Through the Eyes of a Ranger -----------Traverse City CVB-----------2006

Disobeying his mother and ignoring his natural instincts, a fragile speckled fawn tentatively explores the forest floor. He catches the image of a car in his peripheral vision and curiously stretches his tiny neck to examine this strange interloper in his territory. There is a sudden rustling in the foliage behind the fawn. Is it a fox, a coyote, the elusive cougar or some other threat? No, only the mother deer advancing to protect her wayward baby. Ranger Marie Scott appreciates moments like these. Similar scenes occur on a daily basis throughout the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, but not every visitor gets the chance to witness such a moment personally. The dynamic personality of the vast park is best experienced in places like these: quiet spots of woodland along remote gravel roads and other off-the-beaten-path destinations, where the natural and cultural history of the park have a chance to display themselves. Hundreds of thousands of visitors make their way to Sleeping Bear each year, but the vast majority go to a half-dozen well-trodden spots like the always-popular Dune Climb and the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, which forcefully demonstrate the power of the glacial forces that created this place. But there are other remnants of glacial times within the park, multitude of other historical and scenic treasures wait for the visitor who is willing to seek them out.

It is this diversity, together with the dynamic seasonal changes that can convert a burning near-desert into a forest of ice crystals or a spooky cocoon of fog and mist, that make this park the kind of year-round destination that shows a different side of itself each time one returns to it. Nothing about this magical spot can be considered the "same old thing." Been there, done that does not hold true at Sleeping Bear.
Fortunately, there is a dedicated group of rangers and interpreters on hand to share their expertise, their passion and their advice with visitors. Following their directions and looking at the park through their eyes can open new worlds that have existed for eons but have often gone unnoticed. Venturing into the unknown brings special rewards: unexpected overlooks, quiet lakes, uncrowded beaches and special moments.
Lisa Myers, who supervises Sleeping Bear's corps of professional and volunteer interpreters, is a recent arrival from California who still finds herself astonished by the park's diverse and dynamic character.
But to really experience the intensity of die Sleeping Bear area, it's sometimes useful to get off the main roadways, Myers adds. As long as there are no signs warning that a road is private, she says, it should be considered open territory and free to explore. Usually what originates in the park remains in the park - whether it be feathers, stones Sleeping Bear does permit fishing and the harvesting of mushrooms, berries and wild asparagus.
The visitor center in Empire is a logical starting place for anyone planning a trip to the national lakeshore. Models, maps, geological and zoological exhibits and a brief orientation film help the newcomer understand the history and geography of this 35-mile stretch of Lake Michigan coast. The rangers at the desk enjoy sharing their favorite areas of the park and will gladly suggest itineraries to guide the more intrepid adventurer to outstanding spots that are not always obvious on the map.

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