October 18, 2016
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Pere Marquette River: Mapleleaf
Large cedar and hemlock trees line much of this stretch of river. Keep an eye out for turtles and bald eagles–wildlife is abundant here.
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October 18, 2016
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Pere Marquette River: Rainbow Rapids
This section of the river maintains much of its forest integrity, even though it is mostly privately owned. This portion is deeper than upstream, though there are areas that are still wade-able along the edges.
October 18, 2016
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Pere Marquette River: Walhalla
This area features impressive forested slopes and overlooks, and large emergent wetland areas. It is a good birding area because of the more open areas.
October 18, 2016
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Richmond Woods Nature Preserve
Located near Brohman in central Newaygo County, Richmond Woods Nature Preserve spans two watersheds, protects multiple wetland types, and features a sustainable, working forest.
October 18, 2016
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Roselle Park
A paved trail leads through former pastures, now being restored to natural habitats, down to the Grand River where there is a canoe landing and river overlook. Looping unpaved trails let visitors explore the lowland forest that shades the river in this Ada Township
October 18, 2016
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Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Located between Saugatuck and Holland with towering dunes, 2.5 miles of undeveloped shoreline, and no crowds–this is one of the great Lake Michigan parks.
October 17, 2016
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Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area
Hiking trails loop through the dunes, around wetlands, to the north shore of the Oxbow Lagoon, along the Kalamazoo River channel, and the Lake Michigan shoreline, offering scenic views at every turn. At the beach, look for migratory shorebirds including gulls, plovers, sandpipers, and terns.
October 17, 2016
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Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve
Located east of Rockford, Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve is one of West Michigan’s flagship natural areas. Convenient parking and over a mile of meandering trails allow visitors to appreciate the bog, prairie, forests, and fields–and the diversity of wildlife they support–in all seasons.
October 17, 2016
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Upper Macatawa Natural Area
This former cow pasture-turned-county park near Zeeland was returned to fields and wetlands. It meanders to miles of the Macatawa River, attracting a variety of wading and grassland birds. It offers extensive hiking and mountain biking trails.
October 17, 2016
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Wege Foundation Natural Area
Located just outside of Lowell, adjacent to Lowell High School and the Wittenbach/Wege Environmental Center, this preserve is often used as an outdoor classroom by Lowell-area students and nature enthusiasts. Hiking trails wind through mixed hardwood forests, cross over a trout stream, and wander through