REU Site for Ecosystems in Transition:

The Role of Research in Assessing Ecosystem Responses to a Changing Environment:

This program will not be held in 2008.

We hope to resume the program in 2009.

Recreational Activities:

Field Trips. In 2004 and 2005, a number of field trips were scheduled for the REU students. These included trips to research locations, with stops at old-growth forests or scenic areas, and recreational field trips that involved a combination of sight-seeing, hiking, and examining the forests of the region. Locations that were visited include:

Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness. This 14,139 acre wilderness is located on the Kenton Ranger District and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Here you will find the Sturgeon National Wild and Scenic River and its tributaries with steep rugged gorges up to 300 feet deep, and 1/2 to 1 mile wide. Access to the interior is by cross country navigation or on overgrown old logging roads which may be difficult to find and follow. There are no developed campsites and dispersed camping is allowed. The North Country National Scenic Trail runs along the northern and eastern boundaries. The Wild and Scenic Sturgeon River rushes out of the northern portion of the wilderness, over the 20-foot volcanic outcropping of Sturgeon Falls, and through the gorge. Stunning views are possible from the eastern rim of the gorge. In spring and fall, when the water runs highest, kayaking and white-water canoeing are challenging and only recommended for very advanced paddlers.

Sylvania Wilderness. The Sylvania Wilderness and Sylvania Recreation Area, is located near Watersmeet, Michigan and is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Combined with the adjacent Recreation Area, the 18,327 acre wilderness offers an outstanding experience for those who want to camp, fish, hike, canoe, ski or enjoy the solitude of a wilderness experience. Few Wildernesses compare to Sylvania. Here you will find 34 named lakes - some with sandy beaches, others surrounded by record-size red and white pines. This large natural area with its old growth forest and pristine lakes provides habitat for a wide range of living things. While exploring Sylvania you might see threatened or endangered plants and animals - like rare orchids, bald eagles, loons and osprey. Camping is permitted at designated sites by permit only. Permits can be obtained on a walk-in basis at the Wilderness Entrance Station or can be reserved through the Watersmeet Visitor Center prior to May 15th. Daytime visitors to the Sylvania Wilderness and Recreation area will pay a fee for use of the facilities.

Copper Harbor and Brockway Mountain. Visitors to the top of the Keweenaw Peninsula have called Copper Harbor - "the absolute best of the Lake". You will love the views, from Lake Superior's rugged shoreline to the top of Brockway Mountain. Spring flowers and bird migrations, summer sunsets, fall colors, and winter solitude are all here and breathtakingly beautiful.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is 15 miles west of Ontonagon in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The park's 60,000 acres are one of the few remaining large wilderness areas in the Midwest. Towering virgin timber, secluded lakes, and miles of wild rivers and streams make a visit to the "Porkies" a trip to remember.

Exploring the Upper Peninsula. The REU students had additional opportunities on the evenings and weekends to explore the numerous recreational opportunities available in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, which is home to three National Parks, three federal wilderness areas, two National Forests, numerous historical sites, miles of pristine Lake Superior shoreline, and most of the remaining old-growth forests in the Midwest. The links below describe just a few of the many exciting and intriguing destinations.

McCormick Wilderness

Isle Royale National Park

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Keweenaw National Historical Park

Ottawa National Forest

Hiawatha National Forest

Fort Wilkins State Park