We know where you can get the same geraniums as Grand Hotel. And a secret beach. Here’s what our editors are loving during Earth month.
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Cara’s Swooning Over …
Grand Geraniums
Part of my Earth Day commitment is to make my little corner of the world more beautiful. The two planter boxes on my front porch are just waiting for this year’s planting pick, and I think I’ve found it: Americana Dark Red geraniums from Mischel’s Greenhouses in Williamsburg.
These are no ordinary blooms—they’re locally grown by Mischel’s, the supplier for the most extraordinary porch in the world: the 660-foot promenade at Grand Hotel. Spilling over from 260 white planter boxes, the blooms from 1,600 plants create a striking crimson contrast against the whitewashed hotel. My tiny porch is no promenade, but with these cheery red upgrades, it’ll feel just a touch more fancy.
Check your hardiness zones, Mischel’s will ship plants accordingly, and zones 5a, 5b and 6a will go out between April 29 and May 20.
Photo by Dave Weidner
Ashlyn’s Swooning Over …
Secret Beach Adventures in Manistee
After a dreary and drizzly month in Northern Michigan, the sun finally made its debut in early April. Of course, this prompted a day trip to one of my favorite places in Michigan: Manistee. I used to call Manistee home a few years back (and perhaps I still do, out of habit), so it’s a corner of the north that’s close to my heart. The best part: Wherever you are in the Manistee area, you’re sure to find a body of water nearby. It’s a freshwater paradise, dotted with sandy beaches, lakes and rivers. It’s also a glorious spot for an Earth Day adventure, especially during springtime when things are still quiet. If you want to enjoy the natural splendor of this coastal town in just a few hours, here’s what I’d recommend.
First, we’re grabbing a quick bite at a local staple, Big Al’s. It’s located on Parkdale Avenue, just a short drive past River Street. (The US-31 bascule bridge is currently closed, so be prepared to follow a short detour.) You can’t go wrong with a fresh slice of pizza or toasty submarine sandwich. My go-to order: the Al’s Special with sub sauce, which is my definition of perfection.
Once you’ve got your goodies in hand, hop back in the car. We’re headed to a secret spot locals love: North Beach Access Park. (Shh… don’t tell!) Directions: the entrance is located at the north end of Washington Street, look for the water tower. Parking is limited, so keep that in mind. There’s a short, breezy hike through a wooded area and over a boardwalk to the shore. From there, you’ll find a platform equipped with benches, a telescope and a few flights of stairs, leading to a public beach with sublime views of Lake Michigan and the Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse. The views are immaculate any time of day, but even more so during sunset … believe me, it’s pure magic. (Bonus: the beach is pet-friendly, so you can bring fido!)
Photo by Ashlyn Korienek
Allison’s Swooning Over …
Wildflower Hikes & Native Trees
I plan on celebrating Earth Day (and pretty much every day this spring) with an immersive wildflower hike, and it just so happens that Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy is hosting a series of guided hikes at one of my favorite spots for spring ephemerals: Pete’s Woods in Arcadia Dunes. Led by longtime volunteer Paula Dreeszen, the first three hikes are scheduled on Earth Day (April 22), May 8 and May 22. Later in the season, on June 20, Paula will also lead a guided tour of Baldy Trails, highlighting the wildflowers that bloom along the Lake Michigan coastline. Space is limited, so be sure to register ahead of time.
And for those who want to get their hands dirty, I love that HeadWaters Land Conservancy in Gaylord is giving folks the chance to volunteer and help their staff plant white oak, bur oak and native pine trees next month at Luneack Nature Preserve. Dates are TBD, and they’re asking those interested to fill out this volunteer form. Also, while you’re at it, I highly recommend checking out HeadWaters’ new merch, inspired by local landscapes and wildlife. All proceeds support conservation efforts, and who doesn’t need a super cute shirt featuring lilypad-loving minks!?
Photo by Allison Acosta
Carly’s Swooning Over …
Torch Conservation Center
In Michigan, we love our lakes. Deeply. But we also cause them harm, even unintentionally. I’ve been using (what I thought to be eco-friendly) laundry detergent strips for the past two years: Tru Earth fragrance free. However, these strips contain polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which is plastic.
Damn.
PVA has been touted as an eco-friendly product because it can biodegrade into carbon dioxide and water, but only under very specific temperature and bacteria conditions. Research indicates that the conditions needed to biodegrade PVA do not exist in wastewater treatment plants and that 75% of PVA is released into the environment as microplastics.
Double damn.
I learned this thanks to the Torch Conservation Center and its “True Blue” newsletter. While this nonprofit is committed to caring for Torch Lake, the information they share applies to all of our region’s many waters. The team here researches watersheds and simplifies the science for people like me, who want to help but are overwhelmed at times by all the (sometimes contradicting) information that’s available on the internet.
I haven’t eliminated plastic from my life, not even close, and that may not even be a realistic goal. But can I reduce my consumption significantly? Yes. I can be more educated, aware and careful, because I do truly, madly and deeply love our lakes and our endlessly beautiful state.
(Want to know which laundry products are safe? Here’s the link to the full True Blue newsletter with more information.)