You’ve probably seen what looks like a large swamp as you travelled south along M-22 not far from Glen Arbor.
Narada Lake is an actually a wetland refuge that is an oasis for wildlife. Loons nest on the shore during the summer and many waterfowl use the wetland as a stopover during spring and fall migrations. Bald eagles, herons, muskrat, and mink also live in the rich habitat.
The new boardwalk along the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail allows access for bikers and walkers to the many of the natural and historic areas of Narada Lake.
The most prevalent critter at the lake is the beaver. You’ll see evidence of their presence from the numerous downed trees among the lily pads.
But nowhere is the presence of the beaver more worrisome than at the 150-year-old Goffar Barn, which is in danger of being lost to the encroaching waters due to these critters who’ve built their dams around the lake.
Currently, fundraising is underway to move the historic structure, which stands partially in Narada Lake, 80 feet away from the water closer to the farmhouse.
As I continued around the beautiful lake, several placards highlighted the sights along the way.
One sign was labeled Ghost of the Past. It described the once-bustling 1860 village of North Unity which boasted a school, sawmill, store, and dance hall. The village was decimated by fire in 1872 with only the school remaining. The school is a short walk up a path and has been restored to its original log appearance.
While I didn’t see any loons or eagles, perhaps due to the time of day I visited, I did see this beautiful red dragonfly.
With one last look from the boardwalk, I think Narada Lake is one place I’ll revisit in the early morning or late evening when the chance for seeing critters is greater. The surrounding trees make the lake another site for fall color viewing.
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