Petoskey Adds Trailside Art

bench scupture in Bayfront Park (photo from Top of Michigan Trails Council)

fromTop of Michigan Trails Council

Public art installations bring shared experiences, an enhanced sense of place, and community pride to an area. They can even increase tourism. Trail-side art brings enjoyment to trail users.

Bayfront Park in Petoskey has a growing array of public art. A large bronze sculpture (by Gillie and Marc) depicting a rabbit and a deer sitting on a park bench is located across from the waterfall on the lake side of East Bayfront Drive.

Another work is a commissioned mural of native fish species in a pedestrian underpass that also houses a public piano. Trail users walk beside a painting of a large swimming sturgeon in one locale. Feedback from visitors has been immensely positive.

See Bayfront Park


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Grand Rapids World of Winter Walking/ Biking Opportunities

Events Calendar

snow snakes (photo from Hey Michigan)

based on a web article from Hey Michigan

The World of Winter Festival 2026 kicks off on January 9, 2026 and runs until March 1. The event is primarily a self-motivated walking tour to see dozens of art installations scattered throughout downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. It bills itself as the largest free winter festival in the United States. To enjoy art of all kinds, food, and economic stimulation are the primary pursuits.

However, there are several planned activities which fall more into the hiking or outdoor recreation category.

There is an ongoing scavenger hunt with weekly prizes. This is open to individuals or teams. The hunt can be completed at your own pace during festival hours. Missions take approximately 1–2 hours to complete and points earned enter you into weekly prize draws. Teams can consist of any number of participants. A mobile device with the GooseChase app is required

A number of guided walks to various art istallations are being offered. The event calendar lists more dates than the event links. The certain dates for these are:
• January 23, 6-7 pm. Meet at Rosa Parks Circle. Led by Candice Smith who will share the stories and inspiration behind each piece. Free. No registration needed.
• February 6- same info as above.
• February 14- same info as above.
• February 26- same info as above.
• February 21- 3-4 pm. Meet at Rosa Parks Circle. Window display walking tour. Learn the stories behind each installation, meet the creative minds behind the art, and discover the businesses and historic buildings that host them.
• Other dates for guided walks are listed on the pdf calendar, but no information is available about them.

There is a luminary group bike ride to explore Grand Rapids by bike under luminary lights! This is free and open to riders 18 and older. Helmets are required. Post-ride celebration is also free. See complete details at Luminary Bike Ride

Also of possible interest to outdoor enthusiasts is a Snow Snake competition. This will be held February 28 from 11 am - 4 pm. Experience a traditional northern Native American winter game at this thrilling Snow Snake Competition. Competitors slide handcrafted “snow snakes” down a long snow trough, aiming for the farthest throw.

Participants of all ages can compete in brackets, and the overall winner takes home a $1,000 grand prize. Practice snakes are available for beginners, making this event fun for spectators and first-time throwers alike. Register on-site. Event held at Sixth Stree Park, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Cost not stated.

See World of Winter official website


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Women's Winter Tour - SuperBowl Alternative at Crystal

Winter Tour (photo from Crystal Mountain)

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
from Crystal Mountain

For a girls' weekend getaway while the guys are watching the Super Bowl, check out the Crystal Mountain Women's Winter Tour, Feb 6-7.

Participate in exhilarating outdoor activities, enjoy spa services, grand food, wine, decadent chocolate and friends. Events will include ski clinics for both downhill and X-C, and a snowshoe tour. The weekend benefits the nonprofit Active Women Now, dedicated to supporting local women's resource centers.

Special spa pricing for the weekend helps to make the event affordable.

Saturday, February 6th: 10am-noon
3rd Annual Snowshoe d' Art - Discover art and winter fun with hot chocolate and a leisurely snowshoe tour through the Michigan Legacy Art Park. Open to all.

Saturday, February 6th: begins at 7pm
Lunafest Film Festival - LunaFest is a national traveling festival of short films for… by… and about women.

Sunday, February 7th: 8am
First Tracks - for women only. - Crystal’s North Face slopes will open at 8am (one hour early) just for women participating in Sunday's Women's Winter Tour. Downhill ski before the Women’s Winter Tour on Sunday and all day afterwards for only $10. A variety of terrain is available for all abilities, take advantage of this unique opportunity!

Sunday, February 7th: begins at 10am
Women's Winter Tour - "The Main Event" - A unique non-competitive event just for gals. Women of all ages snowshoe and cross-country ski along Crystal's wooded trails. Demonstrations, great food, wine and chocolate are featured along the trail and at the main staging area! Enjoy a day dedicated to spoiling the inner diva in all of us!

See Crystal Mountain
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The Science, Practice & Art of Restoring Native Ecosystems

The Stewardship Network is a grassroots cooperative organization working to protect, restore, and manage Michigan's natural lands and waters. It helps individuals, organizations, and businesses manage specific sites through sharing ideas, resources, and information

The Network's Annual Conference will be held January 25 & 26, 2008 at the Kellogg Center, East Lansing, MI. Its theme is: Linking researchers and practitioners to improve the science, practice, and art of ecological restoration.

Join over 200 wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, land managers, researchers, and others from Michigan and throughout the midwest.

The conference is designed for everyone interested in caring for natural lands and waters. Volunteers and professional land managers alike; elected and appointed officials; MDNR employees; birders, teachers, hunters, nature enthusiasts; staff and board members from land trusts; anyone responsible for caring for native habitats--will all take away valuable information on the restoration of native ecosystems.

from The Stewardship Network
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AuSable Valley Rec Expo at Grayling, April 24

AuSable Expo (photo from the web site)

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from AuSable Expo

The AuSable Valley Recreation Expo is scheduled for April 24, 25 at the Ramada Inn Conference Center, Grayling, Michigan. Open 9 am to 6 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday.

Events include:

• ATVing for the Young, the Old, the Disabled, For the Family!
• An Introduction to GeoCaching
• Firewise
• Dutch Oven Cooking demonstration
• Nature Journaling Workshop
• Enhancing Riverfront Property
• AuSable Fisheries Habitat Management
• Fishing the Historical AuSable
• The Art of Hand-crafting Fly Fishing Reels
• 75 Years of Hartwick Pines
• Introduction to Disc Golf
• Hands-On Digital Photography Workshop
• Bird Watching in Crawford County
• General Aviation Access to Recreational Opportunities
• Grayling's Historic River Highway
• Lunch with the Legends of the AuSable Canoe Marathon
• Track Casting Workshop
• Michigan Elk Management
• Development of Permanent Wildlife Food Plots

A children's workshop table will be open throughout the entire event.

Dozens of exhibitors will be on hand with booths for information and sales.

See AuSable Expo
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Ludington Seeks Feedback on City Park Design

plan presented by Manning Design

based on a news article in the Ludington Daily News, August 9, 2014

Tuesday evening, citizens may comment on the design proposals for Ludington City Park. Major renovations, drafted by the firm of Manning Designs of Big Rapids, include a central fountain, added circular sidewalk, picnic shelter, upgraded restrooms, improved seating for accessibility, landscaping and decorative lighting.

Several other ideas, not included in the drawing, were mentioned, such as a splash pad, a gas fireplace, and closing Lewis Street to traffic. The City notes that it has limited funds, and not all suggestions will be feasible.

By moving existing benches, and adding new ones around the fountain, people in wheelchairs or using walkers will be better served.

currently in Ludington City Park (photo by JHY)

Ludington City Park receives heavy use in the summer, and is the venue for several regular events including the Annual Art Fair. However, it has not been significantly upgraded for decades. Proposed changes would make it more user friendly and appealing. It is also the site of the Kiwanis Bandshell.

People wishing to participate in the meeting should come to the downstairs community room at Ludington City Hall, 400 S Harrison Street, at 6:30 pm, Tuesday, August 12.

See Ludington City Park
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A Garden Grows in Glen Arbor

conception drawing for Glen Arbor Garden (from the brochure)

based on a news article in the Leelanau News, "Grand opening set for G-A’s new public garden project," Feb 18, 2009
and the project brochure

For generations, Glen Arbor has provided memorable moments for families whether they come for the summer, a week vacation or just a day. Nestled between the stunning beauty of Sleeping Bear Bay and pristine waters of Glen Lake are shops, restaurants and family attractions. It is a town where walking and browsing is a way of life. Art galleries enhance, musical events enrich, and gardens thrive.

In the summer of 2007, a group of citizens stepped forward with creative ideas for the space created by the vacating of the previous Fire Hall property. Initially, this effort was led by the committed women of the Glen Lake Garden Club. They were later joined by community leaders and the Chamber of Commerce. This dynamic group focused their attention on a garden oriented solution. The final design, developed by Russ Clark, a Traverse City landscape architect, was presented at a public forum iin June 2008 and quickly caught the attention and excitement of the community.

$75,000 was budgeted for the project, and that goal has been exceeded. One of the most successful efforts has been the sale of 400 commemorative bricks which will be used for the walkways and paved areas. A grand opening is being planned for late May, with the bricks in place. In order for the bricks to be ready and installed for the May opening, they must be ordered by Feb. 28.

“We have done tremendously well with the fundraising and are very grateful for the generous support we’ve received from the community,” said Linda Young, fundraising committee chair. Nearly $125,000 has been raised. The Grand Traverse Regional Foundation is handling the administration of the funds, allowing for contributions to be tax deductible.

The project also includes a public restroom facility that will be open six months a year, a community kiosk managed by the Glen Arbor Chamber of Commerce, walkways and a central gathering place.

“We’re eager to see the plantings, commemorative bricks, picnic tables and park benches in place as they will be the final touches on the project,” said Young. “We are planning a grand community celebration over Memorial Day Weekend to open the garden.”

SeeGlen Arbor Garden
See Glen Arbor Garden brochure, a pdf
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Your Michigan Library Can Help You Get Off The Couch

Little Sable Light (photo by jhy)

by jhy

Wish you could visit some fun places around the state of Michigan but that it didn’t cost so much? The Library Network is here to help!

Just when we are hearing so many questions about the relevance of libraries in the digital age, we are presented with yet another good reason to love the local library.

MAP, the Michigan Activity Pass program, brings participating destinations and public libraries together to help people discover new cultural and recreational opportunities. Museums, public gardens, parks and more are already signed up. More venues are regularly being added. Each pass provides the user with a discount that can be applied to a portion of the fee.

What’s the catch? You have to have a Michigan Library Card. How do you get one? Go to the library, or the library web site, and sign up. No charge for that. There is no minimum age to obtain a library card, but children must have the consent of a parent or guardian. (And, of course, a library card is also a ticket to a world of discovery through books and visual media.)

Some participating locations nearby include Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, Historic White Pine Village, the Dennos Center in Traverse City, Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Little Sable Point Lighthouse and the Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse. Lists from downstate include such well-known places as the Detroit Institute of the Arts, the Michigan Renaissance Festival at Holly, Hidden Lake Gardens, and many more. The Upper Peninsula is also well-represented.

All state parks and state forest campgrounds (not federal campgrounds) are part of the program. The savings vary by location. For example, at state forest campgrounds the discount can be used toward a campsite. At state parks, the discount applies to the entrance fee, but not for camping.

You can use one pass per library card every seven days, and once you request the pass you have seven days to use it before it expires. There is a complete list of options at miactivitypass.org including a map with filters that will allow you to search for participating venues within a specific radius of a particular location. The filters allow you to narrow the search if you only want certain results, such as children’s activities or art museums. Lists by region can also be found at tln.org (The Library Network).

For example, if a family has two adults who each have a library card, one pass could be used for a discount to camp at a state forest campground while a second pass could be applied toward a visit to an historical site.

To obtain the passes, start at miactivitypass.org. You will need to know your library card number(s), and if you aren’t sure of this, simply contact your local library. The passes can be printed from that site, or emailed to you or sent by text. It is up to the person requesting the pass to check on operating hours of the venue to be sure it will be open. A video tutorial is available at miactivitypass.org/resources-2.

The Library Network Michigan Activities Pass is a great way to increase your potential fun on a budget. Get off the couch and go get a library card and a pass to adventure.



See Michigan Activity Pass on Facebook


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Pere Marquette Trail Celebration

Pere Marquette Rail Trail ribbon cutting in Baldwin (photo by jhy)

by Joan H. Young

The rain held off Saturday, and about 70 people turned out to celebrate the official opening of 17 newly surfaced miles of the Pere Marquette Rail Trail, from Baldwin to Reed City. Speakers from the Michigan DNR, Reed City, Baldwin, and several organizations, plus Representative Jon Bumstead, briefly reminded listeners of the value of trails. Pam Simmons (in black) of Baldwin, the force behind this project, cut the ribbon.

Pontiac Light Riders (photo by jhy)

Bike decoration was a highlight of the day for kids, but the Light Riders have made it an art form. This group, from Pontiac, Michigan, came with their lighted bicycles, sporting boom boxes, fancy wheels, and colorful accessories. One member told how he had (in a previous year) ridden from Pontiac to Baldwin on a bet, which he won. He declined to have his picture taken, but he shared laughingly the trials he endured being taken seriously as a black man riding a bicycle, even in our day and age.

family group riding the Pere Marquette Trail (photo by jhy)

Several non-profit groups/agencies were on hand to share information, including the Manistee National Forest, The North Country Trail Association, Lake County 4-H, and the District 10 Health Department. A drawing was held for prizes, which ranged from a simple bicycle bell to a nice trail cam which could be mounted on a bike. Cake and fruit were served. Soon, people were heading off to enjoy the new packed limestone surface of the trail. More refreshments were available at the Idlewild Cultural and Historic Center, 5 miles away. This young rider was not deterred by his broken arm, which he claimed to have gotten while wrestling an alligator. "I lost," he said with a grin. His grandparents did not dispute his tale.

bike decorated with flowers (photo by jhy)

Although most of the decorations consisted of crepe paper flowers, beads and streamers, one person brought more natural decor. What a nice welcome for the people who will certainly find the new trail more pleasant to ride. The new surfacing extends the paved trail to a total length of 53 miles, with connection to the White Pine Trail in Reed City.

Tim Schreiner, of the Michigan DNR, opined that Michigan is already the top trail state in the nation. Certainly, more and more trail connections are being made, and one can bicycle many off-road miles in the state.

See Celebrate Surfacing of PM Trail Saturday
See Traillink.com PM Trail page
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Izaak Walton Family Winterfest & More

from the Dwight Lydell Chapter of the Izaak Walton League

January 24, 2009, Saturday, the Dwight Lydell Chapter of the Izaak Walton League will host its annual Winterfest Family Outing. The event runs from 10am - 4 pm and includes ice-fishing, sledding, cross country skiing, candle-making, snow games and sculpture, bird-feeder craft. Fishing poles, sleds and ski equipment will be available for those who need to borrow equipment. Lunch 11:30am - 3pm of chili, hot dogs, hot cocoa, etc. The event is at the Conservation Center in Cannon Township, Kent County.

On Friday, March 6, the 2009 Annual Banquet of the Michigan Ikes will be held at the Centennial Country Club — 3361 Charlevoix Dr SE, Grand Rapids MI (South of 28th Street/East of Kraft. The banquet is open to the public. The guest speaker is John Hesse, an adjunct professor at Michigan State University. Mr. Hesse will discuss his 2008 trip with Michigan State University students to the Arctic and how global warming is reducing the Arctic ice mass and impacting the flora and fauna.

The evening will conclude with a silent auction including: incredible deals on sports equipment, paintings and fine art work, apparel, fishing charters, B&Bs and lodging packages, raffle prizes, gift certificates for salons, fine dining, entertainment, and much more. Cash only.

Tickets are $27. Buy tickets by mailing a reservation form (follow link below) with check by 2/20/09.

See Banquet Reservation
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AFFEW Plans Earth Day Event for Ludington

from the AFFEW web site

AFFEW (A Few Friends for the Environment of the World) is planning an Earth Day event, April 16 and 18, in Ludington. All events will be at the new Ludington Center for the Arts building on South Harrison Street, one block from downtown.

Thursday evening, April 16, Jamie Cross will speak on Great Lakes restoration and Adopt-a-Beach program.

The bulk of the offerings are on Saturday, April 18. Speakers and activities are scheduled throughout the day, and booths from a number of organizations with interests in ecological topics will be set up for the entire time.

Speakers are:
10:30-11:30 AM Rebecca Fox - Eco Art
12:00-2:00 PM Peggy Malnati - Rain Gardens and Organic Lawn Care
2:00-3:00 PM Ray Dereske - Solar/Wind for the Home
3:00-4:00 PM Tom Karas - Michigan Green Energy Update
4:00-5:00 PM Pete DeBoer - West Michigan Nature Conservancy

AFFEW was formed in 1990 and serves Mason County through environmental education, recycling and hazardous waste collection programs, and the popular beach clean-up program.

See AFFEW
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Calling all Young Artists for Michigan Junior Duck Stamp Contest

2008 Junior Duck Stamp winner from USFWS

a news release of US Fish and Wildlife Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is now accepting entries for the 2009 Michigan Junior Duck Stamp Contest, which will be held at Green Point Environmental Learning Center in Saginaw, Mich., on March 25, 2009. Entries must be postmarked by March 15, 2009.

"An increasing body of evidence shows, that a relationship with the natural world helps children become healthier in body and mind -- the Junior Duck Stamp program is wonderful gateway to that relationship," said H. Dale Hall, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has held a Junior Duck Stamp Contest in Michigan for several years. Last year, Yi Li from Ann Arbor won the Michigan contest with a drawing of a pair of Red-breasted mergansers. "We hope to have an even broader level of participation this year from schools and students across the state," said Becky Goche, Junior Duck Stamp state coordinator.

This dynamic educational program uses both conservation and design principles to teach wetland habitat and waterfowl biology to students in kindergarten through high school. The program provides an opportunity for students to artistically express their knowledge of the diversity, interdependence and beauty of wildlife.

"The Junior Duck Stamp Contest celebrates children's curiosity to learn about nature," said Tom Melius, Midwest Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "By using their artistic talents, younger generations can develop an appreciation for migratory birds, waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wildlife they may otherwise not be exposed to."

Students may submit artwork featuring one of the following species: whistling ducks, swans, geese, brant, dabbling ducks, diving ducks, sea ducks, mergansers, stiff tails, or Hawaiian ducks. A full list of permitted species is available online at http://www.fws.gov/juniorduck. Judging will be open to the public, and will be begin at 9:00 a.m. on March 25, 2009 at the Green Point Environmental Learning Center, 3010 Maple Street in Saginaw. Artwork entries will be judged on the basis of original design, anatomical accuracy, artistic composition and suitability for reproduction on a 1" by 1.5" stamp.

During the contest, students will be judged in four groups according to grade level: K-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12.Three first, three second and three third place entries, along with 16 honorable mentions will be selected from each group. Contest judges select a "Best of Show" from the twelve first place winners, which will be submitted to the Federal Duck Stamp Office and entered into the National Junior Duck Stamp Contest held in April in Washington D.C. The winner of the National Junior Duck Stamp Contest, along with his/her parent or guardian and teacher will receive a free trip to a First Day of Sale ceremony in late June/early July.

The first place art from the national contest is used to create a National Junior Duck Stamp each year. The Junior Duck Stamp is available for $5 from the U.S. Postal Service and from many National Wildlife Refuges. Proceeds from the sale of the stamps support conservation education and provide awards and scholarships for participating students, teachers and schools.

A downloadable entry form and information on contest rules and regulations for teachers and supervising adults can be found at the link below. For additional information or if you have questions regarding your student's or school's participation in the Junior Duck Stamp contest, please contact your Junior Duck Stamp State Coordinator, Becky Goche at (989) 759-1669 or Becky_Goche@fws.gov. Entries and reference forms should be postmarked by March 15, 2009 and mailed to:

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
Attn: Junior Duck Stamp Coordinator
6975 Mower Road
Saginaw, MI 48601

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service.

See US FWS Junior Duck Stamp Program
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Learn Frogs at Bear Creek

picture courtesy of Green Nature

a news release of Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club

Interested in frogs and toads of our area? Steve Lagerquist will talk about local species, their calls, ecology and behavior. The program is free and open to the public at the Spirit of the Woods Conservation Clubhouse on Bear Creek just west of Brethren off Coates Highway.

Lagerquist works with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. He holds a BS and MS in biology from Portland State University. His masters' study focused on the behavioral responses of bullfrogs to the calls of other frogs and toads.

Steve asks, "Did you know frogs and toads use muscles attached to their eyes to help them swallow their prey, or that they have to push, not suck, air into their lungs in order to breath? Find out what kind of frogs and toads we have in west Michigan."

Meeting is Monday, March 16, 7:30 pm at the Clubhouse, 3470 Rose Rd, Brethren, MI.

Contact the Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club at 3470 Rose Rd, Brethren, MI 49619-9752, (231) 477-5692
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Triathlon Kicks off Third Coast Bike Festival

still from video at 9&10 News

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from a news article at 9&10 News
and Third Coast Bike Festival

Sunday morning, 300 triathletes kicked off the Third Coast Bicycle Festival as they swam, biked and ran on the Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City. Both Olympic and sprint length events were offered. Participants came from as far as California to compete in this second annual race.

The course began with a swim of Bowers Harbor, followed by a bicycle leg up the peninsula and a foot race back to the harbor. Participation was up by 50% from last year's initial event.

From the triathlon yesterday, through the 29th of August, the Traverse City, Michigan Third Coast Bicycle Festival will offer something for every bicycle enthusiast. Family fun is an important component, but fixed gear, road racing, touring and cyclocross events are also offered.

Curb-to-curb races of the 3rd Annual Cherry Roubaix Criterium Road Races will be just two blocks from downtown on Saturday. Hell Yes Roller Sprints and a Cyclocross Race are scheduled for the evening in conjunction with the the 2nd Annual TC Microbrew and Music Festival held on the lawn at The Grand Traverse Commons.

Bicycle art, a film night, local rides and more will round out the week.

See Third Coast Bike Festival for more info
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MTGA Reports Non-Motorized Map Update for SW MI

from the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance

Phase I of the Non-Motorized Map Update and Plan for MDOT?s Southwest Region (Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren Counties) was approved by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). This proposal would not have been completed without the hard work of the SMART Task Force. The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission will be the lead agency.

The Mid America Trails and Greenways Conference will be Oct 25-28, 2009. SMART is also lending their assistance to Nancy Krupiarz (MTGA) in the planning and volunteering for the Mid America Trails and Greenways Conference to be held on October 25-28, 2009 in Kalamazoo, Michigan at the Radisson Hotel. It will be great to work with Kalamazoo City and County, the Kalamazoo River Valley Trailway and many others who worked so hard to get the conference in Kalamazoo.

Professionals, advocates and trail users are working together to create a growing network of greenways and trails tying together people, places and pportunities for recreation. In the spirit of working together, the 4th Mid-America Trails & Greenways Conference celebrates existing and new connections and offers an excellent opportunity for all those involved in trails and greenways to share our experiences, learn from each other and continue connecting our trails and greenways.

Kalamazoo combines a wealth of recreational trails, parks and natural areas with a vibrant mix of historic neighborhoods and a renovated and vibrant Art Deco downtown. Named by the Urban Land Institute as “Top Ten Turnaround Downtown”, Kalamazoo offers many award-winning visitor destinations from brewpubs and wineries to outstanding museums to sparking lakes and rivers that will offer an enjoyable experience for all participants.

See Mid America Trails and Greenways Conference
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Birdie Blizzard Disc Golf at Gun Lake Winterfest

Events Calendar

Birdie Blizzard promo (photo by Birdie Blizzard)

compiled from several sources

Innova Discs is back again at Gun Lake Winterfest in 2026 with another blizzardy, prize packed tournament for beginners to pros alike with our SIXTH annual – Winterfest Birdie Blizzard.

Located at Yankee Springs TOWNSHIP Park, 1705 Parker Drive Wayland, MI 49348.

Our temporary 2026 Winterfest course is again 9 holes. Most holes are under 150 feet from tee to basket, making Aces and Birdies available to every player – beginner to Pro.

Come and test your disc golf skills. Cool prizes will be awarded! Thank you Innova Discs and Brave Art Studios & Gallery for being primary sponsors since the beginning

February 21, 2026. 10:00 am - 3:30 pm. Registration will be onsite. Flexible tee times.

See Gun Lake Tourism on Facebook


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Free Conservation Coloring Book

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
a news release of US Fish & Wildlife Service

What is wildlife habitat? What kind of habitat do certain animals need? How can children help? Youngsters can learn the answers to those questions and many more in the pages of a new National Wildlife Refuge System Coloring Book, designed for children in grades 2-3.

Illustrated by a student from the Art Institute of Washington, D.C., the coloring book contains simple pictures of crocodiles, bears, eagles and other wildlife, as well as images of a variety of habitat types. On each page, children can find fun facts about wildlife species and the refuges they call home. The youngsters can also learn about the employees that protect these special places.

Children will want to hunt for the blue goose, the emblem of the National Wildlife Refuge System, which is hidden on many of the book’s pages. The blue goose, created in the 1930s by conservationist and award-winning political cartoonist J.N. “Ding” Darling, can be found on most entry signs of National Wildlife Refuges.

The book seeks to connect children to the natural world and foster a new generation of conservationists, as well as introduce them to the National Wildlife Refuge System. “If we’re serious about environmental protection and protecting the many wild creatures that depend on wild places, then we have to teach youngsters to make that special connection to nature,” said Sam Hamilton, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “A coloring book is a good first step. But nothing replaces the real thing — getting outdoors and visiting a National Wildlife Refuge.”

The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the Service, represents the world’s premier system of public lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife and plants. Established in 1903, the Refuge System spans more than 150 million acres and 550 National Wildlife Refuges. There is at least one refuge in every state and one about an hour’s drive from most major metropolitan areas.

The Refuge System welcomes more than 40 million people annually to participate in wildlife-dependent recreation, including wildlife observation, wildlife photography, fishing, hunting, environmental education and nature interpretation programs.

The Refuge System has more than 2,500 miles of land and water trails.

Download the NWRS Coloring Book for free in English
Download the NWRS Coloring Book for free in Spanish
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Commentary: White Pine Wind Farm

Patty O'Connell explains the locations of the proposed towers, at the Open House on Sept 30

by Joan H. Young

Yesterday I attended one of the open house sessions which provided further information about the proposal to place 15 wind turbines within the Manistee National Forest. I came away slightly better informed, but no more settled on how I feel about this proposed project. Many other people were there as well, and I heard a lot of people also bemoaning the difficulty of wholeheartedly endorsing this idea.

BP Alternative Energy provided a state-of-the-art virtual tour of the area where the turbines will be placed. Superimposed on a video of a drive down Forest Trail, approaching Lake Michigan Recreation Area (LMRA), are animations of the turbines. Thus you are able to visualize how much the towers will be seen. The answer is, from the road, not too much. Well, sort of... If some of the alternative tower sites are chosen, there are several towers which will be close to the road. And of course there are other places one might be, other than the road.

From the north viewing platform at LMRA only the tops of the towers will be visible. The virtual tour shows this. It also indicates that not much will be visible from the beach. However, the virtual tour does not point out at all the fact that the towers will be very visible from anywhere out on the water, looking back at the shoreline. I imagine they will be quite visible from the higher, south viewing platform. The virtual tour makers selected the sites to show us very carefully.

The Forest Service will be taking a lot of heat, I suspect, over this proposal. However, they are just doing their job. When Special Use Permits are requested, they are obligated to consider them. A bevy of rangers was on hand at the open house, politely answering questions and explaining things. I saw several posters, and the virtual display by the energy company, but I did not see any human representing them. Maybe they had just stepped out for a moment when I was there...

The roads which will be constructed and improved will be dirt roads; no new pavement will be laid down. Except for the eastern section between the substation and the main transmission line, all the cables will be underground.

Construction will disrupt the use of LMRA. There will be times when the access road will be closed, rendering that entire campground, beach, trail system, and other facilities inaccessible by vehicle. Of course this will be temporary.

I have come across other wind farms while hiking, particularly in New York State. In one place the North Country Trail passes quite close to the base of a turbine. And in another location there is a flock of turbines just a hill or so away. I have to say that in both of these cases, my reaction is positive. The turbines are big, yes, but impressive big, not ugly big. Somehow they don't cause the same visceral reaction of hatred that a single cell tower on a hilltop creates. They are very quiet.

And of course, they provide clean energy. It's estimated that the White Pine Wind Farm will produce 50-70 megawatts of power.

And now for the NIMBY part (Not In My Back Yard). I would love to endorse this project. But why, oh why, do they have to want to build it right next to the only designated wilderness in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, Nordhouse Dunes? Nordhouse is directly to the south of the project area. The ridge on which a great deal of that wilderness sits is higher than the turbine locations. So I suspect that there will be some spots within the wilderness from which you will be able to see them. And from a boat, I suspect that not many people can easily tell where the wilderness boundary is. They just look shoreward and see a beautiful, uncluttered coastline. Now.

Well, I have 12 days to decide what my comments to the Forest Service will be. I wonder what I will say.

See Public Comment Sought on White Pines Wind Turbine Project Near Nordhouse Dunes
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