearer picture of turkey reproduction than we could through traditional surveys alone.”
—————
How to participate
Anyone can contribute to the turkey brood survey. Between now and Aug. 31, simply report any wild turkey sightings using the online survey form available on the turkey brood survey webpage.
Participants will be asked a few short questions about:
• The date of the observation.
• The location.
• The number of hens observed.
• The number of poults observed.
• The number of gobblers (adult males) or jakes (juvenile males, about a year old) observed.
Most reports take only a minute or two to complete. The survey uses an email login so observations can be associated with individual participants, helping biologists better analyze the data. Report turkey sightings.
—————
Every observation matters
Whether you see a single hen with two poults or a large flock of turkeys feeding in a field, your observation can help improve understanding of Michigan's wild turkey population.
"Everyone can play a role in wildlife science,” Bump said. "If you see turkeys this summer, take a minute to report them. Together, we're creating one of the most comprehensive pictures of turkey reproduction in Michigan and helping ensure wild turkeys remain part of our state for generations to come."
Learn more and submit an observation at Michigan.gov/Turkey.
It's time for Michigan's wild turkey brood survey: a community science effort that helps wildlife biologists understand how well turkeys are reproducing across the state and provides valuable information about the health of Michigan's turkey population. The DNR is asking residents to report sightings of wild turkeys and turkey broods — family units consisting of at least one adult hen and her young — now through Aug. 31.
“Summer is one of the best times of year to see wild turkey families,” said Adam Bump, the DNR's upland game bird specialist. “Every brood observation helps us better understand how many young turkeys are surviving and where reproduction is occurring across Michigan.”
Wild turkeys are one of Michigan's greatest wildlife conservation success stories. Once extirpated (locally extinct) from the state, turkeys have rebounded and now are found in every Michigan county.
—————
Building on three years of observations
Maintaining healthy turkey populations requires continued monitoring, and that's where residents can make a difference.
Now entering its fourth year, the turkey brood survey is part of a larger multistate effort supported by the National Wild Turkey Federation to monitor turkey populations using a standardized survey protocol.
Since the survey launched in 2023, Michigan residents have submitted more than 17,000 observations, documenting over 36,200 hens, 95,300 poults and 15,500 male turkeys.
Those observations will allow biologists to track annual changes in turkey reproduction and compare Michigan's turkey population trends with those in other states.
“Turkey populations are influenced by many factors, including weather, habitat conditions and poult survival,” Bump said. “By collecting observations year after year, we're building a long-term dataset that helps us understand trends before they become problems.”
—————
What biologists learn from turkey broods
The survey focuses on turkey broods because they provide insight into reproductive success.
When participants report the number of hens and poults they observe, biologists can estimate average brood size and other indicators that help measure how successfully young turkeys are surviving through the summer months.
“Broods tell us a lot about what happened during nesting season and the weeks immediately after hatching,” said Caitlin Ott-Conn, a laboratory scientist with the DNR Wildlife Division who oversees survey data collection and analysis. “When thousands of people share observations from across the state, we gain a much clearer picture of turkey reproduction than we could through traditional surveys alone.”
—————
How to participate
Anyone can contribute to the turkey brood survey. Between now and Aug. 31, simply report any wild turkey sightings using the online survey form available on the turkey brood survey webpage.
Participants will be asked a few short questions about:
• The date of the observation.
• The location.
• The number of hens observed.
• The number of poults observed.
• The number of gobblers (adult males) or jakes (juvenile males, about a year old) observed.
Most reports take only a minute or two to complete. The survey uses an email login so observations can be associated with individual participants, helping biologists better analyze the data. Report turkey sightings.
—————
Every observation matters
Whether you see a single hen with two poults or a large flock of turkeys feeding in a field, your observation can help improve understanding of Michigan's wild turkey population.
"Everyone can play a role in wildlife science,” Bump said. "If you see turkeys this summer, take a minute to report them. Together, we're creating one of the most comprehensive pictures of turkey reproduction in Michigan and helping ensure wild turkeys remain part of our state for generations to come."
Learn more and submit an observation at Michigan.gov/Turkey.
DNR to Improve Houghton Lake Flats South Unit This Summer
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will this summer rehabilitate the South Unit at Houghton Lakes Flats, a popular spot for wildlife viewing and fishing just off U.S. 127 in Roscommon County.
Once completed, the rehabilitated South Unit dike system will allow the DNR to control water levels in the 350-acre wetland and improve wildlife habitat.
The South Unit dike system was built in the 1960s to mitigate the environmental impact of building U.S. 127. Houghton Lake Flats is sourced by nearby Houghton Lake, the largest inland lake in Michigan.
“The current dike system, which includes several miles of dikes and a dam, provides impounded water for many species of wildlife,” said Mark Boersen, a DNR wildlife biologist based in Roscommon. “However, several years ago the water pump failed, taking away the DNR’s ability to manipulate water levels to improve the wildlife habitat. Additionally, time has taken a toll on the South Unit dam so that it can no longer safely and efficiently hold water.”
Crews will replace the South Unit’s concrete dam, pumphouse, underground pipes and related structures with modern equipment. Construction is expected to begin this summer, once high-water levels drop to an appropriate level, and be completed in the fall.
Public access to the South Unit gazebo and fishing platform will be closed during the project. However, the North Unit of the flats — a 335-acre wetland north of County Road 300 — will remain open during construction.
Boersen said Houghton Lake Flats is a popular location for waterfowl hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing.
“Several secretive and sometimes rare species of wildlife are observed at the flats, such as trumpeter swans, black terns, osprey and the American bittern,” he said. “Although the fishing dock will be closed during construction, visitors are welcome to fish and bird-watch from the dikes or from hand-launched boats.”
The Houghton Lakes Flat project is part of the DNR’s broader strategy to address Michigan’s aging dams and dike systems.
Once completed, the rehabilitated South Unit dike system will allow the DNR to control water levels in the 350-acre wetland and improve wildlife habitat.
The South Unit dike system was built in the 1960s to mitigate the environmental impact of building U.S. 127. Houghton Lake Flats is sourced by nearby Houghton Lake, the largest inland lake in Michigan.
“The current dike system, which includes several miles of dikes and a dam, provides impounded water for many species of wildlife,” said Mark Boersen, a DNR wildlife biologist based in Roscommon. “However, several years ago the water pump failed, taking away the DNR’s ability to manipulate water levels to improve the wildlife habitat. Additionally, time has taken a toll on the South Unit dam so that it can no longer safely and efficiently hold water.”
Crews will replace the South Unit’s concrete dam, pumphouse, underground pipes and related structures with modern equipment. Construction is expected to begin this summer, once high-water levels drop to an appropriate level, and be completed in the fall.
Public access to the South Unit gazebo and fishing platform will be closed during the project. However, the North Unit of the flats — a 335-acre wetland north of County Road 300 — will remain open during construction.
Boersen said Houghton Lake Flats is a popular location for waterfowl hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing.
“Several secretive and sometimes rare species of wildlife are observed at the flats, such as trumpeter swans, black terns, osprey and the American bittern,” he said. “Although the fishing dock will be closed during construction, visitors are welcome to fish and bird-watch from the dikes or from hand-launched boats.”
The Houghton Lakes Flat project is part of the DNR’s broader strategy to address Michigan’s aging dams and dike systems.
Boost Your Health and Your Garden’s Productivity
By Melinda Myers
Cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are a few of nature’s detoxifiers. Maximize the benefits with proper care, harvesting and a second planting.
Protect existing plantings from caterpillars that eat holes in the leaves of these plants. These worm-like insects are the immature stage of several different moths. Regularly check along the stems and between leaves and destroy any gelatinous eggs and green caterpillars you find. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki, a naturally occurring soil bacteria, that kills only true caterpillars and is safe for people, pets and wildlife. As always, read and follow label directions for the most effective control.
For future plantings cover the plants with floating row covers at the time of planting. These fabrics made of polypropylene spun material allow air, light, and water through while preventing cabbage worms from laying their eggs on the plants. This means no caterpillars eating holes in the leaves or ending up on your dinner plate.
Loosely cover the planting with the fabric and anchor the edges with boards, pipes, stones, or wickets. Leave enough slack for the plants to grow. The plants support the fabric, so no frames or construction is needed.
Harvest cabbage when the heads are firm and full size. Use a sharp knife to remove just the cabbage head, leaving the lower leaves and roots intact. Four to six new heads will arise from buds around the stem. These smaller heads can reach four or five inches in diameter.
Harvest broccoli when the flowerhead is full size and before buds open for the best flavor. Make the cut about 5 to 6 inches below the head, leaving the rest of the stem intact for sprouts to form. Harvest the sprouts throughout the remainder of the season.
Brussels sprouts take more time to reach a harvestable size. Pinching out the growing tip when the sprouts at the bottom are ½ to ¾ inch in diameter to focus the plant’s energy on the existing sprouts for an earlier harvest. Harvest the sprouts when firm and one inch in diameter.
Fill vacant spots in the garden with a mid-summer planting of cabbage and broccoli for a fall harvest. Depending on the length of your season, you can start with seeds or transplants. Check seed packets and plant tags for the number of days from planting to harvest. Compare this to the number of frost-free days left in your growing season to determine when to plant. Fortunately, these plants tolerate and their flavor improves with fall frost temps down to 26° F. When colder temperatures are in the forecast, cover the plants with floating row covers to extend the harvest.
Further increase your garden’s productivity by interplanting the cabbage and broccoli with quick maturing radishes, beets and heat tolerant greens. You’ll harvest these short season crops at about the time the cabbage and broccoli need the space.
Enjoy the abundant harvest and share extras with family, friends and your local food pantry.
—————
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 Melinda Myers.com.
Cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are a few of nature’s detoxifiers. Maximize the benefits with proper care, harvesting and a second planting.
Protect existing plantings from caterpillars that eat holes in the leaves of these plants. These worm-like insects are the immature stage of several different moths. Regularly check along the stems and between leaves and destroy any gelatinous eggs and green caterpillars you find. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki, a naturally occurring soil bacteria, that kills only true caterpillars and is safe for people, pets and wildlife. As always, read and follow label directions for the most effective control.
For future plantings cover the plants with floating row covers at the time of planting. These fabrics made of polypropylene spun material allow air, light, and water through while preventing cabbage worms from laying their eggs on the plants. This means no caterpillars eating holes in the leaves or ending up on your dinner plate.
Loosely cover the planting with the fabric and anchor the edges with boards, pipes, stones, or wickets. Leave enough slack for the plants to grow. The plants support the fabric, so no frames or construction is needed.
Harvest cabbage when the heads are firm and full size. Use a sharp knife to remove just the cabbage head, leaving the lower leaves and roots intact. Four to six new heads will arise from buds around the stem. These smaller heads can reach four or five inches in diameter.
Harvest broccoli when the flowerhead is full size and before buds open for the best flavor. Make the cut about 5 to 6 inches below the head, leaving the rest of the stem intact for sprouts to form. Harvest the sprouts throughout the remainder of the season.
Brussels sprouts take more time to reach a harvestable size. Pinching out the growing tip when the sprouts at the bottom are ½ to ¾ inch in diameter to focus the plant’s energy on the existing sprouts for an earlier harvest. Harvest the sprouts when firm and one inch in diameter.
Fill vacant spots in the garden with a mid-summer planting of cabbage and broccoli for a fall harvest. Depending on the length of your season, you can start with seeds or transplants. Check seed packets and plant tags for the number of days from planting to harvest. Compare this to the number of frost-free days left in your growing season to determine when to plant. Fortunately, these plants tolerate and their flavor improves with fall frost temps down to 26° F. When colder temperatures are in the forecast, cover the plants with floating row covers to extend the harvest.
Further increase your garden’s productivity by interplanting the cabbage and broccoli with quick maturing radishes, beets and heat tolerant greens. You’ll harvest these short season crops at about the time the cabbage and broccoli need the space.
Enjoy the abundant harvest and share extras with family, friends and your local food pantry.
—————
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 Melinda Myers.com.
