Time is running out to sign up for the 2010 NAS Summer Field School. Four classes will be offered July 17-25, 2010.
- Intro to NAS and NAS 1 July 17-18
- UW & Artifact Photography July 17-18
- Basic Acoustics and Sonar July 21-22
- Intro to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) July 25
More information can be found here. Call 231-267-9244 ASAP to register for these very informative classes taught by experts in their field.
Lesson Three
As I photograph sites within the Preserve, I realize that many of them are in very shallow water - less than 15'. When I go back and look at my photos taken of the same site but on different days, something really jumps out at me. Notice how much more detail the photo has that was taken on a cloudy day? The sand looks much more smooth and natural as well. The dappled light makes doing a photo-mosaic of a site impossible as well. Sunny days make for great diving but they aren't always great for shallow water photography. While we can't always be choosy about the days we dive, a little planning may result in better photos. Good luck!
GTBUP President Chris Doyal is a successful underwater photographer. He writes a new column each newsletter in hopes that other photographers can improve their photographs. His website is: www.chrisdoyal.com
Sunny Conditions Have A Big Impact On The Photography Of Shallow Sites
For 9 to 12 year olds
Presented by The Children's House, The Grand Traverse Bay Underwater Preserve and Samels Family Heritage Society
August 9 - 13; 9:00 - 4:00 | $175 (financial assistance is available for this class)
Spend a week exploring archaeology right here in our Up North backyard. We'll visit a lighthouse to learn about maritime archaeology, tour a 10,000 year old site and get a glimpse of some shipwrecks. We'll study the tools and techniques archaeologists use to uncover the past and put them to use in an outdoor dig right here on campus. Click here to go to the Children's House website.
Melissa Johnson, instructor: Melissa has worked as an exhibit developer for The Field Museum in Chicago and managed archaeological projects in the U.S. and Belize. She holds a M.A. from the University of Illinois in Anthropology, a M.Ed from Depaul University in Elementary Education, and is a certified K-9 teacher.
Dr. Mark Holley's NAS II students are busy working on their summer projects. The latest class is composed primarily of NMC undergraduate students and they are working at some exciting sites. They include:
- Survey of five or more sunken small boats in Old Mission Harbor
- Survey of fruit barge in Bower's Harbor
- Survey of Grand Traverse Lighthouse
- Survey of pier structure off Bois Blanc Island
- Search for possible cultural sites in Boardman Lake
We look forward to seeing the students present their papers at the GTBUP Underwater Summit in October!
Sonar Image of Elk Rapids BargeArmed with a new sonar device, members of the GTBUP have located the exact positions of three new sites in the Preserve. Another small boat in Old Mission Harbor, the remains of a very large pier structure, and a sunken barge near Elk Rapids were all recently located. More photos are available in the "Photos" section of the website.
The barge will be used as the location for a "Media Day" to be held in August. Members of the local media will be taken out to the site to see the GTBUP in action as they survey the shipwreck. This will be a great opportunity for the media to see what we do first hand.
Local knowledge is needed to help us find and document these types of sites so let us know of any possible areas we might search.
The GTBUP conducts a membership meeting every month. These meetings are open to the public and anyone with an interest in the Preserve is encouraged to attend. Meetings are typically held the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the Children's Museum. Email info@gtbup.org for more info.
The Woodpile at Clinch ParkSite 17: The Clinch Park Woodpile/Wall
The Grand Traverse Bay was used heavily during the era of logging for the shipping and processing of lumber harvested in Northern Michigan. One hundred yards NNE of the Clinch Park boat launch is a site known locally as the "Woodpile". The area is littered with scrap lumber and consequently, lots of fishing lures. The site averages 40' - 60' in depth. The rock wall north and west of the boat launch is a nice place to finish your dive due to the fish life. This is a high boat traffic area so be sure to tow a dive flag and surface slowly.
The GTBUP annual Underwater Summit will be held October 16, 2010 at Northwestern Michigan College's Hagerty Center. This will be a great evening filled with exciting presentations and all proceeds will help the GTBUP continue its survey work in the bay. NMC's NAS II (Nautical Archaeology Society) students will also present the results of their survey projects in the bay this past summer. This is our only fundraiser so don't miss it!