Gail has submitted photos and remarks:
June 15, 2019: Our first scheduled tour for the 2019 summer season. Overcast skies with a threat of more
rain–did not deter the group. Armed with umbrellas & raincoats the group of Master Gardeners and Hort. Club
members headed out to Midland’s Dow Gardens. The pictures that follow will cover the docent led Whiting Forest tour.
The docent was very knowledgeable of the gardens and was hands on (Head of his dept) in developing this area of the gardens.
The group listened intently as the docent gave some history to the aspects of the newly planted apple orchard.
THE MOTHER APPLE TREE
aerial view of newly planted apple trees
En route to–yes, we are going up there
We walked along some grand vistas
The wooded path took us to the starting point for our aerial canopy walk. The Whiting Forest is 54 acres, with a 13,600 sq. ft. playground, 4 zoned orchard, a cafe and the nation’s longest Canopy Walk-
The entry area was marked with orange posts which represent “cattails” The docent detailed the major points of
interest as we walked along the 1/4 mile path.
There was a major focus to NOT REMOVE A SINGLE TREE– only 5 trees were removed within the pathway.
This feature was created @ $18,000 to “save” this tree.
The pathway had directional arms that would take us to various features—in this portion, a huge network of nets was suspended around a grouping of trees— throwing all caution to the winds some, including me had to just
DO IT!!!
Below: The Massel’s take the walk
The woods is mainly comprised of spruce trees.
Look closely- see the structures??
It reminds me of the Ewok Village in Star War movies.
OK a closer look at the structures reveals an ONION????
With a flat path to a doorway for easy entry-the one across the way offers a much more challenging method to get
inside- despite that, a line forms for those “waiting” to get on the suspended road pathway.
Once in the structure (you know I had to go up) you had a view into the canopy– and we discovered like an animal burrow there was another chamber in the bottom section, not apparent from the pathway view
The group pauses in a clearing to check out the scenery below;
What did they see??
to play or a cool spot for lunch???? Wait we have more to
see……………
You couldn’t miss the large rocks integrated into the project; if I recall correctly, from Lake Superior.
feature showing the preservation of a tree
Lake view
Aerial view- Belgian Wall of Espalier trees
The group concludes their 1 hour “canopy” tour-
-well worth the 2 1/2 hr. drive- much more to be seen along the other pathways in the forest; refer to the map- the bright orange solid line the only portion we did–more time is needed; the majority feeling the need to replenish their energy.
would seek out the cafe to enjoy soups, breads & desserts before
exploring further or heading home….It was a good time & not a drop of rain!!! gk
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lastly–Lookin Good [/caption]
Monroe County Master Gardener Association 
