Trillium at Dry Hill Trail. Photo: Mark Videan.
From staff reports
The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and Michigan Legacy Art Park will offer guided wildflower hikes in May. The hikes take place in southern Benzie County.
A statement on the conservancy’s website offers a warning about the early emergence and prevalence of ticks this spring. Tick-bite prevention includes staying on the trails, wearing long sleeves and pants, tucking pantlegs into socks and using a repellant specially formulated for ticks.
May 3, Early Spring Wildflower Hike at Pete’s Woods, Arcadia Dunes
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Paula Dreeszen, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy volunteer, will lead a 1.5-mile hike on the loop trail located along Swamp Road, south of Joyfield Road, in Benzie County. This trail is known for its unparalleled display of spring wildflowers. Participants are asked to wear hiking shoes and bring water and a snack. Sunscreen, bug spray, a camera and binoculars are suggested. The hike is free. To register, go to: gtrlc.org
May 17, Mid-Spring Wildflower Hike at Pete’s Woods, Arcadia Dunes
10 a.m.-12 p.m. Paula Dreeszen, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy volunteer, will lead a 1.5-mile hike on the loop trail. See the May 3 description. To register, go to: gtrlc.org
May 21, Spring Wildflower Walk, Thompsonville
2 p.m. The walk is free. Park entry fee is $10 per person, $5 per child, $20 per family. Caitlin Chism will lead an educational tour of the Michigan Legacy Art Park at Crystal Mountain Resort. She will identify wildflowers and their place in the park’s ecology. Meet rain or shine at Michigan Legacy Art Park Trailhead, a quarter mile from the parking area. Check the park’s Facebook page one hour prior to the hike for updates or cancellation due to severe weather. Crystal Mountain Resort is at 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr. The park is at 7300 Mountainside Dr. For information, go to: http://michlegacyartpark.org
