Chocolate Conservation: Made in the shade

Posted on June 13, 2012 by Howard Meyerson

Researchers studying the impact of shade trees on Ecuadorian cocoa plantations have found that having just enough shade is good not only for the beans that give us chocolate, but for diverse wildlife populations.

The findings fly in the face of agricultural practices there which have increasingly involved cutting trees to make more room for the heavenly beans.

The tipping point comes when cocoa bean plots have 40 percent shade or less. This story in Conservation Magazine reports too much shade is also bad for cocoa beans.

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Jus Stylin: A highly unsusual bird

Posted on June 12, 2012 by Howard Meyerson

The Secretarybird is found in Africa. This one was photographed by Markus Lilje in Namibia’s Etosha National Park.

This is one I just couldn’t resist. Who ever has seen anything like it other than in New York City. I love the leggings – and the hair-do. This is a big bird that eats snakes, lizards, tortoises, baby rabbits and hares.  Found on Rockjumper Worldwide Birding Adventures. Don’t forget your binoculars.

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So much for quick and efficient blogging. I’ve corrected the links on the two photos below – of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. They now will take you to the respective Facebook pages. That’s what happens when you have a great morning, I guess. Now where is that spell-check button.

Posted on June 12, 2012 by Howard Meyerson | Leave a comment

The Flip Side: A calm day on Lake Superior

Posted on June 12, 2012 by Howard Meyerson

Lake Superior is notorious for its rough, terrible water. That’s where the Edmund Fitzgerald sunk and became legend spawning Gordon Lightfoot’s classic tune. On the other hand it is also known for its magnificent sunsets. Here’s one captured by photographer Shawn Malone, who’s Lake SuperiorPhoto.com is a feast for the eyes. Found on Shawn’s Facebook  page. Check it out.

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Surf’s Up: A not so calm day on Lake Michigan

Posted on June 12, 2012 by Howard Meyerson
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Southeast winds created good conditions for Peter O’Malley to play on Lake Michigan at Port Washington, WI (May 24, 2012). Photo from Paddling.net submitted by: Ken Braband – Mequon, WI

Lake Michigan often surprises people. It called the freshwater ocean for a reason. This photo captures the thrill and power of the surf there. Found at Paddling.net’s Facebook  page.

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Michigan trail offers a glimpse of history and a scenic ride

Posted on June 11, 2012 by Howard Meyerson

By Howard Meyerson | Grand Rapids Press

Cyclists, walkers and equestrians have good reason to consider a visit to the sunrise side of Michigan this summer. It’s called NEST, the North Eastern State Trail.

Michigan’s North Eastern State Trail will now provide a 70 mile ride for cyclists along the Sunrise-side of the state.

The trail runs 70 miles from Alpena to Cheboygan.

NEST is the collaborative brainchild of the Top of Michigan Trails Council, the Michigan departments of natural resources, transportation, and several communities. It was finished in fall of 2011, but public ribbon-cutting celebrations are planned for June 23.

Trail officials and community leaders plan to simultaneously cut ribbons at all the towns along the trail at 8:30 that morning. Those ceremonies will be followed by bike rides to Onaway where a celebration lunch is planned at noon along with entertainment.

The packed limestone trail is open to non-motorized recreation and to snowmobiles in winter. Horseback riding will be encouraged as well as cycling, walking and jogging.

“It’s a great asset,” said Joe Hefle, Onaway’s city manager. “We’re looking at it as a tool for those who call the area home as well as an economic tool to boost tourism.” Continue reading →

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Going Light: The Warbonnet Blackbird Hammock

Posted on June 10, 2012 by Howard Meyerson

Over the years I’ve given hammocks some thought, even contemplated switching to one or another of the hammock shelters for lightweight backpacking.

Now perhaps there is one worth testing. Jim Bradley, author of huskyhiker.com website, reviews this one on Section Hiker, an excellent light hiker blog by Phil Werner.

Bradley doesn’t rave endlessly about the Warbonnet Blackbird hammock. It has its shortcomings being an open air affair – not unlike mesh tents which prove cold at night on mountain hikes. But at 2.5 pounds that may be a righteous tradeoff.  You can decide. Read more:  Blackbird Hammock

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Lake trout rules on Lake Huron to be eased

Posted on June 10, 2012 by Howard Meyerson

By Howard Meyerson

The 2004 disappearance of Lake Huron alewives may have put Chinook salmon fishing on the rocks, but state officials say that catastrophe proved a boon for native lake trout.

Michigan is proposing to liberalize lake trout regulations on Lake Huron. Photo courtesy of Michigan State University

So much so that Michigan Department of Natural Resources staffers are proposing to liberalize lake trout size limits in northern Lake Huron.

“This is going to translate into happier fisherman who won’t have to release so many lake trout,’ DNR fisheries chief, Jim Dexter, said of a proposal that went to the Natural Resources Commission in May and will be acted upon in June.“They will be able to take more of the fish home.” Continue reading →

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Who wants trout? Michigan TU funds study to find out

Posted on June 10, 2012 by Howard Meyerson

A father and daughter enjoy fishing for trout. Photo by Brian Kozminski

By Howard Meyerson

Michigan Trout Unlimited wants to find out more about cold water anglers, those who fish trout, salmon and steelhead on the state’s rivers and lakes. The conservation group raised $100,000 to fund that study. The project is expected to launch this summer and be complete in time for the 2015 fishing season.

“It’s been a very long time since we documented who is fishing trout in Michigan and what their preferences are,” said Bryan Burroughs, the executive director for Michigan TU. “We don’t know the basic demographic or their primary motivations for fishing.

“We have 18,000 miles of stream in Michigan. That information can help determine equitable management strategies and policies.” Continue reading →

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Eighteen-year-old Yellowstone park-worker falls to her death

Posted on June 9, 2012 by Howard Meyerson

A 18 year old woman working for Yellowstone National Park fell 400 feet to her death Thursday, according to a story in Mail Online.

The victim is thought to be Russian. Her name was not disclosed. She was hiking the North Rim Trail with three friends when the accident occurred. A rock where she was sitting gave way.  It was her first day on the job.

Her body was retrieved by helicopter Friday . Read more: Yellowstone.

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