We had the pleasure of hosting a dozen friends, neighbors, birders and one of our new board members for a hike at Emily Min Hunt Preserve the morning of July 22. It was a beautiful day with the meadows bursting with wildflowers, the canopy filled with bird song, and a train of curious people exploring the unique Min Hunt landscape on its trails.
Thank you to everyone who spent the morning with us. Special thanks to Thunder Bay Audubon Society, the former stewards of the property, who made the morning even better with their annual donation to our cause.
“Thunder Bay Audubon is a great partner and we’re so happy to keep Emily Min Hunt Preserve an excellent place for exploration,” said Land Protection Director Heather Huffstutler. “Thanks to them for their continued support.”
Here are some scenes from that morning.
Members of the Thunder Bay Audubon Society were among those who joined us for a July 22 hike at Emily Min Hunt Preserve. 
A dozen visitors walk together on the trail at Emily Min Hunt Preserve. 
Jason Hill glasses the canopy for birds. 
Visitors take a break on Leopold benches while Huron Pines AmeriCorps member Samantha Peterson (center) shares some leave-no-trace principles. 
Xavier Hill (left) examines a Petoskey stone passed to him by Terry Childs. 
Huron Pines AmeriCorps member Samantha Peterson demonstrates how to use a boot brush to clean treads and avoid spreading invasive-plant seeds. 
Huron Pines board member Jennifer Hill with her son, Zeke. 
Daddy (or mama) longlegs on a maple leaf. 
Emily Min Hunt Preserve is host to all kinds of wildflowers. 
Chicory blossom 
Karen Tetzlaff scans a meadow for songbirds. 
Staghorn sumac berries 
Maryjo Datema and Marlene Bartz rest together on a bench.