Support material for the Michigan Environmental Education Curriculum Support (MEECS) Ecosystem & Biodiversity Unit.

Michigan Environmental Timeline

Teacher Instructions: Print slides 19-51 (a total of 33) on separate sheets of 8 ½ X 11” paper. The result will be 33 sheets of paper, each featuring a different date, which are used as a student resource in lesson 5, and may later be posted in the classroom as a timeline. As an option, slides 1-19 may also be printed out to be included in the timeline. In addition, this presentation may be used as a presentation for students (with either lesson 5 or 8).

Scientists believe the Earth is 4,600,000,000 years old.

Photo: Courtesy of Earth Sciences and Image Analysis Laboratory, NASA Johnson Space Center.

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__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __It took billions of years for life to emerge on Earth.

At first, life forms were very simple (and small) one celled organisms, like bacteria and algae.

As time went on, larger, more complex forms of life became more abundant – including soft-bodied animals, like jellyfish, sponges and triloblites.

550-500 Million Years Ago

(Cambrian Period) *Image: Original artwork by Pat Rutkowski. Photograph of artwork by Steven E. Wilson. Copyright 2004 by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Geological and Land Management Division (GLMD) Office of Geological Survey.

Warm seas once covered much of the land that is now Michigan. Some animals, known as cephalopods reached a length of 13 feet!

500-440 Million

Years Ago

(Ordovician Period)*

Image: Original artwork by Pat Rutkowski. Photograph of artwork by Steven E. Wilson. Copyright 2004 by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Geological and Land Management Division (GLMD) Office of Geological Survey.

Later, rich deposits of a mineral called limestone were laid down. The earliest land plants began to grow.

425-405 Million

Years Ago

(Silurian Period)*Image: Original artwork by Pat Rutkowski. Photograph of artwork by Steven E. Wilson. Copyright 2004 by the

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Geological and Land Management Division (GLMD) Office of Geological Survey.

More and more kind of fish began to swim the seas.

410 to 360 Million

Years Ago

(Devonian Period)

*Image: Original artwork by Pat Rutkowski. Photograph of artwork by Steven E. Wilson. Copyright 2004 by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Geological and Land Management Division (GLMD) Office of Geological Survey.

During this era, warm shallow seas covered most of North America. More and more plants grew on land, and amphibians appeared.

360-320 Million Years Ago

(Mississippian Period)

*Image: Original artwork by Pat Rutkowski. Photograph of artwork by Steven E. Wilson. Copyright 2004 by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Geological and Land Management Division (GLMD) Office of Geological Survey.

320-290 Million Years Ago

(Pennsylvanian)

The first true forests developed, though the trees looked much different than those of today.

Invertebrate animals such as insects, scorpions, centipedes, spiders and freshwater clams became abundant, as did small reptiles. Large and small amphibians became more common.

*Image: Original artwork by Pat Rutkowski. Photograph of artwork by Steven E. Wilson. Copyright 2004 by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Geological and Land Management Division (GLMD) Office of Geological Survey.

250-65 Million Years Ago

Mesozoic Era (Cretaceous, Jurassic and

Triassic Periods)

Later, dinosaurs roamed the Earth for some 185 million years.

Is it unlikely that any evidence of dinosaurs will ever be found in Michigan because this period was followed by 290 million years of erosion, which occurred at the same time the Appalachian mountains were formed.

Image: Original artwork by Pat Rutkowski. Photograph of artwork by Steven E. Wilson. Copyright 2004 by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Geological and Land Management Division (GLMD) Office of Geological Survey.

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2 Million to 500,000 Years Ago

Worldwide temperatures drop, and large sheets of ice called glaciers cover much of North America. Glaciers thousands of feet thick advance and retreat at least four times over Michigan, carving and shaping the basins of the Great Lakes. They are also largely responsible for the rolling landscapes and more than 35,000 inland lakes and ponds found in the state today.

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About 15,000 – 12,000 Years Ago

The Earth’s climate begins to warm, and the glaciers slowly retreat northward.

As the glaciers recede for the last time, plants and then both small and large animals begin to colonize the exposed bare soil and rocks. Very large animals such as the American mastodonts, Jefferson mammoths, and giant beavers arrive later. All of these animals are now extinct.

*Image: The Great Lakes: An Environmental Atlas and Resource Book. Publisher: Environment Canada, 1987.

About 11,000 Years Ago

The first humans begin to settle Michigan. They probably first reach North America by crossing the Bering Strait from Asia to Alaska, before spreading across North, Central, and South America. These people travel widely, following the herd animals that they depend upon for food and for skins and hides to make clothing. Archaeologists refer to these prehistoric settlers as the Paleo-Indians.

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About 7000 – 3200 Years Ago

A civilization known as the Old Copper People inhabit the copper-rich areas of the western Upper Peninsula. Scientists estimate that 1.5 billion pounds of copper were mined by these people over the course of 1,000 years. This copper is probably traded widely, explaining why the metal has since been discovered in prehistoric cultures throughout North and South America. Image: State Archives of Michigan

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About 2000 – 1600 Years Ago

The Mound Builders, also known as the Hopewell people inhabit Michigan. While they hunt and gather food from the wild, they also grow some plants for food. Historians believe the Hopewell are the distant ancestors of the native people who live in Michigan today. Image: State Archives of Michigan *

1618

A Frenchman by the name of Etienne Brule, and his companions arrive in Lake Huron. They name the region “New France.” The French Explorers, or Voyageurs, encounter the Native Americans who have been living there for thousands of years. At this time, there are an estimated 100,000 Native Americans living in the area that would later be called Michigan. Soon, the French have a regular business of trading things like needles, fishhooks, axes, traps and guns with Native Americans in exchange for animal furs (especially beaver pelts). The French sell the furs to people living in Europe. During this time period, many Native Americans change their lifestyles, abandoning many of their traditional ways. This fur trade continues for the next 200 years. Image: State Archives of Michigan *

1754 – 1763

In the French and Indian War, Great Britain takes control of most French claims in North America, including Michigan. France no longer controls the region. Native Americans, who had received better treatment from the earlier French leaders, are not pleased with the way they are treated by the new British leaders. This same year, Ottawa Chief Pontiac leads Native Americans in an attack against British-controlled forts (Fort Detroit, Fort St. Joseph, and Fort Michilimackinac) killing many settlers. In order to maintain peace, the British agree to close the west to settlement by whites (British Proclamation of 1763), slowing settlement by whites west of the Appalachian mountains. Image: State Archives of Michigan

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1775-1783

In the Revolutionary War, Americans fight the English for their independence. At the end of the war in 1783, Michigan comes almost entirely under American control (except for Detroit and Fort Mackinac which do not surrender until 1796). Fur trading continues to dominate the economy. Image: State

Archives of Michigan

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1805 - 1820The Lower Peninsula and the eastern part of the Upper Peninsula become the Territory of Michigan. Conflict between the British and U.S. forces and their Indian allies continues in the area.

In the War of 1812, the Americans and British continue to fight for control of the Great Lakes region. Following the war, which ended in 1814, fur trading continues to dominate the economy and most of the territory is still unsurveyed and unavailable for settlement.

By 1818, public land sales finally begin in Detroit; immigration from East increases. In 1820, citizens could purchase land for $1.25 an acre. Photo: State Archives of Michigan

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1825 - 1840

The 364-mile Erie Canal is opened in 1825, connecting Albany, New York with Buffalo, New York. This new canal makes the shipping of farm products and travel to and from the Great Lakes region much easier, resulting in a flood of immigrants, especially from New York and New England. During the ten years between 1830 and 1840, Michigan’s population increases from 31,639 to 212,267. At the same time, large numbers of Native Americans living in the region die from diseases brought by the settlers, such as small pox and typhoid. Tribes also lose large amounts of land to the U.S. and Michigan governments, for which they are not paid fairly. In 1837, President Andrew Jackson signs a bill making Michigan the 26th state in the Union. By 1838, almost all native villages in Michigan have been abandoned. Image: State Archives of Michigan

1

1843

The Michigan “Copper Rush” begins. Between 1843 and the 1920s, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is the only place in the world where commercial quantities of pure, workable copper are mined. Photo: State Archives of Michigan 2

1850s

It becomes fashionable for women to wear hats decorated with bird feathers. As a result, millions of birds are killed every year for their feathers which are used mostly to decorate women’s hats. The practice finally ends in the early 1900s as bird populations decline and people became more aware of the need for their protection. Photo: State Archives of Michigan 3

1855

Sault Ste. Marie Locks open up connecting Lakes Superior and Huron, allowing for an increase in immigration, trade, and shipping. Photo: State Archives of Michigan

4

1859

After some fish and wildlife populations are mostly destroyed, Michigan’s first fishing laws are passed. Before now, hunting and fishing in the state had not been controlled. Photo: State Archives of Michigan

5

1867

Michigan’s lumbering boom begins. Between 1869 and 1900, Michigan is the nation's leading lumber producer. Michigan’s commercial logging provides many new jobs, drawing immigrants from around the world—especially Scandinavians, Germans, Irish and Canadians. The lumber is shipped as far away as Europe. By 1929, an estimated 92% of Michigan’s original forests have either been cut or otherwise destroyed during the previous 100 years. The decline of lumbering affects thousands of people who depend on the industry for employment. Photos: State Archives of Michigan. 6

1871

The “Great Michigan Fire” burns approximately 2.5 million acres (3,900 sq. mi.) across the state lasting nearly one month. Careless logging practices often leave large amounts of waste wood behind which provide fuel for the fires. Other large fires that follow this one in the Lower Peninsula include: 1880 (238,270 acres); 1881(1,014,000 acres); and 1908 (2,369,000). The Upper Peninsula also suffers from too many fires to even count. Photo: State Archives of Michigan

7

1878The passenger pigeon is the most common bird in Michigan. Around this time, the bird is devastated by a combination of hunting and the loss of its forest habitat. During one of its last large nestings, which occurred near the city of Petoskey in 1878, professional hunters kill an estimated 50,000 birds per day for a period of five months. They sell the birds in city markets for food. By 1914 the bird becomes officially extinct.

This painting is by Edmund J. Sawyer and was published in Educational Bird Leaflets, National Association of Audubon Societies, 1913.

8

1887

After over ten years of lobbying, a group called the Michigan Sportsman's Association succeeds in helping to pass a law creating a new job of state game warden to protect the state's fish and wildlife. Michigan is the first state in the country to create this job, today referred to as “Conservation Officer.”

Photo: State Archives of Michigan

9

1903

The Michigan Legislature creates the first State Forest reserves to start rebuilding state's burned-over, cutover forests (By 2004, there are nearly 3.9 million acres of state forest).

10

1904

The Michigan Audubon Society forms to promote appreciation and protection of birds. A woman named Edith Munger becomes President in 1911 and works to protect birds. Photo: Larry West

11

1908

Forest fires burn much of northern Michigan, killing dozens. An estimated 2,369,000 acres in northern lower Michigan were burned. Many citizens are upset and call for changes in forestry management. Photo: State Archives of Michigan

12

1908

The Model-T is introduced by Henry Ford. Michigan becomes the center of automobile manufacturing. Immigrants come from both Europe and the southern U.S. for relatively high paying jobs working in automobile-making factories. As cars become more common, the road system is improved and expanded. Photo: State Archives of Michigan

1903 Model T

13

1919Beginning of Michigan’s State Park System.

Genevieve Gillette, along with P.J. Hoffmaster, the Michigan Director of Conservation, dedicate their time to improving to Michigan’s park system. Together, they play an important role in the establishment of the 96 state parks in Michigan. In 1959, Gillette founds the Michigan Parks Association to sponsor projects to help Michigan parks.   Photo: State Archives of Michigan

14

P.J. Hoffmaster

1919

After improvements are made to the Welland Canal (bypassing Niagara falls), the sea lamprey invades the Great Lakes. The lamprey contributes to dramatic decline of many Great Lake’s native fish populations from 1920-1950.

Photos: (Left) U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, GLSGN Exotic Species Library, and (Right) Dave Brenner, Michigan Sea Grant

15

Lake trout with sea lamprey Sea lamprey

1921

The Michigan Department of Conservation is created to protect and manage Michigan's natural resources. This department was later renamed the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Photo: Dave Kenyon, Michigan Department of Natural Resources

16

1920s and 30s

Three national forests are created in Michigan, covering about 2.7 million acres of land. These are the Ottawa, Hiawatha, and Huron-Manistee National Forests.

These forests are managed by the U.S. Forest Service. 17

1933-1942

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), is created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, employing over 102,000 young men in Michigan to provide forest fire protection, plant trees, improve forest stands, stock fish, and build recreation buildings as well as new roads. In this period, around 484 million trees are planted in Michigan, more than during any other time in history. Photo: State Archives of Michigan.

18

1940

Isle Royale National Park is established. A writer for Detroit News named Albert Stolle, Jr. had written articles that eventually helped win widespread support for designating the island as a national park. In 1981, Isle Royale is named by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve, giving it global scientific and educational importance. Today, Isle Royale is well-known for its wolf and moose populations. Photo: Dave Kenyon, Michigan Department of Natural Resources

19

1941-1945

World War II. Michigan’s auto factories are converted to produce war materials. Industry expands in the state, but with little concern for the environment. Michigan becomes known as the “Arsenal of Democracy.” At the same time, farming practices change as synthetic fertilizers and new chemical pesticides like DDT are introduced, decreasing the need for large numbers of workers. Photo: State Archives of Michigan.

Building B-24 Planes at Willow Run

20

1948

Discharges of oil and chemical pollutants in to the Detroit River by industry cause large numbers of ducks to die, leading to public outcry. In the photograph above, members of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs attract attention to the problem by dumping hundreds of dead birds in front of the Michigan State Capitol. The following year, Michigan's Legislature toughens water pollution laws and penalties for violations. Photo: State Archives of Michigan

21

1952

Bertha Daubendiek of Macomb County founds the Michigan Nature Association (MNA). She then leads efforts over the next 50 years to protect unique habitats and rare plant species in Michigan resulting in 160 sanctuaries totaling 8200 acres.

Ram’s-Head Lady’s-slipper, Photo by Larry West22

1959

St. Lawrence Seaway opens, changing the pattern of inland navigation by allowing large ocean-going ships to carry large cargoes between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes. Photo: State Archives of

Michigan

23

1968

Michigan resident Joan Wolfe founds the West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) in Grand Rapids. Soon after, other regional councils (EMEAC and NMEAC) are formed in northern and eastern parts of the state. Today, these citizen groups continue to help increase public awareness of environmental issues and provide support for the passage of laws that protect the state’s environment.

24

1968

In the 1950s and 1960s, rivers and lakes around Michigan are badly polluted. In the photograph above, dead fish fill the Kalamazoo River. In 1968, Michigan voters approve the State’s first Clean Water Bond, committing $335 million to protect the state’s water. Photo: State Archives of

Michigan.25

1969

Responding to public concern over contamination of Great Lakes fish, wildlife, and the environment, with leadership from Ralph McMullan (pictured on right), head of the Department of Conservation, Michigan becomes the first state to ban most uses of the toxic pesticide DDT.

Ralph McMullan, photo provided by State Archives of Michigan

26

1970

The first Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd. Public awareness about environmental issues increases. Photo: NASA

Responding to the public concern, Michigan lawmakers pass the Environmental Protection Act, which allows citizens to bring lawsuits against polluters for the first time. In the photograph to the right, Governor Milliken signs the bill into law. Photo: State Archives of Michigan

27

1973

A toxic chemical called PBB (polybrominated biphenyls) is accidentally fed to dairy cattle on around 25 Michigan farms, contaminating milk and beef supplies. The mix-up is noticed a year later when PBB was identified as the substance causing death and illness in dairy cattle. In this time period, approximately 85% of Michigan residents were exposed to the chemical, after unknowingly consuming contaminated milk or beef. State officials order the slaughter of 17,000 cattle, 3,415 hogs, and 1.5 million chickens, which were then buried in special landfills, like the one pictured at the right. Photos: (Top) Pam Schmidt & (Bottom) State Archives of Michigan.

28

1973

The U.S. passes the Endangered Species Act, which is designed to protect species that are in danger of becoming extinct. One year later, in 1974, Michigan passes its own Endangered Species Law to is provide specific protection to Michigan plants and animals.

29

Bald Eagle, Photo by Dave Kenyon, Michigan Department of Natural Resources

1976

Under the leadership of Tom Washington, Director of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), voters pass a beverage container deposit law, setting the deposit at 10 cents.  This new law reduces bottle trash by 80%, overall roadside litter by 38%, and has made for cleaner beaches throughout the state.

30

1979

Michigan passes one of the strongest wetland protection laws in the country.

31

1988

The zebra mussel, native to Eastern Europe, is first observed in Lake St. Clair in 1988, probably arriving there in ballast water carried in ocean going ships. Within three years, the zebra mussel has spread to all of the Great Lakes, and many inland waterways in the U.S. and Canada. It causes problems by clogging municipal water intake pipes, competing with native species for food, and creating a hazard for barefooted beach-goers. Photos: L- Dave Brenner, Michigan Sea Grant,

Middle & Right - Pam Schmidt

32

2005

In the Northern Great Lakes Forest Project, Governor Granholm and The Nature Conservancy protect more than 271,000 acres in the Upper Peninsula. The parcels link together more than 2.5 million acres of protected federal, state and natural areas across the Upper Peninsula.

33

Other Significant DatesMichigan wildlife dates for extinction, extirpation, and/or reintroduction:

End of 1700s Last Bison in Michigan 1871 Eastern Elk gone from Michigan. (extinct by 1890s)1898 Passenger Pigeon last seen in Michigan. (Extinct in

1914).1910 Last wolf documented in the Lower Peninsula. 1900 Wild turkeys extirpated from Michigan . Reintroduced in

1954. 1965 was the first hunting season.Early 1900s Paddlefish last recorded in Great Lakes Early 1900s Last wolverine (Gone from LP 1880s. UP early 1900s.)1926 Last Michigan woodland caribou- (was in UP until early

1900s) Last documented in Michigan on Isle Royale in 1926.

1930s Arctic grayling extirpated 1960s Extinction of Great Lakes Fish: Deepwater cisco, blackfin

cisco, longjaw cisco1983 Extinction of blue pike (Lake Erie)1984 Greater Prairie Chicken extirpated

Slide 2: Image of Earth - Courtesy of Earth Sciences and Image Analysis Laboratory, NASA Johnson Space Center.

Slides 3-9: Original artwork by Pat Rutkowski. Photograph of artwork by Steven E. Wilson. Copyright 2004 by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Geological and Land Management Division (GLMD) Office of Geological Survey. The DEQ GLMD grants permission to use this image, for no-profit purposes. The contents of this electronic document (in whole or in part) can be used if, and only if, additional fees are not associated with the distribution of this document and the credit is give to the DEQ GLMD and the author (s). This copyright statement must appear in any and all electronic or print documents using this file or any part thereof.

Slide 10: Pam Schmidt, Western U.P. Center for Science, Mathematics & Environmental Education, Michigan Technological University.Slide 11: Images from The Great Lakes: An Environmental Atlas and Resource Book. Publisher: Environment Canada, 1987. Retrieved January 5, 2005 from

http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/atlas/index.html.Slide 12: Image of exhibit in the State of Michigan Historical Museum, by Pam Schmidt, Western U.P. Center for Science, Mathematics & Environmental

Education, Michigan Technological University.Slides 13-25: All images courtesy of the State of Michigan ArchivesSlide 26: Painting of passenger pigeon is by Edmund J. Sawyer and was published in Educational Bird Leaflets, National Association of Audubon Societies,

1913.Slides 27: Image courtesy of the State of Michigan ArchivesSlide 28: Pam Schmidt, Western U.P. Center for Science, Mathematics & Environmental Education, Michigan Technological University.Slide 29: Larry WestSlides 30-32: All images courtesy of the State of Michigan ArchivesSlide 33: (Left) U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, GLSGN Exotic Species Library, and (Right) Dave Brenner, Michigan Sea GrantSlide 34: Dave Kenyon, Michigan Department of Natural ResourcesSlide 35: Pam Schmidt, Western U.P. Center for Science, Mathematics & Environmental Education, Michigan Technological University.Slides 36, 38, 39, 41, 43, 44, 45 (Governor Milliken), and 46 (PBB Cattle Burial Site): All images courtesy of the State of Michigan ArchivesSlide 37: Dave Kenyon, Michigan Department of Natural ResourcesSlides 38-39: Images courtesy of the State of Michigan ArchivesSlide 40: Larry WestSlide 41: Image courtesy of the State of Michigan ArchivesSlide 43: Image courtesy of the State of Michigan ArchivesSlide 44: Image courtesy of the State of Michigan ArchivesSlide 45: Governor Milliken - Courtesy of the State of Michigan Archives; and Image of Earth - Courtesy of Earth Sciences and Image Analysis Laboratory,

NASA Johnson Space Center.Slide 46: PBB Cattle Burial Site - Courtesy of the State of Michigan Archives; and photo of cows by Pam Schmidt, Western U.P. Center for Science,

Mathematics & Environmental Education, Michigan Technological University.Slide 47: Dave Kenyon, Michigan Department of Natural ResourcesSlide 48-49: Pam Schmidt, Western U.P. Center for Science, Mathematics & Environmental Education, Michigan Technological University.Slide 50: Close-up of zebra mussel by Dave Brenner, Michigan Sea Grant. Images of zebra mussels of beach by Pam Schmidt, Western U.P. Center for

Science, Mathematics & Environmental Education, Michigan Technological University.Slide 51: Pam Schmidt, Western U.P. Center for Science, Mathematics & Environmental Education, Michigan Technological University.

Image Credits

References

Dempsey, Dave. 2001. Ruin and Recovery. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.

Dempsey, Dave. Personal communication. 12/04

Dickmann, Donald and Larry Leefers. 2003. The Forests of Michigan. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.

Holman, J. Alan. 1995. Ancient Life of the Great Lakes Basin: Precambrian to Pleistocene. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.

Michigan History Magazine. Introducing Michigan’s Past: An Overview for Teachers. Copyright: Michigan Department of State. 2001. http://www.michiganhistorymagazine.com/kids/pdfs/guide1.pdf 12/1/04

Michigan Legislature. “Portraits of Michigan: History and Facts on Michigan.” 9/2003.

Rutkowski, Patricia. Artwork (Geological Timeline Series). Original artwork displayed at Eddy Discovery Center. Photographic images of artwork provided by Steven E. Wilson of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Geological and Land Management Division (GLMD).

State of Michigan. “Michigan Through the Years.” Internet: http://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-15481_20826_20840---,00.html. Originally published by Michigan History magazine in 1989. 12/1/04

Stearns, Forest W. “History of the Lake States Forests: Natural and Human Impacts.” Lake States Regional Forest Resources Assessment: Technical Papers. J. Michael Vasievich and Henry Webster, Editors. USDA Forest Service. General Technical Report. NC-189. 1997.

TEACH Great Lakes. (Great Lakes Information Network). Native Peoples of the Great Lakes Region. 8/1/2002. http://www.great-lakes.net/teach/history/native/native_7.html 12/1/04.

The Great Lakes: An Environmental Atlas and Resource Book. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Government of Canada. Third Edition. 1995.

Acknowledgements

Thank you to the following individuals and organizations that provided images for this timeline:

• Dave Dempsey, Michigan Environmental Council • Larry West• Dave Kenyon, Michigan Department of Natural Resources• State of Michigan Archives• Dave Brenner, Michigan Sea Grant• Earth Sciences and Image Analysis Laboratory, NASA

Johnson Space Center. • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service• Steve Wilson, Michigan Department of Environment Quality,

Geological and Land Management Division (GLMD)