Winter Ways of the Bay:
This February 17, we enjoyed the winter weather as we explored the signs that wildlife leaves behind during the winter. Naturalist Natalie Cypher lead our discussion about how these animals make it through the challenging season. We observed tracks in the snow left by several species in the area, including Raccoon, Opossum, Rabbit, Squirrel, and Coyote. Other signs of wildlife were also present, such as scat, muskrat lodges, tunnels in the snow, and even the winter homes of small insects. We also had a couple of great flyovers of an adult Bald Eagle - always a great sight to see! While Bald Eagles do nest in the area, they are more numerous in the Detroit River during the winter, because they will spend the winter where there is open water to catch their main food, fish. No matter the season, nature always provides something to see and explore! We hope you'll join us for some more exploring at one of our upcoming programs later this year!
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Detroit Audubon Society Owl Prowl
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Saturday, March 10 at 7:00 p.m.
Leader: Jim Bull - DAS
Fee: $10 Adults/$3 Youth
Location: St. James Episcopal Church, 25150 East River Rd., Grosse Ile Township
Although this is not a GINLC event, we would like to make you aware of this educational opportuintiy happening on Grosse Ile.
Great Horned Owls will have been nesting since early February, Barred Owls will just be beginning, and Screech Owls will be getting ready to nest. Since they are defending territories, playing an owl tape or imitating their calls will likely bring them in where we can see them by lantern light. Meet at St. James Episcopal Church for a brief slide program on owls.
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Volunteer Opportunities - Stewardship Event
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Scheduled for Sunrise Park
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Saturday March 24, 2018 @ 9 am
Sunrise Park
East River at Grosse Ile Parkway
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To register as a volunteer, or for more information, contact us at
[email protected]
. This event is subject to change due to volunteer availability and weather. Volunteers on our mailing list will receive an email to confirm the event.
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High School Photo Contest 2017/2018
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go to
www.ginlc.org
to submit your digital photographs before May 10, 2018.
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Homeowners can make a difference
- Coal Tar Sealants are banned on Grosse Ile
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Coal tar sealants have been banned on Grosse Ile. By passing Ordinance Chapter 99 on Oct. 23, 2017 Grosse Ile Township joined many other communities and states banning the use of coal tar sealants on driveways and parking lots.
This ordinance was passed to protect Human Health, and the environment, including the Detroit River
Why are coal tar sealants banned? Studies by universities and government agencies identify coal tar-based pavement seal coat as a major source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These PAHs enter the air, water and come in contact with our children and pets. PAH cause cancer.
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There are alternatives: Asphalt-based products cost about the same and contain much lower levels of worrisome chemicals. Before sealing your driveway, hire only a contractor who provides a SDS (Safety data sheet) for the intended product. Check to see if it contains this CAS number for coal tar: 65996-93-2. If doing the work yourself, buy only products with a "coal tar free" logo. They are available at local hardware stores.
Where else are coal-tar sealants banned? Grosse Ile Township already prohibits the use of coal-tar sealants on the bike paths. The growing list of Michigan community bans include Van Buren Township, Ann Arbor, and Wolverine Lake, among others. The states of Connecticut, Minnesota and Washington have banned coal-tar and a bill has been proposed in Lansing.
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Celebrating the first 25 years of GINLC.
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SAVE THE DATE!
In 1993 a small group of environmentally concerned citizens founded Grosse Ile Nature & Land Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, stewardship and understanding of the natural areas in and around Grosse Ile.
The organization has grown to approximately 200 members and protects over 200 acres through ownership, conservation easements and stewardship.
Over the years GINLC has offered hundreds of educational programs, built observation platforms, boardwalks, trails, and a photography blind, installed educational signage, birdhouses, a spotting scope, park benches, patios, retaining walls, a kayak slide, and learning gardens, all for the benefit of the community.
In recognition of our founders’ foresight, our benefactors’ generosity and the hard work and dedication of our members, we are having a 25th Anniversary dinner.
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GINLC members in good standing are cordially invited to attend the:
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GINLC 25th anniversary celebration
May 12, 2018
Chateau on the River,
Elizabeth Park in Trenton.
A formal invitation for members will follow.
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Sponsorship Opportunities are Available.
GINLC has no paid staff. Volunteers run the organization.
In recognition of our founders’ foresight, our benefactors’ generosity and the hard work and dedication of our members, we are having a 25th Anniversary dinner . This is not a fundraiser; the dinner will be free to GINLC members. To make this possible, we are seeking sponsorships for the event. We would be honored to have your support and will offer our thanks with dinner tickets, recognition at the dinner and announcements in print and on social media.
Sponsorship Levels: Gold: $1,000 Silver: $500 Bronze: $200
Contact sponsorship chair Steve Schweickart for more information at 734-674-1405 or
[email protected]
Your dollars make it all possible.
If you would like to help preserve Grosse Ile, please consider a gift to the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy. We are a local nonprofit committed to the preservation of Grosse Ile’s habitat. Your contribution will directly go toward preserving, maintaining and educating about Grosse Ile’s natural landscape.
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Saturday, March 24. Stewardship: 9 am @ Sunrise Park
Saturday, April 7. Stewardship:
9 am @
Hennepin Marsh Gateway
Thursday, April 12. Birding 101 in PowerPoint: 7:30 Centennial Farm.
Sunday, April 22. Earth Day – 1pm @ Centennial farm
Saturday, April 28. Island Wide Clean-up
- 9 am @
Centennial Farm
Sunday, May 6. GBU/Airport Nature Area Hosting Starts (6 May - Oct 28)
Friday, May 11. Frog survey 8:30 pm GBU
Saturday, May 12. Stewardship: 9 am @ Kobiljak Preserve
Saturday, May 12. 25th Anniversary GINLC Member Only Party
Saturday, May 26. Stewardship:
9 am @
Intrepid Pond.
Saturday, June 9. Stewardship:
9 am @
Sunrise Park.
Saturday, June 23. Stewardship:
9 am @
Meridian Trailhead.
Saturday, July 14. Stewardship:
9 am @
Sunrise Park.
Saturday, July 14. Evening Exploration - 7 pm GBU
Sunday, August 19. Walk to the lovely lotuses - 1 pm GBU
Saturday, September 8. Stewardship:
9 am @
Intrepid Pond.
Saturday, September 22. Stewardship:
9 am @
Hennepin Marsh Gateway
Saturday, October 6. Stewardship:
9 am @
Kobiljak Preserve.
Saturday, October 27. Stewardship:
9 am @
Sunrise Park.
Friday, November 9. Owl prowl - 7 pm Centennial farm
Monday, November 10. GINLC Annual Meeting - 10 am. GIGCC
Dates, times and locations are subject to change. Watch for announcements closer to the event date. Follow us on
Facebook
for up to date information. Register for stewardship events at
[email protected]
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For a list of our upcoming events and the meeting dates of various GINLC committees, Please see our
Calendar of events
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To promote for public benefit the preservation, stewardship and understanding of the natural resources in the Township of Grosse Ile and surrounding area.
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