Johnson Park Trailhead Improvements in Kent County

Johnson Park Trailhead of Grand River Greenway (photo from Carbon Stories)

from Kent County Parks Department

Johnson Park, Kent County's western Grand River Greenway trailhead is being improved. Changes include:
• A brand-new, four-season restroom
• A new playground
• Covered gathering spaces
• A trailhead for the new mountain bike trail system

Kent Trails is a 15-mile, non-motorized paved trail that is a collaborative effort between Kent County Parks, the cities of Grand Rapids, Grandville, Walker and Wyoming, and Byron Township.

Traveling through these six jurisdictions, the trail follows abandoned railroad lines, surface streets, and easements to provide a linear parkway stretching from John Ball Park and Millennium Park to Byron Center.

Four main trailheads provide access to the trail. At the north end, the North Millennium Trailhead is at the northernmost end of Millennium Park, near the John Ball Zoo. At the south end, there's a trailhead in Byron Center on 84th Street Along the way, spur trails lead to trailheads at Johnson Park and Douglas Walker Park. You can also access the trail at any cross street along the route.

The new Johnson Park Trailhead is expected to open this fall

See Kent Trails


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White Pine Trail Gets New Bridge at Paris

White Pine bridge at Paris, MI (photo from Friends of the White Pine Trail)

from West Michigan Trails

Two skilled crane operators swung two multi-ton bridge pieces which were then connected to form a 90 ft. bridge over Buckhorn Creek in Paris. This is on the 92-mile White Pine multi-use trail, as it passes through the village of Paris, Michigan.

The Buckhorn Dam, a failing culvert and tons of dirt were removed prior to placing the bridge sections. It will be several more weeks before work is complete and the bridge will be open for use.

Several historic sites are nearby including a 125-year-old ice house and Michigan's second fish hatchery, built in 1884.

Interpretation will be completed next summer, and the town's replica of the Eiffel Tower has already been moved to a location adjacent to the trail. The tower was constructed from bed frames originally used by hatchery employees.

See Buckhorn Dam to Be Removed


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More NCT May Come Off Road Near Lowell

possible trail corridor (photo from North Country Trail Association)

a news release of North Country Trail Association

For 20+ years, alongside the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the North Country Trail Association has been eyeing a retired railroad corridor outside of Lowell, Michigan. The NCTA's goal is to utilize it to move more North Country Trail off-road.

Now, thanks to this dedicated partnership between the Association, DNR, MDOT, and Kent County Parks Department, as well as the generosity of a private donor, we're making significant strides toward making this dream a reality.

This spring, partners led NCTA and National Park Service staff on a tour of various segments along this route. When complete, 5.5 miles of NCT will be moved off-road, allowing trail users to wander more safely across this scenic farmland. From the MDOT side, this project will help develop a multi-use, non-motorized trail closing the last unfunded gap in the 125-mile Fred Meijer Mid-West Michigan Regional Trail network, allowing for uninterrupted use across six counties from Owosso to Lowell to Greenville to Alma.

See North Country Trail Association


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Attend Virtual Planning for Interlochen State Park

Interlochen State Park (photo from the Michigan DNR)

a news release of Michigan DNR

Join the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at a virtual public meeting 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5, to learn about and share feedback on a new draft general management plan for Interlochen State Park in Grand Traverse County.

At the meeting, DNR staff will present an overview of the draft plan, proposed park improvements and the planning process, followed by an opportunity for people to ask questions and provide comment. Advance meeting registration is required.

For those unable to attend, the meeting will be recorded and posted online approximately one week after the event. An interactive public input survey is also available through Aug. 23 for people to provide feedback.

The DNR uses general management plans to define a long-range planning and management strategy that protects the resources of a park while addressing recreation and education needs and opportunities.

Register for the planning meeting


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Possible Leakage at Hodenpyl Dam

Hodenpyl Dam and Pond

mostly from M-Live

The severe flooding this spring has changed the condition of many of the dams that Consumers Energy has been trying to sell to a third party, and is one of the factors affecting the status of that salw. One of the potential problem areas is at Hodenpyl Dam near Mesick, Michigan, on the Manistee River.

There are potential leaks, sinkholes and damage to sheet piling at Hodenpyl. Inspection could require shutting off the flow of water, and dewatering parts of the river. This could impact fish and other aquatic wildlife, as well as recreation. The inspection is being delayed until August as Consumers Energy contemplates a way to keep some water flowing downstream during that time.

Dam failure is not considered a concern, but inspection and repairs do need to take place soon. Consumers is recommending the condition be checked before fall.

Hodenpyl impounds 2025 surface acres of water, and is considered "high hazard," because failure is likely to cause property damage and death. The dam pond and the Manistee River are high value recreation venues. A portion of the North Country Trail closely follows the shore of the pond.


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Alpine Firefighters Use what3words to Rescue Cyclist

recue in progress (photo from Alpine Firefighters)

from Alpine Firefighters Association

Alpine Township Fire Department (Kent County, Michigan) responded this week to a report of an injured mountain biker on the Perrin Flow Trail of the Wahlfield Park trail system. This is in a remote section of the park and is not easily reached by traditional emergency apparatus.

The location of the injured cyclist was pinpointed using what3words. This location system divides the globe into 3-meter squares each with a unique address consisting of three words.

Kent County Sheriff's Office dispatch relayed that location to responding crews in real time. Alpine Firefighters determined the fastest entry point to reach the victim, always a challenge in remote locations. Advanced Life Support personnel assesed and treated the patient before transporting to a hospital.

The ATVs used to reach the site were received through the Firehouse Subs Foundation grant program. The department states that this is a good example of layering technology with traditional radio communication to locate and aid the injured person in a timely manner.


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Kent County Dog Park Opens

aerial view of Kent Co. Dog Park (photo from Wahlfield Construction)

from Kent County Parks

The new Kent County, Michigan, 10-acre, fully fenced, off-leash dog park will open Friday, July 24, 2026. A grand opening celebration is planned for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wahlfield Park - North, located at 7117 M-37 in Comstock Park.

A facility of this size dedicated to dog recreation is highly unusual. Ben Swayze, director of the Kent County Parks Department, said, “Wahlfield Dog Park fills a need we've heard from the community for years.”

The park is completely enclosed and features
• a swimming pond with jumping dock (for dogs only)
• a 1-acre area for small dogs
• a 2-acre open activity field
• crushed stone walking trails through natural areas
• a four-season family restroom with a dog wash station

The park hours will be from 7 am until sunset.

Dogs must be spayed/neutered to use the facility. Complete rules can be found at the link below.

See Kent County Parks


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Rabid Bat Found in Ottawa County

bat (photo from Michigan Field Guide)

from M-Live

Ottawa County (Michigan) Department of Public Health has announced the first case of rabies in the county this year in any species of animal. No human cases have been reported to date.

Bats are most active from May through September, and people should take precautions. Any scratch or bite should prompt capture of the animal for testing. Finding a bat in a room where people have been sleeping or finding a bat in a room with people such as children or the infirm who cannot clearly communicate any interactions should cause concern.

Do not release of dispose of the bat. Confine or collect the bat and contact your local health department so it can be tested. Rabies is curable if treatment begins before symptoms begin.

So far in 2026, Michigan has found 22 cases of animals with rabies.

See Bat in Emmet County Tests Positive for Rabies


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Wildwood Harbor Nature Area Expands

Wildwood Harbor Nature Area (photo from Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy)

from M-Live

The Walloon Lake, Charlevoix County, Michigan, Association and Land Conservancy has just expanded its Wildwood Harbor Nature Area by 30 acres. This is now the largest property managed by that group.

The purchase links the land with other parcels forming a 285-acre block of protected land. The wetland and forested section, in the southern part of the Walloon Lake watershed is now permanently conserved.

Protection of the property will also maintain a high-quality wildlife corridor supporting species including black bear, bobcat, beaver, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, mink, and numerous species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and pollinators. WLAC plans to develop a comprehensive management plan for the property later in 2026 to guide long-term stewardship activities, forest management, wildlife habitat protection, and public access considerations.

The total project cost was $294,148. The acquisition was made possible in part through WLAC’s Land Protection Fund.

Wildwood Harbor supports hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, birding, kayaking and other quiet activities.

See Wildwood Harbor Preserve


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Musketawa Trail Upgrades Near Completion

newly paved Musketawa Trail (photo from West Michigan Trails)

from West Michigan Trails

The Musketawa Trail in Ottawa and Muskegon Counties, Michigan, is a 25-mile paved route that forms a connection leading to Grand Rapids and to the Lakeshore Trail.

Beginning in 2025, complete reconstruction began using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

Most of the work will be completed by August 2026, with the exception of the Crockery Creek bridge. This may not be complete until mid-September, but users will be able to once again enjoy most of the trail. The new pavement is ten feet wide.

The planning for additional trail amenities is ongoing. The Friends group has made a memorial shelter project their priority and is raising funds. A comprehensive amenities plan is still in development

See Musketawa Trail


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Pentwater Junior Sailing Program Gets New Dock

building the new dock (photo from the Oceana Echo)

from Oceana Echo

The Pentwater (Michigan) Junior Yacht Club was the recipient of a new dock this week where they can store their boats.

Pentwater's Junior Sailing Program provides lessons to all youth. There is a sailor scholarship program for any student that may need help with the cost. The goal is to be sure all children have an opportunity to learn to sail. They also offer private lessons for adults and children under 8 years of age.

The previous deck was broken and the seawall was in bad repair, allowing water to erode the land behind it.

Contributions were provided by The Pentwater Lake Improvement Board, The Village of Pentwater, the Pentwater Service Club, and the Pentwater Junior Women's Club. The Service Club also provided labor as a great cost-saving measure.

Once plans were approved and the beach area re-graded, building the dock took only two days.

See Pentwater Junior Saliing Program


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Another Mosquito-Borne Hazard

mosquito (photo by mycteria)

compiled from several sources

Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department has confirmed Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV) in Michigan this year. The virus is mosquito-borne and causes Jamestown Canyon encephalitis.

The actual occurrance of the disease is quite rare and usually results only in mild flu or cold-like symptoms such as headache, sore throat, runny nose or cough. Some cases are totally asymptomatic.

In a few cases the progression will lead to nausea, vomiting, and fever. This can develop into meningitis or meningoencephalitis, both serious illneeses. Older persons or those with compromised immune systems are more susceptible. However, the CDC reports only 13 cases from 2000 to 2013.

The Environmental Health Division monitors mosquito populations in the Kalamozoo area and found the virus in a routine inspection.

Jamestown Canyon Virus is found throughout the United States, although it is not studied extensively since most cases are mild. Taking normal precautions against mosquito bites is recommended.

See WZZM article


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