Southern Lower Michigan Field Trip

Transcription

Diane Crosley dc638
Southern Lower Michigan Field Trip
July 2011
In Fulfillment of the Requirements for the TIG Program
Mississippi State University
View overlooking the Kalamazoo River from Mt Baldhead
Picture by Diane Crosley
Southern Lower Michigan Field Trip July 2011
Diane Crosley
Dc 638
Table of Contents
Section/ Heading
Page
Introduction
2
Geology
7
Meteorology and Climatology
11
Environmental Geoscience
13
Planetary Science
17
Day 1
19
Day 2
25
Day 3
30
Day 4
35
Day 5
39
Day 6
43
Day 7
50
References
56
1
Introduction
Seven Day Field Trip to South-central and South-western Lower Michigan
One of the charming traits of Michiganders is that if you ask them where they are from in
Michigan they answer by holding up their right hand so it faces you and then point to where they live
relative to the “mitten”. Fortunately the field trip does not include the Upper Peninsula (or UP) of
Michigan so the analogy will work. We will be exploring the different aspects of geosciences from
Lansing, the middle of the palm, to Saugatuck, the area under the pinky about a quarter up on the
wrist. This takes us from the only exposed bedrock in southern Lower Michigan, near Lansing, to
Lake Michigan and its shoreline. (Milstein, 1987)
Pennsylvanian Ledges of Fitzgerald Park
Dunes of Lake Michigan from the water
Pictures by Diane Crosley
Probably the single most important event responsible for the landforms in the state of Michigan is the
extensive glaciations during the Pleistocene epoch. The extensive sediments from the glaciers sit on
bedrock from the youngest in the middle of the Michigan basin of Pennsylvanian epoch to mostly
Mississippian and Devonian in the portion of the state we will be exploring. At every stop we will see
evidence of the geological processes from the sediments and landforms left behind. ( Holman and
Holman, 2009) (DuFresne,2008)
After a few days here we will turn back towards the south central part of the state, the middle
of the palm near the wrist, stopping at Coldwater Lake, site of peat bogs and Coldwater blue clay and
blue shale, on our way to Jackson. (Dorr & Eschman,2011)
Coldwater Lake State Park
Picture by Michigan Department of Natural Resources
In Jackson to we will see the Peter Hurst Planetarium and talk about the Milankovitch cycle
and its role in the Ice Age which will include a planet show. After that we travel south to Hudson
where we will look at the geosciences of the middle of the state including water quality and
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agricultural environmental issues. We will do some water testing along Bean Creek above a
Commercial Agricultural Feeding Operation (CAFO) and below it. We will compare the Hudson
Wastewater Treatment Plant (HWWTP) to the manure handling system of VanderHoff farms 9 miles
away. We’ll also look at what accommodations are made for cows to be kept comfortable in the
extreme mid latitude and midcontinent environment they live in.
HWWTP Settling Tanks
Vanderhoff Dairy Manure Holding Trenches
Picture by Dr.Greg Crosley
We will actually dip over the border into Ohio to look for fossils and then on the last day return to
Lansing, our starting point, to visit a nature center and see what causes different ecosystems and the
interrelationship with soils, climate, and vegetation.
Devonian Shale in Fossil Park, Sylvania , Ohio
Reclaimed Prairie in Wolumar Nature Center , Lansing
From a meteorological perspective we will be taking various readings most evenings and
mornings and sometimes in between as we move from the middle of the state and the influence of
continentality to the shores of Lake Michigan which is basically an inland freshwater sea. We’ll also
explore local climates as we move back to the middle of the state and the effects on agriculture. For
example Lake effect precipitation ,what causes it, and the results. Temperature range is 50’sF to
90’sF with very little rain this time of year.
With regards to Environmental Geosciences of interest in this area are invasive species
particularly on the wetlands and in the many lakes in this region. There is the opportunity for
conversations with dairy farmers and fisherman for their perspectives on what they are observing and
doing to ameliorate the problem.
Agriculture in certain portions of this area are the predominate industry and the effect on the
environment is controversial and sometimes contentious. We will test the soil and water in both lakes
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and streams for the effects of agricultural runoff. We’ll look at various kinds of planting practices and
the effect it has on erosion. The soil from several different ecosystems( dunes, bogs, cultivated fields
hardwood forest, pine forests,etc.) will be tested for pH and nutrients. A soil collector will give us a
sample core of the upper soil horizon which we can use to compare agricultural land, reclaimed
landand additional ecosystems.
Lastly we’ll spend some time looking up. In addition to going to the Peter Hurst Planetarium
we will be going to Lake Hudson and having a star party in its designated dark park. We’ll compare
the evening celestial view here with the view from the evening and morning views in Saugatuck and
also with the Pleistocene view at the Hurst Planetarium in Jackson.
Lake Hudson Picnic area
Picture by D. Burnett
7 Day Overview Trip Map
4
Destinations
Day 1 June 19th A-B-C East Lansing to Lansing to Saugatuck
Day 2 June 20th C Saugatuck
Day 3 June 21st C-D Saugatuck- Douglas
Day 4 June 22nd C, E-F-G Saugatuck to Coldwater Lake State Park to Jackson to
Hudson
Day 5 June 23rd G-H-I Hudson to Adrian to Sylvania Ohio to Hudson
Day 6 June 24th G-J Hudson to Clayton to Hudson
Day 7 June 25th G- F-B Hudson to 5 mi south of Jackson to Lansing
Total Number of Miles approximately 400 mi in 7 days
5
What to Bring
Trip leaders
 First aid kit (already have-free)
 Insurance and medical treatment release
forms ( free)
 Water and hand held snacks for long
drives and long days ( Generic water and
snacks – 75.00$ start off with 2 cases of
water at .79$ per bottle -24 bottles/case
replenish if necessary and 25$ worth of
cheese/peanutbutter crackers and trail
mix)
 Small telescope ( already have- free)
 12 Empty gallon milk jugs for Fossil park (
free)
 3 Extra rain ponchos(already have-free)
 Extra sunblock and insect repellent
(Bullfrog Mosquito Coast- 9.00$ )
 Radio shack electronic weather sensor
measures in 2 places at once humidity and
humidity trend, temperature, and date and
time by atomic clock ( extreme range
wireless weather forecaster 63-1090)
already have –free) )
 Anemometer hand held ( Ambient Weather
HP816A from Amazon.com , 22.00$)
 Acorn Naturalist Watershed Field Kit (Kit
9319 ,59.95$)
 Acorn Naturalist Soil Test Kit (Kit 9517,
24.95$)
 Acorn Naturalist Soil Collection Tube
(T18099, 29.95$)
 Small garden shovel(already have –free)
 Novalsan solution in 1 qt spray bottle for
sterilizing muck boots (free donated by
Countryside Vet Clinic)
 Picnic dinner at Lake Hudson 5$ per
person for 12 people, grilled chicken,
paper products and utensils, fresh veggies
and fruit, cookies, chips charcoal( total
60$)
Total amount for supplies = 280.85$
All Trip participants
 Rain gear
 Knee high waterproof boots( muck boots)
 Insect repellent
 Sun block
 Sunhat
 Several pairs of light weight long pants
and lightweight long sleeve shirts( the
mosquitoes and biting flies are brutal in
several locales
 1 qt Water bottle (make sure to fill up each
day)
 Rock hammer or just a hammer
 Lightweight day pack
 Waterproof notebook and pen
 Safety Goggles
 Compass
 Backpack
 Magnifying Glass
 Sturdy garden trowel
 Gloves
 Good Hiking boots
 12 in ruler
 Flashlight with red light
 Planisphere
 Binoculars
 Electronic calculator
 Small magnet
The website for Acorn Naturalist is
www.acornnaturalist.com and the toll free number
is 800 452 2802. This is a great reasonably
priced source for any kind of outdoor education.
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Geology
The geology of Michigan is dominated by the action and sedimentary remains of glaciers
12,000 to14000 years ago. The bedrock is Paleozoic and there is a huge discontinuity between it
and the Ice Age clastic sediments. The break in the geologic record is known as the “Lost Interval”.
It started out as a basin during the Precambrian and Cambrian times with sandstone the main
sediment. Next came times of evaporation and carbonate rocks being laid down during the
Ordovician, Silurian and Devonian. Much finer rocks are a hallmark of the Late Devonian and
Mississippian with shale, claystone, siltstone and finer sandstone. Then finally the youngest we have
record of is Pennsylvanian, which we will see evidence of with its coal seams.
(J.A.Holman&M.B.Holman, 2009)
It was thought that an uplift of the region and subsequent erosion resulted in Lost Interval.
There are no Dinosaur fossils because the uplift that would have contained them covered the late
Pennsylvanian to the late Pleistocene. During the Pennsylvanian there is evidence of transgressing to
regressing cycles so you see marine to terrestrial and back again. So the sedimentary basin was
uplifted and eventually eroded. (J.A.Holman&M.B.Holman, 2009)
Next the region was covered over with several glacial periods . As a result, with extensive
erosion and multiple sediment deposits, the youngest formations left are found in the center of the
basin and rocks get progressively older as you move to the outer edges. We’ll see the youngest
formations of Pennsylvanian coal seams in Grand Ledge in the middle of the field trip area and then
Mississippian Coldwater Shale as we move west and lastly at the southern most portion of the trip
furthest from the center of the basin we’ll see Devonian Limestone in Sylvania, Ohio.
Bedrock Map of field trip area
Chart from Michigan Department of Natural Resources
There are only two of those sites where we will be able to see actual outcrops of rocks. One of
the most famous is the Ledges in Grand Ledge found on both sides of the Grand River. It was
famous during the Victorian era and we can see Victorian graffiti along the climbing rocks on the north
shore climbing wall and along the south shore river trail. The river formed during the last Ice Age
and cut through what is thought to be an ancient marine environment with an open water portion and
lagoon behind. Towards the top you see “thin dipping beds thought to be windswept sand dunes.”
(Milstien 1987) You also see evidence of wash over fans and muddy lagoons which would have had
lush vegetation as evidenced by the coal seam. This seam is about 24 inches thick at the abandoned
Vitrified Quarry but you see evidence of it throughout the outcrop on both sides of the river. Above it
is thick multi layered sandstone beds. Under it is similar on both sides of the river but as you move
inland from the river you find the thin layer of charcoal is eroding out and under it is fine shale. So on
both sides of the river you have finer grain tilted beds, the courser thick sand beds, a thin layer of coal
with sandstone gradually changing to shale as you move away from the main river channel.
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The sandstone grains are smaller in the quarry area supporting the idea that this was a lagoon
area with some sort of barrier island or bar in front of it. On a recent field trip (6/25/20011) with Dr.
Danita Brandt , a geologist from Michigan State University, she pointed out that fact as well as the
much finer silt stone found under the coal seam different from what was found along both sides of the
Grand river. She also mentioned that you can get a clue as to the underlying bedrock by what the
path is under foot. In the Vitreous quarry area it is a muddy clay indicating shale and along both
sides of the river it is sandy indicating courser sandstone. Looking at the map of the park the small
pond just east of the orange trail is the flooded American Vitrified Quarry and directly across from the
rail road track on the other side of the river is the Climbing area. Both of these areas show open
marine environments with the Quarry probably developing from a protected the lagoon area where
fine silt would result in claystone and siltstone.
Much of the surface geology we see is comprised of medium textured till to glacial outwash
sand and alluvium. (MDNR, 2001) Since this has come from the eroded marine environment once
covering the State it is rich in marine fossils. It is also rich in marine sands which found their way
along the shores of Lake Michigan. There we will study dunes, their formation, movement, and types.
When the last glaciers started to melt from Michigan they are thought to be up to a mile thick.
That is thought to have happened 12,000-14,000 years ago. The smallest sediments left behind were
mainly very hard quartz sand that was pulverized and carried in the Great Lakes. This is what
constitutes the beaches of Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan has more sand than any other freshwater
lake in the world. ( DeFresne, 2005) The sand is very well sorted but the deposits of till in
depositional end moraines or recessional moraines are not. It’s not unusual to find large erratics in
the field trip area where the glaciers melted and just dropped their unconsolidated, unsorted load.
The geology of the region along Lake Michigan is strongly influenced by the prevailing west
winds and vegetation. As a result the dunes are quite built up on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan
but not on the western shore. The fluctuating water levels result in rows of linear dunes. The wind by
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a process of saltation may move dunes on top of glacial moraines to form perched dunes the highest
structures in the area. They may reach as high as 230 ft. ( DeFrense, 2005)
When vegetation is washed away by storms and high water then the destabilized dune may
form a parabolic dune where the vegetation on the edge is anchoring but the middle portion may be
washed out or by saltation may build up in the center. Shallow bays forming when glaciers were
melting may be the source of material for transverse dunes which are linear dunes with scalloped
edges. All of these types of dunes are found at Oval Beach in Saugatuck.
Various dunes at Oval Beach
3 foot waves at Oval Beach
In addition to the wind, another cause of the shifting shoreline is the wave action. Waves
routinely get to 3 foot high and may reach 15 foot swells during winter storms. You can calculate the
velocity of the wave by watching the crest pass a background marker of an old pier. The height of the
wave can be measured with a meter stick in the water and the period of the waves by using a
stopwatch to measure the time it takes between two crests or two troughs.
While we will not be able to see the town of Singapore at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River
we will be going past its burial site. At one time it was a logging town that sent building material to
help rebuild Chicago after it was burned in 1871. The entrance to the river at that spot was subject to
winds that could raise the lake level several feet. Also there was a sharp oxbow curve just before the
ingress of the Kalamazoo to Lake Michigan. The town was built within the curve of the oxbow.
(Lane,1994)
Due to an economic reversal where people left town, a series of fires, and encroaching sands
by 1918 all that could be seen of the town was tops of several houses, the tannery, and a logging mill
long abandoned. Today nothing is seen but a large sand dune. In the 1980’s after a large winter
storm a wooden floor with sawdust packed into the cracks of the floor was uncovered for a short
period of time but reburied soon after. (Lane, 1994)
The geologically recent glaciations are responsible for ground water availability to be spotty in
places. Where glacial sediments are well sorted and porous there is no problem with digging local
wells. However in areas where the till is poorly sorted or glacial lake clays it may be difficult to dig
wells. The region we are looking at on the other hand has quite a few artesian wells where the
arrangement of aquacludes of clay and well sorted till allow for perched aquifers.
(Dorr&Eschman,2011) Coldwater Lake, the closed Vitreous Quarry in Grand Ledge and along Bean
Creek are three examples of areas with a lot of springs and artesian wells.
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In the field trip region there are many small ponds and lakes and little flow through of ground
water. This has to do with the irregular, pocked surface left from the melting of the glaciers. There
has not been enough time for extensive stream erosion unless the glacier followed the path of an
existing river course as discussed by Dr. Brandt during the recent field trip previously mentioned.
Water from areas that are taken from glacial till is usually basic in pH from the dissolved
calcium carbonate making up the sediments in some areas. The shallow epeiric sea that covered the
Michigan basin with the younger Pennsylvanian sediments then the older Mississippian and finally the
Devonian sediments as you go from the center of the Michigan basin to the edge, (the field study
area) have a large proportion of carbonate minerals from marine processes. ( Dorr & Eschman,
2011). Exceptions are found in areas where there is coal as the peat process results in acidification.
Cold Water Lake has a peat bog that demonstrates this idea.
Similarly the soil ph tends to be basic where the underlying rock is carbonate in nature and
acidic where it is clay or peat according to Dr Brandt. Of course the type of vegetation may also affect
the pH of the rock. The pine stand in the Woldumar Nature center tested acidic which is expected of
evergreen forests while the prairie area was more neutral. These are generalizations because within
a few hundred yards of the same testing sites you may get different soil pH. This may be related to
vegetation but also to the proximity of agricultural influences of fertilizers and animal waste as
discussed with Jan VanderHoff a CAFO dairy owner.
There are quite a few streams and lakes in the study area but if they are connected it is due to
the positioning of the glacial till remains. You do still see with the river and streams the common
erosional features of meanders, cutbanks, and point bars but these features are young features. With
the exception of the Grand River there are very few high bluffs or bedrock exposed by erosion. Due
to the evenness of the landscape there are quite a few bogs and marshes making up the wetlands of
the interior of the Michigan Basin. ( Dorr & Eschman, 2011).
Both the quarry at Fossil Park in Sylvania and the Ledges at Grand Ledge give you the
opportunity to read the history of the area prior to the “Lost Interval”. We have already mentioned the
Pennsylvanian stratigraphy and the Devonian period fossils and stratigraphy can be seen at Fossil
park in Sylvania Ohio. Unfortunately you may no longer go into the working quarry but the Medusa
Portland Cement Company who owns it will truck over dump truck loads of sediment for persons
interested to pick through and find fossils ( Dorr & Eschman, 2011). Molds and casts of Devonian
marine animals are numerous and you may even find a rare trilobite.
Trilobite found by 8 yr old Sam Larrowe
Devonian Outcrop in Fossil Park
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Meteorology and Climatology
In general the climate and daily weather of southern Lower Michigan where the field trip will
occur results from its mid latitude position, its placement in the middle of the North American
continent and its proximity to Lake Michigan. There are three air masses that influence climate in this
area. Maritime tropical coming up from the south and resulting in warmer moist winter conditions and
hot humid summers. Arctic air masses moving south result in frigid weather that is dry during the
winter and has a cooling influence in the summer. Lastly maritime polar air masses from the oceans
off the coast of northwest United State usually drop their load of moisture over the Rockies and is
warmed as it moves down slope. This brings warmer, dryer conditions to the region. It also
influences the jet stream which causes lift and rotation as these three air masses come together.
This results in the predominately spring and summer convective storms that may result in severe
thunderstorms and the possibility of tornadoes. A down burst near Hudson Michigan, part of the field
trip area was clocked at 111 mph in 2010 ( Michigan weather extra, 2011) In the winter it results in
series of snowstorms or ice storms that may become severe. (USDA Forest Service, 2004)
February Ice storm Hudson Mi
Oval Beach, Saugatuck, Lake Michigan
Michigan is divided into four ecosystems “based on climate and physiographic features.”
(J.A.Holman & M.B.Holman) The section we are looking at is designated Region 1 and includes
southern Lower Michigan. Our field trip area is in the western and southern portions of this are down
to the Ohio border. is warmer than the rest of Michigan year round. As you move east from the
moderating effects of Lake Michigan there is greater variability in temperature with the lows lower and
the highs higher in the south central portion of the state. Region 1has the longest and most
climatologically consistent growing season of the four regions. (J.A.Holman & M.B.Holman)
One of the climate controls that has arguably the biggest effect on Region 1 weather is Lake
Michigan. The prevailing winds are west to east and when the moisture laden winds blow onto shore
in the winter it results in lake effect snow. The storms may be more intense the closer you get to the
Lake. The opposite may happen in the summer. As the convective storm cells pass over the cooler
lake waters there is loss of convective lift and the storm subsides.( USDA Forest Service, 2004)
According to climate records snowfall averages 40 to 70 inches a year with the higher totals
along the area where lake effect snows are greatest. The temperature in the winter averages around
25 F December through February. It is usually colder in the middle of the state as compared to the
lake shorelines. Recently there has been a trend towards snowier and stormier winters than in the
past. This is thought to correspond to a greater number of El Nino events from the mid1980’s to the
early 2000’s. (Deedler, 2009)
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The summer temperatures , also modified by Lake Michigan, tend to run in the high 70’s F and
low 80’s during the day and mid 50’s to mid 60’s at night. There is much greater variation in daytime
versus night time temperatures as you move inland from the lake due to continentality. The maximum
temperatures in the region may exceed 100F with Mio in the central portion of the state holding the
record at 111F. Average rainfall for the year is around 30 inches. (Michigan weather extra, 2011)
With regards to climate and livestock summer is much more difficult for animals than winter.
The CAFO we will be visiting has taken measures to try and keep the animals cool and comfortable.
When the temperature reaches 70F the cloth sides of the large barns are rolled up and large fans are
started up. If the temperatures reach above 85 sprinklers are turned on in the pens where the cattle
are held three times a day prior to milking. The cattle are soaked and evaporative cooling helps keep
them comfortable.
Cows under fans
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Environmental Geoscience
There are three main areas of environmental concern that will be explored during the course of the field
trip. The first area of concern is pollution along the Kalamazoo River where it flows into Lake Michigan at
Saugatuck. The second area of concern is agricultural runoff both point source from Commercial Agricultural
Feeding Operations (CAFO’s ) and nonpoint source from field runoff, and the effect on water quality. Lastly we
will look at invasive species and the effects on biodiversity, soil pH, water quality and erosion.
While most of the Kalamazoo River runs through sparsely inhabited areas the river has a long history of
pollution. In fact prior to 1981 the river was known as the Sewer of West Michigan. The pollutants came from
factories along the banks which until the Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976 “poured industrial waste
unchecked into the river.” (Lane, 2006) The substances included hydrogen sulfide gas from paper mills in
Otsego, cyanide from factories in Albion, raw sewage from all the cities along the river especially after storm
events, and most devastating, PCP’s, a long lasting known carcinogen from the carbonless paper making
process and from an automotive company. PCP’s in particular collect in the sediments and every time the
sediments are disturbed the PCP’s are released into the water. In 1990 the river was designated a Superfund
Cleanup site by the EPA. (Lane, 2006)
With intensive cleanup efforts funded by both state and federal government agencies the river has been
making progress towards reclamation. A challenge still remains with PCP’s, oil contamination, and nutrient
enrichment. Nearly ½ of the non point source phosphorous comes from urban sources while 1/3 comes from
agricultural runoff. ( Kalamazoo/Lake Allegan, 2002) The one we will be testing for is nutrient enrichment.
The signs of over enrichment or eutrophication that we will be studying include algal blooms, low oxygen levels
and water clarity. Phosphorus has been especially implicated but since the test kit includes nitrogen we will be
looking at that as well. High nitrate is an indicator of sewage and agricultural runoff of manure and fertilizer. (
Watershed Field Trip, 2000) We will test for total phosphorus, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen, temperature, ph,
and turbidity using Acorn Naturalist Watershed Field Kit #9319. The goals from the following table will give
standards that we will compare all of the water testing throughout the entire field trip against, not just the
Kalamazoo River.
Water Quality Levels for Kalamazoo Watershed
(Kalamazoo River/Lake Allegan, 2002)
Dead fish in Lake Hudson thought to be due to contamination by agricultural run off June,2011
Nitrogen contamination may come from manure runoff after application to fields and contamination from
farms and inadequate manure handling systems. With the advent of CAFO’s in the area it is becoming a
greater issue. CAFO’s are required to obtain National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
permits which gives allowable pollutant levels. If there is an excess of pollutants then the entities holding the
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permits are subject to fines and even having their operations closed down. ( Jackson, 2010)
Nitrite/nitrogen levels below 90 mg/l and nitrate levels below 0.5 mg/l seem to have no effect on warm
water fish. Above those levels fish may get the lethal” brown blood disease”. ( Kentucky Water Watch) Of more
importance to humans is “blue baby syndrome”. This may occur in infants three months and younger if they
ingest water with greater than 1.0mg/L of nitrites. This is a fatal disease where hemoglobin is converted into
methemoglobulin which prevents the uptake of oxygen in the baby’s blood. (Kentucky Water Watch)
There are two wastewater treatment processes we will look at. The first is Hudson, Michigan’s Waste
Water Treatment Plant (HWWTP) and the second one is the grey water and manure handling system utilized
by the VanderHoff dairy CAFO.
An overview of the HWWTP is as follows: influent from the sewer system is pumped into the basement
of the WWTP and the large pieces or grit are filtered out and shoveled by hand into a container that is taken to
a landfill. Next the remaining sludge is pumped back up to the surface into one of two settling chambers. Here
the sludge separates and the liquid portion is piped into a settling chamber. The solids that by gravity fall to
the bottom of the settling chamber are pumped back underground to the digester where anaerobic bacteria
and heat kill the pathogens and dry out the sludge. This product is periodically cleaned out and trucked to a
landfill.
HWWTP Grit filter and pump
Settling chamber
Underground digester
In the meantime the liquid effluent is sent to the aerators to separate any remaining solids and to aerate
it with large slow moving paddles. One of the issues in the summer is strings of algae which may wrap up the
paddles and needs to be removed from the two aerator ponds by hand. From here the water flows into the
chlorination chamber where it is treated with the appropriate amount of chlorine depending on the conditions.
Lastly it is sent to a settling lagoon so any excess chlorine may dissipate and from there it flows into nearby
Bean Creek.
HWWTP aerators
Chlorinator chamber with applicator at top of picture
Settling Lagoon
VanderHoff Farms uses a system developed by Joe Horner of Kansas State University ( J. Vanderhoff
Private conversation 6/30 2011) a vastly different system although several elements are similar. They have 2
separate systems. One captures all the grey water from runoff of the roof of the barns, from the bunk silos
where corn silage is stored and from the concrete areas around and between the barns. This water is pumped
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to the grey water lagoon and since it does not contain any solids it is used to irrigate fields in the summer and
fall unless there is ¼ in of rain predicted by the National Weather Service. All of this is in accordance to with
the NPDES discharge permit which both HWWTP and CAFOs are required to have. The permit is specific to
the facility which is discharging water with any kind of contamination into possible public waterways. NPDES
stands for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (The link just before this one tells the Federal and State
history of the permit system which is beyond the scope of this section.)
The other part of the system starts off with daily scraping of the sand bedding from the alleys of the two
barns holding approximately 1200 dairy cows. This is pushed into a large pipe and then pumped from under
the barns into a sand lane where it settles into sand to be reclaimed and water contaminated with suspended
manure. Daily about 8 inches of sand are piled up, allowed to dry and are exposed to ultraviolet sun radiation.
Depending on the drying time the sand is then reused for bedding. A specific type of sand called Mason’s
sand has the correct consistency to be used and reused in this fashion. (Jan Vanderhoff, 2011)
The next step of the process is pumping the liquid separated portion into the weeping cell adjacent to
the sand lane. Evaporation causes a crust to form on the top of the weeping cell which reduces the odor.
There is a constant flow of liquid out of the weeping cell through vertical filters which is transported to the first
stage lagoon which has a concrete bottom. Periodically the lagoon is allowed to drain and the manure is
scraped out and dried. The manure that is left in the weeping cell becomes very valuable fertilizer for crops.
The same NPDES mandate of not spreading manure if there is a prediction of 1/4inch of rain or more is
applicable. The second stage lagoon is the final stop for the effluent which should be all liquid. This water,
termed black water, is also used for irrigation when the conditions are right. There is enough storage that
since the implementation of the system in 2003 there has been no over flow and no fines due to the system
over flowing. (J. VanderHoff, 2011)
Sand Lane separating on left of picture
Drying sand piles on right of picture
Reclaimed sand ready for reuse
Note the texture of the Mason’s sand
Grey water Lagoon on the right of the road
and two dark water lagoons on the left
Weeping cells with dry manure
emptying into lagoon channel
First and Second lagoons
15
Lastly we’ll look at common invasive and noxious species and the effect they have on the local
environment. Highest on the list that we will encounter are purple loose strife, duckweed, narrow leaf cattail,
garlic mustard and phragmites. There are certainly more, in fact hundreds, of noxious and invasive species
but these few are abundant and readily identifiable. We’ll also look at the emerald ash borer which has had a
devastating effect on the ash trees in this local region in the past 5 years.
The following are pictures of each:
Purple Loosestrife
Picture from Freshfromflorida.com
Phragmites
Emerald Ash Borer
Picture from Michigan DNR
Garlic Mustard
Narrow Leaf Cattail
Picture by Earl J.S.Rock
Duckweed
Picture by tamu.edu
You might notice them in the background of other photos from the field trip now that you can recognize them.
The biggest issue with noxious weeds is that it out competes native plants and contributes to the loss of
biodiversity. This also causes habitat to be destroyed. Then all the species dependent on that habitat when the
weeds and invasive species take over are lost as well. The weeds may be poisonous to humans and livestock.
Because they are introduced checks and balances are absent so the grow rapidly and are hard to control.
Aquatic invasive species may clog waterways and completely change the ecosystem. (King County,
Washington)
With regards to agriculture Jan Vander Hoff mentioned that due to state and federal regulations he has
his fields sprayed by a contract company. The biggest issues they have in terms of weeds competing for crops
are purple loosestrife, garlic mustard and thistles. They use a general herbicide. They are required by the
state to soil test every three years due to the spreading of manure. Specifically they test for nitrate levels,
phosphorus levels and potassium levels.
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Planetary Science
Hurst Planetarium Dome, Jackson Michigan
Picture By Mark Reed
The time frame of the night sky that will be referred to is June 19- June 25 which is the last
time we will be making any observations. We will be making both pre dawn and late evening
observations. We also will be going to a planetarium and looking at how the sky may have changed
over eons. We will be using both binoculars and a small telescope. In addition we will be observing
near the lights of the small city of Saugatuck as well as at a designated dark park, Lake Hudson State
recreation area near Clayton Michigan. We will be using the sky map found in the Sky and Telescope
magazine for June, 2011. ("Sky at a," 2011) We will also be using a 5-7 in planisphere that the
students will provide, their choice of size.
This time of the year the summer solstice is approaching and will result in the longest day of
the year. This is due to the fact the earth is tilted towards the sun in such a manner that the sunlight
is streaming in at as close to a 90 degree angle that it can have in this place on the Northern
hemisphere. ("Sky at a," 2011) In fact at 23.5 degrees latitude is where the 90 degree sun angle is
and Hudson is located a few degrees north of 40 degrees latitude. One of the results of the summer
solstice is a “longer sunrise, sunset, and twilight period. ("Sky at a," 2011)
The full moon during the month of June was on June 15th. So June 19th the moon will be filling
in from the right to the left as we observe it and we will see 84% of the moon. Moving on to June 23
we see a gradually waning moon and on this date it is the last quarter moon where we see 45% of the
moon. By June 25th we will only see the moon illuminated 30% on the left side of the moon and it is at
the 24 day mark of the 30 day lunar cycle. ( Old Farmers Almanac,2011)
June 19 we see the moon rising around midnight, 11:51 pm to be exact and setting at 10:02
am. As we progress through the week the moon will rise later and later at night and also set later
during the day. So we will be looking for the moon more during the daylight hours than in the middle
of the night.
Mercury, Venus, and Mars are all rising around dawn or a little earlier with first Mars at 4:17
am then Venus at 5:04 am and lastly Mercury at 6:31 am on June 19th. Venus and Mars will be
visible in the Northeast/East sky during this time frame. Mercury will not be visible until June 22 and
then it will be visible around sunset in the northwest sky for the rest of our time frame. (Sky and
Telescope n.a., 2011)
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Using the Planisphere to help us orient, the planets will be found not far from the elliptic.
The Celestial Elliptic along which the Planets and the Zodiac are found .
Image from http://physics.weber.edu/schroeder/ua/SunAndSeasons.html
The zodiac constellations are found along the yellow line and the section above the Celestial
Equator, represented by the blue line, indicates which zodiac signs are seen in June. The sun in its
travels along the elliptic pass through certain constellations which are what constitutes the Zodiac.
(Koupelis, 2011) For the month of June facing west ( the direction looking over Lake Michigan) at
10:00 EST we would see the elliptic which curves around the lower left hand side of sky at this time
of night and on this date. Lowest on the elliptic is most of Cancer, then following around Leo, Virgo,
Libra , Scorpius and Sagitarius. For a pre-dawn look at the sky Sagitarius moves to the lower left
portion of the elliptical then Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces and Taurus at the top. We will be using Sky
and Telescope’s Star Wheel to follow the constellations through the evening.
With regards to seeing the planets you can see that they sometimes have phases if you are
using binoculars or a small telescope and they do not twinkle like the stars do. In June the planets
have more than 90% illumination by the sun. The Planets are also following the elliptic. Mercury will
be seen in the northwest sky after June 22 when it moves away from its alignment with the sun at
sunset. It sets shortly after sunset. Saturn will also be seen at dusk and moving south to west during
the night setting after midnight. Venus may be seen just before sunrise in the northeast sky Mars will
also rise before dawn and move to the east at dawn. Jupiter rises even earlier before dawn in the
northeast and move to the east as the sunrises.
Some special things to look for include “June 19-22 predawn Mars and the Pleiades fit in the
same 5 degree binocular field of view low in the east-northeast about 25 degrees lower left of much
brighter Jupiter” ( Flanders, 2011) the last quarter moon on June 23 and the thin crescent moon on
the 25th in close proximity to the Pleiades above it and Mars below it.
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Day 1 Map
Driving directions
A. Michigan State University Museum, East Lansing Mi, 48824
B. Clara’s Restaurant ,637 E Michigan Ave, Lansing Mi,48921
C. State of Michigan Historical Museum, 702 Kalamazoo St., Lansing Mi, 48824
D. Fitzgerald Park, 133 Fitzgerald Park Drive, Grand Ledge Mi, 48837
E. Beachway Resort and Hotel, 106 Perryman St, Saugatuck Mi, 49453
Overview of the Day
We will be starting in Lansing, the capital of Michigan, at the Michigan State University
Museum where we will familiarize ourselves with an overview of the geology of the State of Michigan.
Looking at the fossils we notice that there is a big time gap with no dinosaurs but there are plenty of
large mammals from the Pleistocene. From there we will go to the State of Michigan Historical
Museum where we will look at minerals and mining. The rest of the day will be spent at Fitzgerald
Park, the only bedrock outcrop in southern Lower Michigan. There we will study the stratigraphy of
the area and how we can use that to deduce that the environment was a marine environment with
open beaches and a protected lagoon. Finally we will drive to our Day 2 site in Saugatuck,Michigan.
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Day 1 Fly into Lansing, Michigan and come in the day before. You will be staying at the Kellog Hotel
and Conference Center in East Lansing. There is a free shuttle to the hotel that you may arrange
ahead of time. Breakfast is part of the room rate. (55 South Harrison Road, East Lansing, MI 48824
Standard Double Room 125$ a night, free shuttle from airport available (517) 432-4000))
A. Michigan State University Museum
 9:00 am meet in the foyer of the Michigan State University Museum (address MSU Museum,
East Lansing Michigan 48824) The museum is within walking distance but you may also take
the shuttle from the hotel if you arrange ahead of time.
Topics Geology; Short orientation and introductions, and then we enter the Division of Vertebrate
Paleontology, Hall of Evolution to identify common fossils of Eaton, Lenawee, Hillsdale, Branch and
Jackson Counties. These fossils are primarily marine fossils of the Mississippian , Devonian and
Pennsylvanian periods. While there are some fossils of dinosaurs in the museum none of them will
be found in Michigan because of the Lost Interval. It is thought that there was an uplift of the state
after the Pennsylvanian period and the gap is a result of erosion. Then there was another period of
deposition. After that the Michigan basin subsided. Consequently the youngest fossils,
Pennsylvanian, we will be seeing will be in the Lansing area near the center of the basin. The oldest
will be along the edges of the basin and are Devonian and Mississipppian. Most of the fossils from
this period are imprints of plants mostly ferns and calymite tree. Use your digital camera and take
photos of common fossils for referencing during the field experience. Make sure to include the
following common animals: Crystallphyloides, rugose coral, tabulate coral, crinoids, cylindrophyllum,
and a myriad of brachiopods especially mucospirifer stophadonta,and atheris.
Michigan State University Hall of Evolution and Fossils of Michigan Exhibit
You may also want to take pictures of the Pleistocene mammals but there is little chance that we will
be coming across them during this field trip. Next at this stop is a ½ hour slide show by Professor
Danita Brandt on stratigraphy of the Grand Ledges in Fitzgerald Park along the Grand River.
Time at site: 21/2 hours
Cost free
B. Clara’s Lansing Station
 11:30 am Lunch: old train depot, Clara's Lansing Station (637 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing,
MI 48912 ) private room for lunch and Field trip briefing
Topics General overview of the schedule and expectations for the week. Please note that this is
a tentative schedule and we may spend more or less time at each site. Also in general we will be
active in the field even if the weather is inclement. In the event that the weather is dangerous to be
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out in, tornadoes or thunderstorms, we will take shelter and work on our field trip notebooks.
Time at lunch: 1hour
Cost 6.00-8.00$
C. State of Michigan Historical Museum
 12:30 pm Drive to State of Michigan Historical Museum approximately 15 minutes (address
702 Kalamazoo Street, Lansing Michigan 48824)
Topics Geology/Environmental geoscience; History of the Geology of Michigan, Minerals and
Mining, Copper Mine, and Iron Mine environmental issues. There are large samples of common
minerals and those that have commercial interest. These include evaporates like halite and gypsum
and rocks like limestone, sandstone, copper ore and iron ore. We’ll look at exhibits that explain how
the mine tailings of both the copper mines and the iron mines contaminated the soil and in some
cases the ground water.
Single large piece of “float”copper
Exhibit 1800’s Michigan Copper Mine
evaporate mineral Gypsum
Take digital photos of the major types of Rocks and Minerals found in Lower Michigan. We will use
these to help us identify rocks and minerals during the field trip.
Topic Climatology ; We will see evidence of Lake effect snow and how inhabitants in the past dealt
with the environmental extremes.
Record snowfall marker in the open three story solarium
Time at site: 1 hour
Cost free
D. Fitzgerald Park and Vitreous Products Quarry
 1:30pm Drive to Fitzgerald Park ( address 133 Fitzgerald Park Drive, Grand Ledge, Mi 488379766) approximately 30 minutes
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Topics Meteorology/Climatology ;Take weather measurements of wind speed and direction(
(anemometer), Relative Humidity ( electronic ) , Temperature( thermometer) and cloud types , to
contrast continentality with the effects of Lake Michigan on the weather later in the day.
Topic Geology; Walk the Ledges trail and look at the stratigraphy explained by Dr Brandt in her
earlier slide show. Notice the strange honeycomb sandstone erosion that Dr Brandt mentioned was
not well understood. Walk down the trail and look at the stratigraphy there. Approximate the height
of the beds as we walk along the trail.
Map by Eaton County Parks and Recreation Department
Draw in your notebooks the sandstone bed, thin coal bed and any sandstone bed you can see
underneath the coal. Make sure to draw in the cross bedding indicating the wind formed dunes and
use an arrow to draw in the direction of the wind. In some cases the coal seam is not exposed
In all cases try to identify the major layers and types of rocks using the digital photographs from the
museums. If there are any fossils visible do the same. Since this is a park you are not allowed to use
any rock hammers or tools. Now come back North along the Ledges trail and follow the Sandstone
Creek trail # 11 on the map. Notice the Victorian graffiti high up along the upper sandstone layer.
Also notice the reddish color of the sandstone in the small cave about halfway down the trail. This is
thought to be the result of Victorian wood fires. Notice how the layer of coal at times disappears
under the ground. In addition notice how the layer below the coal becomes shale and the trail goes
from sandy to gooey mud. The stratigraphy is similar across the river at the Climbing area.
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Staircase down to Ledges trail
Sandstone Creek with trails on both sides Unexplained honeycomb erosion
All Pictures in this section by Diane Crosley
View across the river at Climbing Area
Eroded coal seam causing undercut
Sample of coal fallen from coal seam
Notice the thin darkest line demarcating the sandstone above and the siltstone below. This is a seam
of coal that is more susceptible to erosion. From here walk back to the Ledges trail and follow the
River Bottom trail up to the top of the ledge. Notice the large glacial erratics as you get to the top.
Now going North follow the road to the canoeing area . West directly behind the Waste Water
Treatment plant and fish ladder (not marked on the map) there is an unmarked trail that will lead to
another outcrop. This is the abandoned Vitreous Quarry where clay was taken out to make roofing
tiles in the past. It started to flood when it was quarried below the water table and subsequently shut
down. As you walk around the pond climb up from the water to the North and you will see a 24 inch
seam of coal topped by sandstone. There is a difference in the layer below which is very fine siltstone
that you can crumble with your hand. This is thought to be part of a separate outcrop from that along
the Ledges trail and the Climbing Area. Draw a diagram of this outcrop to compare with the Ledges
outcrop.
Follow around the pond North West and you will come to another unmarked trail. Follow this
North to a spring and you will see an area where the coal seam is exposed. As you continue north
again you will come to the old access road that goes up a steep hill. Along the hillside and at the
bottom are debris piles from the old quarry. From here we will pick up the Acorn trail going West and
then Southeast to the parking lot and on to our next stop.
Topic Environmental geology; We will take water samples and test for nitrates, phosphates, pH,
water temperature, dissolved oxygen and turbidity as we follow the trails. Follow the kit directions and
the directions for using the soil pH meter. We are looking for evidence of agricultural runoff, coliform
contamination and productivity. The sites we are testing are the Grand River along the Ledges trail at
the bottom of the stairs, the Sandstone stream which runs into Grand River, and the pond that formed
in the Vitreous Quarry. We should see a lower, more acidic pH at the quarry as a result of the coal
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and coal shale with siltstone under it. The other two sites will depend more on the water level and
season. Use the Kalamazoo watershed levels in the Environmental Geosciences section to
compare to what we measure.
Time at site : 3 hours
Cost: Free
E. Beachway Resort and Hotel, Saugatuck
 4:30pm Drive to Beach Way resort and hotel in Saugatuck (address 106 Perryman Street,
Saugatuck, Michigan 49453). Water and snacks will be available in the van. Check into the
hotel as a group.
Time traveling:1 ½ hours
Cost: 115$ per night for double occupancy
Topics Climatology In half an hour approximately 5:00 walk up the Oval Beach access road 15
minutes to Oval Beach and take weather measurements, meet back at hotel and compare what we
saw in Lansing. Make particular note of the wind direction which if it is a clear day should be blowing
from the water offshore onto the beach due to the warmer land low pressure and the relatively higher
pressure over the cooler water.

6:30 pm Take the chain ferry ( right across the street from the Hotel) across the canal to the
Butler Restaurant (40 Butler Street, Saugatuck, Mi, 49453) There is a wide variety of food and
outdoor waterfront seating available.
Topics: Dinner discuss the differences between weather readings at Fitzgerald Park and the
readings at Oval Beach. Review schedule for Day 2.
Time : 2 hours
Cost : Chain Ferry 1.00$ Butler restaurant 6.00$- 15$ entrees
Picture by Saugatuck–Douglas Chamber of Commerce
Note : Chain ferry stops running at 9:00 pm
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Day 2 Map
Destinations
A. Beachway Resort and Hotel Mi 106 Perryman St Saugatuck Mi
B. Oval Beach , Oval Beach Road (at Lake Michigan) Saugatuck Mi
C. Mt Baldhead Staircase, 735 Park Street, Saugatuck Mi
D. Chain Ferry Landing across from Mt Baldhead, 360 Water St, Saugatuck Mi
E. Elbo Room Restaurant, 880 Holland St, Saugatuck Mi
A. Beachway Resort and Hotel 106 Perryman St Saugatuck Mi
B. Oval Beach , Oval Beach Road (at Lake Michigan) Saugatuck Mi
Overview of the day
We will be spending the day in the Saugatuck area and we will get an early start. Looking at the
predawn sky at Oval Beach we should be able to see the planets and figure out the common
constellations with the Sky and Telescope’s Star Wheel planisphere. We’ll also take several
meteorological readings throughout the day and compare them. We’ll tackle the 220 ft Mt Baldhead
staircase and will be looking at the geology of the sand dunes as well as the environmental
differences on the Lake side of the dunes versus the land side of the dunes. We’ll also look at near
shore, foreshore and backshore geological processes of Lake Michigan including waves and
currents. We’ll compare the water quality of Lake Michigan, the Kalamazoo River, and the junction of
both.
Day 2 We will be starting just before dawn then walking back to the hotel for breakfast.
A. Beachway Resort, Saugatuck
B. Oval Beach
 5:15 am Meet in hotel lobby and walk to Oval Beach ( approximately 15 minutes)
Topic: Astronomy; Look for early morning planets and constellations. Note the position of the planets
and identify as many constellations as you can. Use the naked eye, the binoculars, and the telescope
25
to look at the same section of sky. You should see correspondingly larger numbers of stars and even
be able to see the colors of some of the stars as you increase your magnification. Refer to the
Planetology section of this field guide as well as the star wheel to guide what you can see. Make a list
of all the planets, stars and constellations you can identify.
Topic Meteorology/Climatology ;Take the same weather measurements of wind speed and
direction, relative humidity, Temperature, cloud cover and types of clouds that you took yesterday.
These will be the same measurements that we will always take when we want meteorological
readings. Note the Land versus Lake breeze and the fact that now the land is cooler so the breeze is
blowing off the land toward the warmer, lower pressure water.
Cost: Free
 8-9am Breakfast at the hotel
Cost: free
C. Mt Baldhead Staircase
 9am Walk from the hotel to Mt Baldhead ( Mt Baldy) staircase ( north approximately 10
minutes on Park Street)
Bottom of Mt Baldy staircase
Looking down from top of Mt Baldy Staircase
Kalamazoo river from top of Mt Baldy
Topic Environmental Geology; Test the water in the adjoining Kalamazoo River before you start up
Mt Baldy. Take water samples and apply the same water quality tests as you did yesterday.
Compare against the chart in the Environmental geosciences section. The Kalamazoo River in
March 2010 was subjected to a large oil spill, clean up is still ongoing. Smell the water. Do you smell
petroleum? It does not smell the same as the gasoline residue left by boats. There is a stronger,
more sulphurous smell to the oil (in my opinion). Next as you climb look for evidence of erosion
alongside the steep staircase of 220 foot high Mt “Baldy”.
Riverside of top of Mt Baldy dune
Lakeside of Mt Baldy dune
Blowout halfway down lakeside of dune
Topic Climatology: At the top of the stair case take the left hand South Ridge Trail which will lead to
26
the Beach Access road. Look at the climate and vegetation differences between the Lake side of the
dune, the Riverside of the dune, at the top of the dune and the bottom of the dune. The Lake side of
the dune has grasses and smaller, more frequent evergreen trees thinning out to just sand toward the
bottom. The riverside of the dune has thicker more varied vegetation and includes pine trees and
some hardwoods.
Trail map of Mt Baldy
Topic Geology: Notice the landforms visible from the top of Mt “Baldy” west down to the beach of
Lake Michigan especially the Oxbow Lagoon. As mentioned in the Geology section Mt Baldy is a
perched sand dune on top of a glacial esker which gives it its height and also why the sand is well
sorted quartz crystals. Continue to hike approximately 1 mile and end at Perryman Road. Look at soil
samples as you pass through the various vegetation zones. Test the pH of the soil under the
evergreen trees and notice the acidity when compared to the hardwood trees on the riverside and
down a bit on the trail.
Topic Meteorology ; Walk back up Perryman road to Oval beach ( 10 min) and take same
Meteorological readings as before in the same location. Note that now that the sun is higher and the
land has heated up there should be a wind shift especially on a sunny day in summer. If the land is
warmer and the water cooler then the wind is now coming off the water. If the temperature of the
water is about the same as the land then there is relatively no breeze.
Time at site 3 hours
Cost free
D. Chain Ferry across the Kalamazoo River to Saugatuck
E. Walk south on Water street to the Elbo Room Restaurant
 12:00-1:30pm Lunch in Saugatuck at the Elbo Room restaurant on Water Street. Take the
chain ferry across the river and meet back at the hotel lobby after lunch. There is time to
investigate some of the rock shops which have local polished rocks and fossils along Water
Street.
Time for lunch 1 ½ hours
Cost: chain ferry 1.00$ and lunch 5-6$ various cuisines
A. Walk back to the Hotel from the Chain Ferry
 1:30pm Meet back at the hotel, change into bathing suits and bring supplies for wave
measurements including stop watch, and measuring stick as well as materials for meteorology
observations . Bring a small magnet to check for magnetite in the sand.
B. Return to Oval Beach (approximately 15 minutes)
27
Topics: Oceanography/Climatology; Determine the prevailing longshore current from the ripples in
the sand both along the beach and in the water. The longshore current generally angles north. Also
look for the prevailing wind. Remember the wind blows the grains of sand up the longer slope and the
sand tumbles down the steeper slope so the wind is coming from the direction of the gentler slope.
Look for evidence of riptides. You can see them where the waves refract and converge inward. Every
year there are fatalities along this stretch of beach due to tourists being unaware of strong rip
currents. There are also strong longshore currents as evidence by the sand pattern nearshore . Look
for the ripple patterns of prevailing wind.
Facing south notice sand piling on
up current side and down current erosion
The wind is coming from the bottom of the picture
Notice the beach shape and its similarity to the beach shape in the warning
Dead zebra mussels
The prevailing wind is coming from the lower right
Measure the period, wavelength, wave height and figure the velocity of the waves. Be
prepared to get in the water. Take the temperature of the water and the temperature of the sand both
near the water’s edge and then near the edge of the dunes where the beach is the widest ( 50 feet at
the widest points). Determine the wind speed and direction and where you think there might be local
atmospheric low pressure and high pressure. Think about the difference between the specific heat of
water and the specific heat of sand and how that affects temperature.
Topics Environmental geology; Take 3 water samples, one at the north end of Oval Beach ( closest
to where the Kalamazoo River empties into Lake Michigan, one in the middle of the beach and one at
the south end of Beach which is farthest from the Kalamazoo river outlet. Do the water tests
previously indicated on all the samples. Look for the invasive species zebra mussels, a small shellfish
that came to the Great Lakes in ballast water. They clog up the intake valves of boats and ships and
have an inpact on both commercial and recreational boating
Topics Geology Look for open sands ,blowouts , and parabolic dunes as well as the type of
vegetation and how it affects the types of dunes. Note that Mt Baldy itself is a perched dune.
(DuFresne, 2008) Bring a magnet and look for small , black magnetite crystals in the quartz sand.
(Dorr & Eschman,1970)
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Topic Meteorology; Take all the same meteorological measurements you took this morning and at
noon in approximately the same location. Note the land versus lake breezes again. Walk back to the
hotel.
Time 3hours
Cost: free

5:00pm Meet at the hotel lobby and take the Chain ferry over to Saugatuck. Eat along Water
Street. As a group we may choose to go together or split the group making sure no one goes
alone. If you are done with dinner early you may want to shop the myriad of quaint shops that
are close by.
Topics Dinner and preparation for tomorrow Meet at 7:00pm at the Chain Ferry park on Water
street and go over the schedule for Day 3
Cost: 1.00$ for chain ferry and cost of dinner depends on the restaurant. There are many along
Water Street and close side streets.
Note: the Chain Ferry stops working at 9:00 pm
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Day 3 Map
Destinations
A. Beachway Resort and Hotel, Mi 106 Perryman St, Saugatuck Mi
B. Oval Beach , Oval Beach Road (at Lake Michigan), Saugatuck Mi
C. Saugatuck Douglas Historical Museum, 735 Park Street( In the Pumphouse at the Mt Baldhead
Parking lot and along the waterfront), Saugatuck Mi
D. Red Dock Café, 219 N Union Street, Douglas ( sites D and E are in the same Location
E. SS Kewatin Maritime Museum, 219 N Union Street, Douglas
F. Star of Saugatuck Boat Cruise, 716 Water Street, Saugatuck, MI
Overview of the Day
Today we will look at some of the historical data regarding Climate and Environmental
geoscience issues. We will see historical documents and exhibits of how logging changed the
landscape and the effect loss of vegetation has on the environment.
We will see the S.S.Keewatin Floating Museum and talk to a historian about winter storms,
climate change, and the effect on the Lakeshore. We will also get a tour of the bridge and the
weather instruments and how forecasting was done in the past.
The Star of Saugatuck paddle boat will take us down the Kalamazoo river as it flows north into
Lake Michigan and look at some of its unique features. Here we can see the invasive species along
30
the water’s edge and the site of the buried city of Singapore. We will go out into Lake Michigan,
weather permitting, and get a lake side view of Oval Beach and the see from that perspective how
dune succession occurs and the action of waves and currents.
Finally we will have a star party on Oval Beach only this time we will be looking for
constellations that you see at night and how the night sky differs from the pre dawn sky.
Day 3 We will be starting from the hotel right after breakfast.
A. Beachway Resort and Hotel
8:30- 930am Meet for breakfast at the hotel lobby
Cost : free
B. Oval Beach
 9:30 am Walk to Oval beach along Perryman Street ( Approximately 20 minutes)
Topics Oceanography/ Climatology ;Take the usual meteorological readings. Make note if the wind
is offshore or onshore and the significance of that. What direction are the waves coming from?
Estimate how high they are and explain the wind speed and direction and how that ties in with the
weather. If the wind is from the north the air should be cooler and drier. If it is from the south it will
be warmer. If it is more humid then you will see more clouds and the relative humidity will be higher.
Take the temperature of the water and the temperature of the dry beach sand adjacent to the
Lake as well as the temperature of the macadam at the parking area. The black macadam should be
hotter than the light sand. This would increase the uneven heating of the shore versus the water as
the day progresses.
After taking the measurements take the Northwoods trail from the parking area up into the
dunes.( See map Day 2 ) Make note of how the vegetation changes as you go up the trail. The ridge
top vegetation found on the South Ridge trail from yesterday is denser and has larger species of
vegetation including brush and trees, than what you find at the bottom of the trail. It is much windier
and drier on the beach than it is as you go up the trail which helps to account for the shift in
vegetation. What type of dunes do you see as you move from the beach up the trail and what causes
their shape?
Bottom of the North trail
Almost to the top of the North trail
Top of North trail almost to staircase.
Continue to the top of the Mt Baldhead staircase and then descend the staircase.
Topic Environmental geoscience Do you notice anything with respect to overuse as you descend
the staircase that you did not notice before? Notice the lack of underbrush as you descend as well as
the amount of dead Ash trees. This area has been stricken with emerald Ash borer leading to a large
die off of that species.
Time 2 hours
Cost free
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C. Saugatuck/Douglas Historical Museum in the Mt Baldy parking lot.
 11:30 am Saugatuck – Douglas Historical Society Museum at the foot of Mount Baldy. This
site includes the River Walk out door exhibit along the banks of the Kalamazoo River and old
brick pump house. After this walk back to hotel (approximately 10 minute walk).
Pumphouse Museum
View of pumphouse and Interactive Riverwalk
Picture by Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society
Topics Geology ; The Kalamazoo River basin fluvial features and hydrology are described in
signs along the river and around the pump house. For more information look at the Environmental
geosciences section. There are photographs and diagrams of spring flooding and their effects
throughout history. You can also see how the Kalamazoo has changed its course and the effect that
had on the logging industry and historical changes in the towns of Saugatuck and Douglas. The
harbor was and still is dredged in order to keep the channel open.
Topics Environmental geosciences : We will be doing the usual water testing at the site of the
Pumphouse Museum. Of particular interest is the oxygen level which indicates the productivity of the
water. We will also look at turbidity as a way to judge oxygen starvation. (Lane, 2006) A telltale
“rainbow” indicating oil and gas on the surface of the water would indicate petrochemical pollution.
This might be due to the extensive boat traffic from the harbor or remnants of a large oil spill in 2010.
( Refer to the Environmental Geoscience section for the levels of the tests to be compared with.)
Due to extensive industrial pollution in the past the Western Kalamazoo was known as the sewer of
West Michigan. Now sections of the western Kalamazoo were designated as “Wild and Scenic
River”. (Lane,2006) Walk back to the hotel about 10 minutes south on Park Street.
Time 1 hour
Cost free
D. Red Dock Café, Douglas
 12:30pm Drive to the town of Douglas at Harbor village (approximately 10 minutes) 162 Blue
Star Hwy Douglas, MI 49406
Topics: Lunch on the boardwalk, Red Dock Restaurant, then a special tour on S.S. Keewatin
Maritime Museum
S.S. Keewatin Museum
Lake effect snow and high waves on Lake Michigan
Picture by anonymous
Picture byJefferey Phelps
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E. S.S. Keewatin Floating Museum
Topic Meteorology; After a tour of the ship including the engine room and the special bulkheads to
protect the ship from taking on too much water we will meet with a docent whose specialty is storms
on Lake Michigan. He will discuss the historic storm of 1912 and how many ships went down and
where the wrecks are found. He will also talk about how the S.S.Keewatin was able to get on the
leeward side of a small island and survive the storm. The basic portents of a storm were rising winds,
lowering barometer, and the types of clouds. November was thought to be the most dangerous
month for shipping on the Lake Michigan.(Pennington,2010) He will compare that to the storm that
sank the Edmund Fitzgerald with all hands in Lake Michigan. There will also be a discussion of Lake
effect snows and blizzards.
Topic Geology; The shape of harbors and Islands off shore of Lake Michigan are a result of glaciers
advancing and retreating. The Lake Michigan water level has risen over the past 10,00years and has
left the Kalamazoo river with a drowned mouth making it a deeper harbor and good for shipping
commodities in the past. ( Lane, 2006)
Time 2 ¼ hours
Cost Lunch 5.00-6.00$ Museum 10.80$ ( contact Kathy for educational rate)
F. Star of Saugatuck Boat Dock
 2:45pm Drive to Saugatuck (approximately 5 minutes) to Saugatuck, Park in public parking
and walk 4 blocks to Saugatuck boat cruises.
Harbor view from Star of Saugatuck
All that remains of Singapore
Marshlands approaching egress of Kalamazoo
Topics: Geology: The Kalamazoo river runs north into Lake Michigan and is unusual in that its
egress into Lake Michigan is a drowned river mouth. It has fairly high dunes alongside the actual
mouth of the river and behind it is a rather substantial Lake Kalamazoo. This means that the water
level of Lake Michigan has risen. You can also see all the dune types mentioned in the Geology
section from the deck of the ship as it passes from the river to moving along the lake coastline.
TopicEnvironmental geosciences Take water sample from boat dock area and do the same tests
done on the water near Mt Baldhead. Look for evidence of invasive species like zebra mussels and
ask at the marina if any of the boaters have had problems with them. As we go along the river and
the Lake shoreline look for purple loosestrife, ect. See the pictures form the Environmental
geosciences section. The lost city of Singapore is visible from the lake view of the shoreline. The
narrator on the boat will give the series of events that led to the disaster resulting in the burying of the
town.
Topic Oceanography/Lake-ography From the waters of Lake Michigan looking onto the beaches
determine the dune formations, the direction of the prevailing winds, and where rip tides and
longshore currents are found. Compare what is seen from the Lake perspective to what was seen
from the beach. Notice the effects of manmade structures (jetties, manmade harbors, dredging, long
docks ect) on beach and sand movements both on shore and near offshore. Check your ideas with
what is in the geology section. After the cruise is done drive back to the hotel.
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Time 2 ½ hours
Cost 15$ educational group rate for the boat cruise and special trip with guide

5:00pm Dinner on your own. You may take the chain ferry to Saugatuck and dine at any one
of the restaurants along Water Street or side streets. Meet at hotel breakfast room by 8:00pm
and go over the itinerary for Day 4.
Topics Astronomy; Star party at Oval Beach tonight. Create a list of at least 10 astronomical bodies
to try and identify between 8:30pm and 10:30 pm on this date. This is free time to nap or get caught
up on notebooks or stay in Saugatuck and check out the quaint shops.
Time 3 hours
Cost chain ferry 1.00$ ,dinner depends on restaurant
B. Oval Beach
 8:30pm Gather up star charts, red light flashlights, regular flashlights, telescope, binoculars
and list of planets, constellations and stars to try and identify. Walk to Oval beach along Oval
Beach access road ( approximately 15 minutes, Cannot drive because the state parking lot
closes at dusk)
Topics Astronomy; Everyone use their naked eye, binoculars, and telescope to try and find a
minimum of 10 astronomical features in the dusk and night sky. Try to identify the first night body
visible besides the moon. Make sure to log where in the night sky the body is found and the time of
night it is seen. Use the planetary section and your star chart or Sky wheel to help you make your
determination
Topic Meteorology; take Meteorology readings at least 1 hour after dark. Include soil temperature
and water temperature of Lake Michigan. Also verify the direction the wind is blowing.
Time 2 hours
Cost free

10:30pm Walk back to hotel along the Oval Beach access road. There is little or no traffic as
the road dead ends at the Oval Beach park which closes for cars at dusk. ( Approximately 10
minutes)
34
Day 4 Map
Destinations
A. Beachway Resort and Hotel, Mi 106 Perryman St, Saugatuck Mi
B. Coldwater State Park , E Copeland Road, Coldwater Mi
C. Peter F Hurst Planetarium 3328 Oakwood Dr., Jackson Mi
D. Sunset Acres Motel, 216 North Street Hudson Mi
Overview of the day
We will be traveling back to the south central portion of the state making several stops along
the way. The first stop will be Coldwater Lake, a boggy acidic lake, famous for its blue clay and
shale. Next we’ll continue on to Jackson where we will meet with the curator of the Hurst planetarium
and have a solar system show. From there we will head due south to Hudson where we will stay for
a few days.
Day 4 We will meet a little later for breakfast to compensate for the late night star party yesterday.
Have sunblock, sun hat, insect relent, bog shoes, and water bottle handy for Coldwater Lake. You will
need to wear long pants due to poison Ivy and insects at Coldwater Lake.
A. Beachway Resort and Hotel.
 9:00 am Meet in the lobby
Topics: Breakfast review itinerary for the day. Check out and in the van ready to leave by 10:00am.
Time 1 hour
Cost Breakfast free, hotel per person 172.5$ + tax for 3 days
 10:00 am Check out and load up van. Drive to Coldwater lake (after Meteorological readings
at Oval Beach ) 2:15 minutes 124.8 miles We will have drinks and snacks in the van
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Topic: Lunch on the way in Cold Water
Time 2 ¾ hour
Cost: Fast food lunch voted on by group or closest to I69
Map of Western Portion of Coldwater Lake State Park
MDNR Inventory Map for Coldwater Lake
B. Coldwater Lake Public Access Boat Launch area
 12:45pm arrive at Coldwater Lake Natural Resource area. Driving directions will take you to
the public fishing site. Put on waterproof boots, sun block, sunhat, and insect repellent for this
stop.
Topics Geology; Coldwater blue shale and coldwater blue clay are found at this site. We will walk
north west around the Lake until we reach the outlet of the Coldwater River. Here we can find sand
and take the pH. Notice just off the sandy shore is marl muck and fibrous peat. You can follow the
evolution of peat bogs as we continue moving around the lake on the small access road. Once you
36
start to head east and you have gone about a ½ mile you come to an area of fibrous peat. Take the
ph of the various soil types with the soil tester making sure it does not get wet. The peat and marl
should have a lower pH than the sand. We will walk back to the van and now head southeast from the
public fishing spring to the end of a short access road. There we will walk a short distance around to
the furthest point south of the lake where we will find a spring. We will see the clay and shale that
form the aquaclude that creates the artesian springs in this area. (Dorr & Eschman,1970)
East facing view of the lake from the muck and marl section
Picture by Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Topic Environmental Geoscience; We will be testing the water wherever we stop at the inlets and
the outlets,the water off the public fishing dock, and the artesian spring with ph tablets for the kit.
Continue until you come to the inlet from Long Lake. The pH of the rivlet coming into the lake should
be less acidic as it has not run through a peaty area. We will be looking for common invasive species
including duckweed, purple loosestrife and zebra mussels near the public fishing docks. Check the
environmental geosciences section of this field guide for any other possible invasive species. If
possible interview fisherman about the impact of invasive species on fishing and boating. Take the
usual water samples at the stream inlet and lake outlet, the public fishing site and the spring. These
are the sites we have visited. Agricultural run off is possible this time of year so look for phosphorous
and nitrate levels to be high. Make particular note of the ph of the water and the color of the water.
High tannic acid found in local lakes makes the water a tea color as well as lowering the pH to as low
as 5. Use the parameters in the water kit to make your comparisons with.
Topic Meteorology; Take the usual meteorological readings include the temperature of the water and
pick 2 spots for additional air temperature readings and ground temperature readings. Think about
the relative specific heats of the three ground sample sites, the spring water and the lake water.
Compare what’s happening in the interior of the state climate wise with what is going on at the Lake
Michigan shore line. Think onshore and offshore breezes, the surrounding topography and
vegetation with regards to temperature of the air. Answer the question ”Do you think Coldwater Lake
is big enough to affect the local climate?” Use the data you have collected to make your decision.
Time 2 hours
Cost free
C. Peter F Hurst Planetarium
 2:45pm Drive to Peter F Hurst Planetarium,3328 Oakwood Dr, Jackson, MI 49203
(57.0
miles, 1 hr 11 min) Arrive 4:00pm ( contact person astronomer Mark Reed)
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Camp McGregor Telescope
Peter F. Hurst Planetarium
Picture by staff of Camp McGregor
Picture by Robert Maihofer
 4:00pm Tour of Planetarium and star shows
Topics Astronomy; We will see how the stars have moved looking at present day, Devonian Star
show and Pleistocene( Ice Age) Star Show. Look at the differences in Earth position relative to the
sun and how this is an application of the Milankovitch Theory; the oblique angle of the earth’s axis,
the eccentricity of the earth’s orbit, and the changes in the perihelion and aphelion or precession of
the equinoxes. If there is enough time we will see what would happen 10 000 years in the future and
how the position of the aphelion and perihelion are reversed creating a colder northern climate and
talk about climate issues as a result in the future. (Hidore, Oliver, Snow & Snow, 2010) We will also
see the Camp McGregor telescope close to the planetarium site.
Time 1 1/2 hours
Cost free
D. Sunset Acres Motel
 5:30pm Drive to Hudson, Michigan and check into the Sunset Acres Motel (216 North Street
Hudson, MI 49247-9705 28 miles, approximately 35 minutes)
Topics: Check in and get settled
Time 1 hour
Cost 45.00per night for first 3 week day nights and 60.00 per night for Friday and Saturday night
 6:30 pm Drive 3/4 mile north on Meridian road/US127 to the Country Kettle restaurant.
Topics: Dinner, Go over the itinerary for Day 5 and review results from today’s Meteorology readings
at Lake Michigan vs Coldwater Lake and other interesting results and observations. Return to the
motel.
Time 1 ½ hours
Cost 6.00$ -8.00$ an entrée, simple food but a LOT of it.

8:00pm Done for the day work on notebooks as necessary
38
Day 5 Map
Destinations
A. Sunset Acres Motel, 216 North Street Hudson Mi
B. Karen’s Uptown Kafe, 314 W. Main Street, Hudson Mi
C. Adrian College, 110 S Madison St, Adrian Mi Peale Hall
D .Tim Horton’s, 727 S Main St, Adrian Mi
E. Lenawee County Airport, 2667 W Cadmus Rd Adrian Mi
F. Fossil Park, Centennial Rd, Sylvania Ohio
G. Lyons Family Restaurant, Manitou Beach Rd, Manitou Beach Mi
Overview of the day
We will start with breakfast in downtown Hudson and then drive to Adrian College in Adrian. We will
make a quick stop to see their excellent collection of local rocks and minerals and take digital photos
to augment those taken at the State of Michigan Historical Museum. From there we will have an early
lunch and then go to the Lenawee County Airport to meet with the airport director and discuss the
weather forecasting equipment particularly the ASOS system. We will next drive over the border to
Fossil Park in Sylvania, Ohio where we will spend a few hours looking for fossils and identifying rocks
using the digital photos we have taken previously.
39
Day 5 We will be leaving directly from breakfast to our first stop in Adrian. Bring water bottle, sun hat,
rock hammer, insect repellant, and gallon jug with top cut off for rocks and fossils. We will have extra
water and snacks in the van.
A. Sunset Acres Motel
B. Karen’s Uptown Kafe,
 8:30am drive ½ mile to Karen’s Uptown Kafe ( 314 W. Main Street, Hudson Michigan).
Topics Breakfast , Meteorology; Before leaving for breakfast get the usual Meteorological readings.
Note the wind speed and direction and the proximity to town of the motel. Double check the itinerary
for Day 5. There is an alcove available for meeting and breakfast at the same time. We will use the
café for all of our breakfasts while we are in Hudson.
Time 1 hour
Cost 4.00-6.00$ food is classic American breakfast and fast service

9:30am drive to Adrian College (110 S Madison Street, Adrian MI 49221 Contact Dr Sarah
Hanson) approximately 30 minutes
Topics: Geology : Take picture of Adrian College’s collection of rocks and minerals that you might
not have from the State Historical museum. We will be using these later today at Fossil Park. Make
sure to get a photograph of pyrite, limestone, and any additional rocks as we will see these in Fossil
park.
Time 1 1/2 hours
Cost free

11:30pm drive to Tim Horton’s (727 South Main Street, Adrian, MI 49221-3707) approx 5
minutes
Topic :Lunch
Time 30 minutes
Cost 4.00$-5.00$
40

12:45 pm drive to Lenawee County Airport (2667 W Cadmus Road, Adrian, Michigan 49221)
approximately 15 minutes
Topic: Meteorology; Meet with the Meteorologist on Duty and go over weather predicted for today and
what the most dangerous conditions for flying small planes are. Show the ASOS weather instruments
and identify the various structures on it and what they measure.
ASOS array
Picture by Peoria Airport Staff
According to ggweather.com/glossary.htm Web definitions “Automated Surface Observing System.
Observes sky conditions, temperature and dewpoint, wind direction and speed, and barometric
pressure.” The airport is in the process of upgrading its equipment and the starred sensors in the
chart may already be in place.
Time 1 hour
Cost free
 2:00pm Drive to Fossil Park (Sylvania, OH 43560) 23.7 miles 38 minutes
Topic Geology: Fossil Park was created as a way for amateur fossil hunters to look for them in a safe
environment. The very large quarry owned by the Medusa Portland Cement Company
is filled with Devonian paleontology and common fossils. You pass over a bridge that spans the
quarry as you approach Fossil park form the south. Notice the very obvious layers of light colored
rock. We are now at the edges of the Michigan basin where the oldest Devonian rocks are found.
This area was developed by a series of eperic seas that left the remnants of its marine environment.
Read the bottom of the Geology section for more information.
In order to accommodate the interest the quarry owners periodically fill dump truck loads of
scraps and cart them the ½ mi to the park. There you are allowed to comb through them safely but
you are not permitted to use any tools. They do however provide benches and water for sorting. Use
the pictures from Day 1 Hall of Evolution at the MSU museum and from Adrian College to identify any
fossils you might find. Most of the fossils are shelly but we have found several rare trilobites. We do
find veins of pyrite which is a characteristics of rocks from this site. The majority of stone is shale and
breaks quite easily in your hands. Why is that an advantage if you can’t use tools? See how many
fossils you can find and identify in a 2 hour period. Take pictures of the fossils using the ruler next to
it to give an idea of the size. Use milk jugs cut in half but maintaining the handle for collecting the
rocks and fossils you want to keep. While we can’t access the layers of rock that make up the outcrop
across from the sorting tables so draw an approximation of the layers in your notebooks. Look for
cross bedding, joints and joint erosion.
41
Fossil park
Shelly rock about 1m X1 ½ m
Some of the fossils collected from Fossil Park
Topic Meteorology Take the usual Meteorological readings from the center of the pit at Fossil Park.
Regarding the microclimate down in the pit notice how the breeze is blocked by the surrounding stone
cliffs. Also notice how the sun (assuming it is sunny) reflects off the white surfaces and how much
hotter it is in the pit as opposed to the walkway at the top.
 4:30pm Drive back to Hudson to the Sunset Acres Motel(216 North Street
Hudson, MI 49247-9705 ) 43.4 miles 1 hour 4 minutes

6:00 pm Drive to the Lyons Family Restaurant 11.7 miles 19 minutes There is an outside patio
for dining as well as a quaint interior.
Topic: Dinner, Go over the itinerary for Day 6 and review/ share fossils you may have found. Return
to Sunset Acres Motel Once back at the motel catch up on your notebooks.
Time 1 hour
Cost 8.00$-10.00$ entrees
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Day 6 Map
Destinations
A. Sunset Acres Motel, 216 North Street Hudson Mi
B. Access to Bean Creek At Crosley Property, 2426 Rollin Hwy, Hudson Mi
C. South of Bleich Farm, 13340 Stewart Road, Hudson Mi near US 127 Bridge
D. Hudson Wastewater Treatment Plant, 107 Mechanics St., Hudson Mi
E. Subway, W. Main St, Hudson Mi
F. Van der Hoff Dairy Farm CAFO), 9701 Haley Rd, Clayton Mi
G. Lake Hudson Recreation Area and Designated State Dark Park
Overview of the day
We will start the day with testing the water along Bean Creek upstream from a CAFO, downstream
from the CAFO and from a municipal wastewater treatment plant also on the creek. We will tour the
plant and look at the operational design. After lunch we will drive to an Environmentally Certified
CAFO and look at their manure handling and wastewater treatment set up. On our way back to
Hudson we will visit Lake Hudson Recreational Area and Dark Park. We’ll look at the water quality in
the lake, erosion issues and look for rocks and fossils in the glacial till that makes up the surrounding
landscape. We will have a cookout at the beach and then go to the designated Dark Park and see
how much more we can spot when there is no ambient light to mask the heavenly bodies.
43
Day 6 We will be leaving for our first stop right after breakfast so make sure to bring the following with
you: rock hammer, sun block, sun hat, insect repellent, sturdy hiking shoes, trowel, muck boots, star
chart/wheel, red flashlight, regular flashlight , binoculars, and water bottle. You may also want to bring
a bathing suit as there will be an opportunity to go swimming at our last stop. You will need to wear
long pants today due to poison ivy and insects
A. Sunset Acres Motel and Karen’s Uptown Kafe
 8:00am drive to Karen’s Uptown Kafe ( 314 W. Main Street, Hudson Michigan).1/2 mile
Topics Breakfast , Meteorology; Before leaving for breakfast get Meteorological readings. We will
compare them to readings we will take at Lake Hudson.
Time 1 hour
Cost 4.00$-6.00$
B. Crosley Property access to Bean Creek
 9:00 drive to first water collection site 2426 Rollin Hwy 5.7 miles 12 minutes
Topics Environmental science; We will walk along Bean Creek on a private path approximately a
mile (permission given) and test the water in the Creek at the bottom of a field. Wear waterproof
boots to walk through boggy areas. Take the water temperature in fast flowing portion of the stream
and in the slower backwater. What is the turbidity difference in each water sample area? ( notice how
clear the water is behind the deadfall and how turbid in the area where the path is muddy underfoot
and the stream has created a backwash. Look for erosion, invasive species and illegal dumping.
What are some resolutions for these local environmental issues? What might cause water
contamination in Bean Creek?
Topic Geology; Identify the fluvial processes and take digital pictures of them. Include the cutbanks,
point bars, gravel bars, floodplain, levee, meanders and oxbow lake. Use the pictures to help you
diagram the course of the creek in this mile long stretch in your notebook. Describe how the flow of
water causes these features.
You can see at the base of the bluff how a seasonal low spot is an oxbow lake almost pinched
off. You can also clearly identify the flood plain and levee. Check the gravel bank for different kinds
of rocks. Since this is an area where glaciers extended in the past look for fossils, glacial processes
(moraines), and the metamorphic, igneous, and sedimentary rocks associated with glacial till.
Time 1 ½ hours
Cost free
C. Access to Bean Creek downstream from Bliech’s Dairy Farm
 10:30 Drive back towards Hudson on US 127 to just south of Bleich’s Dairy Farm(13340 Stewart
Road Hudson, MI 49247-9263, an 800 cow (Commercial Agricultural Feeding Organization Or
CAFO ) where Bean Creek crosses under US 127 /Meridion road. Pull off the road just before the
bridge and take a water sample.
Topics Environmental science; Take the usual water tests and temperature and make note of the
water turbidity. If there was agricultural runoff what would you expect it to be? ( phosphorus is a good
indicator of manure runoff, notrates are a good indicator of fertilizer run off.) NOTE: It is easiest to
reach the creek just before the curve sign south of the creek.
Time 15 minutes.
Cost free
D. City of Hudson Wastewater Treatment Plant
 10:45 Drive to the City of Hudson Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) (107 Mechanic Street
Hudson, MI 49247-1300) Contact person Ted Hutchinson
44
Grit from initial filtering
Initial settling tank
Aerating tank
Topics Environmental Science: We will take a tour of the site and follow how this type of wastewater
treatment plant works.( Look in the Environmental Geoscience section for more information.) We
will go into the testing lab and discuss expectations and permit explanation of what the Department of
Environmental Quality requires under the Clean Water Act. For example the coliform count for the
effluent may be no more than 20ppm for this facility while dairy CAFO’s may have ten times that
amount according to Ted Hutchinson the superintendent of the HWWTP.
Next take a sample of water from Bean Creek at the edge of the HWWTP property and a
sample of the effluent. Note the water temperature and the turbidity of both the samples. While we
are in the lab we will test the 2 water samples water using the WWTP lab equipment. Next test the
samples with the test kits we have been using and note the difference in sensitivity. Our kits will give
a range of data while the WWTP equipment is more precise and gives us an actual number.
Compare the effluent water test results from our test kits to the Rollin Hwy sample and the US127
bridge sample. What do you notice? Walk back out to the settling pond. Do you notice any invasive
species and potential hazards? (Duck weed choking the pond and lots of geese means lots of geese
manure contaminating the pond and the outflow to Bean Creek.)
Time 2 ½ hours
Cost free
The only open water is at the top of the picture
The rest of the pond is covered with the light green duckweed
E. Subway Main Street Hudson
 1:00 Drive to Subway on Main Street approximately 5 minutes
Topics: Lunch and go over the protocol for being on a dairy farm. You need to spray your boots off
with Nolvasan prior to moving around the farm. Cows are not aggressive but they are curious. Make
sure not to make any loud noises but move confidently among them and they will move out of your
way. Stay close together and close to the farmer. Close any gates you open. When we are done
45
spray your boots off with Nolvasan then with water. There will be hoses available.
Time 45minutes
Cost 4.00$-5.00$
F. Van der Hoff Dairy Farm
 1:45 Drive to VanderHoff Dairy Farms (9701 HALEY ROAD. CLAYTON , MI 49235) Contact person
Jan VanderHoff 1200 cow CAFO 15 minutes 9.7 miles
Environmental verification is from the Farm Bureau
Picture By Diane Crosley
Topics: Environmental Science: We will tour the CAFO environmentally Verified facility and follow
how this type of manure handling system works. Mr. Vander Hoff will give an explanation of the
expectations and permit explanation of what the Department of Environmental Quality requires under
the Clean Water Act. The Environmentally Verified status is conveyed by the Farm Bureau as a way
the dairy industry can self police. He will also be candid about how the failure to meet the standards
in the past cost thousands of dollars in fines and led to the new system that was put into place in
2003.( Look at the Environmental Geoscience section for more information) One of the positives of
this system is that sand is used as bedding and can be separated out from the manure, dried in the
sun and due to the absence of organic material and reused. Another advantage is that if they chose
to they could actually dry the separated manure, bag it and sell it as fertilizer. As it is they take the
still wet manure and put it on the fields where it is a free fertilizer. The grey water is used to irrigate
fields and the black water in the second lagoon has settled enough that it could also be used as
irrigation water. Also the second lagoon has a concrete bottom so if the sludge builds up it’s possible
to drain it and load the sludge out of it. With three lagoons flooding has never been an issue. If the
first black water lagoon gets full there is a buried pipe that goes into the second black water lagoon.
Manure lane where sand and manure are
separated Sand is pushed into piles
Weeping cell where liquid manure
Black water channel between 2 weeping
is compacted and drained
cells from which water is pumped to lagoon
46
Topic Climate; Manure is scraped three times a day so even in the winter freezing is not an issue.
As mentioned above even though there are occasional torrential rains there is enough capacity that in
the eight years of operation the system has never flooded. What is an issue is the MDEQ permit that
allows them to only spread the manure or irrigate with black water if there is not a forecast for ¼ in of
rain or more within 24 hours. If the weather service gets it wrong , they spread and it rains ,they are
still subject to a fine.
Another climate issue is the wide range of temperatures during the year. The temperature
range may be as extreme as -15F in the winter and stretches of 90+F with high humidity in the
summer. They do not worry about cold because they can roll down the canvas sides of the barn and
the body heat of the cattle will heat the barn above freezing. Heat is much more of an issue. To
offset that when the temperature hits 70F large fans automatically turn on. If it gets above 80 F water
misters are turned on in the holding pen where the cows go three times a day on their way to be
milked. Their milk production may go down by half during periods of prolonged heat according to Mr
VanderHoff.
Large fans for cooling the cows
Notice the sides of the barn are rolled up
TopicGeology;. There are several soil issues. In this area the soil is low on Selenium which is
important in cow reproduction according to Mr VanderHoff. So that mineral must be added to the
feed. In addition the soil that has been spread with manure and black water is required to be tested
for phosphorous levels every three years. If the nutrient level is too high then a change is made to
the permit. So far this has not been an issue on this farm. We will test the soil where the soil has
been spread with manure and where it has not been spread and check the phosphorus level. Put the
results in your notebook .
Make sure to spray your boots off with Nolvasan then water before you leave the farm.
Time 3 hours Cost Free
G. Lake Hudson Recreation area and Designated Dark Park
 4:45 Drive back the way we came but this time turn into the Lake Hudson Recreation area ( 5505
Morey Hwy about 5 minutes north on Morey Hwy). We will start at the beach and then move on
either side of the beach. When we are don’t there we will go to the boat launch, back to the beach
and then to the Dark Park
47
Lake Hudson Recreational Area
Map by the MDNR
Topic Environmental Science; We will check the water quality at the beach as Lake Hudson is the
watershed lake for several CAFO’s. In the past there have been issues with algae blooms and fish
kills as a result. We will probably find a heavier load of phosphorous than we found in Bean Creek
earlier today. Invasive species such as purple loosestrife, thistles, phragmites, narrow leaf cattails,
and garlic mustard are prevalent. We will look for them as we go to the various sites in the Lake
Hudson Area.
Topic Geology; Next we will drive around to the boat launch. Notice the sandy soil and the bank’s
erosion which have exposed the unsorted, unconsolidated glacial till.
48
Sandy shoreline at beach area
Eroded bank near boat launch
Unsorted,Unconsolidated till at eroded bank
There are also some Devonian period Limestone that has been brought in as a breakwater at the
boat launch that we can check for fossils, these rocks also have veins of pyrite running through them
and are very reminiscent fo the rocks we saw at Fossil Park in Sylvania.
Topic Dinner; We will have a picnic dinner at the beach, where there are grills and picnic tables,
around 6:00 pm and discuss what our findings for the day have been. There will be some time before
it gets dark so you may want to go swimming. The water this time of year is rather warm.
Time: 2 hours
Cost 5$ per person food and supplies will be provided for you.
Topic Astronomy; we will decide which is the best direction to set up the telescope. We will start
observing the twilight sky around 8:30. Notice the difference between what you can see in the Dark
Park versus what we could see at the light polluted Oval Beach venue. Also notice how the moon
has progressed in its cycle as well as the planets movement from the first observations on Day 2. See
if you can estimate by per centage how many more bodies you can see in the sky. Additionally look
for some of the constellations Mark Reed pointed out at the planetarium. Write down in your
notebook all of the stars, planets and constellations you can recognize and compare that with your
lists from other 2 star parties. We will pack up and head back around 10:00 pm. You may plan on a
little later start in the morning.
Time: 2 hours
Cost free
49
Day 7 Map
Destinations
A. Sunset Acres Motel, 216 North St Hudson Mi
B. 5 miles south of Jackson off of 127 west of Meyers Rd on Wetherby Rd
C. Clara’s Lansing Station Restaurant, 637 E Michigan Ave. Lansing Michigan
D. Woldumar Nature Center, 5739 Old Lansing Rd, Lansing Mi
E. Hampton Inn Lansing Airport, 525 North Canal Rd Lansing Mi
Overview of the Day
This is the last day of the field trip. We will head back to Lansing stopping at a cutbank through an
esker that contains Devonian age fossils. After a short stop we will continue to Lansing, have lunch
then go to the Woldumar nature center. Here we will look at how various ecosystems impact the
microclimates, water quality and the soil doing the usual water and soil tests. We’ll also check for
invasive species. Lastly as we walk along the trail we’ll see how the type of soil is related to the type
of rock underneath and trail issues with soil compaction and erosion.
50
Day 7 Pack up and be ready to leave after breakfast. This is our final day.
A. Sunset Acres Motel and Karen’s Kafe
 8:00 am Drive to Karen’s Kafe for breakfast. Go over the materials necessary for the day.
Load up the van and check out of the motel. ( materials: insect repellant, sunscreen, cameras,
water bottle, rock hammers, measuring tape, water test kit, soil sample kit, soil profile tube,
trowels, old shoes or mud boots)
Time 1 hour
Cost : meal 4:00-6:00$
B. Road Cut
 9:00 am 5 miles south of Jackson turn left or west on Wetherby road follow approximately 2
miles and turn left or south Meyers road 0.75 miles on the right side or west side of the road
is a 12 foot cut bank with erosion. This stop is mainly a “look see” at an esker that the road
cuts through and the accompanying fossils. Approx 15 min 12 miles
Topic: Geology: Glacier esker with till from Lower Marshall sandstone from the Marshall
formation predominates. There are boulders in the glacial till as well as abundant
Kississippian fossils particularly the “ very abundant pelecypods, cephalopods, ostracods,
gastropods, brachiopods and a rare trilobite” ( Dorr&Eschman, 1970) Use the trowels to eadily
dig into the exposed portion of the cut bank. There are many small fossils near the surface.
Use the digital photos previously taken to help identify any fossils or minerals. Since this on
the side of the road this will be a short ½ hour stop to collect fossils and they may be identified
in the van as we continue on to Lansing.
Time 2 hours
Cost free
C. Clara’s Lansing Station Restaurant
 11:00 Drive to Clara's Lansing Station (637 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI 48912 ) private
room for lunch 59 minutes 55 miles
Topics: Lunch : discuss coordinating flights back home, see if any fossils form the road cut
were identified.
Time 45minutes
Cost 6.00$-8.00$
D. Woldumar Nature Center
12:45 Drive to Woldumar Nature Center, (5739 Old Lansing Road, Lansing Michigan 48917) 10
minutes 7 miles
After arriving in the parking lot take the middle trail to the left of the parking lot. You will follow
this marked trail for about 3.5 miles. It would be advisable to put on muck boots or old shoes
that can get muddy. The trail is well marked with numbered, wooden site posts.
51
Image by Woldumar Nature Center
Topic Geology: We will be looking at how the soil differs in the various ecosystems we encounter.
Check the ph, Nitrogen and Phosphorus components at Site 1, the Old Field. Also check the
consistency of the soil and the soil profile with the soil profile tube. Note the layer of humus and the
sandy subsoil. At Site 1 take the right hand trail to bridge. Repeat the same tests in the muddy soil
next to the bridge along the lagoon.( There is lots of poison ivy here.) Compare the soil readings with
the previous readings. Take another soil profile and note the thicker layer of humus but the similar
sand profile underneath. At Site 13 turn right and follow the path to somewhere between Site 8 and
Site 9. This will put you in the prairie section. Take soil readings and a soil profile sample.
52
This time notice how the top layer is denser with vegetation and is harder to push through. There are
less erosion issues with prairies as well as slower moisture loss due to the vegetated cover.
Topic Climate/Meteorology: At Site 1 take the temperature, wind speed and direction readings. Do
the same at the bridge and the prairie site. Due to the lack of tree cover the bridge will have a higher
temperature than the tree covered old field even though the shade is splotchy. But due to the
proximity to the fairly large Grand River it should be cooler because of the water on both sides of the
bridge especially if there is a breeze blowing off the water towards the lagoon. Notice the higher
temperature in the prairie site. This is due to the lack of shade and it’s far enough away from the
water that the effect is blocked by trees. The prairie grass has to be more drought tolerant because
of the lack of shade. The thickness of the soil cover gives an advantage that would not be available
for cultivated fields.
Topic Environmental geosciences: There is evidence of erosion along the path as we start from
the trial head. The steeper the path the more erosion there is. Also there is evidence of invasive
plant species including purple loosestrife along the water and duckweed in the water of the lagoon.
Garlic mustard is prevalent along the path as you approach the White Pine Plantation. We’ll test the
water for Oxygen content here to see if this area of water is anoxic( 0 on the test), stressed ( 4 on the
test) or adequate for aquatic life (on the test). (Acorn Naturalist,2010) We will also take the pH of the
water to compare it to other bodies of water. Ph levels are 7 for neutral anything above is basic and
below is acidic.
Woldumar Old Field
Bridge lagoon upstream river
Woldumar prairie
Topic Geology: Continuing on past Site 10 stop on the bridge and notice the spring. The soil here is
clay and along with the spring indicates a confining aquaclude. We’ll see clay again in the wetland
area further along. As we walk to the middle of the Pine Plantation at Site 11 notice the lack of
underbrush and the pine needle detritus. Take a soil sample and test it and look especially at the pH
and how it has changed to more acidic. Take a soil profile sample and see how the humus layer is
mostly pine needles with sand underneath. This is a man made woods as evidenced by the regular
spacing between the trees. Continue through the woods and at site 23 turn left to site 22. Portions of
the trail are semi blocked by muddy sections. Continue past the woodland pond to site 20. Notice
the gummy clay soil we are now walking on.
Topic Climatology/Meteorology: Take another temperature reading, wind direction, and wind speed
reading. The pond is very shallow and being surrounded by trees there is less of a breeze than we
found at the bridge site just off the Grand River. Also as we move past the pond we can see a lot of
damaged trees especially Ash. This has a twofold cause. This area has been hard hit with emerald
53
ash borers. In fact it is not unusual to find them on the trail. They are an unmistakable beetle with an
emerald green iridescent carapace. There are many dead ash trees as a result. The second cause
is a widespread prolonged ice storm in February followed by high winds that broke many of the dead
trees.
Topic Environmental geosciences: The emerald ash borer has already been mentioned but notice
how the water flowing across the trail erodes towards the woodland pond. This erosion is
exacerbated by the large number of dead trees that no longer impede hard rain. In the woodland
pond duckweed an invasive species mentioned in the environmental section covers the entire surface
of the pond. The pond is also ringed by purple loosestrife and narrow leaf cattail. We will test for the
presence of oxygen in the water in the pond. The spring is not generating enough water to get a
clean sample. We will test the spring and the pond’s pH to compare to the water in the lagoon.
Natural Spring
Pine Plantation
Ice broken ash foreground,
Light green duckweed on pond background
Topic Geology: We will now travel to Site 19 which takes the trail up and over the natural levee for
the Grand River. Notice that the trail underfoot is mostly gravel from periodic flooding and wash over.
If you look to your right as you walk over the bridge from Site 19 to 18 you will see rather sharp
meander complete with point bar and across the river its corresponding cut bank.
Topic Climatology/Meteorology: We will take the temperature and since we are close to the larger
river and under hardwood trees it should be cooler than the area of the prairie and the woodland
pond.
Topic Environmental Geosciences: As we walk along the Grand River look at how heavy usage has
resulted in both soil compaction and erosion. Also notice in addition to the invasive species already
mentioned you can see reedy phragmites along the marshy areas. This will result in a lot of redwing
blackbirds and a loss of ducks which used to be plentiful along the river. This was discussed in the
Environmental Science section of the field guide. We will take Ph and oxygen levels of the river at
the bridge. (P.H.Hignan and S. Campbell, 2009)
54
Grand River point bar and erosion
Picture by D Crosley
Example of Phragmites
Picture by DNRES
Grand River Meander
Topic Geology As we walk back from Site !8 to 15 notice the sandy condition of the trail indicating
the type of soil underneath. As we approach the lagoon again between Sites 15 and 14 notice how
the trail gets gummy and muddy indicating clay underfoot. As we move down the trail halfway
between Sites14 and 13 notice the glacial erratic. As we discussed on Day 1 this area was covered
by glacial until the end of the last Ice Age around ten to twelve thousand years ago.
Sandy trail
Muddy clay trail
Glacial erratic
Continue up the trail from Site 13 to Site 4 over the bridge to the trail head. At the trail head we will
go to the classroom in the Nature Center and spend 15-30 minutes updating our notes and debriefing
our data.
Woldumar Nature Center Barn
Picture by Staff of Woldumar Nature Center
55
Time 3 hours
Cost free
E. Hampton Inn next to Lansing airport
 3:00 drive to Hampton Inn Lansing Airport( 525 North Canal Road, Lansing, MI 48917)
8 minutes 6.33 miles
Topics: Finish notebook and final debriefing. Course Evaluation. We will use a meeting room at
the Hampton Inn. Those who are leaving tomorrow may check in. The airport is small so you only
need to check in an hour ahead of time. Earliest flight out would be 5:00pm and later. There is a free
shuttle and the hotel is right next to the airport.
Time 2 hours
Cost 89.00$ double occupancy with Governor’s meeting room for 12 for free
56
References
Planetology
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520, Dublin, NH
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http://www.almanac.com/moon/phase/MI/Hudson/2011-06-21
Sky at a glance. (2011, June 11). Sky and Telescope, 121(6), 43-46.
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aqautic plant information Retrieved June 27,2011 from
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27,2011 from http://www.state.ky.us/nrepc/water/wcpno.htm
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Geology
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Press.
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59

Southern Lower Michigan Field Trip

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