In the last couple of years, the National Park system has been having a renaissance, with more people than ever getting outside to see the natural wonders. The 423 national park sites across the country are divided into designations like national historic sites, national monuments, national recreation areas, and more, with 63 identified as national parks.
The golden amber tone of monarch butterfly wings is one of the highlights of Michigan summers. Many of us enjoy watching their distinctive flight as they flutter through the sky, looking for the perfect landing spot. Unfortunately, these jewel-colored beauties have been in decline. In just two decades, the population has dropped to an estimated 3.6% of what it once was. The Michigan population went from 384 million in 1996 to just 14 million in 2013.
One such organization is Huron Pines, a nonprofit located in Gaylord. Since 1973, it has focused on the environmental conservation of lakes, forests, and streams with the ultimate goal of protecting the Great Lakes.
The organization’s mission is to “advocate and facilitate the development of a network of multipurpose recreational trails in northern Lower Michigan.”
