British Landing Nature Programs – Scat Identification Posted July 29, 2020 Learn how to identify different scat left by various animals in Michigan. Learn how to figure out what the animal ate last. Do you know the difference between buck and doe scat? You will! Program will take place at the podium and bench area adjacent to the south side of the British Landing Nature.Seating is first come first serve (you don’t have to be sitting in order to enjoy the program). The program will be about 15 minutes. This is a free Mackinac Parks: 125 event! The program will be lead by ranger Emily Kimmel, a recent graduate from Lake Superior State University with a degrees in Parks and Recreation and Natural Resource Technologies. She is in her first season serving as the Naturalist for Mackinac State Historic Parks on Mackinac Island.
British Landing Nature Programs – Tree Identification Posted July 29, 2020 Learn how to identify various trees on Mackinac Island and the different purposes they have for the animals as well as people. It will be a short 20 minute hike through the British Landing Trail. The group will be making a stop at Friendship’s Alter as well. Meet in front of the British Landing Nature Center and the walk will start at 1:30 p.m. sharp. Trail is narrow and there are lots of roots on the trail. Not wheelchair accessible. This is a free Mackinac Parks: 125 event! The program will be lead by ranger Emily Kimmel, a recent graduate from Lake Superior State University with a degrees in Parks and Recreation and Natural Resource Technologies. She is in her first season serving as the Naturalist for Mackinac State Historic Parks on Mackinac Island.
Michilimackinac Secrets and Scandals: Histsory Revealed Posted March 27, 2020 This new themed weekend will present visitors with a variety of programs focusing on some of Michilimackinac’s lesser known history. Each program will examine an aspect of the Michilimackinac’ past that caused the original residents to gossip and share secrets with one another. All special programs and events included with regular admission to Colonial Michilimackinac. A Mackinac Parks: 125 event!
Island History Series: Fudge – Mackinac’s Sweet Souvenir Posted March 27, 2020 Mackinac Island and fudge. Both symbolize indulgence, fantasy and escape. But there’s more to fudge than sugar, butter, chocolate and cream. Join Phil Porter, Mackinac State Historic Parks Director and Chief Fudge Taster, as he explores the history of Mackinac’s most delicious souvenir. Presented at the Station 256 Conference Room. This is a free Mackinac Parks: 125 event!
Island History Series: Mackinac Island’s Influence on the Civil War Posted March 27, 2020 For this entry into our “Island History Series,” Mackinac State Historic Parks Registrar Brian Jaeschke will offer a look at the military post of Fort Mackinac and the officers at the fort prior to the civil war, the event of the fort becoming a prison for three confederate sympathizers, a profile of Sgt. William Marshall, the longest serving officer at Fort Mackinac, the lives of Mackinac Island residents who served in the war, and the post-war army and the Grand Army of the Republic on the island. This is a FREE Mackinac Parks: 125 event, presented by the Mackinac Island Community Foundation!
Hidden Histories: The Grenadiers’ “Mutiny” of 1780 Posted March 27, 2020 As part of the Mackinac Parks: 125 festivities, we want to explore elements of Colonial Michilimackinac’s history and culture that are not currently well-represented in interpretive programming and exhibits. This walking tour/discussion will focus on the Grenadiers’ “mutiny” of 1780, and will be led by historian(s) from Mackinac State Historic Parks. This is a free event.
S’more…Meteors! Posted March 27, 2020 Welcome to the biggest event of the month…meteor showers! Watch meteors, learn about constellations, and enjoy s’mores at Mackinac Island’s highest point – Fort Holmes! Meet at the Fort Mackinac Avenue of Flags for a solar light-guided hike to Fort Holmes with a park ranger. This is a Mackinac Parks: 125 free event!
Gardens and Good Things to Eat Posted March 27, 2020 Everyone loves a good meal, including the historic residents of Michilimackinac! Join historic interpreters to tour and help maintain the fort’s gardens, assist with running the outdoor bread oven (and taste the results!), watch meals cooked over an open fire, and learn more about the unique food cultures of Michilimackinac’s French, British, and Native American residents. All special programs included with regular admission to Colonial Michilimackinac. #thisismackinac Schedule of Events: 9:00 a.m. – Colonial Michilimackinac Open for the Day 9:30 a.m. – Musket Firing Demonstration followed by Military Food Program 10:00 a.m. – Gardens of Michilimackinac Tour 11:00 a.m. – Breadmaking and Oven Demonstration 12:00 p.m. – Indigenous Food and the Fur Trade Program 12:30 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration 1:0o p.m. – Gardens of Michilimackinac Tour 2:00 p.m. – Artillery Demonstration 3:00 p.m. – 18th Century Botany and Art 4:00 p.m. – Breadmaking and Oven Demonstration 5:00 p.m. – Gardens of Michilimackinac Tour 6:00 p.m. – Musket Firing Demonstration followed by Military Food Program 7:00 p.m. – Colonial Michilimackinac Closed for the Day
Island History Series: Archaeology on Mackinac Island Posted March 27, 2020 Archaeological excavations have been carried out around Mackinac Island since the 1960s, including sites on Custer Road, Wawashkamo Golf Club, and Fort Mackinac. Join Mackinac State Historic Parks Curator of Archaeology Dr. Lynn Evans as she explores the archaeological history of Mackinac Island. The presentation will take place in the Station 256 Conference Room, located above the Mackinac Island State Park Visitor’s Center. This is a free Mackinac Parks: 125 event!
Virtual Artist-in-Residence Workshop with Artist Jane Kramer Posted March 27, 2020 Since 2013, Kramer has been working on a body of work titled Foreshadowing – Endangered & Threatened Plant Species. For this project, she has photographed the shadows of Michigan’s endangered and threatened plant species and, using an alcohol gel process, transfer the shadow images onto paper she makes from invasive plant species such as garlic mustard and phragmites. Kramer has photographed the shadows of over fifty endangered and threatened plant species in Michigan and experimented with making paper from fourteen invasive plant species. Through her slideshow presentation, she will cover the process of: 1) responsibly collecting non-native, invasive plant species, 2) turning plant biomass into pulp and paper, 3) photographing the shadows of threatened and endangered plant species, and 4) transferring photographic images onto hand-made paper using an alcohol gel transfer. She will also do a live demonstration of an alcohol gel transfer following the presentation. This is a virtual presentation held via Zoom – see below for details. This is a free Mackinac Parks: 125 event! Join by Zoom at the following link: https://msu.zoom.us/j/92904425830 Meeting ID: 929 0442 5830
