Kruger's Landing on Red Cedar River Improved

Notice: I will be off the couch hiking during part of September and October 2026. Posts may be less regular during this time

Kruger's Landing (photo from Michigan Waterways Stewards)

from Michigan Waterways Stewards

Three years ago, this Red Cedar River access near Lansing, Michigan, was thick with invasive trees and bushes. Dead and dying trees needed to be removed. The stretch of the Lansing River Trail and the path leading to the fishing pier were crowded with overhanging branches and compacted organic material. Additionally, litter, trash, and other remnants of urban living were strewn across the area, including along and in the Red Cedar River.

Now, invasive trees have been removed from Kruger's Landing on the Red Cedar River. This will improve the environmental health of the park and should enhance user enjoyment.

Dead and dying trees are gone as well as a large number of invasive species. The kayak/canoe launch has been cleared of debris and overhanging limbs.

Future plans include a pollinator garden and additional plantings of native trees.

The Lansing River Trail runs through Kruger's Landing.

See Lansing River Trail


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All But Two Sections of Tunnel of Trees Reopen

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Tunnel of Trees (photo by Ami Woods)

from M-Live

The scenic section of M-119 in Emmet County, Michigan, that is often referred to as the "Tunnel of Trees," was closed in four sections earlier this year following April and June rain events.

The 22-mile section between Cross Village and Harbor Springs was severely damaged.

Two of the four damaged sections have now reopened. The closure near West Stutsmanville Road is open. And near South Lamkin Road, also known as Ball Hill, is repaired.

The $300,000 project stabilized the slope beneath the roadway. Contractors installed a new retaining wall along two segments of M-119, as well as new guardrail.

See Destructive Rains Close Locations on Tunnel of Trees


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Two Deaths on Lansing River Trail in Two Weeks

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Lansing Police (photo from WILX)

from WILX 10 News

The Lansing River Trail, Lansing, Michigan, is 20 miles long and connects Old Town, the Brenke Fish Ladder, Potter Park Zoo, downtown's Louis F. Adado Riverfront Park, and the Michigan State University (MSU) campus.

Two murders have occurred along this urban trail in the past two weeks. On August 20, at about four in the morning, a young man was stabbed to death.

Just days ago, Louis Woodruff, age 57, was found severaly injured, in approximately the same area, by Lansing Police. He had facial wounds so traumatic that although he was transported to the hospital, his family ultimately decided to remove him from life support. Woodruff was homeless and living along the river.

These incidents may be related, and certainly raise concerns about security on the trail. Richard Miles, president of the Friends of the Lansing Regional Trails pointed out that although people do not like to have surveillance cameras, the privacy is a trade-off with safety.

Meanwhile, these serve as a reminder to not hike alone, especially in the dark. Urban trails are always more likely to have a higher risk of incidents.

See Lansing River Trail


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Spotlight on Elk View Park

Notice: I will be off the couch hiking during part of September and October 2026. Posts may be less regular during this time

Michigan elk herd (photo from Gaylord Tourism)

from Gaylord Tourism

Elk View Park has been a favorite stop for visitors to Gaylord, Michigan since the 1980s. The park was created after Project Nature, a wildlife sanctuary, closed about 40 years ago. The City of Gaylord now cares for this herd, which also includes several Fallow and Sitka deer.

This is not part of Michigan's wild elk herd. However, you have a good chance of actually seeing an elk here. About 45 elk call this enclosure home. Each spring, new calves are born, so the herd size changes slightly from year to year.

Visiting in September and October can be exciting because it’s the elk rut, or mating season. Bull elk compete for the attention of the cows by bugling and sparring with one another. During the warmer months, your best chance to see elk near the viewing platform is in the morning or evening. As temperatures rise, they often head for the shade near the original viewing area, which is still a great place to stop and watch them. In the fall season, they roam more often and can be seen just about any time of day.

See Elk View Park


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National Forests and Grasslands Passport

graphic for the NF Digital Passports (graphic from the National Forest Service)

a news release of USDA Forest Service

A new digital stamp experience is available that lets users check in at all 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands, share their adventures with their communities, and collect virtual badges along the way.

Developed in partnership with the National Forest Foundation, this free experience is designed to inspire people to discover even more of America’s public lands while having fun and building digital bragging rights.

Available through the OuterSpatial mobile app, the passport turns every forest or grassland visit into a collectible moment. Users can check in at each location they explore and build a personal collection of badges reflecting their journeys.

Each badge is uniquely crafted, drawing inspiration from our iconic Forest Service entrance signs and capturing the landscapes, wildlife and natural features that make each forest and grassland special. This experience was partially inspired by our friends at the National Park Service and their long-standing passport program. I personally have collected dozens of stamps over the years and wanted to continue that meaningful tradition on our forests.

Three of the digital stamps would be available in Michigan, at Manistee National Forest in the Lower Peninsula, and Hiawatha NF and Ottawa NF in the Upper Peninsula. You do need to create an account and allow the app to access your location.

Download OuterSpatial from your mobile app store.


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Bird Song Preserve Adds 162 Acres

Bird Song Nature Preserve (photo from Superior Charter Township)

from Superior Charter Township Facebook

Superior Township, in Washtenau County, Michigan, will add 162 acres to the BirdSong Nature Preserve. This will increase the preserve to 322 acres, stretching from Cherry Hill Road to Vreeland Road.

The Michigan Land Conservancy purchased the property in 2021 with the goal of transferring it to Superior Township once funding was secured. The entire $1.7 million purchase price is being covered by grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Ducks Unlimited, Ann Arbor Greenbelt program, and the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation. No taxpayer dollars are being used.

The Superior Township Parks and Recreation Commission has also been busy restoring natural habitat to the portion it currently manages north of Vreeland Road. Eleven acres of bare farm field have beeb planted with native wildflowers. A 1.2 mile walking trail has been created to enable visitors to enjoy this new landscape. A parking lot and other site amenities will be added.

The preserve is appropriately named as 181 species of birds have already been observed on the property.

See Superior Township Parks


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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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Fate of Dams to Be Determined within 30 Days

Croton Dam on the Muskegon River (photo from Newaygo County)

compiled from several sources

Within the next 30 days, the Michigan Public Service Commission is expected to decide whether to allow Consumers Energy to sell the 13 hydro dams to Confluence Energy, This would keep the dams operational.

Consumers has determined that the best two options for these facilities are to either sell to an independent operator or remove the hydros and their dam structures from the rivers, which removes the impoundments and backwaters used extensively for recreation.

The decision had been postponed after the signifcant flooding that occurred across Michigan this summer. Consumers has given thoughtful consideration to how these integral community assets can continue safely while choosing the best option for its nearly 2 million electric customers. The sale accomplishes this. All Consumers Hydro personnel accompany the sale, and FERC will still oversee safety aspects. A $270 million future safety fund will also be created.

However, a number of groups are strongly opposing this sale and are pushing for the dams' removal. Michigan’s hunting and fishing regulators have voted unanimously to pass a resolution opposing Consumers Energy’s planned sale of 13 hydropower dams. The Natural Resources Commission has no vote in the outcome, but they stated, "we do have a voice."

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is urging even stronger language to safeguard safety and financial health.

If the sale does not go through, the dams will be remomved, the dam ponds will disappear and the rivers will return to their natural flow. Recreation would shift from boating and similar activities on the ponds, and would become re-focused on moving water activities such as fishing.



Voice your opinion by searching for U-21985 at this link.
See a list of the dams at Dam Removal Debate Continues


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Man Bikes Around Lake Michigan for Charity

Ken Webster (photo from his blog)

compiled from several sources

A 68-year-old man named Ken Webster completed a bicyle tour of over 600 miles this week around Lake Michigan to raise money for Operation Christmas Child. He has raised about $6500 to cover shipping costs for the shoebox gifts that are sent to children around the world. This will pay for the shipping of about 650 boxes.

He started on August 6, 2026 and completed the circuit in ten days. His loop began in Ludington, Michigan, and he was supported by a grandson. His hometown is Hartford, Wisconsin.

He did this same ride 20 years ago, but did that trip with his brother Don who has since passed away. This trip was made in his brother's memory in addition to the fundraising.

See Richard Webster's Blog


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Traverse City "The Ridge" Protected

view from The Ridge (photo from Grand Traverse Land Conservancy)

compiled from several sources

The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has successfully raised over $11 million to permanently protect "The Ridge," The Ridge Nature Preserve near Traverse City, Michigan. From the property there are breathtaking views of Grand Traverse Bay and the surrounding area. On a clear day, from the high point, one can see as far as Charlevoix and Sugarloaf Mountain in Leelanau County.

This purchase will prevent a 1,100-unit housing development. Some housing will be allowed in restricted locations of previously disturbed areas of about six total acres.

The Ridge encompasses 306 acres that include 7,100 feet of stream frontage, 64 acres of wetlands, and mature forest that protect the Mitchell Creek and East Bay Shoreline watersheds.

Future plans include protecting wildlife corridors and possibly creating trail connections with the TART Trail.

See The Ridge Nature Preserve
See The Ridge- Closer to Goal


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Pippi's Pass Connects Offield to NCT

Peter Curran and granddaugher Pippi (photo from Little Traverse Conservancy)

compiled from several sources

Near Harbor Springs, Michigan, the North Country Trail is now connected to the mountain bike trails at Offield Family Viewlands Working Forest Reserve. The connector is under a mile in length, but this connecting trail will increase the options for hiking and cycling in the local area.

Although the NCT is primarily a hiking trail, it is open to bicycles in some land management areas.

The new connector is called Pippi's Pass. The trail was made possible by Peter Curran, and Pippi is his granddaughter.

The Offield Family Viewlands was formerly the Little Traverse Bay Golf Club. The land is now host to approximately 10 miles of mountain bike and hiking trails.

See Offield Family Viewlands


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Invitation to Trail Planning Partnership

multi-use trail (photo from Michigan DNR)

a news release of Michigan.gov

If your community could benefit from improved access to and maintenance of local trails or waterways, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan State University want to hear from you.

Now in its fifth year, this DNR-MSU partnership allows students from the MSU Department of Community Sustainability’s Trail Building, Law and Policy course to help five Michigan communities with their trail-planning efforts.

As part of the class, the students work with community leaders to identify their trail needs and priorities. The resulting student-crafted plans identify potential improvements and provide a framework for future development of a community’s local trails or waterways. Previous cohorts of the class have planned trail systems for communities that include:
• The city of Sault Ste. Marie (Chippewa County)
• The village of Cassopolis (Cass County)
• Calhoun County
• Clearwater Township (Kalkaska County)
• The city and township of Charlevoix (Charlevoix County)

“This course has been a revelation and inspiration for many of my students in helping to understand the details of the trail-planning process, and how their efforts can contribute to a more vibrant trail system in a community,” said Bob Wilson, the course’s instructor. “Students get real-world experience out of the classroom and often open career opportunities for themselves.”

Interested municipality leaders who would like to be considered for involvement in the spring 2027 project should contact the DNR’s statewide trails coordinator, Tim Novak, at NovakT8@michigan.gov. Space in the program fills quickly, and the DNR and MSU will work with interested communities to determine whether a project is a good fit for the upcoming course.

See Michgan DNR


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