CADILLAC, Mich. — Outdoor enthusiasts will have the opportunity this summer to see more than 230 wildflower species at Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary in the Huron-Manistee National Forests.
Established in 1949 in partnership with the Michigan Garden Clubs, Loda Lake is the only wildflower sanctuary in the National Forest System. The site is rich in plant diversity because it is comprised of a variety of ecosystems, including a spring-fed lake, a bog, an oak forest, and even an old farm.
Despite late snowfall this year, numerous species are already in bloom at Loda Lake. Prime wildflower season typically lasts from June to September.
“Not everything blooms at once,” said Huron-Manistee National Forests Botanist Pat Ruta McGhan, “There is something new to see every day and I think that keeps enthusiasts coming back all season.”
According to McGhan, visitors can expect to find the following wildflowers at Loda Lake this summer:
June
Ø Pink lady’s slipper [fs.fed.us]
Ø Lance-leaved coreopsis [fs.fed.us]
Ø Starflower [fs.fed.us]
July
Ø Swamp rose [fs.fed.us]
Ø Beardtongue [fs.fed.us]
Ø Water lily
August
Ø Culver’s root
Ø Bladderwort [fs.fed.us]
Ø Bladderwort [fs.fed.us]
September
Ø Hoary vervain
Ø Western silvery aster
Ø Western silvery aster
Ø Western silvery aster
Visitors are urged to brush up on “wildflower ethics” before arriving at Loda Lake. Those ethics are simple: do not pick, dig up, or de-seed the flowers.
Wildflowers transplanted from their natural habitat are not likely to survive. Furthermore, removing any part of the flower drastically reduces the species’ ability to survive and reproduce.
Located in Newaygo County, Loda Lake is open to the public. Additional information is available on the Huron-Manistee National Forests website
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