Spring-fed stream running through the Nale family’s wooded property.
Announcement written by John Nale. Edited for length. Photos courtesy of the Nale family.
In celebration of World Habitat Awareness Month in October, the Nale family of Onekama is offering guided hikes, by reservation only, through their property at 8434 Third Street. Taking place from noon to 3 p.m. each Sunday in October, the fall color-tour hikes will follow trails through a pristine forest with a meandering creek, the latter tracing its origin to local artesian springs.
The family’s property mirrors nearby Glen Park, except their private forest was called “pristine” by a local conservation advisor for its giant oak trees missed by loggers. The park-like setting of the 10-acre private property includes groomed trails, with small waterfalls, bridges and swings plus high ridges with valley views. One visitor called it an “enchanted forest.”
Natural springs can be seen bubbling from the sand, adding water to the creek which flows into Portage Lake, three blocks away, whose waters continue through a channel to Lake Michigan. The property is in the lake’s watershed, which includes the lake, streams and aquifer. A community nonprofit called Portage Lake Watershed Forever was formed to protect the health of the watershed, educate the community about its importance and promote and advocate for the conservation of natural resources.
According to NaturalToday.com, the month of October is set aside for World Habitat Awareness to bring attention to the importance of “creating sustainable, carbon-neutral and inclusive cities and towns…by learning about proper waste management, reducing emissions, and advocating for (community) green spaces…”
Approximately a dozen public green spaces in the area are stewarded by the Village of Onekama, Onekama Township, the Nature Conservancy and others.
Spots on the Sunday tours can be reserved by texting John Nale at (231) 510-7134. Visitors to the area may wish to incorporate the hike into their weekend fall color tour along M-22, a Pure Michigan-designated, 116-mile fall color route.
