Welcome to the Shore to Shore Birding Trail!
About
The Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan is characterized by vast areas of boreal forest, pristine wetlands, and over 700 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. The landscape is dappled with inland lakes and threaded with numerous rivers providing endless access to outdoor recreation activities such as fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking and wildlife-viewing.
The Shore to Shore Birding Trail traverses Lake Superior’s southern shore from Sault Ste. Marie to Whitefish Point. Interior stops include a multitude of forested and non-forested habitats in the Hiawatha National Forest, the Seney National Wildlife Refuge, the Silver Creek Birding Trail (a bird trail within a bird trail!) and a variety of other well-known birding locations. The Shore to Shore Birding Trail is flanked by the northern shore of Lake Michigan from Naubinway Harbor to Point la Barbe near St. Ignace. A diverse array of migrant songbirds calls this area home in the summer, and both resident and irruptive boreal species can be found in winter.
Crowned by Whitefish Point to the north, the Shore to Shore Birding Trail is home to the premier birding hotspot in Michigan. Migrant waterbirds, songbirds, shorebirds, and raptors pass by the Point in spring and fall migration in tremendous numbers, and rarities often show up. From there, the trail ventures south and east through forests, bogs, and patches of grassland. Ten different species of owl can be found throughout the area, including Snowy, Great Gray, long-eared owl, and Northern-Hawk Owls – although seeing all will require a bit of luck. The sandy beaches of the Eastern Upper Peninsula are home to the endangered Piping Plover, and the recently delisted Kirtland’s warbler finds its home in young jack pine. Follow this birding trail to connect with nature and explore the natural beauty of a region bordered by three Great Lakes.
The Shore to Shore Birding Trail was created by a team of local natural resource organizations recognizing the need for additional birding opportunities related to birding hot spots in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. Initial planning efforts began in 2017 when local DNR Wildlife Division staff attended the Michigan Birding Trail Network Workshop in Traverse City, Michigan, hosted by the Michigan Audubon Society in partnership with Michigan Sea Grant and Michigan State University Extension. Brainstorming continued at a local level until early 2019 when trail planning efforts picked up with multiple partners joining in on the effort of identifying locations, suitable habitats, writing interpretive information, designing signs, maps, and brochures, and gathering resources for each stop along the trail. From initial idea to grand-opening event, the Shore to Shore Birding Trail was made possible from 5 years of planning and dedication of natural resource enthusiasts and local organizations.
Funding for this project came from the Michigan DNR and from the USDA Forest Service - Hiawatha National Forest Secure Rural Area Schools Self Determination Act of 2000 (RAC) grant secured by the Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District, as well as many hours of volunteer time donated by project partners. This funding supports a full feature website, printed trail map, educational panels along the trail, roadside signage and a kickoff event to celebrate the grand opening of the trail in 2022.
What is a birding trail?
A birding trail is a driving route with specific stops identified that offer bird viewing opportunities and can highlight natural & cultural features of the local communities that the birding trail goes through. Typically, stops along the trail are identified with a sign at each location and visitors can reference print materials, such as paper maps and brochures, along with birding trail websites to assist with trip planning and information about each stop and the surrounding communities.
Why are birding trails important?
According to the American Birding Association, birding trails are “another demonstration of community involvement and commitment to preserving natural resources based on responsible tourism and bird appreciation”. Birding trails offer birders, wildlife viewers and eco-tourists opportunities to explore new areas while connecting birding to conservation and giving a boost to local tourism.
Creating birding opportunities through designated trails provides an opportunity for communities to create a sense of place while sharing enthusiasm for outdoor wildlife-based recreation. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in outdoor recreation and natural spaces. Birding trails can influence residents and travelers alike to get outside and explore local the resources nearby while educating them about natural, cultural and bird history.
Not just about birds! Many birding trails, such as the Shore to Shore Birding Trail, have interpretive information associated with each stop on the designated trail. This information may touch on topics such as invasive species, land management practices or conservation efforts related to the area. Bringing conservation awareness through birding may lead to other efforts such as habitat restoration, removal or prevention of invasive plants, monitoring of different plant and animal species, and an increased appreciation for all things nature.
Funding for this project came from the Michigan DNR and from the USDA Forest Service - Hiawatha National Forest Secure Rural Area Schools Self Determination Act of 2000 (RAC) grant secured by the Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District, as well as many hours of volunteer time donated by project partners. This funding supports a full feature website, printed trail map, educational panels along the trail, roadside signage and a kickoff event to celebrate the grand opening of the trail in 2022.
Shore to Shore Birding Trail Partners:
Michigan Department of Natural Resources, www.michigan.gov/dnr
Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District, www.clmcd.org
Hiawatha National Forest, www.fs.usda.gov/hiawatha
Seney National Wildlife Refuge, www.fws.gov/refuge/seney
Bay Mills Indian Community, www.baymills.org
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, www.saulttribe.com
Michigan Sea Grant, www.michiganseagrant.org
EUP Regional Planning & Development Commission, http://www.eup-planning.org/
Special thanks to:
Jayne Roohr
Kristie Sitar
Evan Griffis
Lyla Luoto, lylaluoto.com, Designer of the Shore to Shore Birding trail’s website.
Cory Luoto, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Forest Resource Division, Resource Assessment Section; Designer of the interactive web-map and app for the Shore to Shore Birding Trail.
Julie Covert, www.juliemcovert.com, Graphic Designer of the Shore to Shore Birding Trail’s fold-out brochure.
Whisler Wildlands, www.WhislerWildlandsLLC.com
Teresa McGill, www.mcgillsnatureinmotion.com & http://www.facebook.com/teresa.l.mcgill/
Little Traverse Conservancy, www.landtrust.org
Lake Superior State University, www.lssu.edu
Lake Superior State University’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education, lssu.edu/cfre
Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum, www.snowmobilemuseum.com
City of Sault Ste. Marie, www.saultcity.com
Pendills Creek National Fish Hatchery | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, www.fws.gov/fish-hatchery/pendills-creek
Pendills Creek National Fish Hatchery was established in 1951 to produce lake trout for interagency restoration programs in the Upper Great Lakes. Pendills Creek was the first federal fish hatchery established solely to produce lake trout. Today, Pendills Creek produces over 1 million lake trout yearlings for stocking in Lake Huron and Lake Michigan each spring.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park, https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=428&fbclid=IwAR32KmsuQnwqxoCx6yKTRPSY5pLujNb4Us9zimNXWvV1pND1MZdH70FclGA
Straits State Park, https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=427
Brimley State Park, https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?id=414&type=SPRK
GFL Dafter Landfill, https://gflenv.com/dafter-landfill/
Michigan Department of Transportation, https://www.michigan.gov/mdot
Hendrick’s Township
Garfield Township & Garfield Township Marina, https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/publications/pdfs/harbor_guide/naubinway.htm