The Loda Lake Ecosystem:  An ecosystem is made up of living and non-living parts, including plants, annimals, soil, water, and air.  Non-living parts of an ecosystem have a major role in determining where different species of plants and animals can survive.  Glaciers were important in forming the landscape around Loda Lake.  The area is part of the Lake Border Moraine, a set of hilly areas formed about 12,000 years ago by the Michigan Lobe during the Wisconsinian glaciation.  Loda Lake itself was likely formed when an ice block broke off from the main glacier and became stranded, melting slowly; afterward, sandy material collapsed into the depression left when the ice block melted.  Moraine soils offer greater amounts of water and nutrients than other areas, so that vegetation is diverse and nutrient-demanding.  A variety of plant communities are found in the Loda Lake area, depending on soil conditions, slope and aspect, and depth to groundwater at the site.

A detailed brochure/guide to Loda Lake and its diverse flora is available by contacting the Ranger District at the address above.

LOCATION

Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctury is located just west of Highway M-37 approximately 4 1/2 miles south of Brohman and 6.8 miles north of White Cloud.

ACCESS

Turn west off of Highway M-37 at 5 Mile Road and travel to the intersection with Felch Avenue.  Turn north on Felch (gravel) to the parking lot entrance.  There is a rustic sign at the entrance.