Forest Forensics Hike at the Rock River Kilns Historic Site (Alger County)
October 28, 2023 3:00PM - 5:00PM
Registration Deadline: October 26, 2023 - 11:00PM
Co Hwy 459, Au Train, MI 49806, USA
Contact: Anna Ellis, ellisan9@msu.edu
In this installment of the Michigan Forest Forensics hike series, MSU Extension forestry educator Anna Ellis and Conservation District forester Sara Kelso will lead a guided hike at the Rock River Kilns site. The hike will explore the history and environmental impacts of the long-lost Finnish and Swedish immigrant community known as “Finn’s Hollow”, which once occupied the Rock River forest and relied on its timber to supply local mines with charcoal. Once-clearcut and barren, the site is now home to a dense forest, but many clues of Finn Hollow’s influence remain today, if you know where to look…
- October 28th, 3:00-5:00 pm. Meet at the parking area at 3:00 pm. PLEASE carpool if possible, the parking area is small.
- A short walk, about 0.5 miles
- We will visit the kiln ruins, the pond, and the cemetery
- The path is mostly flat and is made of loose gravel
- Roots and branches in the path may be slippery if wet
- No bathroom on site
- Directions:
- Take Rock River Road to Au Train Onota Road (FR 2499), there will be a “Rock River Kiln” sign
- Drive down FR 2499 ~300 ft until you see a sign on the right pointing towards the kilns. Turn here and continue for about one mile (you will cross over a rail road grade). You will reach a parking area that is next to a path blocked by boulders, park here.
- For questions or ADA requests, contact Anna Ellis at ellisan9@msu.edu or 906-869-0776
Registration for this event has closed.
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