Holiday Hike Challenge - Group Hikes

Participating in the Land Conservancy of West Michigan Holiday Hike Challenge the past few years has been such a pleasure. Last year, I decided to open my personal hikes to the community, and many of you came out to explore the preserves together. This year, I’m thrilled to officially partner with the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, leading one group hike at each preserve in the Holiday Hike Challenge. Let me be your guide as you embrace nature at these 17 special locations. Join me for one, a few, or all of them! ALL AGES are welcome on these FREE, group hikes. No registration is necessary, however, it would be helpful if you could let me know you’re coming. This is especially important if you’re traveling a distance to join us. Click on the "Register" link next to the preserve below to secure tickets through Eventbrite. You may also select "Going" on the Facebook Event. At each hike, we will discover the preserve together, looking for the “Bow Tree” and notice special plants along the way. I will share plant identification, as well as, uses for food, medicine, and creative connections if there is interest. We’ll also talk about tips for winter tree ID. Participants will leave with their picture at the “Bow Tree,” to enter the Challenge, and with inspiration to connect with nature in new ways. Visit the Land Conservancy of West Michigan's website for more information about the Challenge.

Group Hike Schedule

Saturday, 11/23/24

• 9:00am Brower Lake Nature Preserve, Rockford. Register here
• 10:30am Maas Family Nature Preserve, Rockford. Register here

Sunday, 11/24/24

• 2:00pm Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve, Rockford. Register here

Friday, 11/29/24

• 10:30pm The Highlands, Grand Rapids. Register here
• 1:30pm Richmond Woods Nature Preserve, Brohman. Register here 

Saturday, 11/30/24

• 2:00pm Dumaw Woodland Nature Preserve, Pentwater. Register here

Sunday, 12/1/24

• 1:00pm Minnie Skwarek Nature Preserve, Spring Lake. Register here
• 2:30pm Palomita Nature Reserve, West Olive. Register here

Sunday, 12/8/24 (Note the times, as they were previously posted incorrectly)

• 9:30am Bradford Dickinson White Nature Preserve, Lowell. Register here
• 11:00am Wege Foundation Natural Area, Lowell. Register here

Tuesday, 12/10/24

• 4:45pm Lamberton Lake Fen Nature Preserve, Grand Rapids. Register here

Sunday, 12/15/24

• 1:00pm Flower Creek Dunes Nature Preserve, Whitehall
• 3:00pm Anderson Woods Nature Preserve, Montague

Saturday, 12/21/24

•  9:00am Upriver Nature Preserve, Bitely. Register here
• 10:30am McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve, Bitely. Register here Archery hunting is allowed at this preserve. Please dress in bright clothes, take note of whether a hunter is present on the preserve when you are there, make your presence known, and take the necessary precautions to remain safe! 

Sunday, 12/22/24

• 9:00 am Kuker Van-Til Nature Preserve, Holland. Register here
• 10:30 am Dune Pines Nature Preserve, Holland. Register here