The Summer Solstice marks the height of Michigan’s long, sunny days. Soak up the late evening sunshine and join brothers Joel and Josh Betts on a guided exploration of Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Joel will highlight unique ecological features and identify birds and plants in the park and Josh will share history and folklore associated with the Summer Solstice as we take in the beauty of these protected forested dunes.

We will complete a 3.7-mile loop starting on the south trail through dune forest to a rare, protected interdunal wetland, finishing with a short beach walk before heading back along Livingston trail. Plan for an approximately 2-hour hike along sandy trails with some steep hills.

We will meet in the main parking lot of Saugatuck Dunes State Park (North Outer Loop Beach trailhead). A parking fee may apply to those without a Recreation Passport.

About Saugatuck Dunes State Park

Saugatuck Dunes State Park is a favorite of both resident and tourist nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and hikers. In the 1970s, a community coalition of concerned citizens came together with a goal of protecting this property that was once a seminary and then state prison and police office. The Land Conservancy of West Michigan was intimately involved in that coalition who helped to protect the park. At the time, our organization was run entirely by volunteers and we were called the Natural Areas Conservancy of West Michigan (NACOWMI). Protecting Saugatuck Dunes State Park’s ecosystems was our first land protection project.

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