Banquet

At 1:00 p.m. we will board the buses and head north to Copper Harbor to experience a beautiful example of the geomorphology that characterizes the region. Arriving at 2:00 PM, we will start at the top of Brockway Mountain from which expansive views of Lake Superior and the surrounding forest reveal how geomorphic forces shaped the landscape. Exposure to extreme environmental conditions in the uplands has given rise to Krummholz vegetation communities on thin rocky soils.

Mid-way down slope we will examine the dominant forest type of the region, mixed northern hardwoods arising from early successional aspen-birch ecosystems, and learn how current silvicultural methods maintain this forest type. At lower elevations we will visit the Estivant Pines, a 337 acre sanctuary protecting some of the last remaining old growth white pine groves left in Michigan. Spruce-fir and white cedar swamps also occupy the lowlands. Finally, we will end the tour at the lake shore where we will examine northern wetland communities and "life at the edge" (of Lake Superior that is).

The geomorphology hike will be followed by a tour of the quaint village of Copper Harbor. Myriad museums and gift shops chronicle the beginning of the colorful history of the copper boom that fueled the early economic development of the state of Michigan. Additional recreational activities abound, and a wide variety of books are for sale on the natural history of this part of the state, and the lives of its people.

In the evening, we will convene at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge for a restful break and good meal after the day's activities. This beautiful wooded resort hosts a 9 hole golf course that one local aficionado (D.F. Karnosky) characterizes as "fun, challenging, and beautiful". Gently rolling greens interspersed with groves of large white pine and northern hardwoods and awesome views of Lake Superior make this a truly unique country club. For those with energy left to burn, the Lodge has a limited amount of rental equipment, and serious golfers are welcome to bring their own gear.

At this time of year, darkness falls after 10:00 PM in the north woods so there should be plenty of time to dine and enjoy what the Lodge has to offer. The 3 entrée buffet style dinner will start at 7:30 and includes a range of options. Please indicate food preference on the registration form. Options are: prime rib, ham, chicken, turkey, Lake Superior lake trout and whitefish, and vegetarian. Meal includes non-alcoholic beverage, potato, vegetable, and salad bar. Buses will depart at 10:00 PM to arrive back in Houghton at 11:30 PM.