CM-1 Grand Mere State Park Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

gandy dancers: Archiving to make way for the Camp MiGO 2 (CM-2) caches

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Hidden : 6/30/2019
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:


Park significance statements capture the essence of its importance to carry out the core values of our RD Mission. They recognize the natural and cultural heritage values of the park and the recreational and educational opportunities afforded. These statements describe the distinctiveness of Grand Mere State Park. Understanding these distinctions helps managers make decisions that preserve those special resources and values necessary to accomplish the park’s purposes. Grand Mere is significant because of many factors, including but not limited to those stated below. 1. A 1,200-acre tract, most of which is now Grand Mere State Park, was designated a National Natural Landmark in April 1968. The park was created as a 393-acre parcel in 1973. Approximately 500 acres were added in 1986. The area was identified as a Critical Dune Area by the State of Michigan under the Sand Dunes Protection Act of 1978. 2. The high-relief dunes in Grand Mere were formed approximately 12,000 years ago during the recession of glacial lakes. Located between Lake Michigan and several inland lakes and unique wetlands, the park presents an array of natural features that are, together, quite unique. 3. The lakes and wetlands provide a unique ecological area that encompasses the full range of natural communities, from open water aquatic to closed forest terrestrial communities. The park contains a rare example of a wet mesic lakeplain prairie. 4. The site contains four low areas created during the evolution of postglacial ancestors of Lake Michigan, providing a unique ecological area documenting the evolution of aquatic to terrestrial communities. 5. The park's remote natural atmosphere is perfect for nature study. Notable plant and tree species include black oak, red oak, hemlock and white pine, wafer Ash and starflower. Within the inland lakes area, the fragrant water lily, yellow water lily, pickerel weed and various pond weeds can be found. South Lake contains wild rice, pitcher plant and humped bladderwort. The park also features a highquality dry mesic southern forest. 6. From the 1890’s to 1912, South Lake contained cranberry bogs from which berries were harvested and sent to Midwestern cities. 7. The wetlands and lakes are significant waterfowl and songbird migrating areas The park lies within a migration flyway where birds including hawks, common loons, cormorants, warblers, herons and songbirds are seen. 8. A hemlock swamp lies south of the lakes, representing hemlock-white pine Northern hardwood forest type that extends south just into Berrien County. Because of the very dense canopy of hemlock, the conditions in that swamp are moist and cool, providing habitat for starflowers (Trientalis borealis), bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), goldthread (Coptis trifolia), purple avens (Geum rivale), and twinflower (Linnaea borealis). The park contains a disjunct northern forest community. 9. The 40-acre sand mine parcel adjacent to the southern park boundary was mined off and on between 1965 and 2003. Restoration efforts have been ongoing since mining ceased. The Sand Mine Restoration Plan for the parcel calls for replanting with a variety of natural vegetation that replicates the natural ecosystem found within Grand Mere State Park. The sand mining industry, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment and the community will be able to use this plan as a model for effective and significant restoration efforts in other disturbed Great Lakes dune areas. 10. Grand Mere State Park is a relatively undeveloped area. Its natural setting provides unique recreational opportunities. It features 4.5 miles of hiking trails, including approximately .25-mile of paved trail. Lake Michigan access is provided within the park, which contains one mile of shoreline. 11. Grand Mere State Park provides unique and important hunting opportunities for waterfowl in southwest Michigan. 12. North & Middle Lakes support populations of bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, black crappie, largemouth bass and northern pike. These lakes offer an opportunity to educate and entertain young anglers.
MIGO

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