The Grand Traverse Conservation District has been fortunate to have many dedicated and qualified volunteer hike guides over the years. They have given their expertise in a variety of fields, such as birds, wildflowers, native plants and animals, insects, and ecosystems. The Discovery Hikes for Kids summer program would not be possible without these volunteers who giver their time and expertise. We would like to tell you a little about some of our 2008 summer hikes guides.
Joe Charlevoix is a meteorologist with TV 7&4 where he forecasts the weather and provides outdoor reports. He graduated in 2001 from Valparaiso University with a degree in Broadcast Meteorology and a minor in Geography. While in college he interned with Chicago’s WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skilling. Joe grew up in the Upper Peninsula and learned to enjoy the outdoors and all the things that make life in Michigan so great. In his spare time, Joe loves to travel, hunt, fish, and read. This summer, Joe is leading a hike called “Stuff in the Sky” on June 27. Kids will learn why the wind blows, what clouds are made of, and make cloud finders to take home. The kids always love this hike!
Molly McCombs is a retired teacher and has been volunteering with the Conservation District for about 15 years. She has a Master of Science degree from Central Michigan University in Biology and taught Science and Conservation at Cadillac Middle School. Molly enjoys anything involving nature but she especially likes birds and wildflowers. This summer Molly is leading a hike called “This Hike is For the Birds”, taking place on June 25th. The kids hike to Sabin Pond, looking for nests and trying to identify birds along the way. After the hike the kids make nests out of found materials. It’s always very interesting, and the kids have a lot of fun making their own nests. Thank you Molly for sharing your time with us!
Leslie Mertz, Ph.D., is a field-biology instructor for Eastern Michigan University, as well as a science writer and author who has written numerous books and articles. Her most recent books include the Smithsonian's Extreme Bugs, which covers the wild and wonder insects of the world; and Driving Michigan: Mile by Mile on I-75, which takes travelers from one end of the state to the other with fun facts about the state's history, legends, geology, biology, and only-in-Michigan trivia. This summer Leslie is leading a hike called “Reptiles and Amphibians” on June 19th. She will take the kids along the Sabin Pond Trail in search of snakes, turtles, frogs, and salamanders and even bring live snakes and turtles for the kids to see up close!
Greg LaCross is an instructor and Chairman of the Science Department at
Northwestern Michigan College. He has taught various field courses including ecology and botany. He has performed many botanical and natural features inventories for various governmental agencies as well as the Conservation District. He is currently working with the Leelanau Conservancy as a botanist and stewardship committee member. Greg will be leading a hike on May 24th called “Ecology of Hickory Meadows”. Thanks for volunteering your time and expertise Greg!
Marc Schollett is a news anchor for TV 7&4 in Traverse City. He has a master’s degree in Freshwater Ecology and has put that knowledge to work in guiding one of our Discovery Hikes for Kids. Marc takes the kids on a hike at the Natural Education Reserve to a wetlands area, where he can collect samples and talk about what he finds. This year’s hike is called “The Wonder of Ponds” and will take place on July 23rd. Marc is a very personable and knowledgeable guide who can really relate to the kids. The kids always have a great time looking at pollywogs and discovering tiny insects and crustaceans. We appreciate Marc taking the time to show the kids some of the wonders of nature!
Mike Heuser is a small business owner who has always had a love for the outdoors. Since an early age he has been active in scouting and hiking. His interest in survival techniques and how to stay alive in the woods has given him a strong background as a hike guide. Kids and adults alike are very interested in learning what plants are edible and which are poisonous. Mike leads the kids on the Sabin Pond Trail to learn about native plants, what their uses were by Native American’s and early settlers, and which parts of plants are edible. His hike this year is on July 19th and is called “What Can You Eat in the Woods?” Thanks to Mike for his enthusiasm and energy!
Dr. Duke Elsner, Grand Traverse County agricultural agent for MSU and avid entomologist, has been helping people of all ages learn about insects and their habitats for over 25 years. Dr. Duke is known locally as the “Bug Man”. His hikes this summer are called “A Nocturnal Adventure” on June 17, “Creepy Crawlies on July 22, and “Sugaring for Moths” on August 7th. Be prepared for a truly “hands-on” experience with butterflies, moths, beetles, bees, and bugs and all the rest of the creepy-crawly world. Last year Duke set up a light trap the night before the hike and the kids were able to see all the beetles, moths, and other insects that were collected. Duke also sets out a sweet recipe of fermented fruit and sugar to attract large under-wing moths and other critters for the sugaring moths hike. Great job, Duke!
Paul Schmude is currently an exploration geologist for Schmude Oil, a local oil and gas exploration company, which specializes in finding oil and gas throughout Michigan. Paul assists on finding oil and gas in rock formations that are anywhere from less than 1,000’ to over 1 mile down in the ground. Some of the oil and gas that Paul is looking for is trapped in ancient coral reefs that can be over 500’ tall. He has over 7 years of experience and has a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from Grand Valley State University. Paul’s hike this summer is called “Traverse City Rocks”, on July 15th. The kids will enjoy looking for rocks along the Boardman River and polishing a Petoskey Stone while Paul will talk about the geologic history of the area. Rock on Paul!