Elk Reintroduction in the Smoky Mtns.

Map of Cataloochee Valley

Elk once roamed the mountains of North Carolina and elsewhere in the eastern United States. They were eliminated from this area by over-hunting and loss of habitat. The last elk in North Carolina was believed to have been killed in the late 1700s. This caused the Eastern Elk (Cervus canadensis canadensis) to become extinct. 

Reintroduction of the elk began in 2001 when 25 elk were brought down from the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. In 2002, the park imported another 27 elk from the Alberta area. This reintroduction program was called the Great Elk experiment.
The question remained-could these elk be reintroduced into the ecosystem without throwing off the balance? Yes. It has been a great success! Today, over 150 elk roam the mountains of the Appalachian. Can you see the elk? Yes. The best times to view elk are usually in the early morning and evening around sunset. Many elk can be seen in the Cataloochee Valley near Maggie Valley, NC.

The  valley area is free and parking is ample. 

There are public restrooms, and camping is available.

Warning! Do not approach the elk within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces elk, which is illegal in the park. Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest. Look out for warning signs and do not enter fields to view elk. ALWAYS remain by the roadside to view. Never go between a mother and her calf. No selfies allowed within fifty yards!

Here are some pictures from my excursion to the valley. Enjoy!!

source: https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/nature/elk.htm

Fungus at King's Mountain State Park

Fungus (mushroom, yeast, and molds) are pretty cool. 

They belong to the Fungus Kingdom and are technically 

decomposers. Fungus play a huge role in a food chain. 

They can usually be found on dead, rotting logs.They do 

not photosynthesize and do not need sunlight.They do 

not contain chlorophyll or chloroplast. They like dead stuff!

I saw some really cool  fungus on my hike at King's Mountain 

Park.

The park is adjacent to

Kings Mountain Military Park (a Revolutionary War battle 

site). The park has about 6800 acres and offers activities 

such as hiking trails, picnic areas, seasonal canoe rentals, 

equestrian trails and more.

Fun fact: There are about 1.5 million 

different species of fungus.

Some are beneficial, some are poisonous, 

and some can cause disease! 

Next time you are on a hike, stop and look for some 

fungus growing on logs in the forest.

They are pretty amazing!

Michigan love

My love for Michigan runs deep. I was born and raised in the Great Lakes State and graduated from Michigan State University. My blood runs green and white. Sparty on!
These are some of my favorite things.

MSU scarf modeled by Lucy.

MSU tote bag. 

MSU cups and socks.

High school spirit week. Sparty on!

MSU mitten art project.

Michigan stones. Picture from Awesome Mitten.

Michigan art made from license plates.

Michigan craft using string, nails, and a piece of wood.

MSU sweatshirts. Costco

MSU luggage tag. A must have for travelers!

Michigan mitten shadow box. Meijer.

MSU rain boots. Meijer.

Michigan "HOME" pillow.

Michigan nature.

There really is no place like home.
 Michigan.

Indian Mounds Drive. Grand Rapids.

View of the Grand River

One of my favorite places to be in Grand Rapids is on Indian Mounds Drive. It is located along the Grand River near Johnson Park. It is about a four mile drive of happiness.

So peaceful!

It is a one way road, and the entrance is near the park.  The tree canopy completely surrounds the road, and it feels like a drive in a mystical forest.

Map of Indian Mounds Drive

According to an Indian Mounds website, "a group of people known as the Hopewell settled in the Great Lakes region around 100 B.C.  They built their villages along the banks of the Grand River and grew crops such as corn, squash and beans.  They lived in this area for nearly 500 years. It was once believed that there were between 30-40 burial mounds along the west bank of the Grand River.  Today, the 17 remaining mounds are southwest of the city on the east bank of the Grand." 

The drive in the Fall

A view of the bridge across Grand River

You can drive, bike or walk along the road. Cars can only go one way, and the car traffic is minimal. Kent Trails and other walking paths can be accessed from the road. You can even launch a kayak or canoe off one of the launch sites. So, why not take a drive along Indian Mounds Drive? It will not disappoint!

Winter Drive

Flooded Grand River

Lookout Park, Grand Rapids, MI

Are you looking for awesome views? Nature?  Picture perfect moments? In Grand Rapids? Yes. There is a place in Grand Rapids with all that. It is called Lookout Park (also called Belknap Hill), and it boasts a 160 foot bluff with cool homes surrounding it.  

The view of Grand Rapids is just spectacular. What a great place to watch fireworks! I bet it would be an amazing show.

Bring your dog for a walk. Better yet, go for a romantic walk with your sweetheart. Many people have become engaged at the park. There are a few picnic benches to eat, read or just enjoy the view. The sunset views are amazing. Even the birds like the view.

It has an abandoned set of stairs that once led to Division Avenue. You can stand at the top of the stairs and belt out a view lines of "Stairway to Heaven" or "Highway to Hell" if you are so inspired.

Cool mosaic on the stairs

Fun Facts about the area around Lookout Park from mlive.com:

Namesake: The area is named for Civil War Capt. Charles E. Belknap, a well-known former mayor, congressman, businessman, fireman and historian.

X Marks the Spot: In 1970, a massive earthwork sculpture created by artist Robert Morris, the Grand Rapids Project X, was cut into the hill’s north side below the reservoir.

Green Space: The neighborhood boast several city parks, including Belknap Park, Coit Park, Mary Waters Park and Lookout Park, which has long been popular with lovebirds because of the view. 

Map of Lookout Park

www.mlive.com