The Aug. 2, 2015, super storm that hit Glen Arbor dropped hundreds of old-growth trees on nearby roads, making it difficult to access our town. Particular trouble spots are M-22 south of Glen Arbor and Dunn’s Farm Road, between the Foothills Motel and Miller Hill.
Over the past decade, there has been an increased incidence of bird deaths in Lake Michigan due to Type E avian botulism. Over 6,500 dead birds have been documented within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore alone. Scientists from the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have been conducting a collaborative research project to determine the causes of these botulism outbreaks — work that includes underwater research in Good Harbor Bay.
Many of Glen Arbor’s employers can’t find employees, and if things don’t change, some foresee the area’s economy drying up. Last year, three major Glen Arbor businesses — Cherry Republic (CR), Anderson’s IGA, and Leelanau Vacation Rentals (LVR) — were short an estimated total of 100 summer employees.
Join forager and author Lisa Rose at the Cottage Book Shop in Glen Arbor on Aug. 8. Rose will lead a guided nature walk at 10 a.m., then return to the bookshop for foraged refreshments and a book signing of her latest title, Midwest Foraging: 115 Wild and Flavorful Edibles from Burdock to Wild Peach. Discover what you might be missing right outside your front door. Foraging ethics, safety and sustainability will also be discussed. The event is open to ages 8 and over, with a focus for adults. Free, but RSVP requested by calling 231-334-4223.
Glen Arbor was hit by a tornado on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 2. Winds of 93 miles per hour reported pummeled the town next to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at the height of the summer tourism season. As of Sunday night, the Glen Lake Fire Department was reporting that all roads into Glen Arbor, and around the Glen Lakes, are impassible. The Fire Department says clearing the trees and debris from the storm may take all night.
The search for hometown heroes has a new chapter in Northern Michigan. An Empire Area Museum Center exhibit, standing front and center among the plethora of historic artifacts, tells the story of World War II pilot Col. Warren Aylsworth. It also speaks to the community’s ongoing effort to preserve its history, one remarkable citizen at a time.
Grand Rapids artist Jeff Condon opens up his mental file of images — collected over a lifetime living in the city and country — and returns to Center Gallery with an exhibition of contemporary landscapes. This show opens Aug. 7 with a 6 p.m. reception, and runs through Aug. 13. Center Gallery is located at 6023 S. Lake St., Glen Arbor.
The Friends of the Glen Lake Community Library will hold their annual Used Book Sale August 5-7 at the Glen Arbor Township Hall. This 3-day fundraising event offers gently used and some new books, games and puzzles, as well as recordings. It is scheduled as follows.
Out in our meadow beyond the vintage apple trees planted by Irish immigrant potato farmers named Sullivan over a century ago, Don Lessard set up a tripod topped by a round sheet of curved graph paper under a plastic globe. We could see the nearby trees and hills reflected upside down in the globe, and Don traced the shadow lines on the graph paper as he said, “This is a great spot for a solar panel!” He then sent the graph and our energy use information to his son Ambrose down in Lansing, and from GPS data and records of sunshine in Leelanau County recorded over many years, they calculated the size of the solar panel needed to produce the kilowatts we require to cover our annual electric needs.
The Leelanau Conservancy will hold its annual friends picnic and auction on Thursday, Aug. 6, at the Chippewa Run Natural Area in Empire. The picnic begins at 5 p.m. and features a silent auction, as well as pre-picnic field trips, a kids tent and a special program. A local foods-focused meal will be served, along with local wines. Tickets are $35 for adults until Aug. 3, when the price goes up to $40. Tickets for kids tent children under 12 are just $5.