Ogden Dunes Environmental Advisory Board

06/07/2026

An E.coli violation for beach water occurs when the water quality numeric standard of 235cfu/100 ml is exceeded. The daily readings for our beach are:

June 1 = 2cfu/100ml
June 2 = 17cfu/100ml
June 3 = 12cfu/100ml
June 4 = 2cfu/100ml
June 5 = 5cfu/100ml
(There are no samples taken on Saturdays and Sundays, so there are no results posted on Sundays and Mondays.)

Help protect our dunes. Keeping off the dune grass is critical because the plants are incredibly fragile. Their shallow root systems and brittle stalks act as nature's anchor, holding the sand in place. Trampling kills the grass, which causes the sand to erode and destroys your first line of defense against coastal storms and flooding.
The dune ecosystem relies on this grass for three main reasons:
Erosion Prevention: The grass traps wind-blown sand, building the height and width of the dunes naturally.
Storm Protection: Intact dunes absorb wave energy and act as a crucial barrier against storm surge.
Wildlife Habitat: The grass provides essential shelter and nesting grounds for native coastal wildlife, such as shorebirds.

06/06/2026

Below I have gathered information below to respond to the comments and questions I get regarding why residents’ aren’t able to attract more birds or the species of bird they are interested after they install birdhouses.
The Wrong Hole Size: Every bird species requires a highly specific entry hole diameter. If the hole is too big, invasive birds or predators (like starlings, squirrels, or snakes) will invade. If it's too small, your target birds won't fit. Birdhouse hole sizes must be precisely matched to the specific species you want to attract. Using the correct size ensures the birds can enter comfortably while keeping out larger predators and invasive, aggressive species like the House Sparrow
Placing it Too Low: Mounting birdhouses too close to the ground makes them easy targets for predators. The ideal height varies by species, but generally, birdhouses should be mounted 5 to 10 feet off the ground.
Hanging it on a Tree Trunk or Fence: Trees and fence lines act as natural highways for squirrels and snakes. To protect the nest, mount the birdhouse on a metal pole equipped with a predator baffle.
Crowding the Houses: Most birds are highly territorial. Avoid putting multiple houses in close proximity unless you are specifically attracting a colonial nester like Purple Martins. See the beginnings of the Ogden Dunes Purple Martins Colony in Long Lake Marsh.

Image result from www.birds.cornell.edu

06/03/2026

I never realized all the dangers outside cats might encounter from predators and diseases

06/01/2026

The E.coli violation for beach water is 235cfu/100 ml
On May 21 the first sample taken at the center of Ogden Dunes yielded a result on May 22 of 9cfu/100ml.
May 25 yielded 4cfu/100ml
May 26 =1cfu/100ml
May 27=34cfu/100ml
May 28=75cfu/100ml
May 29 =4cfu/100ml
(There are no samples taken on Saturdays and Sundays, so there are no results posted on Sundays and Mondays.)

06/01/2026

The Beach Monitoring E.coli testing program began on May 22.
There has been a week of results, all indicating low levels of E.coli in our Lake Michigan waters.
We will test 5 days a week, and a weekly recap will be posted here on Saturdays,
The water temperature today is 51.1 degrees F

05/25/2026

Ogden Dunes Environmental Advisory Board [ODEAB] was at the Memorial Day fest at Katz field informing residents on environmental issues and looking for members. Vicky, Greg and Allan promoted a number of ODEAB’s efforts such as the Town’s Birdtown designation (especially the Purple Martin colony nest erected in long Lake Marsh), invasive species management at Katz field and future initiatives.

05/25/2026

05/24/2026

Ogden Dunes Environmental Advisory Board wants to keep the beach clean and safe.

05/23/2026

Today’s reported beach monitoring result for yesterday was 9 cfu that’s why the signs at the beach access points are green. Please note that yesterday’s beach hazard statement was lifted early this morning.