caroliniana ) with pockets of toothwort ( Dentaria laciniata), Dutchman's breeches ( Dicentra cucullaria), squirrel corn ( Dicentra canadensis), wild geranium ( Geranium maculatum) and leeks ( Allium tricoccum). Here, you will find it carpeted with dense populations of spring beauty ( Claytonia virginica) and C. Spring ephemerals are at peak from late April into May and in some years even early June! In the center of the Island, a sugar maple overstory protects the forest floor layer. Wildflower Viewing: From late April through September, numerous wildflowers can be seen in their natural Island settings. The dry mesic forests at the south end of the Island is dominated by massive northern red oaks (Quercus rubra), while the center of the Island is dominated by sugar maple ( Acer saccharum) and at the far north end of the Island you will find the most northern population of American beech ( Fagus grandifolia). Grand Island's diverse flora provides visitors the opportunity to view boreal species, southern species and western disjuncts.

It hosts numerous Michigan native plant communities such as Great Lakes shoreline, Great Lakes marsh, dune and swale, Trout Bay's 'tombolo' within ancient small dunes and swales with dry northern forest, rich mesic northern forests, dry-mesic forests, rich and poor conifer swamps, streams and lakes, small waterfalls, seeps and intermittent creek drainages with deep ravines lined with sandstone from the ancient shorelines. The Grand Island NRA is comprised of unique ecological features such as the 'tombolo' and rugged cliffs of Jacobsville and Munising sandstone. The Island's massive 300-foot high sandstone cliffs shaped by centuries of climate influences, lush forests, and white sand beaches comprise approximately 13,500 acres surrounded by the largest fresh water lake: Superior. Grand Island is a congressionally designated National Recreation Area (NRA). Visitors standing atop one of the island's shoreline cliffs, or digging their toes into the sand at Trout Bay beach or viewing the native flora along the many miles of walking/hiking and mountain biking trails it is no question why Grand Island was as attractive to early Native American Indians and European explorers as it is to us today. Grand Island National Recreation Area (NRA)ĭescription: A visit to Grand Island means a visit to a place rich in scenic beauty, natural history and heritage. Throughout late June into early August thousands of native wildflowers are in peak bloom. Just one mile from the main portal to the Grand Island NRA, visitors to the Island can experience nearly 5 acres of ongoing native plant restoration at the ' old farm field'. In 2012, nearly 4,000 native cedar seedlings were transplanted on Grand Island to restore this important tree species back into its native landscape.

Male monarch butterfly resting on an Island cedar bough. Swamp milkweed ( Asclepias incarnata) is both very fragrant and beautiful! Swamp milkweed and brushfoot as well as butterflies like tiger swallowtail are found throughout July at Echo Lake and Echo creek on the Island. The Grand Island NRA is located in Lake Superior, one half mile from the mainland community of Munising, Michigan. West Unit of the Hiawatha National Forest.

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