Balk Family Park to be Built on Former Golf Course

Balk Family Park community building concept (graphic from Cannon Township)

from Cannon Township

Formerly the Silver Lake Country Club, this property was purchased by Kent County, Michigan, with a generous donation from the Balk family. Cannon Township is in the process of constructing a Community Building on the site. The close proximity of Balk Family Park to other parks and trails will create a recreational destination for both residents and visitors.

Located at 7601 Belding Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341, the 125 acres will be developed for family recreation and play.

Top Priorities include:
• Restroom/Pavilion
• Boardwalks & Overlooks
• Trails
• Unique Playgrounds
• Disc Golf
• Natural Restoration/Prairie Habitat

The township is accepting donations, and the facilites will be built as funding allows

See more at Balk Family Park


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Treat Wooly Adelgid in Spring

hemlock wooly adelgid (photo from EGLE)

a news release of EGLE

If hemlock trees on your property show signs of hemlock woolly adelgid infestation, now is a good time to plan for spring treatment of this invasive species. Hemlock woolly adelgid, native to Asia, is known to be present in areas of Allegan, Antrim, Benzie, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Muskegon, Oceana, Ottawa, Van Buren and Washtenaw counties in Michigan. These small insects suck sap from hemlock needles and ultimately can cause tree death.

Insecticides are available to control the insect, and in many cases, landowners can apply them easily by carefully following label instructions and application rate guidance. In Michigan, the label is the law. In some cases, you may need or prefer the services of a licensed pesticide application business.

If one or more trees are infested, make plans to act this year. Without treatment, trees infested with hemlock woolly adelgid are likely to die within four to 10 years. Weakened trees in a home landscape could spell disaster during high winds or storms, and eventually they will have to be removed. Loss of hemlocks in forested areas can reduce shade, winter cover, and food and habitat for birds, fish and mammals.

Products containing either imidacloprid or dinotefuran as the active ingredient and labeled for treatment of hemlock woolly adelgid are effective in combatting the insect.

Imidacloprid moves slowly through trees, taking at least a year to reach the top of a large tree. However, one application will protect the tree for at least four years. Dinotefuran moves through hemlock trees more quickly, making it ideal for heavily infested trees. Dinotefuran protects trees for one to two years.

No matter which treatment you select, be sure your treatment plan includes all hemlocks on your property over the next few years. If hemlock woolly adelgid is on your site, hemlocks without symptoms are very likely to be infested over time, including trees on neighboring properties. It’s a good idea to discuss treatment plans with neighbors and coordinate efforts when possible.

See link above for much more information from the Department of the Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, Michigan.


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South Rogue River Trail Construction

South Rogue River Trail construction (photo by Prein & Newhof Construction)

from Prein & Newhof Construction

Construction is moving ahead on Plainfield Charter Township’s (Kent County, Michigan) South Rogue River Trail. When complete, this new trail will provide a safe, scenic route connecting the White Pine Trail to the Northland Drive area, closing the Township’s first non-motorized loop alongside the Rockford Trail.

This milestone creates a continuous route that expands how residents can move through and experience the area. It also plays an important role in the larger Grand River Greenway pathway network across West Michigan, creating more opportunities to be active outside while enjoying the natural beauty of the Rogue River corridor.

Crews have been making steady progress this spring, including completing backfill at the bridge abutments, installing drainage systems, and advancing work on both the boardwalk and retaining walls. Next steps will shift toward preparing the trail base and setting the bridge on the abutments as the trail aims to open to the public later this spring! Congratulations to Plainfield Charter Township on the continued progress of this investment in outdoor recreation and connectivity. We’re grateful to be part of a project that will serve residents and visitors for years to come, and we appreciate the hard work of Dan's Excavating Service, Inc. and the entire project team helping bring it to life on site.

The South Rogue River Trail is the final pathway funded by the voter-approved Non-Motorized Pathways and Recreational Areas Millage, which expired earlier this year. Kent County will reimburse the Township for the pedestrian bridge once the project is complete.

See Plainfield Township


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Forest Service Responds to Negative Comments about Restructuring

National Forest sign (photo by jhy)

from the Forst Service response

The USDA Forest Service has posted official responses to many of the criticisms of the restructuring plan. Some of those will be listed here.

In response to the moving of some offices, the FS says: "The Forest Service’s facilities footprint is extensive and significantly larger than can be supported under current congressional appropriations, which are declining for facilities — approximately $37 million less in FY 2026 compared to FY 2025. Deferred maintenance has grown to $3 billion, and retaining a footprint we cannot adequately maintain would not be responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. To operate efficiently and to invest in safe, functional workspaces for employees, the Forest Service must reduce its overall facilities footprint."

There is concern that forest research will become limited. The response states: "The reorganization does not eliminate scientific positions, cancel research programs, or reduce our national research footprint. In many locations, “closure” refers only to individual buildings currently housing small teams. Staff and programs will continue their work, relocated into fewer facilities while maintaining research presence across the country.

"It's important to note that staffing and facilities are funded separately, and closing a facility does not mean the work stops. In many cases staff will move to another local facility, service center, or forest office. This reorganization is focused on rebuilding staff capacity at the field level to deliver the work that builds forest health and improves visitor services."

GOTC is neither criticizing nor defending the federal decisions. The aim is to provide information as these, no doubt, difficult moves will be carried out. For the complete text of the response, follow the link above.


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Three Trails Receive Pure Michigan Designation

White Pine Trail (photo by jhy)

from Outdoor Wire

Each year, trails are recognized as Pure Michigan Trails through a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the state's Pure Michigan marketing program.

This year, The White Pine Trail in West Michigan is one of the recipients. The White Pine Trail runs 92 miles from Cadillac to Comstock Park near Grand Rapids. It follows the former roadbed of the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, and is a paved multi-use trail. It passes through 15 communities.

"The Pure Michigan Trail program recognizes Michigan pathways that provide a quality trail experience, whether these trail users are hiking, biking, riding or paddling," said DNR state trails coordinator Tim Novak. "The organizations and dedicated individuals helping maintain these high-quality trails have worked hard to support and advocate for trails and trails users while providing safe, accessible recreational experiences year-round."

The other two recipients are the Michigan Air Line Trail, a 7.5-mile trail in Oakland County, near Detroit, and the Great Lakes Way. The Great Lakes Way includes 160 miles of greenways and 156 miles of blueways which connect southern Lake Huron with Western Lake Erie.

See White Pine Trail


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Coastal Management Grants from EGLE

Rosy Mound beach (photo by jhy)

from a news article by WGVU Public Media

Ten grants have been awarded for coastal management by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). The total is $885,000. Three of the grants will come to west Michigan.

Grants are awarded annually from the Michigan Coastal Management Program whose mission is to protect, preserve, restore, enhance and develop coastal resources along the nation’s longest freshwater coastline

Rosy Mound Natural Area, in Ottawa County, will receive $50,000 to protect wetlands and improve public access.

The city of Saugtuck, in Allegan County, will be able to improve safety and access to Oval Beach with $20,000.

South Haven, in Van Buren County, is updating its zoning to better deal with shoreline protection strategies and erosion issues. They have been awarded $17,500.

See Rosy Mound
See Oval Beach


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Use Caution and Common Sense in Flooded Areas

flooded road (photo by jhy)

from a news release of the Michigan DNR

As a record volume of water driven by snowmelt and spring rain brings water levels in Michigan to unusually high levels, many oads and trails throughout the western part of the state are flooded, some closed.

The situation is approaching critical at the Cheboygan Dam with emergency measures being taken to try to divert water around the dam, but even more rain is expected this week, and people in the danger zone are being told to prepare to evacuate if water overtops the dam, as failure may be possible. However, the Cheboygan County Sheriffs Department urges residents to rely on official sources of information.

What are good safety practices with this high water?

Resist the urge to fish, explore or put a watercraft in floodwaters or swollen rivers.

“Higher waters can cause fast-flowing currents, deeper and colder water, unpredictable conditions and more debris floating under the water’s surface, especially on rivers,” said Jen Wolf, acting assistant chief of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Law Enforcement Division.

Throughout the season, any boat, regardless of size, must be equipped with a personal flotation device for each person on board.

Here are additional tips from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for dealing with standing or flowing spring floodwaters:
• Do not walk, wade or try to swim in floodwaters. Floodwaters may be contaminated with bacteria, hazardous waste or chemicals.
• Floodwaters may cover live, downed electrical lines which could cause a fatal shock.
• Stay away from lakes and rivers when water is high. With soft ground, you can lose your footing and slip into water.
• If you are driving and water is over the road, turn around. Six inches of water is enough to lose control of your vehicle.

Additional tips for hikers-
• be extremely cautious at water crossings that must be forded
• consider what might have washed into normally clean water sources- you may need to prefilter water, and agricultural runoff can pollute streams with nitrates which many filters will not remove
• if roads to trailheads are under water, change your plans.
• remember that hypothermia can set in faster if you are wet

The Cheboygan, AuSable and Manistee Rivers are all under flood watch conditions.

See more safety info from the Michigan DNR


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Grand River Edges Connection

Grand River Edges connection concept (graphic from Grand River Network)

from Grand River Network

This project will close a major gap in the regional non-motorized Grand River Greenway trail system by linking Downtown Grand Rapids to Riverside Park and, by extension, the White Pine Trail State Park. It's length is about 0.75 mile.

This will be a new 12-ft wide multi-use trail on the east bank of the Grand River from Leonard St to Ann St, including safe at-grade street crossings, lighting, benches and signage.

Construction is set to begin spring 2026, and be completed by fall. The cost is $9.1 million, with funding coming from: City of Grand Rapids, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Transportation, American Rescue Plan Act (via Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. (DGRI) and Michigan Department of Natural Resources), and private partners

See trail site plan


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Whooper Visits Arcadia Marsh

whooping crane (photo by Wild Horizons, taken in Wisconsin)

from an article at M-Live

One ofthe rarest birds in North America put in an appearance at Arcadia Marsh in northern Manistee (Michigan) County.

The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, which manages the restored marsh, made the announcement that a whooper visited this spring. Whooping cranes have made a comeback from a population of 23 birds to a current population of 800-900. This is a rare success story of hard-core protection, breeding, and reintroduction efforts over decades. They are still federally listed as Endangered.

Grus americana is the tallest native bird in North America, at around 5 feet. There is a small breeding population in Wisconsin, and this visitor is probably a stray from that migratory group.

The GTRLC said, “Although our visitor has moved on, we are grateful it found Arcadia Marsh, Arcadia Dunes, and the surrounding mosaic of land suitable for a stopover. It is a good indicator that decades of land protection and restoration are providing resources to wildlife that require healthy habitats to thrive.”

See Arcadia Marsh


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Headwaters Conservancy Seeks to Expand Hess Preserve

Dune and swale ecosystem ( graphic from Headwaters Conservancty)

from Headwaters Land Conservancy

In January 2026, Headwaters Land Conservancy officially closed on its 100th conservation easement — permanently protecting 328 acres of forest, wetland, and lakefront.

Headwaters covers the northeast Lower Peninsula of Michigan. It preserves coastal lands along Lake Huron among other projects. HeadWaters is seeking to acquire 200 acres of dune and swale, as well as coastal habitat bordering the Hess Nature Preserve in Presque Isle County. With its undeveloped Lake Huron shoreline, rare and threatened plant species, and a unique coastal fen, Hess is overflowing with biodiversity and ecological significance.

For years, HeadWaters Land Conservancy has been working with local landowners and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to expand the preserve from its original 12 acres to more than 200 acres, ensuring the permanent protection of this critical landscape. In December, 40 acres were purchased, and funds are being raised to purchase a parcel with 1500 feet of Lake Huron Shoreline.

Donations are being accepted.

See more about this project


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Hazard from the Sky?

helicopter aerial groundwater survey (photo from EGLE)

primarily from a news release of EGLE

Hikers and other people working or recreating outdoors may see low-flying helicopters over the 16 southwest counties of Michigan from April through the summer of 2026.

Low-flying helicopters with strange-looking equipment will soon soar over 16 counties in Southwest Michigan to help scientists better understand and protect Michigan’s groundwater. Led by the USGS Water Resources Survey and EGLE, the survey uses airborne technology to map underground geology and aquifers. This reveals how much groundwater exists, how it moves, and how it connects to rivers and streams—supporting better-informed decisions about managing Michigan’s water.

Groundwater supplies drinking water for millions, supports agriculture, and keeps rivers flowing. While Michigan’s reserves are massive—comparable to a “sixth Great Lake”—they’re not unlimited. This work provides the data needed to manage this vital resource for the long term.

The daylight-only flights completed by specially trained pilots will avoid densely populated areas and will not pass over buildings at low altitude. The work poses no risk to humans, animals, or plant life and does not collect photos or videos.

The cooperative study is expected to provide a better understanding of bedrock depth and give us additional data about aquifer systems in southwest Michigan, which will result in better informed decisions about managing Michigan’s groundwater resources.

Personal note from jhy: I was hiking beneath a helicopter-towed aerial trimming saw a few years ago. That certainly did not feel safe, but this apparatus should not cause any distress for hikers, bikers, or paddlers.

See the link above for more, and a map of the survey area.


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First Season for Holland Ice Park Successful

Holland Ice Park (photo from city of Holland)

from an article on M-Live

Holland, Michigan, opened its $11.3 million dollar Ice Park in November, 2025, and the initial season is being hailed as a great success. It was envisioned as a way to make the city a four-season destination. The Park encompasses 14,000 square feet, and incluces an ice skating ribbon, curling rink, fire pits, picnic areas and concessions.

Over the first season, 33,685 visitors booked individual skating sessions and 213 reservations for the curling court.

Almost all available skating sessions sold out during the November to March season. Tickets are sold for 90-minute sessions. There is a 700-foot ice ribbon, and also a semi-circle for open skating. The ribbon is the longest in Michigan.

There were a few tweaks to make things run more smoothly. Session times were staggered to prevent waiting lines for skate rental. More walk-up tickets were made available, and the maximum number of skaters allowed at a time was increased slightly.

The city of Holland is anticipating that the venue will not need to be subsidized but will be financially self-supporting. It is reported that people traveled from all over the Midwest to visit the Ice Park.

See Holland Ice Park to Open


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