Fumee Lake Natural Area

With spring FINALLY starting to arrive, everyone will be wanting to get outside and stretch their legs.  The Fumee Lake Natural Area has a number of unique features.  Fumee Lake and Little Fumee Lake provide a total of five miles of undeveloped shoreline. In addition to numerous wetlands, 507 acres of surface water holds a fishery deemed "very remarkable and unique" by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The area has historically been home to a number of  rare or threatened species including the Bald Eagle, Common Loon, and seventeen species of orchids.  Three plants on Michigan's Threatened Species list are found here: Walking Fern, Purple Cliff-brake and Marsh Grass of Parnassus.

The Fumee Lake Natural Area is used by educators to teach students about ecology. A number of non-motorized recreational opportunities await its visitors. Hiking, biking, bird watching, and nature photography in the spring, summer, and fall; Cross country skiing and snow shoeing in the winter months. Everyone is welcome to enjoy this four-season natural area. 

 

The Fumee Lake Commission invites the public to participate in their annual guided Spring Nature Walk at the Fumee Lake Natural Area.  This walk is for wildflower enthusiasts, bird watchers and nature lovers of all ages.

Wildflowers, birds, wildlife and some history of the area will be woven into this year’s walk. Your guide will be Phyllis Carlson of Quinnesec.  She will point out many of the wildflowers and orchids that can be found at Fumee, plus teach you some of the folklore surrounding them.  She will tell you about the Loons and Eagles that nest at Fumee, identify frog calls and point out other wildlife that happens to come by. Birdwatchers will want to keep an eye out for other birds, including warblers, which live and breed in the natural area.  Photographers will find a variety of subjects to capture.

The date of the walk is Sat. May 25, 8am. Meet at the East parking lot off the Upper Pine Creek Rd (off US2 between Quinnesec and Norway).  The walk will be approximately 1 1/2miles and 2-3hrs. Participants should dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Bird and/or wildflower field guides are suggested. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars and photographers are encouraged to bring their cameras.  There is no charge to participate and a County park sticker in not required.