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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Possible Kayak Launch at Rockford

Rogue River at the 12-Mile Conservation property (photo from Kent County Parks and Recreation)

from an M-Live news article

The 12-Mile Conservation Area at 4400 12 Mile Road NE, Rockford, Michigan, is located between the White Pine Trail and the Rogue River. Kent County is hoping to develop a portion of the 22 acres with an accessible kayak launch and a boardwalk, parking lot, and four-season restroom.

There is approximately a half-mile of river frontage on the property, and it is a popular access site for the trail and the river, but currently the only amenity is a gravel parking lot.

Kent County Board of Commissioners discussed, on March 26, approval of submission of MDNR grant applications. The county is applying to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund for $400,000 of the approximately one million needed. If approved, the state funds would be appropriated in 2027 and park construction would begin in 2028.

Visit Kent County Parks


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International Dark Sky Week, April 13-20

Headlands Dark Sky park (photo from Michigan Public Radio)

a news release of Michigan.gov

Step outside and experience the magnificent night sky during International Dark Sky Week, April 13-20. It’s the perfect time to go stargazing and learn about the importance of the night sky.

Dark sky preserves in Michigan state parks and international dark sky parks and sanctuaries in the state – places where light pollution is minimized – offer an unpolluted window into the cosmos! If you’re an avid stargazer or just curious, these locations are some of the best places in Michigan to spot the stars. So, head outdoors to enjoy the night sky. Maybe you’ll even catch a shooting star!

Dark Sky Preserves in Michigan State Parks:
• Lake Hudson Recreation Area (Lenawee County)
• Negwegon State Park (Alcona County) - No winter plowing.
• Port Crescent State Park (Huron County) - No winter plowing, visitors can hike from the parking lot to the preserve.
• Rockport Recreation Area (Presque Isle County) - Plowed in the winter.
• Thompson's Harbor State Park (Presque Isle County) - Plowed in the winter.
• Wilderness State Park (Emmet County) - No winter plowing; however, area near park headquarters is plowed.

International dark sky parks in Michigan
The following dark sky parks are recognized globally and designated by DarkSky International:
• Headlands Dark Sky Park (Emmet County park)
• Keweenaw Dark Sky Park (Keweenaw County)
• Dr. T.K. Lawless Park (Cass County park)

International dark sky sanctuaries in Michigan
This location is a short boat ride away, offering an untouched window into the cosmos. Certified by DarkSky International, this site has earned international acclaim for its window into the universe:
• Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area International Dark Sky Sanctuary

See more at DarkSky.org


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Forest Service Restructuring Causing Concern

map of new FS regions (graphic from the USDA Forest Service)

primarily from the Forest Service Restructuring Factsheet

In the past few days there has been a flurry of emotionally charged news articles about the retructuring of the USDA Forest Service and, principally, its research facilities. No one probably can fully say how this will play out.

The final paragraph in the factsheet states, "Throughout the transition, frontline mission work will continue uninterrupted. This includes active forest management, wildfire response, forest and watershed restoration, recreation services, and sustained collaboration with States, Tribes, and communities."

Certain changes are that the primary Forest Service headquarters will move from Washington, DC, to Salt Lake City, UT. The Department of Agriculture states that this puts their "leadership and decision making closer to the forests and communities it serves."

All four research facilities in Michigan: Houghton and L'Anse in the Upper Peninsula and, East Lansing and Wellston in the Lower Peninsula will close. Midwest research will be done in Wisconsin and Ohio.

Many people involved in forest research are speculating that the ultimate result will be a reduction in service. Years of research into local forest problems and pests will be shifted farther from the issues.

The Forest Service officially characterizes the plan: "The Forest Service is transitioning from a legacy regional structure to a State-based organizational model designed to simplify the chain of command, strengthen local partnerships, and give field leaders greater ability to respond to conditions on the ground. Under this model, 15 State directors will oversee Forest Service operations within one or more States and will serve as national leaders for forest supervisors, operational priorities, and relationships with States, Tribes, and partners. Each State Office will include a small leadership team responsible for legislative affairs, communications, and intergovernmental coordination."

See an article in the Lansing State Journal


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Hydrogel Cooling Vests

one type of hydrogel vest

compiled from several sources

High-tech gear to help hikers stay cool in too-hot environments is here. Vests, towels, neck wraps and more are available.

These go beyond soaking your shirt or draping a wet towel around your shoulders, although some do work on the same evaporative principle. Others have pockets where you insert ice packs. Some of the products use batteries to actively circulate cool air, liquid or gel.

Medical uses of vests and pads have been known for a number of years. Multiple sclerosis sufferers often qualify for cooling vests to be provided to them. Pads for reducing fever, easing pain, cooling wounds or blisters are readily available.

Hydrogel evaporative vests often use Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP) technology, provide hours of relief by soaking them in water which then slowly evaporates to cool the body. These vests are lightweight and re-soakable on the trail. They can be washed numerous times and the cooling effect may last up to 72 hours. Some vests are helpful in temperatures as high as 104° F and 90% humidity, but they do work best in lower humidity since they cool by evaporation.

Athletes such as the Australian cycling team already make use of these garments. They are considered good safety equipment for construction crews in hot climates.

The vests are available in a variety of designs, and generally get good reviews from users.

On a personal note, with one of these, I might have been able to complete the Indiana hike I tried several years ago when I tried to take my early-spring-season-adjusted body to the 90+ degrees of southern Indiana without any acclimation. On the other hand, it seems a bit too artificial to really appeal to me.

for options just search for hydrogel cooling vests for athletes.


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North Ottawa Dunes to Add 50 Acres

sandhill crane at North Ottawa Dunes (photo by jhy)

from the Ottawa News Network

In Ottawa County a land settlement is close to resolution that would add 50 acres to the Ottawa County, Michigan, park system. The property in question is 119 acres located at 18361 180th Ave.

The property will be divided between three owners. The largest parcel will go to Ottawa County, 30 acres will be developed, and the remaining 39 acres will be purchased by an adjoining landowner, and will legally be preserved as open land.

The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Plan has identified the creation of more nature trails as the number one priority of the public. And preservation of the Lake Michigan dunes is a top priority of the connected governmental systems.

A township official cautioned that this is not a completed deal yet, but everything looks good. The 50 acres will become part of North Ottawa Dunes.

See the North Ottawa Parks and Recreation Plan


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Thornapple River May be Designated as Water Trail

Thornapple River (photo by jhy)

from a news article by Fox 17

A multi-community project is underway to designate the Thornapple River in Barry County as a water trail. This would lead to development of maps and a focused approach to supporting paddling activities.

The designation would make the river more user-friendly for families and visitors who don't live directly on the water system. It could help coordinate sharing of information such as water quality between communities along the waterway.

No major changes to existing facilities are planned, but there would be better information available to the public. This could include better signage at existing access points.

The communities are currently working on a memorandum of understanding. Once this is done, grants might be applied for. Maps of the river resources would be of great help to people trying to locate access, camping, parks, and facilities such as restrooms.

Cascade and Ada are two of the towns along the stretch of river being discussed.

Read more at Fox 17


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Blandford Nature Center is Free in April

Blandford Nature Center sign (photo from Blandford Nature Center)

from Blandford Nature Center Facebook

Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, says that April is an amazing time to watch spring unfold around you, and this month, admission to BNC is completely FREE! Thanks to our sponsor Lake Michigan Credit Union, you can come look for frogs, listen for birds, and watch the leaves emerge! What's something you're going to do during your Blandford visit this month?

Blandford Nature Center is a community-owned non-profit nature center. Our mission is to engage & empower our community through enriching experiences in nature.

1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI

See more at Blandford Nature Center


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Ottawa County Offers "Step It Up"

Step It Up (photo from Ottawa County Parkd)

from Ottawa County Parks

The Ottawa County, Michigan, Parks and Recreation Commission is offering a free 8-week program designed to help you stay active and explore new parks. Hikes are held each week from April 28-June 20, 2026. Dogs are welcome on leash.

Eight guided hikes/activities will be held. Locations are:
• Hemlock Crossings
• Grand Ravines
• Upper Macatawa Natural area OR Preview the Grand Explorers Trail Race at Grand River Park
• Connor Bayou- hike and paddle
• Ottawa Sands
• Paw Paw Park OR hike and kayak at Ottawa Sands
• Ottawa Sands
• Pigeon Creek
• Grand River Park

See more detail at Ottawa County Parks


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Boyne Forest Bicycle Trails to Expand

TOMMBA biker (photo from TOMMBA)

from an article on MLive

The popular Boyne Forest mountain biking trails will soon be expanding onto an additional 36 acres of adjoining land.

The Little Traverse Conservancy and Top of Michigan Mountain Bike Association (TOMMBA) are partnering to raise $300,000 to purchace land adjecent to the Boyne School Forest and a trail excavator for use by TOMMBA.

Conservancy staff will conduct a thorough inventory of the land’s natural features and ecological characteristics before any trail construction begins. The Conservancy's interest is in preservation of the land, and the trails will be designed to minimize environmental impacts.

Nearby communities were recently surveyed and TOMMBA reports that the overwhelming response was to build more trails. There are currently three loops and about 15 miles of trails in the Forest.

See more about the Boyne Forest Trail


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