Nordhouse Dunes
Location
Ecological and Physical Description
This RNA is part of the largest expanse of wind-blown dunes and interdunal wetlands adjacent to fresh water in the world. Open and active dunes, wooded and stabilized dunes, interdunal wetlands, and bogs are present on the site. One of the world's two largest populations of the Great Lakes' endemic dune thistle (Cirsium pitcheri) is present within this RNA. One federally-listed Threatened plant species, dune thistle (Cirsium pitcheri), two state-listed Threatened species, fascicled broom-rape (Orobanche fasciculata) and red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus), and two state-listed Special Concern species, ram’s head lady-slipper (Cypripedium arietinum) and Cerulean warbler (Dendroica cerulea) are known to be present within the RNA.
The mean annual precipitation is 29.93 inches (76 cm), with 55% of this falling between May and October. Snow fall averages 65.6 inches (166 cm) per year.
Weather observations, dating from 1898, are available from the Michigan Department of Agriculture at Ludington, Michigan. The weather station is located 4 miles (6 km) southeast of Ludington, and 12 miles (19 km) southeast of the RNA. Weather observations are also available from Manistee, Michigan, 10 miles (16 km) northeast of the RNA.
Four main dune types are present: parabolic dunes, linear dune ridges, complex dune fields, and interdunal lowlands. The site is composed of various layers of limestone, shales, and sandstones. The area exhibits an excellent potential for oil-gas reserves. Dune sand, a well-drained soil, occupies most of the area. Black oak and red maple are growing on Bridgeman sand. The conifer bog is comprised of Greenwood peat and Rifle peat.
There is no permanent open water within the RNA, other than that which lies in interdunal wetlands and the spruce bog in Section 34.
Flora and Fauna
Common Plant Species
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Category | At Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salix myricoides | Blueleaf willow | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Arctostaphylos uva-ursi | bearberry | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Juniperus communis | common juniper | Common Shrub Species | ||
| Ammophiala breviligulata | Beach grass | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Calamovilfa longifolia | sand reed | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Schizachyrium scoparium | little bluestem | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Artemesia sp. | wormwood | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Arabis lyrata | rock-cress | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Lithospermum canescens | hoary puccoon | Common Herbaceous Species | ||
| Oenothera biennis | evening primrose | Common Herbaceous Species |