Great Lakes Odyssey Travel Blog

Day 15 of the Great Lakes Odyssey: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore!

10/7/2024

We had an incredible team meeting today with Ranger Dave and Wildlife Biologist Vince at Sleeping Bear Dunes. We dove into the history and challenges this park is facing, particularly the invasive quagga mussels. These mussels have had a massive impact on the ecosystem, leading to an increase in avian botulism. As they filter out algae and particles in the water, they also promote clearer waters that allow sunlight to penetrate deeper. While this might seem beneficial at first, it disrupts the food chain and creates the perfect conditions for harmful algal blooms, which can lead to avian botulism outbreaks that have been devastating to bird populations in the area, including the piping plovers.💔

During our exploration, we were thrilled to find the endemic Pitcher’s Thistle blooming among the stunning dunes! This rare, native dune plant plays a crucial role in stabilizing the sand and supporting pollinators. The dunes themselves are a result of thousands of years of wind and wave action, creating an awe-inspiring landscape that’s constantly changing.

We are beyond excited to collaborate with Sleeping Bear Dunes and support their ongoing efforts to protect and preserve this unique environment. Stay tuned as we continue our journey and explore solutions to these environmental challenges!
Our LiveStream is on Wednesday at 1pm ET.

#GreatLakesOdyssey #SleepingBearDunes #QuaggaMussels

Day 13 of the Great Lakes Odyssey

10/5/2024

Today was a day filled with adventure and discovery! Our friend Dave, a true Michigander, guided us to some of the state's hidden gems. We began at the breathtaking Taquamenon Falls, exploring both the upper and lower falls. Did you know the land around the falls was donated by Jack and Mimi with the vision of preserving its beauty for everyone to enjoy? In 1990, their grandchildren added a charming restaurant and an old-town area! I had the best barbecue sandwich there.

Next, we ventured to Sault Ste. Marie to witness the historic Soo Locks. In operation since 1855, these locks are crucial for shipping on the Great Lakes, bridging a 21-foot difference between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. We enjoyed seeing this engineering marvel up close.

At last, we are making our way to St. Ignace to prepare for tomorrow's trip to Mackinac Island. It's the fudge that has me most excited. And of course, I am still writing as we travel because our work is never quite done. Stay tuned for more adventures!

#GreatLakesOdyssey #TaquamenonFalls #SooLocks #MackinacIsland

Day 12 of the Great Lakes Odyssey: Live from the Ahmeek Stamp Mill!

10/4/2024

What a day we had at the historic Ahmeek Stamp Mill in Tamarack City! This incredible place is one of the last standing stamp mills, and we’re thrilled to share the rich science and history of Keweenaw National Historical Park.

We kicked off our Livestream by introducing today’s Engineering Design Challenge: Managing Stamp Sand, exploring both historical and environmental perspectives. Our guides for the day, Ranger Karl and Dr. Erin, brought the story to life in such an engaging way!

Ranger Karl shared his personal connection to the park, tracing his family's roots back to the mines. His passion for telling these stories made the history of copper mining truly come alive. He explained the significance of the Keweenaw Peninsula in U.S. history, highlighting how copper mined here played a crucial role during the Civil War and in the nation’s electrification in the 1880s. Karl also discussed the unique geology of the area, explaining how it contains the largest supply of native metallic copper in the world—ready to be used straight from the ground without smelting!

Dr. Erin helped us understand the cultural heritage of the region, discussing the local tribes who were the first miners of this native copper. She emphasized the importance of acknowledging their role in the land’s history and shared stories of the people who worked in the industrial mines and the towns that grew around them, painting a vivid picture of the diverse communities that contributed to the copper mining legacy. Dr. Erin also made some fantastic connections between the different types of rocks found in all of our parks, setting the stage perfectly for today’s lesson.

We then delved into the issue of stamp sand—the waste left behind from copper mining. Millions of tons were dumped into Torch Lake, Portage Lake, and Lake Superior. With Dr. Erin's help, we explored how this waste has impacted ecosystems like Buffalo Reef, a critical spawning area for fish such as Lake Whitefish and Lake Trout. This led to our Engineering Design Challenge, where students considered strategies for managing stamp sand, from mechanical excavation to containment, weighing both environmental and historical factors.

Ranger Karl and Dr. Erin also guided a hands-on geology lesson, explaining how the unique geology of the Keweenaw influenced mining techniques. A highlight of the day was when Ranger Karl demonstrated his rift volcano model, and with the help of our Great Lakes Hero, Charlotte, they created a spectacular eruption that captivated our audience!

We had the chance to watch an exciting Rock Candy demonstration and, to top it all off, enjoyed some delicious rock candy we purchased on South Bass Island at Perry's Victory. 🍬 What a sweet ending to an educational day!

We received some fantastic questions from our students today! A huge thank-you to our host moderators, LeAnn and Karisa, for keeping the conversation lively, and to our behind-the-scenes technology crew, Steve and Dave, for making it all possible. Together, we’re elevating the stories of the Keweenaw Peninsula and inspiring the next generation to tackle environmental challenges. 🌲🔬
#GreatLakesOdyssey #KeweenawNHP #CopperCountry #EnvironmentalStewardship

Day 11 of the Great Lakes Odyssey

10/3/2024

Today, we had the privilege of meeting up with Park Ranger Whitney at Keweenaw National Historical Park! Whitney, who has her master's in accessibility, works tirelessly to ensure that the park is accessible to everyone.

We also got to spend time with AJ, a YES intern who's making waves at just 19 years old! AJ shared a pop-up exhibit she created about the History of Stamp Sand. Her passion for the environment and advocacy for people with accessibility needs is truly world-changing. We loved learning from her!

Our adventure continued with capturing B-roll of Ranger Karl as he worked his culinary magic and science skills to make homemade rock candy. His cooking demonstrations were a hit. We will hear more from him tomorrow.

Next, we traveled out to the old Mohawk Stamp Mill in Gay, Michigan, to explore the stamp sands scattered along the beach. These sands will be the focal point of tomorrow’s LiveStream. During lunch, we had an unexpected but meaningful conversation with a local resident who's been passionate about the stamp sands for 25 years. He shared how he and a friend once proposed solutions to engineers, only to have their ideas dismissed. His story serves as a reminder that communities should have a voice in decisions impacting their homes and families.

This afternoon, we scouted our filming location for tomorrow at the Ahmeek Stamp Mills in Hubbell, Michigan. Historically, this site was part of the copper mining boom, where ore was crushed to extract valuable metals. The remnants of this process still shape the landscape today, making it a significant and sobering place to explore.

We took a quick side trip to the Isle Royale Visitor Center before spending the rest of our day writing, editing, and creating content. Ready for another exciting day tomorrow! 🎥

#GreatLakesOdyssey #StampSandStories #CommunityVoices

Day 10 of the Great Lakes Odyssey

10/2/2024

The air was crisp today at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, setting the perfect backdrop for a fall adventure! While setting up for our LiveStream, we were thrilled to meet many visitors who shared their love for the outdoors and showed great interest in our work with the national parks. It looks like we may have found some new fans!

A special welcome goes out to the students from SFDC! Our rangers and scientists did an incredible job representing Pictured Rocks. We had an enlightening discussion with park biologist Leah about the restoration happening at Beaver Basin Wilderness and explored why "Wilderness" is spelled with a capital "W," along with the impact humans have had on this place over time. The scientific tools used to measure temperature, flow, and sediment fascinated us all!

Ranger Hannah joined us to talk about the park's history and the importance of brook trout. And yes, we even built a beaver dam together! The students across the country brought their A-game with questions—one almost stumped our scientists! We introduced an engineering design challenge: either build a fish bypass for Beaver Basin or develop a plan to remove the dam. We can't wait to hear what they come up with.

One of the highlights of the day was when Ranger Corrine swore in 38 Junior Rangers from our studio audience. Their excitement to take the oath was contagious!

We are thrilled to be doing this work in collaboration with the Great Lakes Research and Education Center and Dr. Erin. If you ask her what her favorite part is, she might not be able to pick—she’s loving it all!

An equally rewarding part of our day was connecting with over 60 visitors who were eager to learn about our work and even volunteered to help us spread the word. A few kind souls even helped us carry equipment to the car.

Now that we’re packed up, we’re off to Houghton, MI! We can't wait to dive into the stories of Keweenaw National Historical Park and film with the rangers tomorrow and Friday. Onward! 🚙🌲

#GreatLakesOdyssey #PicturedRocks #NationalParks #Collaboration
(Photos by Dave and Edie)

Day 9: Great Lakes Odyssey

10/1/2024

When life gives you wind, make it a whirlwind of productivity! 🚫💨 Our boat cruise was canceled today due to high winds, so we turned it into a full-blown workday! 💪

Here’s what we’ve been up to:
🖥️ Started creating TWO new websites—get ready for STEAM in the PARK and CROSSING AMERICA!
🎥 Worked on videos for the Great Lakes Odyssey 🌊
📣 Released the 2025 STEAM in the PARK camps
🎨 Created graphics for our upcoming Water Safety Video 💦
📦 Sorted out logistics for the Great Lakes and Crossing America adventures
📚 Made progress on the Graphic Novel—heroes, unite!
📅 Scheduled social media posts for the next three weeks 📱
💻 Participated in a Teams call (hello, collaboration!)
📝 Wrote and published several blogs! 🖊️

Sometimes plans change, but productivity stays on course! 🚀
Check out our LiveStream from Pictured Rocks tomorrow at 1pm ET.
#MakeTheMostOfIt #WindyDayWins #GreatLakesOdyssey

PS- Graphic is what we think we look like 🤣

Day 8 of the Great Lakes Odyssey!

10/1/2024

Today, we had an incredible adventure with Ranger/Biologist Leah in the Beaver Basin Wilderness, a stunning 11,740-acre area with 13 miles of Lake Superior shoreline. While exploring near one of the dams, Leah shared fascinating insights into the three types of dams found within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: earthen, concrete, and beaver dams. Each of these dams plays a unique role in the ecosystem. For example, beaver dams naturally alter stream flow, creating habitats for various wildlife, while earthen and concrete dams can significantly affect stream health and fish migration. Understanding these structures' complexities and their ecological effects was a highlight of our day!

We also learned more about the ongoing research in the Beaver Basin Wilderness. The National Park Service's Science and Resource Stewardship Division, along with partners, conducts critical studies on water quality, wildlife, forest health, and the impacts of invasive species in this diverse environment. One key focus is monitoring aquatic habitats to support native species like the brook trout. Research here helps shape how we can protect this incredible ecosystem for future generations.

We had to pull Dr. Erin away from the streams because she had found her happy place there, soaking up every bit of knowledge and natural beauty! It sure is fun to be traveling with a real-life scientist/geologist during the Great Lakes Odyssey. Dr. Erin is so much fun to have around!

Later, we met with Ranger Hannah and her team at HQ to discuss the upcoming LiveStream on Wednesday. This NPS team is remarkable in how quickly they tackle challenges, and we can’t wait to share their work with you all!
We wrapped up our afternoon with a visit to Munising Falls, one of the beautiful waterfalls here at Pictured Rocks, and are now settling in to write up our content before dinner. We continue to learn so much on this incredible adventure!

#GreatLakesOdyssey #PicturedRocks #BeaverBasinWilderness

Day 7 of the Great Lakes Odyssey:

9/30/2024

Pause, Provision, and Press
Today was our first real pause on the #GreatLakesOdyssey, and let me tell you, it was exactly what we needed! No alarms, no agenda—just a day to be. We slept in (oh, what a treat!) and took our time with breakfast, sipping coffee, hot chocolate, and diet Dr. Pepper slowly. 🌞

The morning was all about resetting for the week ahead. We made a quick trip to the local laundromat to tackle the mountain of clothes we've collected along the way. There's something strangely satisfying about laundry day on a road trip, isn’t there? Clean clothes = fresh start. And Steve let me gather the quarters from the change dispenser because, well, that jingle makes my heart happy. 🎶

While the clothes were spinning, we took a moment to watch the birds overhead, catching the morning wind as they began their migration south. Meanwhile, Dave took a leisurely stroll to the local post office to mail a card. There's something so heartfelt about snail mail; it’s like sending a little piece of your adventure to someone you love.

After our laundry was folded and tucked away, we set out to scout our filming location for the week ahead. It was good to take in the surroundings, to envision what stories we’ll capture, and to have that plan ready to go. Then, it was time for a grocery run to Pat's Foods. We stocked up on lunch provisions and, of course, snacks for the afternoon football game. 🍎🥪

Back in our room, Steve and Dave settled into their "football mode" on the couch while I made myself comfortable on the bed. Laptop open, fingers on the keys, writing away. What else would I be doing? 😉

Tonight, we’re heading out for dinner before our next adventure—Yooperlite hunting! (Yooperlites are fluorescent rocks that glow under ultraviolet light and are found in the Great Lakes region, especially in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.) Dave has his trusty UV light ready, and we’re excited to hit the beach and see what glowing treasures we can find in the dark. ✨

This day of rest was a gift—a pause to breathe, provision for the journey ahead, and a press of memories to carry us forward. Sometimes, it’s the little things that fill your heart the most. 💛

This week we will be working with Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Keweenaw National Historical Park. We are looking forward to amazing weather and meeting new people.

#PauseProvisionPress #GreatLakesOdyssey

Day 6: Great Lakes Odyssey Update!

9/28/2024

Earlier today, we discussed the important topic of water safety with Mary Ann Best from the Great Lakes Water Safety Consortium as well as Dr. Erin at Portage Lakefront Park. We learned that having a plan before visiting any body of water is crucial – the best plans are made before you go. We discussed preparation, safety equipment, water watchers, and the vital need to keep your eyes on the people you care about and are in your care. Thank you, Mary Ann, for sharing your expertise with us, and Dr. Erin, your questions and observations were spot on as always! We also loved that Charlotte from "Heroes of the Great Lakes Odyssey" could join us today!

After our session, we hopped back into the Odyssey Van and are now heading to Munising, Michigan. We've got an exciting week ahead, including a wilderness adventure at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, a boat trip to explore the caves, a LiveStream at Miners Castle, and then heading up to Houghton and Keweenaw National Historical Park! Buffalo Reef and the historic copper mines are on our list of places to film, and Ranger Karl may even help us make some rock candy.

We’re still on the road with 4 hours to go, but so far, we’ve traveled 817 miles and have a few more weeks left on this journey. A special thanks to Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial and Indiana Dunes National Park! Goodbye, Lake Michigan and Lake Erie – up next, Lake Superior!

#GreatLakesOdyssey #WaterSafety #LakeSuperiorBound

Day 5 of the Great Lakes Odyssey!

9/27/2024

Today was a blast! Teachers and students called it one of our best LiveStreams yet! We kicked off the morning with breakfast at our hotel, then headed to the Great Marsh Observation Overlook, greeted by Dr. Erin from the GLREC, two mute swans, and a group of egrets. Things were already off to a great start!

It took us a few hours to set up, and we were so grateful to have some of our STEAM in the PARK campers—Pacia, Justine, and Tracy—drive several hours to lend a hand. 🙌 A huge thanks to these rockstars!

Our LiveStream was packed with amazing insights:
✅A warm welcome from Ranger Kip, a long-time supporter of Expeditions in Education and a true advocate for the park.
✅Dr. Dan Mason shared the history of the Great Marsh Restoration and the importance of restoring the marsh today.
✅Dr. Erin and Resource Management Crew Lead, Daniel, talked about the challenges of managing marsh restoration.
✅We heard from Crew Lead Billy, who showed us the HUGE invasives (seriously, those cattails and phragmites were massive!).
✅And team member Mary-Ann showcased the "tools of the trade," proving that hard work really does pay off!
✅We were blown away by the students' questions and their eagerness to help us make a difference in the world. 🌎

After the LiveStream, our team joined the resource management crew and a few volunteers to plant native plugs in another area of the marsh. Together, they planted 4 buckets of native plants to help with the restoration. 🌿💧

Following a well-deserved meal, we said goodbye to our awesome helpers and headed back to the hotel. It was an incredible day, and we're exhausted! Major shoutout to the Indiana Dunes National Park staff for putting on a fantastic show today.
Tomorrow morning, we’re plunging into a water safety class on Lake Michigan. For now, it’s time to rest!

#GreatLakesOdyssey #IndianaDunes #ExpeditionsinEducation

Author

Dacia Jones is an author deeply passionate about nature, education, and storytelling. Drawing on her extensive experiences exploring national parks, leading educational programs, and inspiring students, she crafts narratives that blend adventure, environmental stewardship, and empathy. Her writing is infused with the heart of an educator and the soul of a lifelong learner, inviting readers to see the world through the lens of wonder and discovery. Through her stories, she aims to ignite a sense of curiosity and responsibility in young minds, encouraging them to become heroes in their communities. Her favorite moments in time are spent with family and friends and she considers her calling as a wife, mom, and Mimi a great honor.

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