Sunday, September 17, 2017

Fall Flowers

Joe Pye Weed  Eutrochium maculatum (or Illinois Wildflowers  or USDA)



When I think of color in the Fall, I automatically think of  autumn leaves.  Most of summer's prairie flowers are finished, replaced by a variety of asters and goldenrods.  A walk at the Kalamazoo Nature Center reminded me that there are still some interesting plants in bloom, particularly in the wet soil along the Kalamazoo River.

Jewelweed    Impatiens capensis (or Illinois Wildflowers or MSU extension pdf)



White Turtlehead Chelone glabra  (or USDA link or  Illinois Wildflowers )


Great Blue Lobelia   Lobelia siphilitica 


Friday, September 1, 2017

Fall 2017 Events

Labor Day marks the last weekend of Michigan's summer.   In Kalamazoo, Fall is a great time for walking or riding under colorful foliage, paddling down a river, or watching Sandhill Cranes.  Area festivals celebrate Labor Day, fall harvests, fish, and birds.

Fall events around Kalamazoo

September 2-4 Lawrence Ox Roast Lawrence

September 4 West Michigan Labor Fest Grand Rapids

September 8-10  Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival Paw Paw

September 9 Eco Raft RacKalamazoo

September 15-17 Grand Haven Salmon Festival Grand Haven

September 24-30  Michigan Trails Week

September 20-October 8 Art Prize Grand Rapids

September 22-23 Fall Festival St. Joseph

September 29-30 Oktoberfest Grand Rapids

October 14-15 Cranefest Bellevue

October 13-17 Fennville Goose Festival Fennville

October 21-22 Arts and Eats Tour  Hastings, Middleville, Hickory Corners, and surrounding areas

October 19-29 Zoo Boo Binder Park Zoo  Battle Creek 

November 11 Holiday Parade 11am- 12:30pm Kalamazoo



Also consider:
Southeast Michigan Labor Day events from MetroParent

Labor Day Weekend Events for Metro Detroit (Oakland County Moms)

Mackinac Bridge Walk
5 Spots to Sip Cider, Pick Pumpkins, and Soak up Fall from Discover Kalamazoo
Fall Scenic Drives from Pure Michigan

Fall recommendations from 52 Michigan Weekends

Fresh apple cider from VerHages Cider Mill.

Fall walks and rides on the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail

Event listings from Discover Kalamazoo

Gazelle Sports' calendar of West Michigan Races and Events

League of Michigan Bicyclist's Michigan Ride Calendar

The DNR has calendars of events for State Parks and Recreation Areas.