justnorth posted on December 19, 2007 08:19 :: 1719 Views
An array of special programs geared toward nature and outdoor recreation is planned for this winter at the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park near Muskegon.
On Saturday, Jan. 26, there will be a Family Snowshoe Hike starting at 11 a.m. The Gillette Nature Association will host the program, and "loaner" snowshoes will be available for participants who do not own a pair. Reservations for snowshoes are recommended and can be made by calling the visitor center at 231-798-3573.
On Thursday, Jan. 31, Ottawa County Parks Naturalist Chip Francke will talk about the effort being made to preserve green space and unique natural resources in Ottawa County. Francke will discuss the county park system and the development of the county's new nature center at Hemlock Crossing. This program, which begins at 7 p.m., is sponsored by the Gillette Nature Association and is part of the center's ongoing Sand Dune Speaker Series.
On Saturday, Feb. 9, there will be an Owl Prowl led by Don Petersen, who will give a presentation on Hoffmaster's resident owls. The program begins at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, Feb. 16, there will be an Evening Snowshoe Hike around the park. The program begins at 7 p.m. and is sponsored by the Gillette Nature Association. Reservations for "loaner" snowshoes are recommended and can by made by calling the visitor center at 231-798-3573.
On Thursday, Feb. 28, Ed Hansen from Hope College will join his fellow researchers, Deanna vanDijk of Calvin College and John Legge of The Nature Conservancy, to do a presentation called "Living With Dunes From a Scientific Perspective" -- about Michigan's unique sand dunes and their latest research findings. The program begins at 7 p.m. at the visitor center.
The Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center currently is closed for annual maintenance. The center will reopen on Jan. 26. All programs offered this winter are free; however, park visitors are required to have a Motor Vehicle Permit. Permits are available at the park entrance. The resident daily permit is $6 and the annual is $24. The non-resident daily is $8 and the annual is $29.
For more information about these programs, call the visitor center at 231-798-3573.
Article Source:
http://justnorth.com/Articles/tabid/105/articleType/AuthorView/authorID/12/justnorth.aspx