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

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.
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