"Ice Stars" Form on Haven Hill Lake

Haven Hill Lake was created for Edsel and Eleanor Ford and their family in the 1920's by damming Cedar Creek, a part of Michigan’s Huron River watershed. The creek runs out of the lake and eventually becomes part of the Huron River flowing into Lake Erie south of Detroit, Michigan.


In the days of the Haven Hill Estate, the lake was a source of beauty and recreation for the Fords, their family members, and guests. Today it provides the same joys to guests of the Haven Hill section of Michigan's Highland State Recreation Area.

In winter, the lakes' surface freezes and thaws repeatedly throughout the season. Intriguing shapes form on the frozen surface as winter temperatures rise and fall. Sometimes unusual "Ice Stars" can be seen all over the surface of the frozen lake. These star-like shapes are formed when water seeps up through a hole in the ice and snow, creating a spider or octopus-shaped series of channels around the hole at the center.

Watch an aerial video flying over the Ice Stars HERE. 

Visit a great lake ice website in Burlington Vermont for more lake ice information... HERE

The aerial photos and video for this article were gathered using a DJI Phantom 2 quadcopter and a GoPro camera by FOHRA member Jay Fitzgerald and his son Jack.

Snow Snakes on Display at Edsel Ford Barn on Sunday, January 31

The Chief Pontiac Trail Committee is hosting Snow Snake Races on January 31 at the Edsel Ford Barn 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Come check it out!

Fun for all ages.  $3.00 donation suggested but it's free to watch and to cheer on the competitors. Snow snake kits can be purchased for $5 and loaner snakes are available for racing.

Purchase a snake kit on January 31 and you'll have plenty of time to get it ready for the next race on February 13th.  It's a great project and event for kids and grandkids.

EVENT FLIER

 

Comment

John Fitzgerald

The Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) volunteer organization was established in 2007, and is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization operating under lease agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Within one of the most picturesque, fascinating, and historically significant state parks in southeast lower Michigan, our goal is to combine the former Haven Hill estate history with Highland Recreation Area’s existing amenities, wilderness, and recreation.

1ST SNOW BRINGS 15+ INCHES ON NOVEMBER 21ST TO WHITE LAKE, MICHIGAN AREA!

Although it melted VERY quickly, the 1st snow of the 2015/2016 winter was a doozy in the Highland/White Lake, Michigan area.

The Highland State Recreation Area sign covered with snow on November 21, 2015.

If the snows come back we're in for a great outdoor winter season at Haven Hill!

Comment

John Fitzgerald

The Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) volunteer organization was established in 2007, and is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization operating under lease agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Within one of the most picturesque, fascinating, and historically significant state parks in southeast lower Michigan, our goal is to combine the former Haven Hill estate history with Highland Recreation Area’s existing amenities, wilderness, and recreation.

Snakes Fly at the Edsel Ford Barn!

Another great snow snake race has taken place this last Sunday, February 8, at the Edsel Ford Barn in Highland State Recreation Area! A great time was had by all in attendance. 

Snow Snake Migration Expected to Return to Highland State Recreation Area This Winter

The Friends of Highland Recreation Area and the Chief Pontiac Trail Committee of the Boy Scouts of America are expecting the annual Snow Snake migration to return to Highland Recreation Area in February of 2015. Snow Snake season typically begins each year as the snow depth reaches 3 to 5 inches, although a covering of even an inch has been enough to afford some lucky folks a sighting of a few of these amazing winter reptiles. A snake watching event is planned for Sunday, February 8, 2015 near the Edsel Ford Barn in Highland/White Lake, Michigan. A "hot spot" for sightings every year at Highland State Recreation Area seems to be around the historic Edsel Ford Barn. Both adults and children enjoy seeing the snow snakes. See the information flyer HERE.  And a great "How To" video below...

https://vimeo.com/81956965

For a truly unique experience in the outdoors come and see the Snakes at the Edsel Ford Barn on February 8, 2015.

Chief Pontiac Trail Committee site for this great activity HERE.