Gossiping Grand

Gossiping Grand. . , The Grand River, twisting and turning for 260 miles, is the longest river and the second largest watershed in Michigan. It begins near Jackson, flowing north through Eaton Rapids, past Woldumar and downtown Lansing. There the river turns west, through Grand Ledge, Grand Rapids and to its end, at Grand Haven where it flows into Lake Michigan. , , If this river could speak, would it tell you of the Native Americans and explorers who once traveled on it to trade furs? Would it tell of those who have been unkind to it, polluting its waters and shores? Would it speak of those who have enjoyed their leisure hours while they floated along or fished? Or maybe those who have studied it to improve its quality. Would it describe the fish that patrol its waters, the birds that hide along its banks or the millions of insects that dance on its surface? How does it speak to you? , , What is a Watershed? , A watershed is an area of land that catches rain and snow and drains by a system of wetlands, streams, lakes, ponds, and rivers. You are standing in the Grand River watershed which has a drainage area of 5,572 square miles, as big as the state of Connecticut. Whatever happens in this area of land affects the Grand River and ultimately, Lake Michigan. , , Life in the River , Imagine floating down the river in a boat with wildlife sights and sounds all around. You may catch sight of a White-tailed Deer, Mink or Red Fox on the shore. Beaver, Mallard Ducks or Canada Geese may be seen swimming, and Great Blue Herons or Great Egrets wading through the water. , , If you listen, you are sure to hear the chattering rattle of a Belted Kingfisher and the soft high-pitched "sreee, screee" of a Cedar Waxwing flying overhead. These and many other animals rely on the river for their survival. , , Even our national bird, the Bald Eagle, not only needs the river for finding food but it also nests in snags, or dead trees, along the shore. , , Many Steelhead, Salmon, Walleye and Bass are caught by fisherman between Lansing and Grand Haven. Fish ladders have been constructed to combat the adverse effects dams have on the ecology of the river and allow the migration of several fish species to and from Lake Michigan. , , The Grand River History , Native Americans used the Grand River for centuries as a major travel route. The Detroit fur trader Hugh Heward is believed to have recorded the first written account of travel on the Grand River, near present-day Lansing. Imagine Hugh's journey through the densely forested river in 1790, and the many different sights and sounds he must have experienced!