No New CMF Network Ads

I PREVIOUSLY WROTE: I will not be accepting any new network ads on CMF. After my calculations from yesterday at Just Throw Money, I have decided that it is just plain unfair to those who have paid a full 10 cents a month to advertise here. Instead of their ads being shared among 3-6 others, they are now shared among 12 others, giving them much less exposure time.

I have already accepted the initial wave of ads, but I won't be accepting any more.

UPDATE 2/3/10: The CMF staff have addressed this concern by limiting network ads to 30% of the views on any blog. Given this response, I will now accept any network ads that I feel are appropriate.

CMF Ads

Women's Winter Tour - SuperBowl Alternative at Crystal

Winter Tour (photo from Crystal Mountain)

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from Crystal Mountain

For a girls' weekend getaway while the guys are watching the Super Bowl, check out the Crystal Mountain Women's Winter Tour, Feb 6-7.

Participate in exhilarating outdoor activities, enjoy spa services, grand food, wine, decadent chocolate and friends. Events will include ski clinics for both downhill and X-C, and a snowshoe tour. The weekend benefits the nonprofit Active Women Now, dedicated to supporting local women's resource centers.

Special spa pricing for the weekend helps to make the event affordable.

Saturday, February 6th: 10am-noon
3rd Annual Snowshoe d' Art - Discover art and winter fun with hot chocolate and a leisurely snowshoe tour through the Michigan Legacy Art Park. Open to all.

Saturday, February 6th: begins at 7pm
Lunafest Film Festival - LunaFest is a national traveling festival of short films for… by… and about women.

Sunday, February 7th: 8am
First Tracks - for women only. - Crystal’s North Face slopes will open at 8am (one hour early) just for women participating in Sunday's Women's Winter Tour. Downhill ski before the Women’s Winter Tour on Sunday and all day afterwards for only $10. A variety of terrain is available for all abilities, take advantage of this unique opportunity!

Sunday, February 7th: begins at 10am
Women's Winter Tour - "The Main Event" - A unique non-competitive event just for gals. Women of all ages snowshoe and cross-country ski along Crystal's wooded trails. Demonstrations, great food, wine and chocolate are featured along the trail and at the main staging area! Enjoy a day dedicated to spoiling the inner diva in all of us!

See Crystal Mountain
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Polar Plunges for Special Olympics

Polar Plunge jumper (photo from Northview Polar Plunge 2009)

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information from the Michigan Special Olympics web site

The Polar Plunge is an event open to anyone willing to “BEAR” the elements for a good cause. The object is simple, raise money, and then plunge into the cold water! Be sure to pre-register to receive detailed information! Polar Plunges are a personal challenge for participants and a great source of support for the more than 16,000 Special Olympics Michigan athletes.

The Polar Plunge has occurred in Michigan for 13 years, and this year is in 19 locations across the state. It is put on by the Law Enforcement Torch Run. For 28 years, law enforcement officers have been the largest grassroots fundraisers and awareness builders for Special Olympics Michigan.

Events take place from Marquette to Detroit, and are held on dates between January 24 and March 20. Anyone can take the plunge for a minimum donation of $50 and can pre-register online at www.somi.org. Through the website participants can set up their own online First Giving pledge page. Individuals who don’t want to plunge can also collect donations to receive incentive prizes that bare the “Too Chicken to Plunge” logo and to attend the post-plunge party.

All plungers receive incentive prizes and an official 2010 Polar Plunge t-shirt.

Other incentive prizes include a Polar Plunge cooler, a Polar Plunge sweatshirt, a Polar Plunge jacket. Participants who raise more than $2,500 get a Polar Plunge jacket and entry into a trip drawing. Donations are raised by collecting pledges from friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, etc.

The Polar Plunge is made possible by the Law Enforcement Torch Run®, a group of police officers and corrections personnel committed to raising funds and awareness for SOMI.

Proceeds from the Polar Plunge support the year-round sports training and athletic competition for more than 17,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities who live in Michigan. For more information on the Law Enforcement Torch Run® Polar Plunge or Special Olympics Michigan visit www.somi.org or call (800) 644-6404. Our statewide sponsors for the Polar Plunges are Real Estate One and Charter Communications.

See Michigan Special Olympics
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1300 Acres on Pere Marquette Protected

Pere Marquette River (photo from the Land Conservancy of West Michigan)

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condensed from the Fall 2009 Newsletter of the Land Conservancy of West Michigan

To date over 1300 acres of land along the Pere Marquette River, or it's tributaries, has been protected by partnerships between the Land Conservancy of West Michigan and 13 separate families. Two recent stories follow:

One parcel, adjacent to the Manistee National Forest Rainbow Rapids Access has been owned by the Smith family for four generations. Brothers Bob and Rick Smith and sister, Diane Jensen, donated this conservation easement in December 2008. The LCWM says, "The property has more than a third of a mile on both sides of the Pere Marquette; its pools, gravel riffles and wetland oxbow plus the naturally forested banks create both an ideal wildlife and fisheries habitat and superior water quality."

On McDuffee Creek in Newaygo County, Chuck and Pat Bloom protected their 155 acres. McDuffee Creek flows into the South Branch of the Pere Marquette. The property includes wetland and lowland habitat. It provides a buffer, helping to protect trout, reptiles and amphibians. This parcel also abuts the National Forest. The Bloom family has owned the property for 55 years. An easement means that the family can continue to own the land, but that it can never be sold for development.



See Land Conservancy of West Michigan
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Get Off The Couch Calendar Up to Date

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by JHY

It has been quite a few months since the calendar of events on the Get Off The Couch web site has been up to date. The calendar attempts to list a large number of quiet, mostly outdoor, recreation options in west Michigan. It includes programs about such activities, and volunteer work opportunities on trails. Meetings of groups dedicated to these types of activities are also listed.

It's quite a bit of work to keep it up, and over the several years that I've tried to build the resource I've only managed to convince a couple of groups to send me their schedules. This means that I have to do constant research to get accurate information.

However, it is now up to date! I'll try to maintain it better. If you are in western Michigan and have an appropriate event, feel free to let me know!



See Get Off The Couch Events
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Phast Winter Thaw Adventure Race- Feb 6

adventure race POI flag (photo from Phast)

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from Phast Adventures

Phast Adventures and Trailhead Bike Shop are planning the second annual Urban Adventure Run. The event is part scavenger hunt, part running race, and all fun. The course is approximately four miles. Teams of two will enter, and be timed from the starting point, which is 108 Threads, located downtown. Clues will lead teams to various points of interest, POI, in Ludington. Teams will receive clues, a map and a "passport."

At each POI there is a flag with a number and a punch. Teams will punch the corresponding number on their passport. The object is to return to 108 Threads with all numbers punched.

There will be winners for male/male teams, female/female, and male/female teams. Drawings for several random winners will also be made. Entrants may take any route they wish to reach the POIs, so good planning may overcome speed. Running is not required. Fun is emphasized.

See Phast Adventures
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White Pine Stampede - Feb 6

photo from White Pine Stampede

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from White Pine Stampede

For 33 years, skiers from all over Michigan have been gathering to celebrate their passion for the sport of cross-country skiing, and for 33 years, smiling faces have raised money for charitable organizations around the state while having fun with their friends and family. A portion of each entry fee is donated to the Children's Hospital of Michigan.

This year's White Pine Stampede will start at the Mancelona High School and finish at Shanty Creek Resort & Club. Packets can be picked up at Shanty Creek Resort on Friday, Feb 5 from 3-9 pm

On Saturday, on site registrations will begin at 7:30am. New entries and registration changes must be completed 45 minutes prior to the scheduled race start time.

Races Include:
40km classic & freestyle - 9:30am. Join the thousands who have skied this event on professionally groomed trails which wind through the most picturesque landscape of northwestern Lower Michigan. The race ends at Summit Village at Shanty Creek.
20km classic & freestyle - 10:30am. Takes skiers over rolling hills and across fields, concluding at Schuss Village at Shanty Creek.
10km tour classic & freestyle - 11:00am. Enjoy skiing the Roger Eschedor 10 kilometer time tour (6 miles), finishing at Schuss Village at Shanty Creek.

See White Pine Stampede
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Is $10 State Park Vehicle Pass Off Track?

2008 Michigan State Park sticker

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from Nancy Krupiarz, Executive Director, Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance

Dr. Chuck Nelson, Professor at MSU Department of Community Agriculture and Recreation Resources, and the leader of the committee behind the State Park Passport to Recreation bill sent us a message today about the latest activity on the State Park Passport legislation. Just like a terribly misleading election campaign ad, our own Department of State has decided to take a poll that is required before every Michigan citizen goes through the online vehicle registration process. As you will see below, the wording is FLAWED and does not clearly show that the $10 option fee is REPLACING the current $24 annual resident motor vehicle permit. No input was asked for by the Secretary of State regarding this poll and we are concerned it will be used to harm Michigan residents and state parks if the results suit the SOS’s interests.

The wording on the poll simply states: “Would you pay an additional $10 on top of your annual vehicle registration fee to allow you to enter Michigan state parks?”

We believe the language should be changed to more clearly define the proposal in order to get a fully informed response from the public. Dr. Nelson has suggested the following change, “The legislature is considering a proposal to reform the way residents pay for MI state park admission. Instead of paying the current $24 annual fee for a resident motor vehicle permit available only at state parks, would you support instead paying an optional $10 fee in addition to your annual vehicle registration renewal fee during vehicle registration renewal, eliminating the $24 motor vehicle permit for residents, a 60% savings over the current resident motor vehicle permit to enter state parks. Under the proposal, non-residents would continue to be required to purchase a $29 non-resident annual motor vehicle permit. Do you support the reform proposal? Yes or No”

Ballot proposal questions are carefully worded to be as accurate and complete as possible so that voters have an unbiased foundation from which to make up their mind. The Secretary of State is asking the public to weigh in before they pay their annual reg. fee. The wording and the timing of the question are unbiased in our opinion.

See State Park Passport Held Up in House
See Michigan Legislature plug in bill 388 and 389
See New State Park Funding on Brink of Passage
Contact Nancy Krupiarz
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Attend Michigan's Birthday Party in Lansing

Notipekago historical marker at Custer, Michigan (photo by JHY)

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a news release of the Michigan DNR

The Michigan Historical Museum in downtown Lansing will host its annual Statehood Day celebration Saturday, Jan. 23, in honor of Michigan's 173rd birthday. (On Jan. 26,1837, Michigan joined the Union as the nation's 26th state.) The public is invited to the family-friendly party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The first 100 visitors will receive a free piece of birthday cake.

The Statehood Day celebration brings together crafters, costumed interpreters and musicians. Costumed volunteers in various galleries will help visitors experience life during different periods of Michigan's history. Various community experts will demonstrate how to make baskets, cross-stitch, create quilted jackets and wheat weave. At 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., visitors can learn how to make mustard 1830s style.

"The Michigan Historical museum is proud to host this free event," said Museum Director Phil Kwiatkowski. "It is a fun opportunity for families to come and explore our award-winning museum while celebrating Michigan's birthday."

The day's highlights (all available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. unless otherwise noted) include:
Michigan Historical Markers: 1,500 Reasons to Pull Over - 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Measuring Michigan - historic surveying reenactors
Music - Craig Ryal
The Spice of Life - 1 and 2 p.m, spices in Michigan history
The British Soldiers - 47th Regiment reenactors
Developing a Quilt Pattern

For more information visit Michigan Historical Museum
See Historic Sites at Get Off The Couch
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Grand Rapids Mountain Bike Park - Visit Jan 16

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based on a news article at the Grand Rapids Press

Thanks to the recent MX races staged Van Andel Arena, construction will begin soon at the recently approved Plaster Creek mountain bike trail location. 500 yards of dirt from the motorized event has been purchased, and will be moved to the former Southwest Little League site at 580 Kirtland St. SW, on Monday January 11.

"That dirt will become the pump track," the president of the Michigan Mountain Biking Association, Nate Phelps, explained.

The International Mountain Bike Association is helping to plan the new tracks, through a grant worth $15,000 which brings a consultant to the Grand Rapids site for a week. The dirt will be used to build a pump track with sculpted mounds forming roller, moguls, and banked turns. Plans for the site also include a beginner trail, and an advanced trail.

On Jan 16, at 11 am, Phelps, Jason Wells of IMBA, and local riders will be at the site to welcome visitors to an open house. They will be glad to show off the construction progress and explain the plans.

Construction will be continued as weather permits, with most of the work being done this coming spring.

See Western MMBA
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Kalamazoo River Valley Trail in Fundraising Mode

Kalamazoo River Trail (photo from the Kalamazoo Shopper)

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based on a news article in the Kalamazoo Shopper

The Kalamazoo River Trail was born in 1991 through the efforts of the River Partners. The Partners' focus was to reclaim the Kalamazoo River. Five years later, in 1996, one section of trail was opened.

It takes years of planning to create this type of trail. In 2008, a section from Westnedge Ave. to Penn Street opened, and in November, 2009, another section from Mosel Ave. to Mayor’s Riverfront Park became reality.

Amy Knape is a grant writer and spokesperson for the project. she explained that all the advance work is being done by volunteers. As each segment is complete it is turned over to the county to be maintained as a park. When completed the trail will be paved for 35 miles. This requires $18.6 million, and another $2 for a maintenance endowment.

The fundraising is being accomplished in phases. Currently, $1.2 million must be raised by the end of January.

Anyone may use the trail at no charge.

See Kalamazoo River Trail
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Grand Haven May Have Ice Rink Open This Weekend

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from WZZM

The city of Grand Haven is trying to make the best of a construction project that is taking longer to complete than expected. Washington Avenue between Harbor Drive and First Street is being turned into an ice rink. The city is filling a portion of the torn-up street with water, and the weather needs to accomplish the rest to create skateable ice.

Merchants in the area hope that will happen soon, since the construction has kept people away. Benches are being placed around the rink.

Also see Grand Haven Tribune
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Winter Trails Day Events- Lower Michigan

snowshoeing at Bowman Lake (photo by JHY)

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from Winter Trails

Winter Trails 2010 is set for January 9, 2010. Entering its 15th year, the event offers children and adults who are new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing and cross country skiing for FREE, and to discover the great fitness and social benefits with these easy-to-learn winter sports.

In Lower Michigan, the following events are registered:

Glen Arbor- FREE Nordic Walking Lessons and FREE Nordic Walking Pole Rentals will be provided on Winter Trails Day. The focus will be on Nordic Walking, while other supporting locations will be promoting other Nordic Sports. Nordic Walking, Nordic Skiing (cross country) and Nordic Snowshoeing are wonderful ways for children and adults to discover the many wonderful fitness and social benefits of enjoying winter. See Skiwalking.com

Roscommon- Events all day- preregistration required. 10:30: X-C Ski & Snowshoe clinic. 11:10: Go on a tour to Trappers Cabin for Hot Dogs, bonfire and Hot Cocoa. Noon - 3 PM: Skiers are invited to relax in front of the Fireplace in the Stone Turtle Day Lodge. 3 PM Draw registrants names from hat for prizes. See Cross Country Ski Headquarters

Thompsonville: Crystal Mountain- FREE two-hour rental and trail pass along with introductory lesson. Available 1-7pm. Pre-registration required. See Crystal Mountain

Graying: Hartwick Pines- This will be a snowshoeing event: free snowshoe rentals, demonstrations, guided hikes, clinics and children's activities.Food concessions and hot beverages and campfires to warm-up at also. See Hartwick Pines State Park

Glen Arbor: See The Homestead

Bellaire: Shanty Creek- Free snowshoe and cross country rentals, free group ski lessons, free trail passes. Advance registration required for free rentals and trail passes. $5 fee for rentals and/or trail passes without advance registration. Group lessons at 10:00 am and 1:30 pm. See Shanty Creek

Traverse City: TART & VASA- Ski lessons and rentals need to be reserved in advance. See Traverse Trails

See Michigan Winter Trails Day Events
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Snowshoe Outings at Ludington State Park

(photo by JHY)

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a news release of Ludington State Park

Ludington State Park is offering free guided snowshoe walks on Saturdays, weather permitting, starting January 9th through February 27, 2010. These 1 ½ hour guided snowshoe nature / history programs will take you out through Ludington State Park’s snow-covered sand dunes. There are two walks given each Saturday start at 3:00 P.M. or try the “Moonlight Walk” at 7:00 P.M. Tired of skiing, looking for something that is much easier than skiing, or just want to try something different? Come out to experience for yourself the ease and fun of walking in snowshoes! We will teach you how easy it is to put on and use snowshoes. Snowshoeing can be done by anyone at any age. “If you can walk you can snowshoe.” Did you know that one hour of moderate walking in snowshoes burns off 750 calories? Also, snowshoeing is one of the safest winter activities!

All walks begin and end at the Warming Shelter, located next to the parking lot at the end of Michigan Highway M-116. We have over 40 pairs of snowshoes to loan out on a first come first serve basis. Our loaner snowshoes will fit people ages 8 years old and up to 100 years old! If you have your own pair of snowshoes just bring them along and don’t forget to bring your friends! Dress warm, wear good fitting winter walking shoes or boots, and bring a flashlight if you’re going to attend the “Moonlight Walk.” Your family, friends, and you will truly enjoy this winter fun activity”

A Michigan State Parks and Recreation Motor Vehicle Permit will be required and on sale when you arrive at the Park.

Contact Alan Wernette
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Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area Officially Protected

Nature Preserve sign replaces private property sign (photo from the Land Conservancy)

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from the West Michigan Land Conservancy

On December 22, 2009 the long battle to preserve the Denison Dunes came to a successful end. More recently owned by Don McClendon, this property adjoining Saugatuck's Oval City Beach Park has been disputed for many years. From now on the area will be known as the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area.

The cost of preserving this property has reached $22.1 million dollars (which includes management costs). There is still a need for $4.5 million to be raised from public donations. This is expected to be raised over the next three years, and during this time the city will lease the property from the Land Conservancy of West Michigan for a minimal but legal charge of $1 per year. The expected timeline will continue with an official fundraising kickoff in spring 2010, and the complete ownership transferred to the City of Saugatuck at the end of 2012.

The property is now open to the public for non-motorized recreation such as hiking, birdwatching, fishing, nature study, and photography. The 171-acre dune ecosystem includes 0.7 mile of Lake Michigan shoreline, rare plants and animals, dunes, interdunal wetlands, forests, marshes, and oxbow lake and access to the mouth of the Kalamazoo River. The historic site of "Fishtown" is included.

See Large Grant Almost Meets Purchase Price for Saugatuck Dunes
See Sides Step Back from Denison Dunes Confrontation
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