About White Lake Guided Nature Walks

Explore and enjoy the pristine natural areas of White Lake as you are led by an expert area naturalist. Each walk will feature a specific topic, such as: coastal dune conservation, local ecology, or the importance and challenge of maintaining natural areas in the city.

Established in 2006, White Lake Guided Nature Walks take place June through October on the first Saturday of each month. There is no cost to attend.

The program is a partnership of Great Lakes Consulting, the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Land Conservancy of West Michigan. It is sponsored by Arconic (formally Alcoa Howmet) and coordinated by Great Lakes Consulting.

Details

About the Walk

The first walk of 2017, “A Walk in Paradise,” takes place among the ferns and other moisture-loving native species in Paradise Valley, located on the Owasippe Boy Scout property. It is lead by expert area naturalist, Connie Crancer.

The walk will begin at 10:30 a.m. sharp and will end at approximately noon. The path is a “medium” level of difficulty, and the ground will most likely be wet. There is no cost to attend.

About the Guide

Connie Crancer earned a Master’s of Science in Terrestrial Ecology from the School of Nature Resources and Environment at the University of Michigan. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from Michigan State University. Additionally, she was a natural areas specialist for the Matthaei Botanical Gardens at the University of Michigan.

What should you bring?

Attendees are encouraged to bring insect repellant, water, and snacks if needed. Dress appropriately for the weather, and wear comfortable, sturdy, waterproof shoes (no flip flops). Other optional items include: sunscreen, hat, umbrella, binoculars, camera, sketchpad, and pencils or pens.

Contact

Walks will take place regardless of weather, unless conditions are unsafe.  Please call (231) 292-8188 to confirm on the day of the walk if you have questions.

For more information about the program, contact the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at (231) 893-4585 or Tanya Cabala at tcabala@charter.net and (231) 981-0016.

Directions

Travel north from the camp’s main parking area on Russell Road for about 1.5 miles (about .5 mile before Fruitvale Road). Parking and the trail entrance are across from the marked trail entrance to Hiawatha Beach. For those who need directions or for carpooling, the meeting place will be the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, 124 W. Hanson Street in Whitehall at 10 a.m. Parking is available.