The threatened Pitcher’s Thistles are beautiful when they are in bloom. They also have a great look when they are drying up.

–  Michael Schwartz, Glen Arbor, MI & St. Paul, MN

I saved a Leelanau Enterprise article from last year ('08) about a man who loves to plant flowers and a family fortunate to have him as a neighbor and be able to enjoy the view. My sister and I set out this summer to find his gardens. I love Leelanau because these quests always have positive results. We were invited in to look around, told that he'd enjoyed growing flowers even as a boy, and soaked in not only the beauty of his flowers but all the scenery along the way.

 –  Cara Lee Paige, Kalamazoo, MI & Northport, MI

Our first hike up Alligator Hill last week took us to a beautiful overlook of Lake Michigan and provided us with this wonderful display of Forget-Me-Nots. We took the beginner trail and it was very scenic.

 Our early June hike to Empire Bluffs with picture perfect weather provided us with a wonderful view of Lake Michigan and South Bar Lake.  We are so fortunate to have access to a National Park with an outstanding trail system in addition to the Conservancy trails.

 –  Kathy & John Jahoda, Dayton, OH & Suttons Bay, MI

This photo was taken during the May 2009 cherry blossom season.

–  Cara Lee Paige, Kalamazoo & Northport, MI

Each visit to South Manitou Island leaves me with a different impression.  Last July conditions and our timing (late July) were perfect for a colorful display of flowers along the roads and at this farm.

–  Cara Lee Paige, Kalamazoo & Northport, MI