Docent Training at Wildflower Sanctuary on the Huron-Manistee National Forests
By Dianne Berry on May 5, 2011
Docents inspect the pollinator garden.
Pitcher plants thrive along the edges of Loda Lake.
A dedicated group of garden club members and local volunteers joined Forest Service staff to combine talents, sharpen skills, and renew friendships within the rich culture of Loda Lake.
Manistee National Forest Botanist Pat Ruta McGhan structured a pre-season refresher at the only wildflower sanctuary in the National Forest system. Together with seasonal employees Vicki Sawicki and Laura Louks of the Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District, McGhan described the location's cultural importance and unique character.
Created in 1949 as a partnership between the Forest Service and the Garden Clubs of Michigan, Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary is home to over 300 species of native plants growing in a variety of invasive-free natural communities.
A display of ephemerals and evidence of days past are common sightings along the interpretive path. Fragrant flowers of the Trailing Arbutus, unique features of Indian pipes, hemlocks, and the carnivorous sundews and pitcher plants allure visitors.
Archeologist Louks, who discovered the original cultural features at Loda Lake, was on hand to share the historical perspective. An old wagon trail and foundation of the original farmhouse reminds us of the days this area was farmed by a number of different families before purchase by the Forest Service.
The involvement of educator Deb Ditlow, with her family ties to one of the historic farms here, was pivotal in the interpretive displays along the cultural path.
Docents lead seasonal group tours along interpretive trails that traverse a variety of natural communities, the historic farm site, and the developing pollinator garden. Docent lead tours are organized by Karen Motawi, Loda Lake Chairperson for the Garden Clubs of Michigan. In the past several years, docents have lead walking tours for several hundred visitors per year.
Volunteers and visitors young and old find the charm and inspiration of Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary an inviting place to create educational opportunities.