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.

Evening Barn

Sometimes the spring sun is at the right angle each evening for the bandaged barn to really look nice. Click on the pic below to see a full-sized photo taken yesterday, May 17, 2008.

The trees almost make this look like a fall photo, but what you see is actually the evening "golden hour" sun on the new spring leaves.

Work Day Saturday, May 10, 2008: Fallen Tree Cleared

The combined efforts of the Friends of Highland Recreation Area volunteers and the DNR resulted in removal of a giant fallen tree off of the back fence yesterday. Great job everyone!

Above: Tree and Fence Before

Above: After!

Above: FOHRA volunteers working together with the DNR to complete the job.

OUR Recreation Area

I've never considered myself a "tree hugger"... just a nature lover, an outdoors person, someone who appreciates the wilder areas that are left on our planet. And ya know what makes me mad? It makes me angry when I find trash strewn along a lakeshore that was obviously deliberately left by someone, maybe even a family, after they enjoyed the same thing that I do.

Fishing bait plastic tubs, beer can, misc. - all could have been easily taken home by the users, or at least put in the trash cans near the meadow.

As members of the FOHRA let's remember to take along a trash bag when we hike, and pick up what we can. I suppose we have chosen to accept an obligation to make up for the members of the human race that can't think to do it themselves. That makes me feel better!

Take a walk in the park - spring is in full gear!

Spring Cleaning Begins!

A gang of FOHR members started some exterior debris pick-up around the barn on Sunday April 27th. Some interior work was continued also.

This weekends' activities felt like the first gathering of the Spring/Summer as the weather and temperatures were nice for working outside.

We used the "treasure" display to create an info. table for passers-by. The HUGE dumpster is getting filled (again) from all of the clean-up efforts!