Native Plant Society to hold botanical visit to Keweenaw Shore Nature Sanctuary Aug. 22

Participants in the Aug. 22 botanical visit to the Keweenaw Shore Nature Sanctuary will pass through a boreal forest such as this. (Photos courtesy Michigan Nature Association and Joan Chadde)

HOUGHTON -- Join the North Woods Native Plant Society for a botanical visit to the Keweenaw Shore Nature Sanctuary, owned by the Michigan Nature Association (MNA). On this short three-quarter-mile trail, visitors will pass through four different plant communities (boreal, rich and poor conifer, and northern dry forests). Along the way, hikers will encounter a variety of plants from paintbrush to orchids and a cross section of Keweenaw geology. The terrain is slightly rough with some uneven footing with exposed roots and rocks, so proper foot gear is recommended.

Joan Chadde and Colleen Matula of the North Woods Native Plant Society will lead the trip, which is open to anyone interested in learning about native plants and ecosystems. No prior knowledge or skills are required. To register for the hike or to obtain more information, please email: nwnpsociety@gmail.com.

These colorful bunch berries can be seen among the rocks at Esrey Park (Keweenaw Shore Nature Sanctuary).

Participants will meet at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Keweenaw Shore Nature Sanctuary trailhead. Parking is available at Esrey Park roadside park approximately 9 miles west of Copper Harbor (and 5 miles east of Eagle Harbor) along M-26. The trail through the sanctuary starts on the south side of M-26 about 200 feet west of the west entrance to Esrey Park.

At 8 a.m. Saturday morning, there will be an optional visit to Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary. Located three miles south of Copper Harbor, this is the most popular Michigan Nature Association sanctuary. Other nearby MNA sanctuaries include: James Klipfel Memorial Nature Sanctuary at Brockway Mountain and James Dorian Rooks Memorial Nature Sanctuary at Garden Brook.*

At 6 p.m. Saturday, there will be a no-host dinner at the Harbor Haus in Copper Harbor (please email Sherry Zoars at nwnpsociety@gmail.com if you'd like to join the group for dinner). Overnight camping is available at Lake Fanny Hooe campground or Ft. Wilkins in Copper Harbor and at other campgrounds in the Keweenaw.

A Keweenaw cedar swamp offers botanical discoveries for hikers.

The MNA has 19 sanctuaries in Houghton and Keweenaw counties. The MNA protects natural areas and habitats for future generations, while providing educational opportunities for the public. The North Woods Native Plant Society is a group of professional and amateur botanists interested in learning about and preserving the native plants and ecosystems of the western U.P. and northern Wisconsin.

The Michigan Nature Association is committed to the protection and maintenance of Michigan's natural areas, in addition to the study of natural history and conservation education. Since 1952, the MNA has acquired more than 160 nature sanctuaries, from the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula to the Indiana border.

*Directions to Michigan Nature Association Sanctuaries:

Keweenaw Shore Nature Sanctuary: From Eagle Harbor, turn north on M-26 towards Copper Harbor and drive 6 miles to Esrey Park roadside park. The trailhead is across the highway and 50 yards west. This trail goes to Brockway Mountain Road and then returns on the same trail to the trailhead.

Estivant Pines Nature Sanctuary: From the Copper Harbor Community Center on US 41, turn right on Lake Manganese Road and go 3 miles following the signs to "E.Pines." This road is rough; be careful.

James Klipfel Memorial Nature Sanctuary at Brockway Mountain is located on the top of Brockway Mountain along Brockway Mountain Drive. This sanctuary offers an easy one-mile loop trail beginning at the trailhead sign. Enjoy the view of Eagle Harbor and out over Lake Superior to the north and east. An easy hike for all ages. From Copper Harbor drive west on M-26 and turn up Brockway Mountain Drive at the edge of town. Drive 3.4 miles up Brockway Mountain Drive until you see the green MNA sign for the trailhead.

James Dorian Rooks Memorial Nature Sanctuary at Garden Brook offers a pleasant, two-mile round-trip walk through a moist woodland just below the Brockway Mountain Drive. A wide variety of shrubs, ferns and wildflowers will greet the hiker amidst the musical babble of Garden Brook. From Calumet, follow US-41 north 35 miles to just 0.5 miles before the intersection of US-41 and M-26 in Copper Harbor. About 0.25 miles past the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge entrance, and look for the MNA sanctuary sign on the left (north) side of the highway, and park in the designated parking area at the trailhead.