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51-730: The Thornapple, a major Grand River tributary, is about 88 miles (142 km) long. Its headwaters are located about 7 miles (11 km) east of Charlotte, Michigan in Eaton County's Eaton township (only 7 miles (11 km) west of the Grand River at Eaton Rapids ). It flows generally west and north through Eaton and Barry counties, before entering the Grand in Kent County . The Grand ultimately flows into Lake Michigan at Grand Haven , approximately 70 miles (110 km) down stream. The Thornapple

102-587: A M-21 Grand River bridge replacement project, the mouth of the Thornapple and lower channel were relocated about 500 feet upstream on the Grand, and land that had been the site of Robinson's first home in Ada and trading post was inundated. Today the Thornapple is not a navigable waterway , and there is no commercial water transport on it. The major use of the river is recreational. The Thornapple River sees significant use for rafting , kayaking , tubing , and canoeing on

153-476: A Skate Park and Disc Golf Course. By the water tower nearby (at 619 W. Shepherd) there is a sled hill and ice skating rink, as well as a small outdoor dirt track for RC racing (aka Lincoln Park Raceway; added late 2013). Tennis Courts and Gobel Football field are located at 1149 S. Cochran. A popular sled hill known locally as Kane's Hill (named after the Kane family who lived nearby and operated Kane's Heating Services)

204-588: A flour mill, a saw mill, hotels, a blacksmith, a carriage maker , a boot and shoe store, two churches, a doctor, three Justices of the Peace , and an attorney. Later, a basket factory was built next to the flour and saw mills on the Thornapple River. The river was subject to periodic flooding. The 1904-1905 flood was "the worst flooding in Ada history." A number of dams were constructed in the early 20th century for flood control and power generation. In 1957, as part of

255-456: A laterally compressed body shape, 6 to 9 anal spines, and 2 dorsal fins (spinous first dorsal and rayed second dorsal) which are fused. The number of dorsal spines varies from 6 to 13. All species in Micropterus and Lepomis have 3 anal spines, which distinguishes them from the other genera in the family. The pseudobranch is small and concealed. Body size varies widely within the family with

306-415: A single nest. Larger males usually attract more mates and also take better care of their offspring. Male parental care includes nest building, nest guarding, guarding of eggs and fry, and nest fanning (aerating eggs). Males unsuccessful at courtship may exhibit a cheater strategy where they sneak fertilizations of female's eggs by various behavioral methods. This is commonly seen with smaller males in

357-408: A small but significant portion of its 88-mile (142 km) extent. The Thornapple supports several canoe livery businesses. The Paul Henry–Thornapple Rail Trail parallels the river for a significant portion of its length. From the headwaters in Eaton County to Thornapple Lake, the river is creeklike, with narrow banks and tangled undergrowth restricting easy passage. The lower stretch of the river

408-461: Is a city and county seat of Eaton County, Michigan . As of the 2010 census , the city population was 9,074. Charlotte is in the central portion of the county on the boundary between Eaton Township and Carmel Township but is politically independent of both. Interstate 69 serves the city and connects it to the state capital of Lansing . It is located 21 miles (34 km) from downtown Lansing. In 1832, George William Barnes purchased

459-807: Is a series of dam-created reservoirs that are heavily developed. However, from the lake to the first dam impoundment below Irving, is a 14-mile (23 km) stretch of river that is suitable for family outings and float trips. The river is also very fishable. A large number of species inhabit the river, among them: sunfishes ( largemouth bass , smallmouth bass , rock bass bluegill , crappie , pumpkinseed , and warmouth ), bowfin , brown bullhead , minnows ( common carp , chub , dace , and shiner ), suckers ( white sucker and redhorse ), perches ( yellow perch , walleye , darter ), brook stickleback , northern pike , longnose gar , trout ( brown trout , brook trout , and rainbow trout ), and lampreys ( American brook lamprey and chestnut lamprey ). The river

510-514: Is also home to performances by other groups based in and out of Charlotte. The city of Charlotte has many wonderful parks. City Parks are open May 1 thru October 31. These include: Bennett Park (1225 S. Cochran), Dean Park (526 W. Stoddard), Gateway Park (N. Cochran and Packard), Lincoln Park (Lincoln St. and W. Shepherd), Oak Park (230 St. Clinton/Seminary St.), Snell Park (Upland and E. Shepherd), Southridge Park (312 W. Third), and U.S. Veterans Memorial Park (1501 S. Cochran). Lincoln Park contains

561-454: Is claimed to be "nationally known as a fine smallmouth bass stream", and there are typically large numbers of small mouth bass in the free-flowing sections between Nashville and the junction with the Coldwater river. Fishing access is good, as most of the free-flowing Thornapple can be waded or floated during normal summer flows, and many county road crossings afford good access. In addition to

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612-463: Is crossed by several rural county roads and railroads along its course. Several state trunkline highways do as well: Also crossing the river is the Ada Covered Bridge , open to foot and bicycle transportation, in Ada. The river has six major dams along its course. They are, from headwaters to mouth: Charlotte, Michigan Charlotte ( / ʃ ɑːr ˈ l ɒ t / shar- LOT )

663-571: Is described as "An easygoing stream that meanders through low southwest Michigan woodlands." The Thornapple itself has a major tributary in the Coldwater River . The Thornapple is the only major left tributary of the Grand River. The major rivers and streams within the Grand River watershed were formed during the Pleistocene epoch and the subsequent advance/retreat glaciation cycle, terminating about 6–8000 years ago. Prior to European settlement,

714-599: Is determined by many abiotic factors, with air temperature being one of the most significant contributors. As in other ectotherms , many physiological processes and behaviors in Centrarchidae, such as feeding and reproduction, are heavily impacted by the temperature in their environment. All species in the family Centrarchidae are considered warmwater adapted species. In general, warmwater adapted species are characterized as being larger at higher temperatures and lower latitudes. The optimal temperature range of most species in

765-488: Is located 22 miles (35 km) to the northeast, and features cooperative relationships with a number of other universities around the state. Further education/training can also be obtained at the Southridge Vocational Center . The Eaton Theatre, located downtown, also shows movies nightly and features two arcade rooms. The Eaton Theatre opened as a single screen in 1931 and is located downtown. Built during

816-597: Is located on Gale St. between Church St. and E. Lovett St. Spartan Motors , an automobile design company that designs, engineers and manufactures specialty chassis, specialty vehicles, truck bodies and aftermarket parts for the recreational vehicle (RV), emergency response, government services, defense, and delivery and service markets, is based in Charlotte. This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to

867-566: Is mostly due to the high popularity of the family (especially from the genera Micropterus ) as freshwater game fish that are frequently stocked for recreational fishing all around Europe. Across the globe, invasive and introduced centrarchids pose a great threat to native species in the areas they invade. There are multiple confirmed instances of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) severely altering and reducing native fish populations in Italy, South Africa, Japan, and Madagascar and even causing

918-583: Is one alternative education school known as the Relevant Academy of Eaton County. In addition, special needs children are served by the Eaton Intermediate School District . For post-secondary students, Olivet College is 10.4 miles (16.7 km) to the south and Michigan State University is 25.2 miles (40.6 km) to the northeast. The University of Michigan is located 82.1 miles (132.1 km) southeast. Lansing Community College

969-495: Is significant recreational watercraft usage, both powered and sail , as well as personal water craft , although no provisions for specific clearances under bridges have been made, and the dams do not have locks, so portaging or trailered transport is required to move craft from one reach to another. Totaling over 857 square miles and covering portions of Barry , Eaton , Ionia , and Kent Counties in Central Michigan ,

1020-574: The Köppen Climate Classification system, Charlotte has a humid continental climate , abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps. 42°33′49″N 84°50′09″W  /  42.56361°N 84.83583°W  / 42.56361; -84.83583 Centrarchidae See text Centrarchidae , better known as sunfishes , is a family of freshwater ray-finned fish belonging to the order Centrarchiformes , native only to North America . There are eight universally included genera within

1071-474: The black-banded sunfish at just 8 cm (3.1 in) in length, while the largemouth bass is reported to reach almost 1 m (3.3 ft) in extreme cases. Many of the species within Centrarchidae can be separated into two main groups based on the two most common genera ( Micropterus and Lepomis ). Species in the genera Lepomis are defined by a deep or more round body shape, smaller mouths, and obtaining food through suction feeding . Species in

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1122-454: The Art Deco era it was totally modernized when it was twinned. It still has the large square marquee and the vertical sign, however the balcony area was transformed into a separate upstairs room to house a second screen. The theater is now owned and operated by Leann Owen. The Charlotte Performing Arts Center is home to music, vocal, and theatre performances by Charlotte Public Schools students. It

1173-1181: The Thornapple River Watershed has approximately 324 miles of streams and rivers that flow into the Lower Grand River Watershed. The land within the watershed is: The Thornapple's tributaries are:Butternut Creek, Milbourn Allen and Crane Drain-Thornapple River, Thornapple Drain, Fish Creek-Little Thornapple River, Hayes Drain-Thornapple River, Darken and Boyer Drain-Thornapple River, Lacey Creek, Thompson Creek-Thornapple River, Shanty Creek, Quaker Brook, Scipio Creek-Thornapple River, Headwaters Mud Creek, Mud Creek, High Bank Creek, Cedar Creek, Thornapple Lake-Thornapple River, Jordan Lake-Little Thornapple River, Woodland Creek-Little Thornapple River, Messer Brook-Coldwater River, Duck Creek Creek, Pratt Lake Creek, Bear Creek, Coldwater River, Fall Creek, Butler Creek-Thornapple River, Glass Creek, Algonquin Lake-Thornapple River, Duncan Creek, Turner Creek-Thornapple River, and McCords Creek-Thornapple River. The Thornapple flows through: The river

1224-581: The Thornapple drainage basin had mixed hardwood / conifer forest and barrens . At the turn of the 19th century, the Thornapple was home to bands of both Ottawa and Potawatomi . Into the 1830s, the Grand River Band of Ottawa had a village at the mouth of the Thornapple led by Nebawnaygezhick ("Part of the Day"). During the early colonial settlement of Michigan, Rix Robinson , the first permanent colonial settler of Kent County, married Sebequay ("River Woman"),

1275-641: The Weymouth Child Development Center as a childcare facility. There are two parochial schools in the city. Charlotte Adventist Christian School serves grades 1 through 8 and is owned and operated by the Charlotte Seventh-day Adventist Church and is a part of the Seventh-day Adventist education system. St. Mary Elementary School is run by Saint Mary Catholic Church and serves K-8 students and Preschool. There

1326-469: The area, including the Thornapple basin, to white settlement. Robinson later purchased hundreds of acres around the mouth of the Thornapple for the Ottawa to continue living on. As with many rivers in 19th and early 20th century America, the Thornapple had significant logging , milling , and manufacturing activity along it. As an example: by 1862 Ada had a number of businesses which included: general stores,

1377-404: The average family size was 3.02. In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.9 males. The median income for a household in the city

1428-412: The centrarchid family: Lepomis (true sunfishes), Micropterus (black basses), Pomoxis ( crappies ), Enneacanthus (banded sunfishes), Centrarchus ( type genus , consisting solely of the flier C. macropterus ), Archoplites ( Sacramento perch ), Ambloplites (rock basses), and Acantharchus ( mud sunfish ). A genetic study in 2012 suggests that the highly distinct pygmy sunfishes of

1479-454: The city was 95.1% White . There were 3,661 households, of which 34.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.8% were married couples living together, 15.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.4% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size

1530-401: The city. The population density was 1,403.8 inhabitants per square mile (542.0/km ). There were 3,417 housing units at an average density of 571.8 per square mile (220.8/km ). The racial makeup of the city was 95.79% White , 0.94% African American , 0.55% Native American , 0.35% Asian , 1.07% from other races , and 1.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.46% of

1581-497: The edge of the sunfish range varies widely within the family. Largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides ) have no cold acclimation ability as seen through the strict maintenance of the northern boundary of the species range. Other species like smallmouth bass ( Micropterus dolomieu ) and green sunfish ( Lepomis cyanellus ) have exhibited signs of minor cold-water adaptation and have even experienced slight range expansions into colder habitats. If air temperatures continue to rise in

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1632-493: The family diverge from the aforementioned habitat list, the Sacramento perch can survive in habitats with unusually high alkalinity, salinity, and temperatures. Centrarchids can be found in various locations within the water column and their exact preference is species specific. For instance, bluegill ( Lepomis macrochirus ) mainly inhabit the deeper littoral zones, while green sunfish ( Lepomis cyanellus ) prefer habitats near

1683-404: The family is 28 °C(82 °F) to 32 °C(90 °F), although they can survive and reproduce in temperatures that are outside of this optimum range. Increases in temperature outside the optimal range for centrarchids can have negative effects, such as speeding up reproductive maturity or increasing mortality after the first reproductive event. The lethal temperature range varies widely in

1734-507: The family, but some species have been seen to survive water temperatures as low as 1 °C(33 °F) or as high as 41 °C(106 °F). Centrarchids generally spawn in the spring, and juveniles emerge in the late spring to early summer. The transition from winter to spring conditions (i.e. melting of ice-cover, increase in day length, and increased food availability) is the main cue for centrarchids to begin preparing for reproduction. All species within Centrarchidae, except for those in

1785-432: The first postmaster on March 17, 1838. Charlotte was incorporated as a village on October 10, 1863, and as a city on March 29, 1871. At various times, Charlotte had the unofficial names of Eaton Centre, and Carmel. It was designated as the county seat when Eaton County was organized in 1837; however, due to a lack of population and buildings, county functions were conducted at Bellevue until 1840. The Dolson automobile

1836-440: The genera Micropterus are defined by a more streamlined body shape, larger mouths, and consuming prey primarily by ram feeding methods. Centrarchids prefer clear, warm, and slower-moving water, and are commonly found in habitats such as lakes, ponds, medium to low flow streams and rivers, and swamps. They also prefer to live in and around aquatic vegetation so they can get adequate coverage from predators. While few species in

1887-599: The genus Elassoma are also centrarchids. The centrarchid family comprises 38 identified species , 34 of which are extant . It includes many popular game fishes familiar to North American anglers , such as the largemouth bass , rock bass , bluegill , pumpkinseed , green sunfish and crappies . Most sunfish are highly valued panfish for sport fishing , and have been introduced in many areas outside their native ranges , sometimes becoming invasive species . While edible, they are not commercially marketed as food fish . Family members are distinguished by having

1938-612: The genus Lepomis . The native range of Centrarchidae is confined within North America, covering most of the United States and stopping in southern Canada. The northern edge of the native range is heavily bound by temperature due to reduced foraging ability and growth in cold weather and subsequent starvation in winter months. As a result, centrarchid distributions and range in any place they are found will be restricted by cold temperatures. The ability to adapt to cold temperatures at

1989-428: The genus Micropterus, develop breeding coloration in both males and females (although less defined in females) during the breeding season. The process of courtship and reproduction is nearly identical for all species in the family, which is a major reason for the high levels of hybridization within Centrarchidae. With that said, there are some mechanisms in place to prevent hybridization, such as intricate morphology of

2040-440: The land that would become Charlotte from the U.S. government. Barnes in turn sold the land to Edmond B. Bostwick, a land speculator from New York City three years later in 1835. Bostwick then sold portions of the land to H.I. Lawrence, Townsend Harris, and Francis Cochran. The four created the village which they named after Edmond Bostwick's wife, Charlotte, who originally wanted it to be called, Charlotteville. Jonathan Searles became

2091-480: The local extinction of any species of the family Cyprinodontidae within the waterbodies they have invaded in Mexico. The earliest fossils of Centrarchidae are from latest Eocene to early Oligocene deposits from Montana and South Dakota , belonging to several as yet undescribed species and the two extinct genera † Plioplarchus and † Boreocentrarchus . Both Plioplarchus and Boreocentrarchus are classified in

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2142-460: The many fish species that live in the Thornapple, the river is also home to other wildlife including osprey , bald eagles , herons , and various species of ducks , some who winter in Michigan. People use the recreational facilities on the river to observe these species for pleasure and knowledge seeking. On the lower reaches of the river, especially in the several impoundments behind the dams, there

2193-714: The next 50 to 100 years as predicted, warmwater species like centrarchids will likely experience range expansions northward and see an overall increase in occupiable habitat. This range expansion can have grave consequences for other freshwater fishes however, as many centrarchids are dominant top predators which can severely alter the community structure of non-native ecosystems and drive the extinction of other native predators. While centrarchids are native to only North America, they can be found worldwide due to introductions on multiple continents, including Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia. At least 18 species of Centrarchidae are North American exports. Its multi-continental spread

2244-465: The operculum in Lepomis, which assists in recognition of conspecific mates. To initiate reproduction, males dig a deep circular depression in the substrate with their caudal fins to create a nest, which they will aggressively defend from intruding males. Males and females then undergo a courtship dancing ritual before the female deposits her eggs into the male's nest. Multiple females may deposit eggs in

2295-409: The population. There were 3,249 households, out of which 34.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were married couples living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.6% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and

2346-407: The shoreline and shallower areas. Suction feeders within the family (i.e. Lepomis ) generally feed off the bottom of their habitat, while ram feeders (i.e. Micropterus ) generally feed in more open areas known as the limnetic zone . Centrarchids diet consists of macro-invertebrates (e.g. insects, snails and crayfish) and other fish found in their habitat. In freshwater systems, water temperature

2397-457: The sister of Nebawnaygezhick, at the Thornapple. Robinson also established a fur trading post in conjunction with John Jacob Astor 's American Fur Company at the mouth of the Thornapple in 1821 to trade with the Ottawa and Potawatomi and conduct other business. By 1836, with the fur trade in decline, Robinson facilitated a treaty between local tribes and the Federal government that opened much of

2448-481: The southeast and exiting to the southwest. The northern part of the city is part of the Thornapple River watershed. As of the census of 2010, there were 9,074 people, 3,661 households, and 2,291 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,406.8 inhabitants per square mile (543.2/km ). There were 3,997 housing units at an average density of 619.7 per square mile (239.3/km ). The racial makeup of

2499-808: Was $ 37,473, and the median income for a family was $ 45,759. Males had a median income of $ 31,573 versus $ 27,019 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 18,066. About 7.8% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the poverty line , including 11.3% of those under age 18 and 11.2% of those age 65 or over. Charlotte Public Schools operates Galewood Early Elementary for developmental kindergarten and kindergarten students, operates Parkview Elementary School and Washington Elementary School for first through third grade, and operates Charlotte Upper Elementary for fourth grade and fifth grade students. Charlotte Middle School serves seventh and eighth grade students while Charlotte High School serves ninth through twelfth grade students. The district also operates

2550-434: Was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.97. The median age in the city was 35.8 years. 26% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.5% were from 25 to 44; 23.6% were from 45 to 64; and 14% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.3% male and 51.7% female. As of the census of 2000, there were 8,389 people, 3,249 households, and 2,124 families residing in

2601-476: Was manufactured in Charlotte from 1904 to 1907. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 6.50 square miles (16.83 km ), of which 6.45 square miles (16.71 km ) is land and 0.05 square miles (0.13 km ) is water. Charlotte is situated on gently rolling prairie. The Battle Creek River has its northern bend in the south part of the city, entering from

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