Biological Station residents live in the nearly 100 cabins or in three residence buildings. Students usually live in one-room, 2- or 3-person rustic cabins, with central shower and toilet facilities. Specific roommate requests must be mutual and are honored insofar as possible. Families are generally assigned larger cabins with attached baths. Housing is furnished with the essential furniture only (twin beds, desks, chairs, lamps). All residents are responsible for keeping their own accommodations clean.
Climate & What to Bring
Northern Michigan has an invigorating climate. Plan to bring warm bedding and clothing for cool and sometimes damp weather. Expect some rain and cooler weather, especially in the spring. During the summer months, temperatures usually range from 50-80 degrees Fahrenheit (10-22 degrees Celsius).
Life is informal at the Biological Station. Clothing should be chosen for comfort and with changing weather in mind. Bring clothes you can layer and sturdy shoes to wear in streams, bogs, etc. Review the UMBS recommended packing list to prepare for your time at camp.
Camp Store
The Camp Store stocks a few items for sale, including water bottles, mugs, postcards, and t-shirts. All items must be purchased with a credit card; there is no ATM or cash back. Office and store hours will always be updated outside the Administrative building.
Quiet Hours & Noise
Because of demanding study schedules and the close community lifestyle, quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. Any activities during these hours must be quiet and not disruptive. Please respect the varied schedules of other residents and be considerate of your neighbors. Noise and music should not be audible outside your cabin.
Laundry Facilities
High-efficiency washers and dryers are in the laundry building near the dorm. You can pay ($1.00/load) with quarters or using the PayRange app. There are also clothes-lines behind the dorm for energy-efficient drying. Bring laundry detergent and clothespins.
Children
Families of faculty, staff, and students are an integral part of the Biological Station community. Responsibility for the conduct and safety of children belongs to the parents; UMBS cannot assume responsibility. Children may not be left unattended. A responsible adult in camp should always be accountable for minors. The Station tries to be as helpful as possible in maintaining safe and enjoyable conditions for families, but does not provide child care.
Pets
Because of the close community living style and surrounding natural habitats, pets are not permitted at the Station. Year-round residents may keep inconspicuous pets with permission of the Director. Be sure your guests are aware of the "no pets" policy.
Guests
Your guests are welcome to visit you at the Station, but should check-in with the office for parking and plan to leave before 10:00 p.m. Overnight guest accommodations may be available for a nominal fee during spring or summer session for guests with business at the Biological Station. Casual guests should plan to stay at local motels. Guest accommodations are available in Cheboygan, Levering, Pellston, Petoskey, and Mackinaw City.
Your guests are welcome to eat with you in the dining hall for a per-meal charge. Meal tickets can be purchased in the store prior to meals.
Please advise your guests that camping, picnics, pets, and recreational motor boating are not allowed at the Biological Station. Stay-overs in student cabins are not permitted. Unregistered visitors will pay guest fees accordingly.
Absence
For safety and emergency purposes, if you are going to be absent from camp overnight, please inform someone in the administration office.
Phones
Cell phone coverage at the Station is generally good, but can be a little spotty. Courtesy phones (located in the Dorm Lounge and Lakeside Lab) are available for incoming calls, free local calls, or for use with a phone card or reversing charges for long-distance. Office phones are for business use and emergencies only.
Mail
U.S. mail is delivered once a day Monday through Saturday. Each resident at the Station will have a mailbox located in the Mailroom, which is next to the Store. Residents must make their own arrangements for pick-up and payment of outgoing shipments of UPS, FedEX, etc. Your mailing address while at the Station will be:
(Your Name)
UMBS
9133 Biological Road
Pellston, MI 49769