The Ludington library
LUDINGTON — Author Tim Mulherin will visit the Mason County District Library Ludington branch, 217 E Ludington Ave., at 6 p.m. Tuesday, August 26 to discuss his new book, “This Magnetic North: Candid Conversations on a Changing Northern Michigan.”
Mulherin’s book explores a phenomenon occurring around Michigan’s Great Lakes and other high-demand scenic locations across the country: natural landscapes are undergoing profound human and climatological change as people pick up their lives and move to bucolic locations. The Grand Traverse region has been one of the most impacted regions in the state, with the population increase accelerated by the pandemic and climate change. The impact of this growth is explored through field observations and interviews involving dozens of born-and raised locals, “boomerangers” (those who grew up, left, then returned), and re-locators. The author explores the tensions between newcomers and “natives.”
Interviewees include tourist industry leaders, conservationists, business owners, public safety officials, tribal members, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore officials, and more. These voices characterize the region’s diverse views, providing insight into how one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country is attempting to balance environmental preservation with an influx of people.
Northwest lower Michigan’s story of transformation, as tradition collides with progress, holds many lessons and will resonate with everyone who has ever lived in or visited such an enchanting place and dreams of calling it home.
There will be an opportunity to purchase a copy of the book at this event. All Mason County District Library programs are free of charge.
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