The mural is tucked away along the trails of the Chocolay Bayou Nature Preserve. The bayou protects 13 acres of wetland providing rest and resources for migrating birds, otter, muskrat, deer, herons, eagles, and more. The Chocolay River also signifies the treaty boundary from the 1842 “Copper Treaty” of La Pointe.

Information provided by UPLC

My inspiration for the four sided bird blind mural came from the natural life thriving in the bayou. I included native plants and animals such as wild blueberries, humming birds, and butterflies. A small hike with all my materials brought me to the mural site and I got to spend a couple weeks painting in the woods.

“The Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy promotes healthy ecosystems and communities by providing permanent legal protection and ecological management of conservation lands and by engaging the public in the protection and enjoyment of these lands.”