FOHRA Meeting Place: White Lake Township Hall

/

One of the FOHRA's regular meeting places is the White Lake Township Hall, located on Highland Road (M-59) across from the White Lake Township offices and library.

This historical building has been a wonderful location for our meetings and "in and of itself" is a great place to visit. Attend an FOHRA monthly meeting on the 1st Tuesday of each month and get to know the terrific members of our organization!

Note: Check our website at www.friendsofhighlandrec.org to confirm our meeting locations each month.

The Turtle and the Hair

/

One day back in June of this year, my wife Eva and I were exiting the park and saw a rock in the middle of the road... the rock turned out to be a big turtle! We stopped, snapped a few photos, and put him back in the forest off of the road.

I don't know what kind of turtle he was... but by the looks of his "hare/hair" (bad joke) algae covered shell he was obviously a pond/lake dweller who lives in the wetlands most of the time. He tried to bite me when I picked him up. A snapper?

Highland Recreation Area has many animals both warm and cold blooded. Go to the park and enjoy natures' bounty!

Creativity and Inspiration

/

Although the Edsel Ford Barn has been severely damaged by the summer storms this year, the FOHRA has been inspired with new visions for the Barn's future. One example is shown in the depiction below.

This design concept would include a pavilion over the existing slab that was once the interior floor of the  barn.  As you can see, this concept would accommodate a large number of possibilities for future use. Childrens' events, music, fairs, equestrian shows, art displays, winter activities - all could be realized with this design. The front of the barn would be used for historical displays, interior office space, educational classrooms, dining/cafeteria space, etc..

The Friends of Highland Recreation are filled with inspiration for the future.  This "pavilion-style" concept is one example of many possibilities. I hope you're inspired as well!

Sandhill Cranes in the Recreation Area

/

Eva and I were hiking near Haven Hill Lake and a small group of Sandhill Cranes flew right over our head towards Goose Meadow. Did you know that Sandhill Cranes have one of the longest fossil records of any living bird species on earth? A 2.5 million year old fossil has been found from one of these magnificent birds!

The cranes landed in the meadow and posed for my camera.

Although they can be found in farm fields and other open areas in Michigan, I think it's special that they choose the Highland Recreation Area as a place to feed and rest. Respect their privacy by staying a reasonable distance from them. They are wary and will walk away from you if you try to approach. If you're lucky you might see a mating dance - the large birds dance by leaping in the air! A special thing to see in the wild.

Get out into our Recreation Area and look for the Sandhill Cranes!

If you'd like to learn more... Wikipedia's information about the cranes is wonderful. Click HERE.

Benefits of Picking Up Litter

/

The other day my wife Eva and I were having a great evening in the Rec Area when we spotted an orange plastic bag in the forest. We chose to stop and pick it up to take it to a nearby trash bin.

As we approached we realized that we had found something truly special...

A giant forest fungus! Don't ask me to give it's proper latin name because I have no idea.

Have you ever seen a mushroom/fungus as amazing as this?

Our Highland Recreation Area is truly a place of natures' wonder. Take a walk in the park and be rewarded like we were.

Help Stop Thieves in Our Park!

/

The recent state of the economy has aggravated thievery in our parks. And Highland Recreation Area is no exception. Many vandals have turned to stealing metals for cash... the Edsel Ford Carriage House roof has been pried and pricked to remove some of its' old copper drip edges. This is just one example.

Please be aware of this illegal activity when you're in the park. Take note of suspicious groups or individuals that appear as though they may be out for "more than a nice day in the park". Consider carrying a pad and pen/pencil to jot down a description of suspicious people, vehicles, and license plate numbers.

If someones' carrying a tool who is not an FOHRA member or a DNR Officer they might be up to no good. Don't hesitate to report suspicious activities to the park office. And spread the word of care and concern for our park!. The best defense against criminal activity is an informed citizenry!

Carriage House Clean-Up

/

The Haven Hill Carriage House received a good lawn mowing and exterior clean-up this last month. An intrepid group from FOHRA gathered together with rakes, shovels, clippers, and a lawn mower to do a little summer cleaning. Here you can see the jungle of growth from this spring into July...

And below the area after the Friends Group work...

The historic Carriage House is just south of the Edsel Ford Haven Hill Lodge ruins. The building was a place for Edsel's vehicles and still stands watch near the ruins of the once stately retreat. It is the only remaining example in the park of the Lodge's construction techniques.. awesome log walls and stone fireplaces.

Weekend work like this is a lot of fun... and great exercise in the wonderful Highland Recreation Area wilderness. Come out and join us! We can be found in the key areas of the park... just look for the group with the shovels, brooms, rakes, and tools! Go to our FOHRA Website for more details...

1st Post Since the Barn Tragedy

/

I think I've been in a bit of a state of shock since the Edsel Ford Barn was damaged so badly by the severe storm front that tore through southern Michigan back in June. The tragedy has affected all of the members of the FOHRA in different ways I'm sure. The Haven Hill complex inside of the Highland State Recreation Area was forever changed by the event.

The before and after photographs kind of sum up the severity of the storm and it's damage to the structure. High winds broad-sided the aged barn, and the entire livestock area collapsed.

The FOHRA members and the DNR our persevering however... the group has been pursuing several possible salvage and renovation options. Decisions regarding the future of this historic structure are expected soon.

Meanwhile... the FOHRA is directing additional energy to the remaining structures in the Haven Hill complex. Stay tuned.