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This weekend, some folks with TC 350 headed out to the Dune Climb at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to help raise awareness about a very important number for Leelanau County, the state of Michigan and the rest of the world. It's set to the music of Getdown to 350 by May Erlewine. The song will probably tell you all you need to know, but if not, check the info below the video!

What is 350?

350 is simply the number of parts per million that scientists have identified as the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide (CO2) in our atmosphere. For all of human history until about 200 years ago, our atmosphere contained 275 parts per million of carbon dioxide. Right now, we're pushing 400 and all that CO2 is trapping heat, melting glaciers, contributing to the spread of disease and in general, screwing things up to a point where we could very well create our own demise. But 350 is more than a number--it's a symbol of where we need to head as a planet. You can get much more information at 350.org (including this nifty animation that makes it simple).

Right now, the 350 movement is focusing on a planetary day of action on October 24, 2009 to send a clear message to world leaders that the solutions to climate change must be equitable, grounded in science and meet the scale of the crisis. Have a look at the October 24 map to see some of the events that are slated for Michigan.

With the summer tourist season coming to an end, the Glen Arbor Sun reflected back, on what some thought might have been a dismal season, with surprising results.  Not only did many businesses have stay consistent in year's past, but many saw an increase in business.   Read what Glen Arbor Bed and Breakfast owner's, Patricia and Larry Widmayer, had to say:

On account of the global economic recession, and stormy waters for Michigan in particular, owners Patricia and Larry Widmayer had forecasted a 20-percent drop in the number of guests this year. But that didn’t happen. Their numbers, and profits, have been as steady as a trusty skipper at sea. In fact, their tally has increased.

The National Park, the beaches, the inland lakes, the rolling hills and the wineries have a lot to do with that, of course, but the Widmayers also cite the state-funded Pure Michigan advertising campaign as keeping the local tourism industry afloat.

“Many people have commented to us that they’ve seen the Pure Michigan campaign. It makes you want to come here,” said Patricia, who spends most of the year in Evanston, Ill. and sees the ad campaign on Illinois television. “The ads have a great look and feel, whether you want to go out on the golf course or to the beach,” Larry chimed in.

The article cites more business owners who had a successful 2009 summer season.

So give me something to do already by Pentax K1000 Gal

This gal was so cute, she just needed to be featured on Photo Friday.   After reading the caption on another photo of her taken by Pentax K1000 Gal, I realized that Mamie is a resident of Black Sheep Crossing, a No-Kill Farm Animal Sanctuary, run by Marty and Cherry Scott. Read more about Mamie!

Also make sure to view Pentax K1000 Gal's photostream on flickr, for more amazing sites in Leelanau.

The autumn weather in Northern Michigan has turned out to be as inspiring as we had all dreamed, after a summer of intermittent skies and fair weather. On one of those particularly fine days, I convinced myself it was time to check out the Eyaawing Museum and Cultural Center, in Peshawbestown, which is on my way to Northport, a frequented destination for hiking.

Oriented in the spirit of the four directions, the entrance faces the water to the East, the rise of the sun. The roof ripples like a wave, representing the tribes intimate connection and dependence of water. Overlooking Sutton's Bay, on a clear autumn day the abundance spills from a cornucopia: deep blue bay, bright leaves, a jutting peninsula. Inside, one exhibit displays a behemoth birch bark canoe. Among other offerings--ornate black ash baskets, quilts, tools, and photographs depicting early historical snapshots of native life in the region.

One of the most spectacular offerings of the museum could easily be overlooked by mild case of myopia or neck strain. Another visitor mentioned the two flying eagles hanging from the apex of the cathedral ceiling. Caught in flight, the eagles were engaged in a mating ritual called "cartwheeling." In this act, the pair lock talons and then tumble--free-falling--from the sky. This entwined pair's flight was fatally interrupted when their descending bodies collided with a live electrical wire. After the bodies were discovered, they were donated to the museum where they were suspended indefinitely in their last act.

Eyaawing, in the native Anishinaabemowin, translates to mean "who we are," and as much as the tribe is offering to share a bit of their identity with those passing by, I sense that they are looking into their past to gain direction on where to orient themselves for the future. Whether you enjoy learning about the past or want to gain insight on the present of the local native peoples, Eyaawing offers rich architecture, a collection of artifacts, and both historical and modern day perspectives of native life. Check it out!

Some cool events that were featured on Leelanau.com include "Sight & Sound" at the Northport Community Arts Center, an Indoor Leland Farmers Market, and announcement for a group photo at the Sleeping Bear Dunes for the 350.org, the group dedicated to stopping global climate change. A special time lapse video by Ken Scott showed the International Space Station Fly. And our Photo Friday feature was The Mill by Keenan May.

Week's Weather

Sept 22: Cloudy & 74 (75/55)
Sept 21: Cloudy & 72 (72/57)
Sept 20: Mostly sunny & 75 (75/44)
Sept 19: Mostly sunny & 70 (70/41)
Sept 18: Partly sunny & 60 (69/49)
Sept 17: Mostly sunny & 70 (72/42)

Post your comments about the week's news, observations of the weather or the natural world or events below!

You'll also want to check out the Leelanau Calendar and the latest news and features from Leelanau, Traverse City and the surrounding area in our blog! Here's September 2008 archive, and Leelanau Almanac for the Week of September 10 - September 16.

Group 350 Photo Saturday, September 26th at the Dune Climb

On Saturday September 26th at 3:00 p.m. a group photo will be taken at the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Dune Climb in support of the international 350.org campaign to stop the global climate change crisis. The number 350 is the amount of carbon - in parts per million - that the world's leading climatologists have determined to be the maximum to sustain a climate that will support life on earth. Everyone is invited to participate in this photograph by standing on the dunes in the shape of a "3-5-0".

Saturday’s gathering at the Sleeping Bear Dunes is a precursor to a massive worldwide action on October 24, 2009, the International Day of Climate Action. On this historic day, literally thousands of communities from more than a hundred countries will unite in what will likely be the largest international environmental action in history. The idea is to register the 350 goal with world leaders as they prepare to meet this December in Copenhagen, Denmark to reach a new global climate treaty.

People interested in participating in the September 26th photograph at the dunes should arrive at 3:00 p.m. at the Dune Climb parking lot on M-109 north of Empire. Participants are asked to wear bright clothes; greens and blues are preferred. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is supporting this event by issuing a Special Use Permit and participants are invited to help with the Lakeshore's annual beach cleanup as a part of National Public Lands Day, also on the 26th. Volunteers for the beach cleanup will meet at the Visitor Center at 12:00 p.m., and will conclude their work by 3:00 p.m. to allow them to participate in the photograph.

In northern Michigan, Traverse City is the place to be on October 24. A huge public gathering is planned at 1:00 p.m. at the Open Space, featuring a large group photograph followed by an indoor rally at the Traverse City Opera House. The September 26th photo at the world’s largest freshwater sand dunes is designed to get people involved in the 350 movement and build momentum for the bid day on October 24th. Photographs from both events will be disseminated internationally through the 350.org Web site as a statement of support from northwest Michigan to make 350 the global target for carbon. More information is available at www.TC350.org.

The 350 movement’s lead organizer Bill McKibben had the idea for a dunes photograph when he visited Traverse City in October of 2008. McKibben spent two days in the region, and spoke to more than 700 people at Lars Hockstead Auditorium. As part of his visit, he hiked the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, and was struck by the beauty and global significance of that place. He then requested a photograph of people standing in the shape of 350 to help raise awareness about the global climate movement. McKibben’s visit sparked tremendous excitement within the Traverse City region, mobilizing the TC-350 citizens movement.

Photo: Ibarra, Ecuador by 350.org

Leland School will host their Annual Indoor Farmers Market in the gym of Leland School on Thursday, September 24 from 9am - 1pm.

The public is invited to come and buy locally grown produce and farm products.

This market is another opportunity for folks to buy and enjoy locally grown produces as well as an an educational event for students at Leland School to learn about locally grown products and farming.

This event is sponsored annually by Leland Public Schools, the Leelanau Farmers Markets Association and Leelanau MSU Extension.

Photo: fresh by *ojoyous1*

We have all enjoyed these recent sunny days and clear nights. Did anyone catch the International Space Station flyby on September 19? No? Thankfully, Ken Scott did. Check out his amazing time lapse video of the ISS flyby. Be sure to watch it in full screen in HD on Ken's flickr page!

The Mill by Keenan May. Be sure to check out Keenan's slideshow for more great shots of the area.

The Northport Community Arts Center is offering something new and very different on Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 3:00pm. This special event is Sight & Sound features renowned painter, Bill Hosner, who will paint and renowned musician, Harry Goldsen, who will interpret what he sees being created. Live photography will project the action on a full screen over Bill and Harry’s heads so all will have a close up view. Brief rest periods for Bill will be filled with Harry playing clarinet and Hugh Willey playing piano. Many of Bill Hosner’s works will be on display in the lobby, which you can view and enjoy during the reception immediately following the performance. Everyone will have the opportunity to meet the artists and get “up close and personal.”

This performance will give all of us the opportunity to see and hear the creative process in the visual and performing arts as it takes place. The program you receive on September 27 will include extensive information about these two artists which the NCAC family and friends will find very fascinating. Open seating.

Adult Ticket: $15
Child Ticket: $5.00 (Preschool through grade 12)