Charity Island Dinner Cruises to Begin in June; Rustic Lodge Stays Offered

300 Acre Wildlife Sanctuary Now Accessible to the Public from AuGres

April 28, 2005
By: Dave Rogers

Ever been to the Charity Islands? Well, here's your chance.

You can take a dinner cruise leaving from AuGres, and even stay overnight, or longer, at a rustic lodge, beginning in June.

Big Charity Island is part of the "Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge" system and has been managed by the Federal Fish & Wildlife Service (F&WS) since 1997.

Big Charity Island was acquired by the F&WS as a wildlife sanctuary. The Island is three miles around and consists of almost 300acres of hardwood forest.

Its isolated beaches and woods provide excellent habitat for a variety of plants and animals. Many rare and protected species of plants grow on the island including; Pitcher's Thistle, acres of Trillium, Jack in the Pulpit, and Pink Lady Slippers, to name just a few. It also is home to wildlife species including neo-tropical songbirds, bald eagles, raccoons, foxes, mink, and more.

Big Charity Island is located approximately ten miles offshore in the middle of Saginaw Bay between the port city of Caseville to the East, and Au Gres to the west.

%ad%

%im% %cp%

Big Charity Island also has very unique archaeological characteristics. The limestone bedrock formation outcrops along the Island's northern shore are embedded with mineral deposits known as "chert." Chert is a form of flint used by ancient peoples for making stone tools. Known as a quarrying site, Big Charity Island is still littered with the evidences of the stone tool-making activity by generations of Native Americans from over 1,500 years ago.

Boaters who have enjoyed the island for years now will find improved harbor conditions. In 2004, the route from the east inside the breakwall and the canal were navigated by the 51' steel passenger ferry Northstar that had a 46" draft fully loaded. Boats like a 34' SeaRay regularly docked at the transient docks last year. More work is being done on the transient dock this year. Besides the harbor improvements, walking paths also are being created all over the island for easier access by visitors.

Beginning in June dinner cruises to Charity Island will be offered aboard the 50 foot passenger ferryboat "Northstar."

The cruise will begin at Northport Marina in Au Gres, departing mid-afternoon on the one-hour trip to Charity Island.

Once the "Northstar" is moored in the Charity Island harbor, passengers will take a short walk to the Light Keepers House, where a buffet or perch dinner will be served.

The return trip will be timed to catch the sunset aboard the "Northstar" en-route back to Au Gres.

A seasonal lodge was built on the island in 2003 by Dean Wiltse, Oscoda restaurant owner. The lodge has a capacity of six. The loft area has two twin beds. The master bedroom has a queen size bed and there is a twin sleep sofa in the living area.

---

--- Advertisements ---
     

---

Weekly rentals run from Saturday to Friday at $1,200/wk. Nightly rentals are also available based on $200/night. You will need to provide all towels, bath and dish soaps, all paper products, bed linens, blankets, sleeping bags, bug spray, propane for grill and fish cooker, garbage bags, food and drink, first aid kit. Provided by the lodge are all dishes, flatware and cooking utensils,stove/oven, gas grill, coffee pot, hammock, gas refrigeration, gas heat and gas lights.

More information can be obtained from the website, www.charityislandlodge.com or from Dean Wiltse (evenings 989-739-9765, days, Wiltse Brew Pub 989-739-2231). Dean will also FAX you a drawing indicating water depths and how to get into the marina.###