​Day 16 of the Great Lakes Odyssey

Today, we had an inspiring day learning from Park Biologist Lori and Ranger Erika, two dedicated professionals who are leading important conservation efforts at Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Lori works tirelessly to organize volunteers who paddle the shores of Lake Michigan from June through September, keeping an eye out for both invasive and native aquatic plants. Invasive species like Eurasian Watermilfoil and Curly-Leaf Pondweed can wreak havoc on the lake’s ecosystem, and thanks to Lori’s team, these invaders are spotted early so actions can be taken to protect the delicate balance of the lake. Their work is essential in keeping Lake Michigan healthy and resilient.

Next, we spoke with Ranger Erika, who works exclusively on the avian botulism team. You might be wondering, what’s a “bot walk”? In the world of avian botulism, it’s a patrol where rangers identify dead and living birds along the beaches. Back in 2007, there was a tragic die-off of birds at Sleeping Bear Dunes due to botulism, and since then, Erika and her team have been working to understand why. During bot walks, they collect dead birds for testing at the USGS, or, if necessary, bury them to prevent the spread of disease. They also document living birds to track any potential impacts. This work isn’t glamorous, but it’s crucial for protecting our wildlife and understanding the larger environmental issues facing the Great Lakes.

After a busy morning, we teamed up with Rangers Dave and Vince to finalize details for tomorrow's LiveStream #5! It’s hard to believe we’re already on our fifth one, and we’re so excited to introduce students across the country to these beautiful parks and show them how they can get involved in protecting these ecosystems. 

Afterward, we took some time to explore the Scenic Park Drive, one of Sleeping Bear Dunes’ most beautiful features. This 7.4-mile loop was originally designed in the 1930s as part of a larger movement to bring people closer to nature. The drive offers stunning overlooks, perfect for taking in views of the dunes and Lake Michigan. It’s truly a breathtaking way to end a busy day!

Stay tuned for tomorrow’s LiveStream—we can’t wait to share more of these incredible parks with all of you! 

#GreatLakesOdyssey #InvasiveSpecies #AvianBotulism 

[Photos by Dave & Dacia]