Tag Archives: trail

Take a walk through a story at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, Local Entertainment, ,
W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary hosts Wild Wednesdays designed just for kids.

By Cara Barnes
W.K. Kellogg Biological Station

The trails at the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary will have a new storyline for families this spring, though a partnership with the Richland Community Library.

Starting this month, pages from a storybook will be posted along the Sanctuary’s paved path for families to read as they walk. There also will be self-guided activities that complement the story’s themes and a reading list at the Richland Community Library to learn even more and practice reading skills.

The stories and activities will be updated every two months and are open to all during normal operating hours with the cost of admission (free to members).

Story themes
March-April—Owls!
Story title: “Whobert Whover, Owl Detective,” written by Jason Gallaher, illustrations by Jess Pauwels.
Activities: Scavenger hunt, owl facts near Birds of Prey area.
Take home: Owl coloring pages.

May-June—Frogs!
Story title: “Jump, Frog, Jump!” written by Robert Kalan, illustrations by Byron Barton.
Activities: Frog life cycle facts by the water garden and more.
Take home: Frog life cycle wheel.

Contact the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary at birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu or (269) 671-2510 for more information.

Boyne Highlands Resort offers enchanted trail full of lights

Citizen Journalism, Entertainment, ,

By Erin Ernst
Boyen Highlands Resort

 Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs, Michigan, has opened a new winter attraction, The Enchanted Trail.

 

“The Enchanted Trail offers a magical experience for all ages,” says Mike Chumbler, Boyne Highlands Resort’s president and general manager. “It’s a really serene and peaceful walk culminating at a beautifully designed yurt where beverages are served, and guests can gather round a bonfire, before journeying back.”

The trail totals two miles roundtrip, and features the twinkling of hundreds of lights strewn throughout the path.  Guests can opt to walk, or snowshoe the trail with snowshoes available for rent. Tickets are $15 per person, and The Enchanted Trail is open on weekends and holidays with departures from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Hot chocolate and s’mores are included. A cash bar is available and beverage tickets can be purchased in advance for the event.

Reservations are required and can be made online at boynehighlands.com.

Social distancing should be practiced on the trail and face masks are required inside the yurt and anytime six feet cannot be maintained from other parties.

For complete event information, lodging reservations, or more information about Boyne Highlands Resort, please visit boynehighlands.com or call 866.759.3530.

New path connects Wyoming’s Frog Hollow to M-6 Trail

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Wyoming, , ,
Let’s take a walk: The new trail connector starting at M-6 and heading to Frog Hollow.

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

A final piece to the City of Wyoming’s Frog Hollow park was completed this month when a short path connector from the park to the Fred Meijer M-6 trail was installed.

“Actually it was part of the vision when the M-6 trail was under construction that Frog Hollow would serve as a way station to those using the trail,” said the City of Wyoming’s Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt, whose responsibilities includes overseeing the parks. “People who were biking would be able to use the restrooms or families could take a break along the trail and enjoy the park.”

The trail is located west of the park, between the tree-and-bush barrier and the Metro Health facility’s driveway at 1980 Metro Court Way.

The playground equipment at Frog Hollow. The park is designed to be universally accessible. (WKTV)

The project was delayed in that the city needed to get an easement from the property located behind the park at 1980 Metro Court SW. The building was occupied by ITT Technical Institute which closed in 2016 when the for-profit school discontinued operations. Metro Health eventually moved into the location.

The project cost about $87,201 to complete the .1 mile connector. About $62,601 was funded with Federal TAP funds from the Grand Valley Metro Council with the City of Wyoming contributing $26,160. 

“Before the connector, we really did not have a direct way for people to walk or bike to the park,” Rynbrandt said, noting most had to use the roads through the Metro Village to get to the park located at 2050 Metro Court. SW.

 

The connector also will allow access to the Spartan Branch YMCA, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, Veterans Center, Gezon Parkway and Gezon Park baseball fields through pathways located along Metro Court and Metro Way. Rynbrandt said she is working with Kent County for signage.

Constructed in 2005, Frog Hollow was designed to be universally accessible providing ramps to access higher levels among other features. The park does have a black rail fence all the way around with only one entrance and exit, which is where the restrooms are located. For more about the City of Wyoming Parks, click here. 

The Fred Meijer M-6 trail runs 9 miles parallel to the M-6/Paul Henry Freeway. The trail starts at Wing Avenue and 60th Street where the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail starts and ends at the Kent Trails at the M-6 overpass located between Byron Center and Ivanrest avenues.

Marking its 14th year, the Lakeshore Harvest Country offers an array of local farms, wineries to visit

Entertainment, Local Food, Local History, ,

Lakeshore Harvest Country is celebrating its 14th year as a Michigan agritourism trail by offering area residents and visitors an opportunity to come right to the farms and wineries in the West Michigan area.

The agritourism trail has seen an increase in the number of farms/wineries participating this year on its trail. They are all located between Saugatuck and South Haven along the Lake Michigan area. The farms and wineries come in all sizes and operated by families that have a love for what their doing. All of the members are now open. Due to Covid-19, they will also encourage you to please wear a mask and please practice social distancing.

The 2020 tour guide/map can be found at local businesses, tourism chambers and bureaus or you can download it on their website at www.lakeshoreharvestcountry.com. This tour guide provides what the members have to offer, locations, and hours of operation.

Beginning in July, there is a large variety of fruits, veggies, ciders, wines, cheeses, herbs, flowers, pottery, and more. Some of the farms also offer U-Pick blueberries, cherries, apples, raspberries and peaches. Kids can see farm animals such as chickens, ducks, goats, horses and cows. Other products for sale include pure honey and maple syrup, free-range eggs and much more. Call ahead to verify product availability and hours.

Looking for a little fun and adventure this growing season? There is an “Online” Farm Scavenger Hunt, July 1st to October 31st on their website. The Lakeshore Harvest Country’s Farm Scavenger Hunt will send you down country roads leading to some of the area’s most picturesque farms, not to mention some of the freshest locally grown fruits and vegetables around and you have an opportunity to win prizes.

2020 Members include: Barden’s Farm Markets, Brush Farms, Bumbleberry Acres, Cogdal Vineyards, Dee’s Lakeshore Farm, Evergreen Lane Creamery, Fenn Valley Vineyards & Winery, Khnemu Studio on Fernwood Farm, Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum, McIntosh Apple Orchards & Winery, Michigan Wine Company, Modales Winery, Overhiser Orchards, Pleasant Hill Farm, Riverbend Raspberries, Root, Salt of the Earth, The Sugarhouse at Ridley Family Sugar Farm, Summerhouse Lavender Farm, Van Til’s Greenhouse, Virtue Cider, Waypost Brewing Co.

Due to Covid-19–major events of road rally, bike ride, and arts and eats tour have been cancelled.

For a copy of the 2020 LHC brochure or for more information, call Theresa at (616) 638-6835 or visit www.lakeshoreharvestcountry.com.