Honor Area Restoration Project Progress

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Platte River Park meadow (photo from GTRLC)

compiled from several sources

The Honor Area Restoration Project, HARP, was begun in 2012 with the goal of returning economic stability and environmental integrity to the Honor area. Honor, located along US 31 in Benzie County about 20 miles west of Traverse City, was in serious decline.

Honor is the home of the Cherry Bowl Drive-In movie theater, an on-going success story with increased attendance in 2025. It is the closest community to Crystal Lake.

The HARP board noted regular use of the Platte River Park which opened in 2024. The park was a joint effort of HARP and Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. It is owned by Homestead Township. Within its 52 acres are 1500 feet of undeveloped river shoreline. There is a mix of upland and wetland habitat, reclaimed from past farming use. There is a short hiking trail.

HARP organized work bees and Homestead Township received funds from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians for removal of invasive species. An endowment fund has been created to secure ongoing maintenance of the park.

A new playground is being constructed across from the Honor Plaza.

Recently, 35 people attended a public forum staged by HARP. Community ideas for future improvement include additional trails, a disc golf course, and walking access from the Village to the Platte River Park.

Economic development and US 31 corridor improvement are additional goals of HARP.

Also see Honor Hopes to Become Gateway to Sleeping Bear
Read an article at Modeshift about the creation of Platte River Park which includes a concept map.


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Grand Rapids World of Winter Walking/ Biking Opportunities

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snow snakes (photo from Hey Michigan)

based on a web article from Hey Michigan

The World of Winter Festival 2026 kicks off on January 9, 2026 and runs until March 1. The event is primarily a self-motivated walking tour to see dozens of art installations scattered throughout downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. It bills itself as the largest free winter festival in the United States. To enjoy art of all kinds, food, and economic stimulation are the primary pursuits.

However, there are several planned activities which fall more into the hiking or outdoor recreation category.

There is an ongoing scavenger hunt with weekly prizes. This is open to individuals or teams. The hunt can be completed at your own pace during festival hours. Missions take approximately 1–2 hours to complete and points earned enter you into weekly prize draws. Teams can consist of any number of participants. A mobile device with the GooseChase app is required

A number of guided walks to various art istallations are being offered. The event calendar lists more dates than the event links. The certain dates for these are:
• January 23, 6-7 pm. Meet at Rosa Parks Circle. Led by Candice Smith who will share the stories and inspiration behind each piece. Free. No registration needed.
• February 6- same info as above.
• February 14- same info as above.
• February 26- same info as above.
• February 21- 3-4 pm. Meet at Rosa Parks Circle. Window display walking tour. Learn the stories behind each installation, meet the creative minds behind the art, and discover the businesses and historic buildings that host them.
• Other dates for guided walks are listed on the pdf calendar, but no information is available about them.

There is a luminary group bike ride to explore Grand Rapids by bike under luminary lights! This is free and open to riders 18 and older. Helmets are required. Post-ride celebration is also free. See complete details at Luminary Bike Ride

Also of possible interest to outdoor enthusiasts is a Snow Snake competition. This will be held February 28 from 11 am - 4 pm. Experience a traditional northern Native American winter game at this thrilling Snow Snake Competition. Competitors slide handcrafted “snow snakes” down a long snow trough, aiming for the farthest throw.

Participants of all ages can compete in brackets, and the overall winner takes home a $1,000 grand prize. Practice snakes are available for beginners, making this event fun for spectators and first-time throwers alike. Register on-site. Event held at Sixth Stree Park, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Cost not stated.

See World of Winter official website


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One Section of NCT Remains Closed After Spring Ice Storm

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area where timber salvage is being done (photo from the NCTA)

from the North Country Trail Association

Only one section of North Country Trail remains closed after a spring ice storm devastated 100 miles of it in Michigan's Northern Lower Peninsula. This segment, between Kipp and Valley Roads near Petoskey, is still closed as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources conducts timber salvage work. On state forest land, the DNR had to assess the situation before allowing volunteers in to do clearing work. This section was deemed salvageable.

Fortunately, the NCTA Regional Coordinator for Michigan, Kenny Wawsczyk, has been teaming up with Harbor Springs Chapter volunteers to scout these segments to help plan, and to keep trail crews and trail users updated.

Extensive cleanup and tree removal was necessary in the spring of 2025 after the storm that caused extensive damage across the northern Lower Peninsula. Dozens of trained volunteers cleared the remaining sections of the trail.


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85-Mile Grand River Greenway Project On Track

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Grand River Greenway in Grand Rapids (photo from the Grand River Network)

compiled from various sources

Three decades ago, leaders in Ottawa and Kent Counties, Michigan, envisioned a trail that would follow the Grand River from Lowell to Lake Michigan. The Grand is Michigan's longest river at 252 miles.

An overall vision for what this project could be, and long-range planning are bringing the concept closer to reality. The Grand River Greenway is not one single project. Multiple partners are working together to connect individual segments to create a continuous pathway.

Several segments are currently under construction or are recently completed.

The Bayou Segment of the Idema Explorer Trail in Grand Haven is open, including a 14-foot-wide, multi-use pedestrian bridge over Stearns Bayou. “This will complete a 13-mile-long route from the end of the Grand Haven pier to Riverside Park, connecting several Greenway parks together while also establishing the longest continuous section of the trail to date,” said Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission President Kelly Rice.

Work has continued on the Bass River Segment from Riverside Park in Robinson Township to the Bass River State Recreation Area in Allendale Township. This portion of the greenway is in progress and will be 7.4 miles long.

The Eastmanville Connector Segment continues another 3 miles to the east, and has been funded by the Natural Resources Trust Fund.

By the end of 2026 several portions and related projects are expected to be complete:
• New trail connections in Kent County from White Pine Trail State Park to downtown Ada
• New trail connections in Ottawa County to and through Bass River State Recreation Area
• Expanded year-round recreational amenities at Johnson Park
• Dam removal and habitat restoration in the Grand River to restore the rapids. Sea lamprey barriers will be installed
• New river access and public space in the Market Avenue corridor of downtown Grand Rapids

overview map of the Greenway (from the Grand River Greenway Framework for Vision and Action)

$150 million of work will be completed in 2026, funded by both public and private dollars, including American Rescue Act funds, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Natural Resources Trust Fund, and philanthropic donations.

The full Grand River Greenway project is expected to be completed by 2031.

See the Grand River Greenway Framework for Vison and Action, a pdf


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LWCF Money to Benefit 6 West Michigan Communities

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Eaton Park Playground (photo from the St. Joseph Township website)

from a news release of the Michigan DNR

Eleven Michigan community parks will receive funding for improvements from 2025 Land and Water Conservation Fund money. This source of money comes from fees paid for rights for oil and gas drilling and must be used for land acquisition or recreational purposes. Six of the eleven 2025 recipients are located in west Michigan.

From south to north in west Michigan these are:
• St. Joseph Charter Township (Berrien County) Eaton Park Restroom and Park Improvements $359,000
• Village of Lawerence (Van Buren County) Lawrence Village Park Playground Improvements $301,200.
• City of Kalamazoo (Kalamazoo County) Milham Park Improvements $500,000.
• City of East Grand Rapids (Kent County) Waterfront Park Improvement Project Phase 2 $500,000.
• Shelby Township (Oceana County) Shelby Community Pool $500,000.
• Village of Elberta (Benzie County) Terminus Park Acquisition $5,347,600.

If further news becomes available on particulars of these upgrades, they will be featured.


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Tippy Dam Hosts 20,000 Bats Immune to White Nose Syndrome

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bats hibernating inside Tippy Dam ( photo by David Kenyon/Michigan Department of Natural Resources))

from a feature byInterlochen Public Radio

In the 1990s, Allenn Kurta, biology professor at Eastern Michigan University, heard that there were hundreds of bats living in Tippy Dam on the Manistee River (near Brethren, MI). He went to check it out, expecting to find about 50 bats. Instead he found over 20,000 healthy little brown bats.

More importantly, these bats have not contracted the fungal white-nose syndrome which has devastated bat populations in the Upper Peninsula. The fungus is not a problem for bats in warmer weather. However, when they hibernate in cold weather, the fungus awakens the bats, and they fly out looking for insects to eat. When they find no food, they die.

Kurta found that the fungus was present at Tippy Dam, but the bats were not being affected. Tippy Dam is now home to the largest population of hibernating bats in Michigan.

Kurta said, "There is something going in in that dam that is allowing them to survive the infection," Kurta said. "So it's an important natural resource, and it does a world of good for farmers and everybody else by eating insect pests and things that transmit diseases."

However, the sale of Tippy Dam and several others on the Manistee River is pending. Consumers Energy will divest itself of the outdated and expensive-to-maintain structures. One possible purchaser, Consumers Hydro, has stated that it will continue to operate the dams "in accordance with the same species protections Consumers Energy has undertaken. We further understand the importance of bat research underway at the Tippy Dam, and we look forward to learning more about how we can support these efforts."

Romoval of the dams is still not out of the question. Local residents prefer keeping the dams due to the recreational opportunities found at the dam ponds.

And, as yet, no one has unlocked the secret of why the Tippy Dam bats are immune to the fungus. Learning this key piece of information could save the little brown bat.

See Interlochen Public Radio


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Silver Lake State Park to Open First Ever Fat Tire Bike Season

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fat tire bikes on dunes (photo from the MDNR)

a news release of the Michigan DNR

An all-new fat-tire biking season will take place at Silver Lake ORV Area Dec. 15-March 15 from 8 a.m. to dusk each day. Riders will enjoy 450 acres of open sand dunes, elevation changes of 80-100 feet, access to Lake Michigan and sunsets over the lake from the top of the dunes. Silver Lake State Park is located at Mears, Michigan.

Rules and tips
• The annual fat-tire biking season takes place Dec. 15-March 15 from 8 a.m. to dusk. Park in pedestrian parking lot at 8890 West Shore Dr., Mears, Mich.
• Open riding is permitted within the boundaries of the designated 450-acre ORV area. Please do not enter the area utilized by Mac Woods. View map.
• Riders must enter the dunes using the down ramp of the ORV area.
• No e-bikes allowed.
• No reservations or preregistration are required.
• A valid Recreation Passport required on all vehicles entering the parking lot. A self-pay station is available at the ORV Area parking lot entrance.
• Alcohol is prohibited.
• No drinking water is available. Please plan accordingly.
• Vault toilets (or outhouses) are located in the parking lot and in the dunes.
• There is limited refuse service provided for trash.
• Gates will open every day regardless of conditions and it is the visitor’s discretion to enter the dunes.
• Riders are asked to call 911 in case of an emergency.

The dunes are an everchanging environment. Drifts and freezing conditions can drastically change the landscape overnight.

See map of area open to fat tire bikes. a pdf


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Pigeon River Country Forest Acquires Black River Ranch

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Pigeon River Country State Forese (photo from the MI DNR)

from a news release of the Michigan DNR

Using a combination of grants and private donations, the state of Michigan has just acquired a huge private parcel, the Black River Ranch, to add to the Pigeon River Country State Forest. This 8850-acre forested area will add 14 miles of trout streams, three lakes and wildlife habitat to the state forest. Portions of the Black River, the East Branch of the Black River and Stewart Creek are included. The Black River, considered the premier brook trout stream east of the Mississippi River, is the only river managed exclusively for native brook trout in the Lake Huron basin. The Forest was already the largest single area of protected land in the Lower Peninsula at 109,000 acres. That total will now be closer to 118,000 acres. The state forest is located in the central area of the northern LP, including parts of Cheboygan, Otsego, Montmorency, and Presque Isle Counties.

Pigeon River Country State Forest, also known as the "Big Wild" due to its size and undeveloped characted, is home to Michigan's elk herd. Michigan's native elk disappeared in the 1870s, but were reintroduced in 1918 with the release of seven western elk. Their population is now over 1100 and is closely monitored.

Little Traverse Conservancy brokered the deal between the Ranch and the State of Michigan. A number of private donations added to state grant money, and the Ranch owners reduced the selling price. One private donor was the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, which has a high interest in the success of the elk herd, which already was grazing on ranch property, paying no attention to human-imposed boundaries.

“More than five years in the making, conservation of the Black River Ranch property is a great example of RMEF’s steadfast commitment to increasing public access while ensuring vital habitat remains for big game and other wildlife,” said Jennifer Doherty, RMEF managing director of mission operations.

Inventory and assessment of the property will now begin- considering which buildings should be kept and might be considered historically significant. Motorized access routes need to be evaluated. Currently the property is open for all legal non-motorized uses such as hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, hiking, wildlife viewing, bird watching, berry picking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and other outdoor activities. Motorized use is limited.

The state will continue to pay local taxes on the property.

Read the complete article: A landmark investment in public land


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Oxford Trail in Grand Rapids Will Connect Neighborhoods

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groundbreaking in September (a still from video footage

from a news release of Fox 17 online and other sources

Construction began in September 2025 to revamp and improve the Grand Rapids, Michigan, Oxford Trail.

This $9 million project will connect Roosevelt Park, the Black Hills and downtown Grand Rapids. Links to other trails are an important part of the effort. The trail will connect with the Grand River Greenway which will eventually stretch from Lake Michigan to Lowell. First will be rehabilitation of the existing trail segment from Wealthy St (west of the Grand River) into the Black Hills neighborhood. There are proposed extensions to Hall St, Kent Trails, and Millennium Park.

Possible future connections are to Plaster Creek Trail, Garfield Park, and Burton Heights neighborhoods.

The trail will be non-motorized and multi-use.

Funding comes from the American Rescue Plan Act and a DNR grant to Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.

See renderings of the proposed Oxford Trail improvements


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2025 Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Monies Coming to West Michigan

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Boardwalk at Gales Pond built with NRTF money (photo by jhy)

mostly from a news release of the Michigan DNR

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is a restricted fund that was established in 1976 to provide funding for public acquisition of lands for resource protection and outdoor recreation, as well as for public outdoor recreation development projects. It is funded through interest and earnings on funds derived from the revenues of state-owned oil, gas and minerals. The fund was created by Constitutional amendment, and so far has rebuffed efforts to raid the money for other purposes.

Over the past 49 years, the Trust Fund has granted more than $1.3 billion to state and local units of government, across 3,015 allocations, to develop and improve recreation opportunities in Michigan. Look for signs at any number of small properties to see where this money has made your life more rich. Small and large projects are funded each year.

“The Trust Fund continues to be a tremendous source of funding for important projects and land acquisitions across Michigan,” said Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Scott Bowen. “Since 1976, more than 3,000 projects or acquisitions have been funded with the help of Trust Fund dollars, creating an outstanding legacy spanning nearly half a century.”

This year, the board recommended $19.1 million for development project grants and $25.8 million for acquisition grants. Seven of these awards will come to West Michigan:
• Saugatuck Township, Riverside Park Acquisition, Allegan County, $ 2,464,300
• Spring Lake Township, Petty's Bayou Waterfront Acquisition, Ottawa County, $ 840,000
• East Bay Township, Ridge Nature Preserve Acquisition, Grand Traverse County, $ 4,813,600
• DNR - Parks and Recreation Division, Elmdale to Lowell Trail Acquisition, Kent County, $ 1,000,000
• DNR - Wildlife Division, Muskegon State Game Area Land Consolidation, Newaygo County, $ 1,600,000
• City of Muskegon, Hartshorn Marina Expansion, Muskegon County, $ 730,200
• DNR - Forest Resources Division, Turtle Lake Acquisition, Otsego County, $ 5,000,000

The Natural Resources Trust Fund may be the best gift outdoor lovers in Michigan have ever had.

See Full List of 2025 NRTF awards


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Wild American Chestnuts Making a Comeback

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hybrid chestnuts in bloom (photo by jhy)

compiled from several sources. By jhy

Wild American Chestnuts are returning. In Michigan, there are surviving trees throughout the state. One population is known in Grand Traverse County.

A study done in 1981 by Lawrence G. Brewer of Western Michigan University documented 224 sites where American Chestnut, Castanea dentata, are found. Of these 140 were blight free.

Many experts believe the trees can only be saved by hybridizing with other species, or by genetic engineering. Meanwhile, some trees simply continue to survive without contracting the disease, or perhaps more surprisingly, they continue to grow and reproduce even with the disease.

There are several large American Chestnut trees at Crystal Valley ski area. I have not been able to confirm this definitively because the American Chestnut society wants leaves/ buds and not seed pods to verify the identification. I'm not sure how to get that evidence on a 50-foot tall tree. Perhaps after a big storm some branches might come down, but I haven't been able to get out there at such a time.

However, it appears that one location on Brewer's map may be at Crystal Valley.

This video by the Global Justice Ecology Project showcases a large, healthy population of American Chestnut in Vermont on the property of renowned naturalist Dr. Bernd Heinrich.



"The trees' resilience challenges the widespread claim that only genetic engineering can restore the species. Planted by blue jays and squirrels, these trees show us something far more hopeful: the wild American chestnut is already returning, naturally," said Heinrich.

See the study by Lawrence G Brewer (a pdf)


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Balsam Oil May be Balm for Moose

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moose that has rubbed most of the hair from its face (photo by Sarah Hoy)

based on an article from Michigan Technicological University

Although moose have not been found in Michigan's Lower Peninsula since the 1880s (and even occasional odd sightings of wanderers are extremely rare), this study seems interesting enough to share.

Grace Moeggenborg, an applied ecology and environmental science student in Michigan Technological University, noted that many moose in the Upper Peninsula were suffering from the cold, due to huge numbers of attached ticks. The moose try to rub them off and mostly succeed only in dangerously thinning their fur.

The problem is the Winter Tick, Ixodes scapularis. As many as 20,000 ticks may be present on one moose. The animals may become anemic or malnourished due to blood loss.

It has been known since 2022 that Balsam Fir oil will kill Black-legged (Deer) Ticks which are the same species, but refer to the early-season hatch. The Winter Ticks appear in nymph form in late fall. Already Moggenborg's research has determined the timeline for the ticks, and she is documenting never-before understood information about this part of the aracnhid's life cycle.

She hopes to determine if the Balsam oil can also kill the over-wintering ticks that plague the moose. A delivery system to put the oil in contact with the nymphs must also be devised.

Moggenberg hopes to keep pursuing her passion for addressing forest pests and pathogens. She's also considering continuing her education beyond an undergraduate degree.

See the entire article at the Michigan Tech website.


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Ottawa County 2026 Park Scavenger Hunt

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2026 Scavenger Hunt (graphic from Ottawa County Parks)

a news release of Ottawa County Parks

Ottawa County Parks is excited to announce the return of the Parks Challenge in 2026, now featuring a brand-new Scavenger Hunt. Thanks to the creativity and generosity of Kristopher Reinhardt of Edward Jones, park visitors can take part in a year-long adventure designed to highlight Ottawa County’s parks in a fun and interactive way.

The Scavenger Hunt runs throughout 2026 and invites participants to follow clues, explore county parks, and search for hidden tokens. Each season, three clues will lead to one county park, for a total of four mystery parks during the year.

The first participant to find the hidden token at each mystery park will win $250. Participants must be registered to be eligible. If the token has already been found, visitors can still participate by searching for and scanning a QR code at the site to enter a quarterly prize drawing.

Reinhardt shared why supporting this effort was meaningful to him:

"Ottawa County Parks have become a foundational part of who I am. I didn’t know or understand that when I started exploring them," said Kristopher Reinhardt, sponsor of the 2026 Scavenger Hunt. "I have visited these places during some of the most triumphant and hardest times of my life. Each time, the Parks have amplified the highs and softened the lows. Every visit has left me feeling less stressed, happier, and more optimistic. This is the true prize of the Scavenger Hunt. The money is simply an incentive for people to start their journey.”

Clues will be released on social media at the beginning of each month by Kristopher Reinhardt and the Ottawa County Parks Foundation. Participants may also sign up to receive clues via email.

See Full information at Ottawa County Parks


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Former Scout Camp Greilick Open to Public

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Camp Greilick ski trail (photo from Grand Traverse County)

compiled from several sources, mostly from a news release of Grand Traverse County

After Over 1,000 hours of volunteer time, plus work from staff and community partners, Camp Greilick near Traverse City, Michigan, is now open to the public. Four-season activities are available.

Featured are: A hiking trail called Lagoon Loop, additional trails for hiking, snowshoe, backcountry cross country skiing, an 18-hole disc golf course, “Wood Chip Hill” children’s area with story walk and bouldering wall and two geocaches.

The overarching park vision is to protect and preserve the conservation value of the property and dedicate it as a public space where county residents and visitors can experience passive and active outdoor recreation, learn to be better stewards of the environment, and develop skills to improve their outdoor experience.

Grand Traverse County acquired the former Boy Scout camp property in 2024 after it had sat idle for many years. “We are honored to bring this special piece of property into our parks system and make it available for the public to create lifelong memories and enjoy outdoor recreation and education, just as it has for many decades. We are especially thankful to the staff and volunteers who have dedicated their time and talents to help us open the park,” said John Chase, Director of Parks and Facilities for Grand Traverse County.

Planned additions for 2026 are: outdoor and environmental education opportunities, on-site lodging, and pavilion/lodge rental. The county is also working with North Sky Raptor Sanctuary to bring a raptor education center and rehabilitation facility to the park.

The park is located at 4754 Scout Camp Rd. and can be accessed from Hobbs Hwy (please note that map applications may incorrectly route drivers on Ranch Rudolf Rd.).

It is open 365 days a year from 6 AM to 11 PM. Facilities are currently winterized, so plan to pack in water if needed. Porta Potties are available on site. Leashed dogs are welcome and pet waste stations are in several locations. The kiosk in the parking lot has a large print map with a full park layout, as well as a QR code so that visitors can take the map along with them. Residents are also encouraged to sign up for monthly newsletters about all of the happenings at Camp Greilick.

Here is the map of Camp Greilick Trails

For additional information, contact Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation at gtparks@gtcountymi.gov, Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation


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Prune in Winter to Prevent Oak Wilt

oak leaves with oak wilt (photo from the Michigan DNR)

a news release of Michigan DNR

Trees across Michigan are just wrapping up their display of fall color, with the reds, oranges and yellows of oak trees often taking center stage. That annual autumn color fest may be at risk, though, because oak trees across areas of Michigan are dying from oak wilt.

One of the best ways to help prevent oak wilt from infecting trees on your property is to avoid wounding them during the high-risk infection period, April 15 to July 15. Winter is a safe time to prune oak trees.

Caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum, oak wilt is fatal to oak trees, especially those in the red oak family, which includes black oak, northern red oak and northern pin oak – all identifiable by their pointed leaf tips.

Once a tree is infected, the fungus may fruit, creating distinct, gray to black fungal pads under the tree’s bark. Fungal spores can be picked up by sap-feeding nitidulid beetles attracted by the pads’ yeasty odor. Sap beetles spread oak wilt when they visit pruned or damaged oaks to feed on their exposed sap.

Oak wilt often is first identified when green leaves turn yellow or brown on the edges and begin to drop during the summer. Infected oaks can spread the disease to other oaks through underground root connections or grafts, creating an expanding circle of dead trees.

Winter is the ideal time to prune trees because nitidulid beetles and other pests that cause harmful tree diseases are less active in cold temperatures.

The DNR maintains an interactive online map for viewing verified, reported and treated locations of oak wilt across the state. The tool also can be used to report suspected oak wilt infections. What can be done? Michigan.gov/ForestHealth or MichiganOakWilt.org.

To learn more about oak wilt, visit Michigan Oak Wilt


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Brothers Die After Falling Through Ice

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Island Lake, Kalkaska (from hybrid imagery)

compiled from several sources

Two brothers died this past weekend after falling through the ice on Island Lake southwest of Kalkaska, Michigan. They were 22 and 13 years old. A third boy, aged 14, managed to crawl back onto solid ice and call for help. But it was too late to save the boy and the young man. The 22-year-old was found quickly and taken to the hospital, but was not able to be revived. His younger brother was found the next morning in about 8 feet of water.

This is surely a tragedy for the families involved.

It also provides a good opportunity to remind us all of ice safety, espcially since winter seems to have come early to West Michigan.

Your safety is your responsibility! These tips are from the Michigan DNR:
• There is not a reliable "inch-thickness" to determine if ice is safe.
• You can test ice thickness and quality using a spud, needle bar or auger.
• Strongest ice: clear with bluish tint.
• Weak ice: ice formed by melted and refrozen snow. Appears milky.
• Stay off ice with slush on top. Slush ice is only half as strong as clear ice and indicates the ice is not freezing from the bottom.
• If there’s ice on the lake but water around the shoreline, be extra cautious.

See more ice safety tips from the Michigan DNR
See news article about the drownings at UpNorth Live


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Local Couple Create Trail at Sparta Sports Complex

Tim Shelton scouting trail (photo by Katy Shelton)

from a conversation with Katy Shelton

Looking for stories to feature on this blog, I was reading about a recently created trail around the perimeter of Sparta Sports Complex, Sparta, Michigan. Imagine my surprise when scanning the article, to realize that I know the people responsible for creating this trail.

Katy and Tim Shelton, active North Country Trail hikers and volunteers, decided they wanted a trail near their home where they could get in 5K (three miles).

"We wanted to create a trail for the residents of Sparta that was nearby and easily accessible. Hopefully walking on our trail will inspire them to continue their hiking adventures and seek out other trails, farther away. They will soon discover all the neat trails that are out there for everyone to explore."

Starting two years ago in dense woods full of "pricker bushes" and undergrowth, the couple began pounding in orange stakes to determine a suitable route for the new trail. "We hammered in over 300 of them," Katy told me.

"I don't like long pants," Katy says. "That first year was brutal. We plotted a course and chopped out a trail through woods and wild raspberry bushes with LOTS of thorns and over a TON of trippable roots." Tim's trousers would be covered in sharp, prickly seed pods. Katy's legs took a real beating! But they persisted. They got help from other community volunteers, and this fall (2025) the 3.5-mile trail opened.

At first the couple carried all their tools in by wagon, but eventually the Sports Park loaned them the use of a golf cart which made the logistics much easier.

Signs are in place and locator maps will be installed. KAty explained there is currently a small detour where a river improvement project is underway, but the trail is still useable.

Katy said, "I'm working to get it on AllTrails, but that's a work on progress."

The park also features ball fields and a disc golf course.

See Sparta Sports Park
See Fox 17 news report on the project


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Hager Park's US Map Feature Restored

Events Calendar

Hager Park USA map from Google Imagery

compiled from various sources

Centered in Hager Park in Jenison, Michigan, is a terrain map of the United States large enough to easily be seen in Google imagery. The outline is obvious, some of the rivers are sculpted in, and even some of the relief features.

The park and playground were built in the 1990s, but the map recently got a facelift in the summer of 2025. This was the work of Eagle Scout Wyatt Nance. He recruited over 75 other people to help with the project. Overgrown with weeds and eroded, the map was hardly discernible any more. Wyatt raised funds, repaired the boundaries, hardened the edges with stone for accessibility, and recreated the borders of the states.

At the very bottom of the picture the oddly shaped structure is a wooden playground, a portion of which is built to look like a ship.

In addition to the map and playground there is a picnic area and about three miles of hiking trails which connect to nearby neighborhoods.

See map of Hager Park
Read WZZM article about Wyatt's project


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Sign Up for Online Watershed Course

(graphic from Michigan State University)

a news release of Michigan State

Michigan State University Extension's Introduction to Lakes Online course is a six-week, self-paced program that covers lake ecology, shoreline protection, watershed management, and more. It’s perfect for property owners, community members, and anyone who cares about our waterways. Early bird registration is open through January 6!

Introduction to Lakes Online is designed for interested individuals, decision makers, local leaders, resource professionals, and lakefront property owners interested in gaining knowledge about inland lakes and connecting with others who have a similar interest. In this introductory course, participants increase their knowledge and understanding of the following six topics:

• Lake ecology
• Watersheds
• Shorelines
• Aquatic plant management
• Michigan water law
• Community involvement

This award-winning six-week course is offered once a year and consistently draws strong interest.The course features a simple, easy-to-navigate website, clear instructional videos, and weekly reminder emails

For more info and registration see MSU Extension


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Kalamazoo Residents Speak Out Against Development

Asylum Lake (photo from Western Michigan University)

from a news article at Watershed Voice

Asylum Lake Preserve is owned by Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan. There are 274 acres protected for passive recreation and educational activities through the university.

Recently, the Kalmazoo Planning Commission was presented with a request to rezone an adjacent parcel at the corner of Stadium Drive and Drake Road for commercial use.

This is not the first such request. In 2020 there was a request to rezone from residential to commercial for the purpose of building a car wash. That request was denied.

The current proposed rezoning is consistent with the Kalamazoo Master Plan, however, no specific development plans were presented to the commission.

Residents turned out in force, and the public comment period continued for five hours. Change.org presented a petition with 14,000 signatures to deny the request. The primary concerns were environmental, and causing pressure on the adjacent preserve. One resident stated their case succintly, "“We have roughly 137 car washes in the greater Kalamazoo area and one Asylum Lake."

Commissioners were convinced, and added concerns of their own such as increasing traffic problems at an already busy corner.

The Planning Commission voted 7-0 to deny the rezoning request. The final decision will be made by the City Commission.

Some walking trails exist at Asylum Lake, and a Master Plan is in place to create more. This will be the subject of a future GOTC article.

See Asylum Lake Preserve


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Winter Trail Etiquette

classic groomed ski tracks on the left, and skate-ski/snowshoe grooming on the right (photo from the National Park Service)

compiled from several sources. By jhy

There are basically three kinds of grooming that are done for non-motorized trails in winter. Classic track grooming for cross-country skiers consists of two parallel lines about a foot apart in the snow. Skate-skiing track is a wider, ribbed surface that is essentially compacted and flat. Grooming for fat-tire bicycles is similar.

What are the rules when you encounter groomed winter trails?

Above all, find out the local rules for the trail you are using, which may be more specific than these general guidelines.

There are several absolute tabus. When you encounter the classic two-groove ski tracks, do not do anything on these except cross-country ski with skis no wider than the tracks. In fact, it's best if skiers try not to cut across these tracks, herringbone up hills, etc. Of course, a fall might damage the grooves, but if traffic is not heavy, some effort should be made to repair the tracks. Hikers, snowshoers, skate-skiers, and pets should not use these tracks. Unfortunately, in many cases, we can't train the deer or coyotes to stay off.

The flat, ribbed tracks for skate skiing and fat-tire biking are a little more flexible. Still, you should stay off them with boots. Walk pets elsewhere. Some trail systems allow snowshoe use on these tracks, others do not. In particular, if you use snowshoes with deep-gripping cleats, you will probably not be welcome. Anything that puts gouges in the surface can present not only an annoyance but a hazard to fast-moving users. Bicycles on these trails should have a minimum 3.8" tire width.

Protocol is that slower users yield to faster ones by stepping out of the track or trail. In many cases, trails are signed to be one-way. This is for safety. Meeting a speedy user head-on is not good. Do not stop at the bottoms of hills or just around blind corners.

In many cases, groomed trail systems charge a user fee. This helps cover the cost for maintaining grooming equipment.

In the immediate local area:
• Crystal Valley and Pentwater Pathways are groomed for classic skiing by volunteers of the Oceana Cross Country Ski Association. Donations are welcome, but there is no fee for using those areas.
• Big M is groomed for classic skiing by volunteers, with separate trail groomed for fat-tire bikes by Shoreline Cycling Club. Donations are encourged and there is a collection box at the parking area.
• The Manistee Non-Motorized Trail is partially groomed for fat-tire bikes by Shoreline Cycling Club, and partially for classic skiing , with an additional snowshoe loop/ dog walking loop
• Ludington School Forest has trails groomed for fat-tire bikes by Shoreline Cycling Club. The regular hiking trails are not groomed.
• The Logging Trail at Ludington State Park is groomed for classic skiing. Snowshoes are welcome to the side.
• Just slightly farther south, the Dragon Trail at Hardy Dam Pond is grooming 13 miles with ribbed track for shared use by fat-tire bikes, skis, and snowshoes.
• Muskegon Luge has a 3.5 mile groomed ski trail, and a 2.5 mile snowshoe trail. The trails are lit in the evenings and open 7 days a week. $10 daily trail pass. Open till 9 pm weekdays and 10 pm Fri & Sat.
• Commercial ski resorts often have cross-country trails.

There may be other groomed trails in the area. Feel free to let me know of them.

Contact me at events@getoffthecouch.info


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5-County Multi-use Trail Connection Effort Revitalized

bicycle riders on the Hart-Montague Rail Trail (photo by Josh Schuyler)

from an article in the Ludington Daily News and personal recollection, by jhy

Before Covid, various committees were organized in Mason, Lake, Oceana, Newaygo, and Manistee Counties (Michigan) to formulate a regional plan for connecting multi-use trails in the five counties. I was a part of one of those committees.

Most of the early discussion centered on the fact that connecting Ludington with the Hart-Montague Rail Trail is no easy task because there is no longer a railroad right-of way. Since that time, a group Friends of the Pentwater-Hart Trail has formed and is making progress toward connecting Pentwater to the north end of that trail at Hart.

Connections east from Ludington are problematic, as the railroad is still live track from Baldwin to Ludington, so use of an abandoned railway is not an option. The Pere Marquette Rail Trail currently begins in Baldwin and runs all the way to Midland. The US 10 corridor is extremely busy and a dangerous bicycle ride. When US 10 was widened in 1990, wide, curbed, paved shoulders were added. Everyone wondered why bicycles did not immediately rejoice at this. The simplest reason is that curbs were added at every driveway so it is just a continual series of bad bumps, and it is usually littered with broken glass and random junk. The five lanes of traffic and heavy commercial development make it an unappealing corridor for a bicycle trail.

Just prior to Covid, the committees were presented with a marketing strategy for any eventual plan. However, the proposal was not well received, and then Covid hit. Everything stalled.

Now the Building, Planning, Drains & Airport Committees of Mason County have been presented with a new effort, spearheaded by Dave and Kathy Maclean (former owner of Spindrift bicycle shop). A number of agencies are interested in starting the process again to try to connect with regional trails.

Priorities would be to connect Ludington State Park with downtown, downtown to Consumers Pumped Storage property, then on to Pentwater, and finally from Ludington to Scottville. This concept has been broken into these four segments, each plan under the leadership of a different person. Portions of these routes are part of the US Bicycle Route system, although that primarily uses roads.



See Ludington Economic Development


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Calvin Ecosystem Preserve Adds Large Rock Garden

Calvin University Puddingstone (photo by Kent Ratajeski)

compiled from various sources

Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, hosts a 44-acre Ecosystem Preseve. Along with an adjacent research area (not open to the public), the preserve offers both recreational and educational opportunities. There are 1.7 miles of trails, available only for hiking with no pets. Open 7 am till dusk.

The preserve is inhabited by 260 species of plants, including several trees approaching 250 years old and the smallest plant in the world, called watermeal. Many animals, including 18 species of amphibians and reptiles, 179 bird species, and 27 species of mammals have been identified in the preserve.

Now the university has added a large rock garden near the entrance at East Beltline Avenue. The garden features a variety of Michigan rocks. The centerpiece is a 16,000-pound puddingstone. Puddingstone is more usually found in the Upper Peninsula, but it all was brought here from Ontario by the glaciers.

Kent Ratajeski posted a picture of the rock on Facebook, and people immediately began to travel to see the massive stone. Ratajeski serves as director of the Bruce Dice Mineralogical Museum at Calvin University, and is also an educator.

Various classes will take advantage of having larger specimens to study than can be handled in a classroom. Additionally, this rock garden will focus on rocks rather than serving as a matrix for rare plants. Climbers are welcome, and kids are loving the "playground."

The garden was made possible by a donation from Thelma Venema, a lifelong lover of geology and rocks.

See a brochure of the trail system


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Portions of the Dragon Trail Groomed for Winter Use

map of groomed trails (from Mecosta County)

compiled from several sources

The 45-mile Dragon Trail around Hardy Dam Pond in Newaygo and Mecosta Counties, Michigan, has a total of 13 miles that are groomed for multi-use winter adventures. The trail remains open for hikers, bicyclists, skiers and snowshoes. As such, the grooming is not focused on one user group.

Bikes should have tires a minimum of 3.8" wide (fat tire bikes). Hikers should stay to the side of the trail. Showshoes and skis are welcome on the groomed trail.

Sections that are groomed are shown highlighted in green on the graphic, which includes the Brower Loop and Section 5 which runs between Mecosta County's Brower Park and Davis Bridge Park. Parking areas of each of these parks are plowed and will be maintained on weekdays throughout the winter. Vault Toilets are available at both locations, with a hand water pump available for use at Davis Bridge.

For parking at Newaygo and Mecosta County Parks, a permit is required. Each county has its own permit. One permit does NOT cover all parking along the loop. 2026 annual Vehicle Permits are now available! Standard vehicle permits are $35 each with regional passes available for $60 each. Stop by to purchase a permit in person at the Parks Administration office in Paris, MI, Mon-Fri 8:30-5:00, or call 231-832-3246 to purchase over the phone! Or drop your fee in the fee pipe at Brower or Davis Bridge Parks and your permit will be mailed out to you!


See the complete rules for Trail Etiquette


See the main website for The Dragon Trail

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Grand Traverse Commons Proposed Trail Expansion

view within Grand Traverse Commons (photo from Garfield Township Plan)

compiled from various sources

The Grand Traverse Commons Recreation and Natural Area is a 140-acre park that is overseen by the City of Traverse City and Garfield Charter Township Recreational Authority. Miles of unpaved trails, many covered with woodchips, wander up, down, and around wooded hillsides, streams, meadows, and wetlands. The park is a part of the overall Grand Traverse Commons Redevelopment District and was originally a part of the former State Psychiatric Hospital.

Parking and trailheads to the Natural Area exist on North Long Lake Road, near the intersection of Medical Campus and Orange Drives, near the Barns area, on the west side of the TBA Administrative building, and on the northernmost side of the Copper Ridge development.

Adjacent to the park on the west is a 38-acre wooded parcel owned by the State of Michigan that is also available for public use.

The Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association is working to improve and expand the trail system. There will be trails optmiized for mountain biking, and others will remain for hiking. Additional trailheads may be built.

Key points of the NMMBA plans are:
• Preserve existing trails wherever possible
• 3+ miles of professional machine-built trails
• Sessional 'hubs' with flow trail loop
• Clay, stone and Wooden materials
• New maps and signage

For an excellent map of the proposed trails, scroll down at The Commons Bike Project


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Ada Historic Bridge Park North Opens Dec 5

Ada Historic Covered Bridge (from Google Steet View)

compiled from several sources

Just in time for the Annual Bridge Lighting ceremony in Ada, Michigan, the north (west) half of the rejuvenated park will open on December 5, 2025. The event is locally popular and includes opportunities to buy refreshments, enjoy trolly rides, and watch the bridge being lit for the holidays.

This half of the park project includes a passive green space and access to the historic covered bridge across the Thornapple River. There will be a Veteran's Memorial which is expected to be the centerpiece of this section of the park.

Full access through the bridge will not be available until the project is completed in June 2026. The south (east) side of the park will include pickleball courts, a splash pad, playground, pavilion, restrooms, and a small dog park.

Park Plan (from Discover Ada Facebook page)

The bridge lighting ceremony will be Dec. 5, 2025, at 5:15 p.m.

Wesley Deason, Director of Parks and Recreation for Ada Township, says he envisions the site as a place for families to gather. He hopes the park will serve a range of recreational needs.

The Ada Winter Lights Walking Trail is a 0.8-mile walk through town which takes in light displays, including the covered bridge. The holiday lighting display will be in place from December 1 to January 31. Scan the QR Code here to download a map of the route to your phone.



See Fox 17 news article


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Spotlight on Manistee Non-Motorized Trail

Manistee Non-Motorized Trail sign (photo by jhy)

by jhy

The Manistee Non-Motorized Trail is a series of loops located about three miles east of Manistee on M-55. You will find the entrance on the north side of the road.

There are about four miles of trail primarily for foot travel, and more than five additional miles designed for mountain bikes.

This land was purchased by the City of Manistee in 1943 as a possible location for an airport. Subsequently, Manistee Blacker Airport was built farther north. The 174 acres sat unused, although dedicated to public recreation use, until 2011 when a trail plan was put forth. Working with the Shoreline Cycling Club trails were built, and there is a maintenance agreement with that same group.

Intersections are mostly well marked. The Red, Yellow, White, and Purple Trails form three loops dedicated to hiking and running, and in the winter they are groomed for cross-country skiing. The one-mile Blue Loop is reserved for snowshoers and those wishing to walk leashed dogs in the winter.

Inside the Yellow Loop, and outside of the entire pedestrian trails are loops for mountain biking. These are groomed for fat tire bikes in the winter. Additionally, the blue loop has some structures for practice at technical biking skills.

There is virtually no topography on this acreage. The trails are wide, and are a great place for novice skiers.

In winter, please do not walk on trails groomed for a specific purpose.

Parking location at 44.233849, -86.260925, three miles east of the junction with US 31 in Manistee on M-55. No facilities.

These trails will be added to the Get Off the Couch website when the bike trails are mapped.


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Five of Eight EGLE Grants for Water Quality Come to West Michigan

Thornapple River (photo by jhy)

from a news release of Michigan DNR

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) announced this week about $2.9 million in Nonpoint Source (NPS) Program grants. These funds will support eight projects that will prevent, reduce, or eliminate polluted runoff and other nonpoint sources of pollution – caused when rain, snowmelt, or wind carry pollutants from land into lakes, streams, or wetlands. The purpose of these grants is to carry out locally developed watershed management priorities that EGLE has approved to help restore impaired waters and protect high-quality waters by reducing NPS sediments, nutrients, bacteria, and other contaminants. These Nonpoint Pollution Control grants are funded through the Renew Michigan Fund and Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act. The projects recommended for funding in West Michigan are:

To address high levels of bacteria from human sources in the Thornapple River Watershed with outreach to homeowners, technical assistance, and funding for the repair and replacement of failing on-site septic systems.

To replace an undersized railroad-stream crossing in the Grand Traverse Bay Watershed to restore proper stream dimensions and sediment transport mechanisms to improve stream health and natural stream function.

To develop an Inland Waterway stewardship guide to educate residents and recreational users across six major waterbodies including Crooked, Pickerel, Burt, and Mullet lakes as well as Indian and Cheboygan rivers on best management practices for reducing nutrient runoff, managing invasive species, and protecting shorelines. The project will leverage resources from statewide initiatives to drive action and increase public awareness and stewardship.

To protect approximately 300 acres in the Grand River Watershed and 552 acres in the Manistee River Watershed with water quality-based permanent conservation easements. Combined, these easements will prevent 33.6 tons of sediment, 542 pounds of nitrogen, and 112 pounds of phosphorus from entering Michigan waterways.

The agencies on the west side of the state receving funds are:

Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, Galesburg: $239,216
Barry Conservation District, Hastings: $339,462
Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, Petoskey: $45,356
Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, Traverse City: $415,673
The Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City: $614,993

The NPS Program typically issues an RFP each year for this funding source, with the next available opportunity to be released in January 2026. The RFP will be posted at Michigan.gov/NPS




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Muskegon State Park Special Fat Bike Day

(photo from Michigan Luge Facebook page)

from Michigan Luge

Global Fat Bike Day is celebrated around the world the first week of December.

On Saturday, December 6th, West Michigan will be celebrating at Muskegon State Park by opening our trails for bicycling. (All muscle-powered bikes Welcome). Trails open from noon till 10 PM.

Normally biking is prohibited on all Muskegon State Park Trails, but the DNR has given special permission to allow biking for this one-time use. Be mindful of hikers that will also be on the trails at the same time. This is for Muskegon Luge trails only. Please do not ride on trails outside of our portion of the State Park.

Be mindful of hikers that will also be on the trails at the same time.

Cost: Suggested donation of $10 to support trail management

See Muskegon State Park


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Onekama Boat Launch Access Paved

locator map for Andy's Point

from the Manistee News Advocate (subscription required)

Onekama Township was recently able to pave the drives leading to the boat launch at Andy's Point off Lake Park Drive in Onekama. The access is on the northeast side of Portage Lake.

The ramp into the water had previously been paved, but the access and circular drive were gravel

The project was funded through Manistee County Community Foundation with $5000. Although the location is owned by the DNR, that agency could not apply for a grant. However, the township was able to request the funds.


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Kalamazoo Habitat Haven Trail Upgraded for Accessibility

Kalamazoo Nature Center (photo from their Facebook page)

from the Kalamazoo Nature Center

The Habitat Haven Trail at Kalamazoo Nature Center is a 0.6 mile loop that takes hikers through some of the most outstanding and beautiful habitats in southwest Michigan! Explore pond, fen, stream, and forest habitats with a spur trail into the middle of the fen.

This trail is temporarily closed while it receives upgrades to improve accessibility options. With recent acquisition of Grit and Trek all-terrain wheelchairs, the Nature Center has made it an important priority to have a safe and improved trail for visitors. Some small steps have already been taken, but significant infrastructure improvements will provide a hard packed and mostly flat trail that many visitors will be able to enjoy.

The trail is being resurfaced, and is expected to reopen around November 26. Other trails and programs are open and operational.

The Kalamazoo Nature Center is home to over 14 miles of hiking trails winding through woods, wetlands, and prairies. Cross country skis and snowshoes welcome (trails are not groomed).

Download a Kalamazoo Nature Center Trail Map


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