Robots Doing Trail Work?

Events Calendar

trail robot (photo from WVU)

complied from several sources

A recent article from Backpacker reports that robots are being developed to do trail maintenance and more. Does this sound too fantastic? It's true.

West Virginia University student Camndon Reed, a robotics engineering and mathematics major from Watertown, Massachusetts, designs autonomous robots that navigate hiking trails.

Reed says, "Hiking trails are our gateways to nature. The U.S. has over 193,500 miles of trails on federal lands alone. More than 58 million Americans hiked in 2021, and it’s growing in popularity. But hiking trails present problems for land managers, conservationists and emergency responders, so we developed a system that can help a robot navigate trail systems on its own.”

He further explains that while most robots are designed for relatively level urban or indoor terrain, hiking trails are many levels of multiple factors more difficult.

“We try to balance three key factors — the unmanned vehicle’s adherence to the trail, its identification of off-trail shortcuts and its avoidance of hazards,” he said. “The eventual goal is to support rural communities with trail maintenance, environmental monitoring and emergency response.”

The trails serve as a laboratory for teaching the machines how to navigate, and they may also be able to help with basic maintenance or monitoring tasks.

Note: online response to the concept has been mostly disdainful.

See article from Backpacker
See article from West Virginia University


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

North Country Trail Association Seeks New Executive Director

Events Calendar

NCTA Headquarters mural (photo by jhy)

from the NCTA and board president Jan Stewart

Andrea Ketchmark, Executive Director of the North Country Trail Association, has chosen to step down from her role with the North Country Trail Association (NCTA) on January 15, 2026, having accepted another professional opportunity. Andrea laid a strong foundation for our future.

Andrea says, "After 16 years, it's hard to put into words just what this trail and this community has meant to me. I'll be forever grateful for the experiences I've had, the relationships I've built, my time spent on the trail and advocating for it. We truly have a special resource and an even more special community. I will champion the North Country Trail whenever given the chance."

The NCTA has now posted the application for the position. The role summary of the document states, "The Executive Director provides visionary leadership for the NCTA, guiding its work across eight states through clear direction, strong relationships, and effective execution. The role directly supervises the Director of Trail Operations, the Director of Development and Communications, and the Director of Trail Protection, with a total staff of 13."

See Position Announcement and application


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Ludington State Park Skyline Trail to be Rebuilt

Events Calendar

LSP Skyline Trail from below (photo by jhy)

from the Ludington State Park Facebook page

Winding a half-mile through the treetops at the top of a 100-plus-stair climb, the Skyline Trail at Ludington State Park (Mason County, Michigan) will receive a major upgrade in 2026 thanks to a collaboration between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Friends of Ludington State Park. This trail is south of the Big Sable River and provides views of the dunes at the south end of the park.

The $3.5 million reconstruction project will ensure the Skyline Trail meets modern safety and construction standards. The Friends are raising 10 percent of the cost, up to a maximum of $350,000, with the DNR using dedicated capital outlay funds to cover the remaining amount.

Additionally, the Friends of Ludington State Park approved an almost $100,000 improvement project to replace the existing concrete stage, add a protective canopy, refresh the seating, and explore tiering the grassy area to create additional seating for this amphitheater built in 1998. This project will occur in the same timeframe as the Skyline Trail replacement to minimize disruption on the south side of the river. Funding includes a $50,000 donation from Pennies from Heaven Foundation, continued support for the summer concert series from Safe Harbor Credit Union, and proceeds from Pure Ludington BRRRewfest 2026, which will directly support the amphitheater improvements.

See Ludington State Park


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

"Rock Snot" Found in Michigan

Events Calendar

rock snot (photo by Thorney- Creative Commons)

from Bridge Mi

In the summer of 2015, "rock snot" was found in the Upper Manistee River, which should have been cold and clear trout waters. "Rock snot" is the nickname given to Didymosphenia geminata and also shortened to didymo. It is a diatom that coats rocks and branches with an unpleasant-looking slime. After the 2015 discovery, it bloomed again in 2021.

It has not yet been determined if the organism is native or invasive in Michigan. No one even knows what causes the blooms.

Didymo can temporarily ruin fishing habitat and make recreation unpleasant. Jo Latimore, aquatic ecologist, outreach specialist and director for Michigan State University’s Extension Center for Lakes and Streams, says “We’re worried about it because, even if it was here all along, it sure is acting differently than it was before. Even if it is a native species, it may be an indicator that something is out of whack in these waterways.”

Cells have been found on the Manistee and Jordan Rivers in west Michigan, and also on the Au Sable and St. Mary's Rivers. It reproduces asexually, so a single cell can start a colony.

It is not a hazard to human health, but is unsightly. The stalk can attach to rocks, plants, or other submerged surfaces. When it divides, eventually a mass of branching stalks forms. This slime is primarily polysaccharides and protein, forming complex, multi-layered structures that are resistant to degradation.

See Didymosphenia geminata at Wikipedia


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Cold Weather Probably Won't Reduce Ticks

Events Calendar

deer tick (photo from the US Agricultural Research Service)

from a news article by Michigan Public Radio

Michigan is home to more than 20 species of ticks, but the cold winter probably won't reduce the upcoming summer supply. Jean Tsao is an associate professor of fisheries and wildlife at Michigan State University. She studies ticks.

Tsao says there is plenty of leaf litter, and the heavy snow also insulates the ticks.

Black-legged ticks (deer ticks) are usually the first to emerge. Expect them around mid-March. The moisture level actually affects tick populations more than a cold winter. If the warmer months are dry, ticks tend to hunker down in the litter to stay moist.

A new problem is that the Lone Star tick was identified in Kalamazoo County in 2022. Bites from this tick can trigger a condition that makes the victim allergic to red meat. It appears they are spreading to other parts of the state.

There has been one recorded death from this tick-caused allergy, a man in New Jersey in 2024. Known as alpha-gal syndrome, it causes abdominal distress, hives, or anaphylactic shock. The syndrome produces a reaction to the alpha-gal sugar naturally occurring in mammalian meat.

See Alpha-gal syndrome at Allergy and Asthma Network


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Ludington Makes Campspot Top 12 List

Events Calendar

Big Sable lighthouse at Ludington State Park(photo by jhy)

from Campspot.com

Ludington State Park, Michigan, was in the top 12 camping destinations in the United States, as calculated by Campspot.

To identify the top destinations for Together-Trips in 2026, Campspot used a two-part approach combining real-time search trends with past booking behaviors. They started by identifying the most-searched destinations for 2026 travel across the Campspot platform—places already capturing traveler interest for the year ahead. From there, they evaluated those destinations using three key behavioral filters based on 2025 bookings:
• Group Travel Volume- Cities with a high percentage of bookings that included multiple campsites or 3+ campers, signaling trips designed around togetherness.
• Length Of Stay- Destinations with the most bookings of 3 or more nights, offering campers the time and space to form deeper bonds and spontaneous connections.
• Year-Over-Year Growth- Locations showing the largest increases in either booking volume or average group size, reflecting growing cultural momentum.

The winners in the Midwest Region were Waterville, Minnesota, Eagle River, Wisconsin, and Ludington, Michigan. High occupancy and long‑stay stats propelled Ludington into the rankings. Its expansive Lake Michigan beaches, iconic lighthouse and dune‑lined Ludington State Park make it perfect for multi‑family camping trips.

See an article on the topic in Grand Rapids Magazine


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Pure Michigan Launches Snow Coverage Map

Events Calendar

Michigan Snow map for Feb 4, 2026 (graphic from Michigan.gov/snow)

from Moody on the Market

Now there’s a Pure Michigan Winter Snow Map to help plan out a winter trip, similar to the Fall Color Map.

Travel Michigan’s Nick Nerbonne says the project was launched at Michigan.org last year. It tracks the winter snow cover throughout the state each day.

"It’s at Michigan.org/Snow, and it shows a combination of forecasting and real-world data and observations and historical data that allows people to discover where the snow is falling so they can plan their winter getaway," Nerbonne said.

• Measurements shown are daily snowfall predictions
• Zoom into reveal more snowfall measurements and city names
• Select a city to display the seven-day forecast.
• Snowfall predictions beyond two weeks are based on climatological normals and should be considered an estimate

The map uses both National Weather Service information and satellite images.

See Michigan Snow Report


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Birding Expo in Detroit, February 14

Events Calendar

birding exhibit (photo from the Outdoor Adventure Center)

from Michgan's Outdoor Adventure Center

While this event is not in West Michigan, it may have enough statewide appeal to draw participants. The 2026 Birding Expo is held at the Outdoor Adventure Center at 1801 Atwater Street, Detroit, Michigan, 48207. Date is Sunday, February 15, 2026, from noon to 3:30 pm. Seniors may register to attend an earlybird session from 10:30 to noon.

Birding is a wonderful way to connect with our natural resources. Come and learn all about it! Exhibitors from various local organizations will be ready to help you get started with a healthy, fun hobby for the new year with information about: Bird identification and behavior.
• Local birding field trip opportunities.
• Feeding birds in your yard.
• Using binoculars.
• Parks and natural areas to visit.
• And much more!

Those age 55 or older can register for the Early Bird Hour, 10:30 a.m.– noon, for a jumpstart to the event. There is a fee. Register at the link below.

Register at Outdoor Adventure Center


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

West Michigan Regional Trails Master Plan

Events Calendar

counties in the West Michigan Trails Plan (graphic from West Michigan Trails)

from West Michigan Trails

The draft Master Plan for West Michigan Trails was updated in 2024. West Michigan Trails seeks to enhance the quality of life by advancing a regional trails movement. With a geographic area consisting of 18 counties, running about 170 miles north-south and 50 to 70 miles east-west, it is an ambitious mission. The project area includes 910 miles of existing trails; two of the oldest rail-trails in the state; the longest rail-trail in Michigan; nearly 200 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline; a national forest; hundreds of miles rolling farmland and orchards, 4 state recreation areas, and 13 state parks. Linking these resources with a complete network of trails would result in west Michigan becoming a destination of national significance and establishing a defining quality of life factor for the over two million people who live in the region.

The 142-page document outlines both the history of multi-use trails in this area and goals for standards and connectivity. It emphasises the "big connections that unite communities across the area."

While this plan aims to create a cohesive regional trail network, it does not include all US bike routes or single-track trails such as the Dragon Trail, the North Country Scenic Trail, and the Iron Belle Trail. However, these trails are recognized as important destinations that the regional trail network connects to, enhancing the overall accessibility and experience for trail users. Additionally, the Great Lake-to-Lake Trail Route 1 and part of US Bike Route 35 overlap with the regional multi-use trail network, further integrating these prominent routes into the broader system.

Action steps include:
• Identify Priorities
• Allocate Resources
• Support Grant Applications
• Collaborate Effectively
• Monitor Progress:

Although still incomplete, the plan covers aspects of design, advocacy, and eventual development of many connected trails. It can serve as a template for the trail planning process.

See the full West Michigan Trails draft plan


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Fruit Ridge Bridge at I-96 Rebuilt to Connect Trails

Events Calendar

Fruit Ridge Avenue Bridge (photo from MDOT)

from Michigan.gov

After years of determination and collaboration between the community and state government, the newly rebuilt I-96/Fruit Ridge Avenue interchange and pedestrian paths in the city of Walker, northwest of Grand Rapids, Michigan, opened in October of 2025.

Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) invested approximately $30 million to rebuild and widen Fruit Ridge Avenue from 3 Mile Road to Northridge Drive. The project replaced the original 1961 Fruit Ridge Avenue bridge over I-96 and rebuilt the interchange to include new nonmotorized paths along Fruit Ridge Avenue and 3 Mile Road, with trail connections on the north and south sides.

"This was the missing piece. This is a key intersection to unlock hundreds of miles of trails," said State Rep. Carol Glanville, 84th District. "Pedestrians now have safer access to the White Pine Trail [to the northeast], the Pioneer Trail and the Standale Trail [both to the south]."

See map of the Standale Trail at the top of which you can just see the I-96 crossing.


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Quiet Adventure Symposium 2026

Events Calendar

Quiet Adventure Symposium logo (from QAS)

from the Quiet Adventure Society

Today is the last day for the most discounted advance ticket price for the annual Quiet Adventure Syposium in East Lansing, Michigan.

through January 31: $10
Feb 1–Feb 26: $12.50
At the door (Feb 28): $15

The event is February 28, 2026, at the Farm Bureau Pavilion at MSU

For QAS 2026, they have selected speakers and demonstrations across a range of topics. Some of the confirmed speakers for 2026 are featured in this video.



Since 1996, the Quiet Adventure Society, a group of unpaid volunteers, has organized and sponsored the Quiet Adventures Symposium (QAS), formerly known as Quiet Water Symposium (QWS), as its primary tool for achieving its mission. The primary source of revenue is from Symposium ticket sales, sponsoring opportunities and exhibitor fees. When funds permit, small grant funds are set aside to share with the outdoor community.

See Quiet Adventure Society


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch

Nakawema Trailway Project

Events Calendar

Nakwema Trailway (photo from the Facebook page)

from Nakwema Trailway

The vison for the Nakawema (nah-KWAY-mah) Trailway project is to connect the TART trail in Traverse City, Michigan, to Charlevoix.

Nakawema means "where paths connect" in Ojibwe. The non-motorized trailway will join over 25 natural spaces and parks together, creating a year-round asset for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy, today and tomorrow.

Planning is ongoing. Learn more at the link below.

See the Nakwema Trailway Facebook page


These links are checked on the date of the article. As the article ages, some links may become invalid

Go To www.getoffthecouchnews.blogspot.com for all the news
See Get Off The Couch