Category: Educational Series

Bass Lake Water Tour: Paddle 'n' Paint!

7/13/2018

Capture the natural beauty of our inland lakes in watercolor.
Come paint with the BCD!

Sat, August 18th
9 am to 12 pm

Bass Lake is a secret gem to explore, birdwatch and paddle. The lake is part of the Platte Plains Trail in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. (Note: all vehicles will need a park pass.). The Platte plains system has about 15 miles of trails through the maple-beech and pine forest that give hikers access to Otter Creek, Otter Lake, and Bass Lake.

What: All paddlers will be provided with a set of watercolor paints, brush, and paper. We will explore Bass Lake, observe the surroundings, and sketch or take pictures with the intent to paint landscape scenes, nature close-ups, or anything we choose! Participants will go ashore to paint "en plein air" and share the art-making experience. Snacks will be provided.
Meet: Trails End Rd, Honor MI
Bring: Kayak/canoe, paddles, life jacket, water bottle. (Optional to bring: bug spray, binoculars, sunglasses, snacks, your own sketchbook and paints.)
Registration Fee: A materials donation of $10

Special guest artist and naturalist, Emily Cook, will be available for watercolor technique suggestions and hints! Visit her art on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilycookart/?hl=en

Little Platte Lake Water Tour

7/7/2018

Learn to Identify Aquatic Plants!

Sat, July 28th
9 am - 12 pm
Little Platte Lake DNR Access Site on Saffron Road

We are hosting a water tour on Little Platte Lake with special aquatic experts: Dr. Jo Latimore; Outreach Specialist, MSU Fisheries & Wildlife dept.; Lori Knudson, Biological Technician, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore; and Jane Perrino, Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, BCD. These knowledgeable folks will join us in paddling and discovering more about the properties of Little Platte, such as the undisturbed wetlands it harbors on its eastern shores, the plethora of birds and creatures that use it as a home, and the invasive species that have created their home there as well.

Participants will need a canoe or kayak, paddles, life jacket, appropriate clothing for the weather, and a water bottle. The tour will begin and end at the same place so no shuttling is necessary.

Please register by contacting John Ransom at john@benziecd.org or 231.882.4391 x 13.

Jo Latimore is an aquatic ecologist and Outreach Specialist in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. Her work focuses in public participation in assessment and management of Michigan’s streams and lakes; science communication, outreach, and engagement; natural resources leadership development; and improving our understanding of aquatic ecosystem health by assessing responses to disturbance.
As an Outreach Specialist, the majority of her work is focused on engaging with individuals and organizations to promote understanding and stewardship of aquatic ecosystems.