Walking Paths & Protected Areas of the Keweenaw

The Michigan Nature Association announces the publication of a new guidebook titled Walking Paths & Protected Areas of the Keweenaw whichdescribes twenty-two sanctuaries & preserves in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties. Each description includes driving directions, a trail map, interesting plants, animals and geology, and conservation history, along with color photos of each site. The guidebook is a collaboration with other land conservation organizations and units of government with protected lands in the Keweenaw Peninsula.

The new guide is designed to increase awareness of local land conservation efforts in the Keweenaw; and the special habitats, unique features, and interesting plant and animal species found in Houghton and Keweenaw counties.

“I noticed that a lot of people were unfamiliar with the sanctuaries and preserves open to the public for walking, education, and non-motorized enjoyment,” comments Joan Chadde, K-12 education program coordinator for the Michigan Tech Center for Science & Environmental Outreach and Western UP Center for Science, Math & Environmental Education, who compiled the guidebook. “I hope this publication will help families spend more time outdoors exploring the Keweenaw.”

In addition to describing sanctuaries, the new guidebook describes each of the land conservation organizations and governmental units engaged in protecting land in the Keweenaw. Each organization welcomes volunteers and donations.

Susan Sanders was the graphic designer and the maps were prepared by Clare Rosen.  Each partner organization wrote the descriptions for their sanctuaries and provided photos. The Michigan Nature Association published the guide.

The following eight land conservation organizations and units of government in Houghton and Keweenaw Counties contributed to the guide:

Gratiot Lake Conservancy - Bonnie Hay  belh@verizon.net
The Nature Conservancy -Jeff Knoop  jknoop@tnc.org 
Copper Country Audubon -Dana Richter dlrichte@mtu.edu
Keweenaw Land Trust -Evan McDonald evanmcdonald@keweenawlandtrust.org 
Grant Township - Richard Powers  rpowers@pasty.com
Keweenaw County - Don Keith, county commissioner
Eagle Harbor Township - Ed Kiesel  supervisor@eagleharbortwp.org
Michigan Nature Association - Paul Steinerpsteiner@michigannature.org

The guide is available for $14.97 at 22 area businesses, or it may be ordered from:
Michigan Nature Association michigannature@michigannature.org or call (517) 655-5655.  In the Keweenaw,