A MICHIGAN BOTANICAL CLUB, SOUTHWESTERN FIELD TRIP

to the Allegan State Game Area with the White Pine Chapter

Led by Bill Martinis and Chip Schaddelee

Saturday, August 25th from 11 AM to 2 PM

Bill and Chip will take us to the Allegan State Game Area on a two mile hike along the Kalamazoo River on an excellent, very scenic, well-beaten but hilly trail. It is all upland -- no mud, marshes, or swamps! Many Oak-Opening plants can be found along the way, including all three of Michigan's Aureolaria species (False Foxglove) -- though not all blooming at once. Along the trail, and sometimes in it, the MI Threatened Hieracium paniculatum should be in full bloom. The hike will not be fast-paced as there are great Kalamazoo River vistas and many plants to stop and see along the way (over 130 species observed from the trail). 

Directions: We will meet at the intersection of 130th Ave and Wisper Land just west of M-40 (130th Ave. and Whisper Ln, Hamilton, MI) from there we will caravan to the Kalamazoo River “trailhead”. From Kalamazoo take 131 north to the Plainwell exit and follow M-89 and then M-40 northwest for 24 miles to 130th Ave. Go west a short distance to Whisper Ln. About 45 minutes from Kalamazoo. If you need a ride or want to car-pool please contact Dave Wendling @ dave.wendling47@gmail.com or call 269-366-8857.

William Martinus

•   B. A., Art, Education, Natural Sciences, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan; M.S. from Grand Vally State
•   Taught in public and private schools for 30 years.
•   Michigan Botanical Society: formerly served on Board of Directors
•   Conducts Natural Features Inventories: National Parks, local parks and preserves
•   Currently working in year three of conducting complete floral inventory with Russ Schipper at the Allegan State Game Are

Leon Schaddelee

• B.A. Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI; M.S. from Michigan State University
• Taught in public and private schools for 30 years.
• 1980-90s: field worker for Michigan Natural Features Inventory -- traveling around state of MI tracking down historical records for rare plant species and inventorying; field worker for The Nature Conservancy -- inventorying preserves and potential preserves
• 1989: field worker for Michigan Natural Features Inventory; plant inventories for Allegan State Game Area
• Master thesis on ASGA: Site Analysis and Interpretive Development of the Allegan Pine Plains Ecosystem
• Conducts Natural Features Inventories: National Parks, local parks and preserves
• Currently inventorying several ASGA biodiversity hotspots