First Robin!

Air temperature 38 degrees F and the ice on Big Twin Lake is booming.

I saw my first robin Tuesday, March 29. 
There is a hypothesis that when the soil temperature reaches 50 degrees F the earth worms can migrate up toward the soil surface.  This conincides with the return of the robins.

This week the southern slope of Louie's Pond is free of snow.  I measured the soil temperature today....50 degrees F!

A walk to Big Twin Lake

Sunrise 7:29  12 hours and 36 minutes of daylight Sunset 8:05
6 degrees F this morning
Au Sable Institute is located on Big Twin Lake in the north east corner of Kalkaska County, Michigan.

Could this be the beginning of the ice melting on Big Twin Lake?

Turkey tracks around the beaver lodge

Hmmm... turkey and fox tracks on Louie's Pond

Are you a member of Oryana Food Co-op?

Are you a member of Traverse City's Oryana Natural Food Co-op?  We could use your vote.  Members of the co-op are asked to vote for the non-profit they would like to receive the co-op's grant money.  Au Sable Institute's environmental education program is being considered for these funds.  The non-profit with the most votes will receive the grant.
The last day to vote is Friday, April 1.  To vote, go to the service desk and ask for a ballot. 

Pictures from Au Sable today

Yesterday we received 10 inches of snow.  All our schools were closed.  Here are pictures from today. 

I cannot help thinking of the e.e. cummings poem...

"i thank You God for most this amazing
day: for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes."

Teachers coming this spring:  Good News!  We needed to raise $15,250 to meet all our expenses for this school year.  We have $284. to go!!!!!

Ash Wednesday storm

Sun rise 7:04  11 hours and 37 minutes of daylight Sunset 6:41

Ash Wednesday Storm

More Good News!!

-2 degrees F this morning
But... sky true dream of blue.


We needed to raise $15,250 to cover all the expenses of the environmental education program for this school year.  As of this morning we have we have only $700. more to go!!!!!