Torch Conservation Center

09/04/2026

TCC is grateful to everyone who helped fund this important initiative to better understand the health of Torch Lake.

We know many have been eagerly awaiting the results. A USGS study of this magnitude requires a thorough peer-review process, which takes time, but that process is an important part of ensuring the findings are scientifically sound.

The health of Torch Lake is complex, and there are many factors that can influence it. Just as importantly, there are actions each of us can take to make a difference.

We all share this beautiful lake, and we all share the responsibility to Care for Torch Lake.

Learn more about what you can do at conservetorch.org


Torch Lake Protection Alliance

09/04/2026

Stop by the Torch Conservation Center Artisan Market during sidewalk sales. We will move to fall hours starting after Labor Day. So many great items still available!

Mark your calendar…don’t miss out! 😊

09/04/2026

A quiet sunset on Torch ahead of Labor Day weekend. 🌅

09/03/2026

Water skiing on Torch under a breathtaking sunset. Get out and enjoy - there’s still plenty of warm weather days in the forecast!

Thank you Lisa Lirones for sharing this stunning photo. 📸

09/02/2026

More information on the algal blooms from Health Department of Northwest Michigan. Please know this is not the same blooms as previously mentioned on Torch.

Summer is peak season for the formation of harmful algal blooms, they can present health hazards to people and pets. Warm temperatures, lots of sun, and high nutrient levels usually are the cause. Often, it is hard to tell if algal blooms contain harmful toxins just by looking at them so its best to avoid contact with any body of water that appears to have significant algal on the surface.

For more information, visit https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/water-resources/glwarm/harmful-algal-blooms

09/02/2026

As the days get shorter, the lights around our homes can have a bigger impact than we might realize.

Birds, bats and other wildlife rely on the natural cycle of daylight and darkness for things like feeding, migration, rest and reproduction. Too much artificial light at night can interfere with those natural rhythms.

A few simple changes can help: turn off outdoor lights when they aren’t needed, use motion sensors where lighting is important for safety, point lights downward instead of toward the sky, and choose warmer amber-toned bulbs when possible.

Small changes around our own homes can make our nighttime environment a little friendlier for wildlife — and give us a better view of those beautiful Northern Michigan night skies, too. 🌙

Another simple way we can all Care for Torch Lake.

09/01/2026

The ripple effect is a powerful thing. 🌊

When one person makes a choice to Care for Torch Lake, it may seem small — but it rarely stops there.

Planting native plants along the shoreline. Keeping trees in place. Maintaining a septic system. Cleaning, draining and drying your boat. Sharing what you’ve learned with a neighbor, friend or visitor.

One good choice can inspire another, and then another.

That’s how real change happens around Torch Lake — one property, one family and one thoughtful decision at a time.

No action is too small. Together, those little ripples can make a pretty big difference. Share in the comments one thing are doing to care for Torch. 👇

08/31/2026

A stormy sunrise over Torch this morning.

08/30/2026

Grass River Natural Area

BIG NEWS!

Mark your calendars now because you won't want to miss this. We are celebrating the grand (re)opening of Michigan's longest ADA-Accessible Boardwalk. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, Sept. 11 at 10:30 am, and then, on Saturday, Sept. 12 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, a fun, interactive open house-style event.

Keep an eye our social media pages and local news sources for details, but trust us - you'll want to be here!

08/30/2026

Native plants do a lot of good around Torch Lake — and this time of year, doing a little less can actually help. 🌿

As summer winds down, it can be tempting to start cutting everything back and cleaning up the garden. But if you have native plants, consider leaving some of those stems, seed heads and dried flowers standing through the fall and winter.

They may not look perfectly tidy, but they’re still doing important work. Seed heads can provide food for birds, while hollow stems and plant material offer places for native bees and other beneficial insects to spend the winter.

A few other things to keep in mind:

* Keep newly planted natives watered during dry stretches, especially during their first year.
* Skip the extra fertilizer. Native plants generally do well when they’re planted in conditions that match their natural habitat.
* Leave some fallen leaves around garden beds when you can. They provide winter cover for insects and slowly return nutrients to the soil.
* Save some of your cutting and cleanup for spring, giving overwintering insects a little more time to emerge.

And if your new native garden still looks a little sparse, give it time. Those plants are putting plenty of energy into establishing strong roots below the surface.

A slightly less tidy yard this fall can mean more habitat for birds, bees and other wildlife — while helping create a healthier landscape around Torch Lake.

Show us your native gardens 📸

Torch Lake Protection Alliance