Laketown Beach to Get New Stairs to Lake

site of former Laketown Beach steps (photo from Laketown Township)

from M-Live

Laketown Township in Allegan County, Michigan, plans to build new stairs to the Lake Michigan Beach this summer.

Laketown Beach is located at 6710 142nd Ave., about five miles southwest of Holland. The previous wooden stairs were removed in 2025 due to safety concerns. The new stairway will be about 5 feet wide and may be adjustable aluminum with composite tread called EZ Beach Steps. EZ Beach Steps can be raised or lowered as the dune shifts.

The required public hearing has been held, and the township is discussing funding.

See more from Laketown Township


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Land Conservancy of W Michigan Celebrates 50 Years

Ottawa County Park (photo by jhy)

from Land Conservancy of West Michigan

The Land Conservancy of West Michigan has its 50th anniversary in 2026, and they invite you to join them in celebrating.

Throughout 2026, we’ll be unveiling events, sharing historic stories, and celebrating the community that’s made 50 years of conservation possible.

The Explorathon kicks off on April 18! Join the Land Conservancy of West Michigan and our conservation partners for a guided hike along the forested dunes of the Lake Michigan shoreline.

For this first of three outdoor events celebrating the impact of 50 years of keeping nature nearby, we will be hiking through 2500 acres of connected, protected lakeshore habitat. Hikers can choose their own adventure: Join us for a 7-mile hike through 5 connected parks and preserves or a 2-mile paved hike through Ottawa Sands. Both experiences are led by naturalists guides who will share about park history and the protected natural features found in the globally unique and rare ecosystems we'll be exploring.

Hike participants will travel along the forested dunes of the iconic shoreline, enjoying views of Lake Michigan to the west and the Grand River valley to the east, while learning more about the importance of landscape-level conservation work, hearing stories about how these lands came to be protected, and enjoying the fruits of decades of hard work to protect and restore natural land on the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Tickets are required to attend. On-site registration will be available, but space is limited. We recommend registering early to secure your spot!

There will also be a guided bicycle tour on June 6, and a guided paddling event on August 29.

Learn more and purchase your tickets at Nature Nearby


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Restoration to Create Wau-Ke-Na Preserve

Wau-Ke-Na preserve area to be restored (photo by Keto Gyekis)

a news release of Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy

The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy will continue a huge habitat restoration project at Fennville, Michigan. The Wau-Ke-Na, W.E. Smith Preserve South Tract will benefit endangered grassland birds and monarch butterflies – but like any home renovation project, it’s going to look terrible for a while. Long term, our hope is to create some of the best grassland in the area for seldom-seen birds such as bobolinks, Henslow’s sparrows, savannah sparrows, eastern meadowlarks, sedge wrens, American kestrels, and Northern harriers.

Beginning this spring, contractors will start clearing the former Christmas tree plantation near the front of the preserve. Non-native conifers like Colorado Blue Spruce will be removed and chipped, and the chips hauled away to be re-purposed in landscaping projects. Later, we will begin prepping other areas for seeding with native grassland plants.

We know the sight and sound of heavy machinery cutting trees, running chippers, and pushing debris into piles will be very alarming – and we apologize in advance for the mess and disturbance. But please know that with this project, we carry forward preserve donor William E. Smith’s grassland initiative at Wau-Ke-Na and his legacy to create a better world for the wildlife with whom we share these spaces.

Throughout the spring and summer, we will temporarily close the preserve from time to time to keep the public safe while we work and will post closure notices on our webpage and social media platforms. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

See more details and pictures at Wau-Ke-Na grasslands project


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Great American Outdoors Act Status

Land and Water Conservation Fund access road improvments (photo from the Department of the Interior)

compiled from several sources

The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) was rea by Congress in 2020 and was fully funded for five years. That means it's up for renewal this year.

The Act provideed roughly $1.9 billion a year for five years to address deferred maintenance in national parks and public lands. It guaranteed full funding of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) (established in 1965), the income of which comes from fees and royalties paid to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement by oil and gas drilling offshore in federal water. The money must be used for the protection of public land and recreation. In 2020, it was funded for $900 million, the highest level ever.

Lawmakers appear supportive, and the President has indicated he will sign it, but its chances of passage depend on which news sources you read. The Act has always been a bipartisan coalition to benefit the American People. Because of the 250th Anniversary of the country, this year's bill is being called the "Great American Outdoors Act 250."

One of the priorities of the fund is to repair critical infrastructure which has been neglected due to deferred maintenance. West Michigan recipients of LWCF money in 2025 were:
• Kalamazoo County, $500,000 for improvements at Milham Park.
• Berrien County; Eaton Park restroom and park improvements - $359,000
• Kent County; East Grand Rapids: Waterfront Park improvement project (Phase 2) - $500,000
• Van Buren Count; Lawrence Village Park Playground improvements - $301,200

Urge your federal lawmakers to support the Great American Outdoors Act 250.

See Department of the Interior, GAOA


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Howard Christensen Nature Center to Close

Howard Christensen Nature Center (photo from their website)

a news release of Howard Christensen Nature Center

On June 30, 2026, the Howard Christensen Nature Center in Kent County, Michigan, will become a nature preserve with only hiking trails.

Dear Howard Christensen Nature Center Community,

HCNC will cease to exist as of July 1, 2026. The land was gifted to Kent Intermediate School District in 1975 by the Christensen family to become the nature center in Howard’s memory. KISD stopped providing field trips in 2005 and closed the doors. Another group tried to continue but were unsuccessful so it closed again. In 2011, a community group formed Lily’s Frog Pad, Inc, a nonprofit organization and they began renting the property from KISD for $1/year. Lily’s Frog Pad, Inc holds the name and manages HCNC. Most of us are volunteers who share a passion for the center and its mission.

Over the past year we have been working with the goal of re-establishing a funding partnership with KISD. Without input from us, we were blindsided to learn in January 2026 that the ISD was no longer interested in owning the property and were in search of a buyer. We asked them to reconsider and provide justification. Area superintendents were surveyed as to their support of HCNC as a valuable resource for the education of children through field trips. During this time, our board made a conscious decision to keep this information confidential in order to maintain the lines of communication with KISD.

On February 23, 2026, we learned that the area superintendents had expressed no interest in retaining the center. The Land Conservancy of West Michigan was named as the potential buyer. As part of the deal, $160,000 of tax payer money was allocated for demolition of all of the buildings. This is close to what we had asked for to improve the center. Once again, we had no input into any of these discussions. We have no standing as the original lease and all possible extensions expired in June 2025 and KISD had put off writing a new one.

We met with the Land Conservancy on March 13, 2026. While we appreciate the work they do, we stressed that this was a legacy property important to the community. It isn’t a conservation mindset to demolish solid buildings with updated roofing and mechanicals. They understood but were not able to share details or make any commitments. Our subcommittee attended the KISD board meeting on March 16, 2026 with the intention of speaking. It was upon arrival that we learned that one of the agenda items was the sale of the property. We pleaded with them to reconsider.

The vote passed unanimously. Our last day of operation is June 30, 2026. The center will become a nature preserve with only hiking trails. We are heartbroken. HCNC belongs to the community….the community that has invested so much time, money and energy over the past 50 years. We have been good stewards. Hopefully, the Land Conservancy will be as well. Moving forward, we have two tasks. We are in the process of closing down and dissolving the nonprofit organization. We have a lot of decisions to make and will keep you posted through email, Facebook and our web site.

To begin with, we are accepting no new memberships and admissions are free. Our last two events are also free. The second goal is to reach out to anyone in the community who might have the resources to at least purchase the buildings to save them. Contact us if you have any ideas or would like to help exploring this avenue. Please contact KISD or LCWM if you have any comments or questions about the transaction as we were not involved. Thank you again for 50 years of wonderful support of HCNC. If there is any positive in this, the legacy of the Christensen family will live on in the trails, and the property can’t be developed.

The Board of Directors of HCNC

See the history of the Nature Center at Howard Christensen Nature Center


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DNR Urges Caution after Michigan Blizzard

winter storm aftermath (photo from Michigan DNR)

a news release of Michigan DNR

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is advising outdoor enthusiasts in areas affected by this week’s blizzard to be cautious when planning visits to trails and state parks that may have been affected by the extreme winter weather.

“With record snowfall March 15-16 in the Upper Peninsula – some areas received more than 4 feet of snow – and snowy and icy conditions in the northern Lower Peninsula, we’re urging people to check conditions before traveling to storm-affected areas and to be aware of downed trees and branches, as well as bent or bowed trees and branches that may fall unexpectedly,” said Greg Kinser, Lower Peninsula trails coordinator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.

Local officials this week reported impassable, snow-covered roads and downed trees and power lines across the region. Power outages have also been reported, with several counties initially reporting the majority of residents without power.

"In addition to trail impacts, many state parks and recreation facilities across the U.P. and the northern Lower Peninsula were rendered inaccessible by the significant snowfall," Kinser said. "State park staff are digging out, and it will take time before some park facilities are accessible again."

Kinser also thanked trail partner groups for their prompt, professional assistance in helping to assess trail conditions.

About 260 miles of forest roads in the northeastern Lower Peninsula remain closed due to debris from extensive tree damage during the 2025 ice storm. Cleanup efforts are ongoing. Know before you go

DNR staff continue to assess state-designated trails, state parks and facilities following the blizzard and snowstorm that led Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to declare a state of emergency Monday for seven counties in the Upper Peninsula and northern Michigan: Alcona, Alpena, Delta, Missaukee, Ogemaw, Roscommon and Wexford. The governor also declared a state of energy emergency for the entire state to ensure the speedy delivery of heating fuel to affected people.

In these state of emergency counties, and possibly in other areas affected by the storm, state park, road and trail access will be limited. Watch for downed trees and branches blocking trails and roads.

Watch for damaged trees and hanging tree limbs that may fall unexpectedly.

Be aware of split trunks and debris tangled with power lines. If a tree or branch is, or even might be, touching a power line, stay far away and contact your local utility company. Even seemingly “dead” lines can be live. Likewise, never approach debris piles or trees that are entangled with wires.

Find up-to-date closure details and safety alerts by visiting DNR Closures and searching for "winter storm."


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Adopt-A-Forest

removing trash from a forest (photo from the Michigan DNR)

from the Michigan DNR

You can help keep the woods clean by reporting a dumpsite, making a donation or volunteering to clean up the forest, whether state or federal forest in Michigan.

The Adopt-a-Forest volunteer cleanup program was established to protect Michigan's forests in 1991. The program shares the importance of clean and healthy forests, improves recycling and responsible trash disposal and works to stop illegal dumping.

Led by the Department of Natural Resources, the program is a partnership of the DNR, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and Michigan-based USDA Forest Service.

In the program's history, more than 2 million acres of forest land have been cleaned up, with 100,000 tires removed and tens of thousands of cubic yards of trash properly disposed of. This work is critical to protecting forest lands for future generations.

Visit the link below to report trash in the woods, volunteer to help, or donate.

See Adopt-A-Forest


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Dam Removal Debates Continue

Tippy Dam on the Manistee River (photo by Consumers Energy)

a news release of Michigan.gov and other sources

Consumers Energy has a new opponent in its bid to sell 13 hydropower dams, several of which are located in west Michigan.

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission, which regulates fish and game, may soon craft a resolution opposing Consumers’ plan to essentially give the dams away to a private equity firm, Confluence Hydro. Like many others, commissioners are concerned the sale contract under consideration now by the Michigan Public Service Commission doesn’t offer enough guarantees that Confluence will care for the dams. One possible negative outcome is that selling the dams could leave the Michigan DNR to take over responsibility if they fall into disrepair.

Confluence has promised it would maintain the dams. Consumers, for its part, says it would rather tear all the dams down than agree to new terms for the sale.

Lawmakers, meanwhile, have introduced bills to toughen Michigan’s dam safety standards, currently among the weakest in the nation.

The dams under discussion are:
• Au Sable River: Mio, Alcona, Loud, Foote, Cooke, and Five Channels dams.
•Manistee River: Hodenpyl and Tippy dams.
•Muskegon River: Rogers, Hardy, and Croton dams.
•Grand River: Webber Dam.
•Kalamazoo River: Calkins Bridge Dam.

Many of these dams have become the centerpieces of recreational facilities such as the North Country Trail along Hodenpyl Dam Pond and the Dragon Trail encircling Hardy Dam Pond.

See more about the Natural Resource Commission comments


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Pedestrian Tunnel Under Construction in Oceana County

construction of the tunnel (photo used with permission of Oceana County Press)

from Oceana County Press

A pedestrian tunnel is being constructed to pass under M-20 in Oceana County, Michigan, that will connect the Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo with the parking lot. A traffic study was completed two years ago that identified a need to stop pedestrians and trams from crossing M-20 due to vehicle volume and speed.

The tunnel is uniquely designed in that it is a precast concrete structure that is being built off-site and will be assembled when the excavation is complete.

Funding came from a special allocation by the state that was procured by Senator Jon Bumstead.

It is approximately 76 feet long and 24 feet wide with a divider to separate pedestrians from tractor-pulled trams that transport people from the parking lot.

The road is expected to reopen at the end of May 2026, but the interior of the tunnel will not be completed for use until August.


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Lyme Disease in Michigan Soars

deer tick (photo from the US Agricultural Research Service)

from a news article at WZZM and other sources

In Kent County, Michigan, cases of Lyme disease have risen dramatically in the past six years. Only 11-12 cases per year were reported from 2016-2020. In the first nine months of 2025, there were 216 cases. Statewide, cases have also risen but slower at about 150%.

The black-legged, or deer tick is now found in almost every county of the state. This is the primary carrier of Lyme disease.

Lyme can be treated with antibiotics, but post-Lyme syndrome can linger for years causing joint pain and body aches. Another after-effect is immune system disorders. Some have compared it to long COVID. These lingering effects do not respond to antibiotics.

Learn to identify the kinds of ticks. Black-legged ticks are tiny, and they are the most common carriers of Lyme. Dog ticks are larger and less concerning. The Lone Star tick has a large white spot and is more likely to carry different diseases. Asian longhorn ticks are now also found in Michigan, including Berrien County, but these pose a greater threat to animals than humans.

In short, ticks are no longer just a southern problem. Tuck pants into socks, use repellent, check yourself when coming indoors, or daily if on an extended outing.

See Asian Long-horned Tick in Berrien County


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Man Swept Off Pier Survives Thanks to Life Rings

the actual moment of being washed off the pier (photo by Ryan Bale)

a news release of South Haven Area Emergency Services

Through its ongoing beach safety program, the City of South Haven, Michigan, installed year-round life ring stations in 2023. The South Haven Rotary Club supported the program with a $13,500 grant for the installation of the six stations located on the south and north piers. This safety equipment, along with quick action by a friend, saved a life.

South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) and South Haven Police Department responded to a report of a person being swept off the pier into the water at 5:40 p.m.

A 57-year-old man, reported to be from out-of-state, escaped with his life when waves swept him off the Lake Michigan south pier in South Haven on Friday evening. (March 13, 2026)

A second person with the victim threw him a life ring and pulled him to safety. He was out of the water when authorities arrived. The incident occurred near the lighthouse end of the pier. The subject was taken to Bronson-South Haven Hospital for treatment of injuries.

The pier was closed at the time with waves sweeping over it.

Persons who go onto the piers in South Haven when they are closed are subject to a $1,000 fine. The city declared the piers closed earlier in the day because of the high wind and wave conditions.

Ryan Bale captured the moment the subject was being washed off the pier into the lake. Let this photo be a reminder of the power of the lake waves and the dangers they pose. Please take seriously any closings of the many piers along Great Lakes shorelines.


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Funding throughout Michigan for Invasives Control

wooly adelgid management (photo from MI DNR)

a news release of Michigan DNR

The state of Michigan announced on March 11, 2026 that 27 projects will share $2.4 million in funding through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program for efforts that address the prevention, detection, eradication and control of aquatic (water-based) and terrestrial (land-based) invasive species.

The program – cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources – has four key objectives:
• Preventing the introduction of new invasive species.
• Strengthening the statewide invasive species early detection and response network.
• Limiting the spread of recently confirmed invasive species.
• Managing and controlling widespread, established invasive species.

Michigan’s 22 regional cooperative invasive species management areas (CISMAs) will each receive $70,000 in annual support to provide education and technical assistance to landowners. Additional funds for survey and treatment of high-priority invasive species including red swamp crayfish, water-primrose, wild parsnip, black swallowwort, knotweeds and kudzu will go to twelve of the areas.

Some West Michigan projects are:
• Surveying and treating hemlock woolly adelgid on the northern edge of the infestation in Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau and Manistee counties along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
• Conducting survey and treatment of mile-a-minute weed infestations in Calhoun County.
• Surveying for highly invasive hydrilla in southwest Michigan waters near the known infestation in Berrien County.


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