BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Land Conservancy of West Michigan - ECPv6.15.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:Land Conservancy of West Michigan
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://naturenearby.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Land Conservancy of West Michigan
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:America/Detroit
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20250309T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20251102T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20260308T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20261101T060000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:-0500
TZOFFSETTO:-0400
TZNAME:EDT
DTSTART:20270314T070000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:-0400
TZOFFSETTO:-0500
TZNAME:EST
DTSTART:20271107T060000
END:STANDARD
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260411T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260411T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T221249
CREATED:20260128T165350Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T165350Z
UID:21008-1775898000-1775908800@naturenearby.org
SUMMARY:Second Saturday Workday at Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve
DESCRIPTION:Join the Land Conservancy of West Michigan for a workday at Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve! We will be cleaning up the dump site on the property as part of our ongoing restoration and stewardship of the preserve. Be prepared to help load large items (appliances\, etc.) onto a tractor\, dig trash out of the ground\, and carry smaller items. \nThis event will happen rain or shine\, so please wear boots and come dressed for the weather. Tools\, water\, work gloves\, and snacks will be provided. \nSaul Lake Bog Nature Preserve has a grass parking lot. We will gather near the preserve signage on the north end of the lot\, and will hike into the preserve together. If the parking lot is full\, please parallel park on the shoulder on the drive in. \nRegister to Attend \n\nAbout Second Saturday Events\nThe Land Conservancy of West Michigan owns and cares for 20 nature preserves protecting a diverse mosaic of native natural communities\, from prairies and forests to bogs and freshwater dunes. The permanent protection of these places often requires active management to ensure they stay healthy and resilient in the face of encroaching invasive species\, climate change\, and altered natural processes. \nAt our Second Saturday Workdays\, we invite volunteers to participate in these acts of care. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month\, volunteers meet at a preserve and help manage invasive species\, plant native seeds\, maintain trails\, and more. Together\, we create visible\, lasting change we can return to and build upon. Here\, your hands shape the future\, and the future has your fingerprints on it.
URL:https://naturenearby.org/events/ssw-at-saul-lake-bog-041126/
LOCATION:Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve\, 10471 Six Mile Road\, Rockford\, MI\, United States
CATEGORIES:Second Saturdays
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://naturenearby.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026.04-SLB-COMPLETE.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260418
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260419
DTSTAMP:20260404T221249
CREATED:20260105T211823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T142449Z
UID:20830-1776470400-1776556799@naturenearby.org
SUMMARY:Explorathon: Guided Hike
DESCRIPTION:ABOUT THE EVENT\n\n\nAcross 50 years\, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan has protected spaces where curiosity grows\, and where caring for the earth means caring for each other. In West Michigan’s forests\, prairies\, and shorelines\, protecting habitats also means we’re nurturing the relationships that make conservation possible.  \nAs part of our 50th anniversary celebrations\, we are hosting the Explorathon: a three-event series highlighting connected\, protected natural lands and the impact of collaboration in conservation in West Michigan. The Explorathon invites participants to hike along the Lake Michigan Shoreline\, bike the varied topography of the Eastern Glacial Corridor\, paddle the waters of our Big Forests & Wild Rivers—while learning about\, enjoying\, and celebrating the ongoing protection of these beautiful natural places. Together\, we will explore the land that has been protected over the past 50 years\, and we will dream of the impact that can be had in the coming 50.   \nJoin us for the first stop of the Explorathon: a guided hike along the coast of Lake Michigan\, featuring a collaboratively protected stretch of lakeshore!   \nThis contiguous parcel of natural land has been protected by the hard work and dedication of the Land Conservancy of West Michigan\, the Michigan DNR\, the Ottawa County Parks Department\, and the communities of Ferrysburg\, Grand Haven\, Norton Shores\, Spring Lake.  \nHike participants will travel along the forested dunes of the iconic shoreline\, enjoying views of Lake Michigan to the west and the Grand River valley to the east\, while learning more about the importance of landscape-level conservation work\, hearing stories about how these lands came to be protected\, and enjoying the fruits of decades of hard work to protect and restore natural land on the Lake Michigan shoreline.  \nTickets are required to attend. On-site registration will be available\, but space is limited. We recommend registering early to secure your spot!   \nRegister to Attend \n\n\nIf you’re interested in sponsoring this event\, please reach out directly to han@naturenearby.org.  \nIf you’re interested in volunteering for this event\, please reach out directly to kendra@naturenearby.org.  \n\n\nEVENT INFORMATION: \n7 Miles \nJoin us for a 7-mile hike along the coast of Lake Michigan. This route will take participants through the following properties: PJ Hoffmaster State Park\, North Ottawa Dunes\, Ottawa Sands County Park\, KLH Dunes Preserve\, and North Shore Fisherman’s Pier. This route is primarily natural surface trails\, including some sections of steep hills and sand. When selecting your ticket for this event\, you will be able to choose a pace group. This pace group will determine your starting time and hiking speed. Each pace group will have a naturalist guide who will hike with you along the route and share about the history of the property and the natural features along the hike. \n2 Miles \nJoin us for a 2-mile hike around Ottawa Sands County Park. This route takes place on an entirely paved trail and is a great option for those who prefer a shorter route\, or those hiking with kids. This is a “no-drop” hike: we will walk at the speed of the slowest participant. \n\nPACE GROUPS: \nEastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Group | 7 mile route\, 20-25 min/mile pace\, 8:30am departure from Gillette Visitor Center \nKarner Blue Butterfly Group | 7 mile route\, 26-30 minute per mile pace\, 8:45am departure from Gillette Visitor Center \nPiping Plover Group | 7 mile route\, 31-35 minute per mile pace\, 9:00am departure from Gillette Visitor Center \nEastern Box Turtle Group | 7 mile route\, 36-40 minute per mile pace\, 9:15am departure from Gillette Visitor Center \nWhite Lady Slipper Group | 2 mile route\, “no-drop” pace\, 10:00am departure from Gillette Visitor Center \n\nWHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR TICKET: \nOn-Route Support \nThe 7-mile route includes three aid stations\, and the 2-mile route includes one aid station. Each aid station will have snacks and drinks to keep hikers energized throughout the day! \nEducation \nIn addition to your pace group’s personal naturalist guide\, each aid station will be staffed by our community partners\, ready to share about their unique work and the land they protect! You can plan on hearing from the Michigan DNR\, Ottawa County Parks\, and KLH Dunes Preserve staff and volunteers about their specific work and areas of expertise. \nActivities \nOptional games and activities to keep you on your toes will be available during the hike. \nPrizes \nEach participant will receive an LCWM water bottle and a unique\, limited-edition Explorathon hike-themed sticker to decorate. *NOTE: Each Explorathon event includes a custom sticker! Participate in all three activities and receive all three stickers to fully customize your water bottle! \nAfterparty \nJoin us immediately following the hike for an afterparty\, hosted at the Gillette Visitor Center at PJ Hoffmaster! There will be food\, drink\, and more! Celebrate your accomplishment of finishing the big hike with us! \n\nPARKING & ARRIVAL:\nParking is available at PJ Hoffmaster State Park\, located at 6585 Lake Harbor Rd\, Norton Shores\, MI 49441. \nWhen you arrive at the state park\, please park in the day-use beach parking lot. You can find this lot by following the temporary signage or by taking the first right immediately after the contact (entrance) station\, just after the first speed bump. There are two parking lots at the day-use beach. Please park in the lot farthest from the beach. Once you’ve parked\, go to the “shuttle pickup” sign – a shuttle will arrive shortly to bring you to the check-in location. \nYou must have a recreation passport to park at PJ Hoffmaster State Park. \nA recreation passport can be purchased with the renewal of your license plates. If you do not have a recreation passport\, you can purchase one from the Secretary of State for $15 or on-site when you arrive for $20. If you are planning to purchase a recreation passport on site\, you must have cash or a check made out to the “State of Michigan”. If you have any questions about this\, please reach out directly to P.J. Hoffmaster at 231-798-3711. *NOTE: If you are unable to purchase a recreation passport for any reason\, reach out to your local library! Your library card may give you access to a “Michigan Activity Pass”\, which provides card holders with a free state park visit! \nWe will provide a shuttle from the parking lot to the Visitor Center.  \nBecause a shuttle will take you to the start of the hike\, we recommend arriving a minimum of 20 minutes before your pace group takes off. This will allow you time to take the shuttle to the starting location\, get checked in at registration\, and use the restroom before your group begins. If you are purchasing a ticket on-site\, we recommend arriving with a few additional minutes of cushion time. \n\nFAQ’s:\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCan I purchase a recreation passport on site?  \nYes\, a recreation passport can be purchased on site! On site purchases cost $20 and are cash or check (made out to “State of Michigan”) only. \nCan I register for the hike day-of on site?  \nYes\, you can purchase a ticket in person day-of! We will accept cash or card for day-of registration. This event has limited space\, so we recommend securing your ticket early\, but we will be accepting morning-of registrations. If the event sells out before April 18\, we will update the event page to reflect this. If registering day-of\, be sure to arrive at registration a minimum of 25 minutes prior to your selected pace group. \nIs there anything I should bring with me on the hike?  \nThis is a long hike\, so bring what you need to be comfortable. We recommend good walking shoes\, sunscreen\, layers\, and water. Trekking poles and other accommodations to make the journey easier are welcome! \nWhat if I begin the hike but cannot finish the full 7 miles?  \nWe are offering two routes day-of (7 miles and 2 miles)\, so please choose a distance you are comfortable with! That said\, if you are unable to complete whichever route you have signed up for\, just alert one of the volunteers with your group. Each group will have a minimum of two volunteers or staff members\, and they will ensure your safe and timely return to the Gillette Visitor Center. \nAfter the hike ends\, how do we get back to our vehicles?  \nWe will be providing a shuttle from the finish back to P.J. Hoffmaster State Park! \nCan I bring my dog?  \nWhile we love your furry companions\, unfortunately the shuttle service does not allow dogs unless they are a registered service dog. \n\nRegister to Attend \n\n\nTHIS EVENT IS GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY\n \n\n\nWITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM\nAldea Coffee \nVivant Brewery & Spirits \n\nTHANKS TO OUR PARTNERS\n     .    \n 
URL:https://naturenearby.org/events/50th-explorathon-hike-041826/
LOCATION:P.J. Hoffmaster\, 6585 Lake Harbor Road\, Norton Shores\, MI\, 49441\, United States
CATEGORIES:50th Anniversary
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://naturenearby.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/04.18.26-single-color.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260426T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260426T163000
DTSTAMP:20260404T221249
CREATED:20260122T135446Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260122T135446Z
UID:20984-1777213800-1777221000@naturenearby.org
SUMMARY:Diving into Vernal Pools
DESCRIPTION:Join the Land Conservancy of West Michigan (LCWM) and the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition (NCEC) at McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve as we explore a fascinating habitat: vernal pools!   \nVernal pools are unique\, seasonally flooded wetlands. They fill with rain and snowmelt in spring and disappear in summer. Despite their ephemeral nature\, these wetlands are hubs for biodiversity\, and feature a remarkable cast of invertebrates and amphibians that depend on them.  \nVernal pools are not well-protected wetlands under federal or state laws. Because they are small\, isolated\, and seasonal\, they have also not been well documented in Michigan. That’s where the Vernal Pool Patrol comes in! The Vernal Pool Patrol program works with community scientists\, adults and youth\, and local program coordinators to identify\, map\, monitor\, and provide data on vernal pools across the state. Information collected by Vernal Pool Patrol community scientists is submitted or entered into the statewide Michigan Vernal Pool Database\, and will be used to help inform management and conservation of vernal pools and associated plants and animals in Michigan.  \nNCEC’s Katie Clark (a Newaygo County Vernal Pool Patrol Coordinator) will lead us in this family-friendly\, entry-level introduction to vernal pools as we learn about what natural features identify a vernal pool\, the unique critters that depend on them\, and how to get involved in the Vernal Pool Project.   \nRegister to Attend \nWe will meet at the south entrance to the nature preserve\, off 14 Mile Road. To find this entrance\, take 14 Mile Road until you see LCWM signage and a gate on the north side of the road. Parallel park along the sides of 14 Mile Road and hike in past the preserve sign until you reach the meeting location.
URL:https://naturenearby.org/events/monthly-outing-042626/
LOCATION:McDuffee Creek – 14 Mile Access\, 2203 E 14 Mile Rd\, Bitely\, 49309
CATEGORIES:Monthly Outings
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://naturenearby.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/2026.04-Vernal-Pools-COMPLETE.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260502T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260502T123000
DTSTAMP:20260404T221249
CREATED:20260130T125506Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260130T125506Z
UID:21020-1777717800-1777725000@naturenearby.org
SUMMARY:Adult Workshop: Guided Hike and Art Journaling
DESCRIPTION:Join the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the Land Conservancy of West Michigan for a guided hike and art journaling workshop at The Highlands. Connect with the natural world during this immersive workshop as you explore the landscapes\, plants\, and wildlife that make this area so special. \nFollowing the hike\, translate your experience into art using creative journaling prompts capturing the textures\, colors\, and moods of the land through sketches\, writing\, and mixed-media expression. \nPlease note: This adult workshop takes place offsite at The Highlands (2715 Leonard St NW\, Grand Rapids\, MI 49504). Additional details will be provided to participants prior to the workshop. Pre-registration is required. There is a 20% discount for all GRAM members. \nRegister to Attend \n 
URL:https://naturenearby.org/events/lcwm-event-050226/
LOCATION:The Highlands\, 2715 Leonard Street Northwest\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49504
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://naturenearby.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/617454266_1323691396463834_7948092943492957785_n.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20260509T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20260509T120000
DTSTAMP:20260404T221249
CREATED:20260323T195024Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T195024Z
UID:21125-1778317200-1778328000@naturenearby.org
SUMMARY:Second Saturday Workday at Lamberton Lake Fen Nature Preserve
DESCRIPTION:Join the Land Conservancy of West Michigan at Lamberton Lake Fen Nature Preserve for our May Second Saturday Workday! We’ll be removing garlic mustard\, an invasive plant\, as part of our ongoing stewardship of this rare ecosystem. \nThis event will happen rain or shine\, so please wear boots and come dressed for the weather and activity. We recommend wearing long pants. Tools\, water\, work gloves\, and snacks will be provided. \n\n\n\n\n\nPlease parallel park along the sides of Plaza Drive. We will gather at the trailhead and will hike into the preserve together. \n\n\n\n\n\nRegister to Attend \n\nAbout Second Saturday Events\nThe Land Conservancy of West Michigan owns and cares for 20 nature preserves protecting a diverse mosaic of native natural communities\, from prairies and forests to bogs and freshwater dunes. The permanent protection of these places often requires active management to ensure they stay healthy and resilient in the face of encroaching invasive species\, climate change\, and altered natural processes. \nAt our Second Saturday Workdays\, we invite volunteers to participate in these acts of care. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month\, volunteers meet at a preserve and help manage invasive species\, plant native seeds\, maintain trails\, and more. Together\, we create visible\, lasting change we can return to and build upon. Here\, your hands shape the future\, and the future has your fingerprints on it.
URL:https://naturenearby.org/events/ssw-at-lamberton-lake-fen-050926/
LOCATION:Lamberton Lake Nature Preserve\, 3118 Plaza Dr NE\, Grand Rapids\, MI\, 49525\, United States
CATEGORIES:Second Saturdays
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://naturenearby.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Working-Document-Hero-Images.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260606
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260607
DTSTAMP:20260404T221249
CREATED:20260105T214216Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T145914Z
UID:20836-1780704000-1780790399@naturenearby.org
SUMMARY:Explorathon: Guided Pedal
DESCRIPTION:About the Event\n\n\nHelp the Land Conservancy of West Michigan celebrate our 50th year by exploring the land we’ve worked together to protect! The Explorathon event series will invite participants to hike along the Lake Michigan Shoreline\, bike the varied topography of the Eastern Glacial Corridor\, paddle the waters of our Big Forests & Wild Rivers\, and celebrate the ongoing protection of these beautiful natural places.  \nThe Explorathon’s Guided Pedal will take participants through the rolling terrain of the Eastern Glacial Corridor. This event will highlight the Land Conservancy of West Michigan’s nature preserves and ongoing stewardship work. \n\n\nMore info coming soon! \nIf you’re interested in sponsoring this event\, please reach out directly to han@naturenearby.org.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n 
URL:https://naturenearby.org/events/50th-explorathon-pedal-060626/
CATEGORIES:50th Anniversary
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://naturenearby.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/06.06.06-single-color.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260829
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260830
DTSTAMP:20260404T221249
CREATED:20260105T215016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T145950Z
UID:20839-1787961600-1788047999@naturenearby.org
SUMMARY:Explorathon: Guided Paddle
DESCRIPTION:About the Event\n\n\nHelp the Land Conservancy of West Michigan celebrate our 50th year by exploring the land we’ve worked together to protect! The Explorathon event series will invite participants to hike along the Lake Michigan Shoreline\, bike the varied topography of the Eastern Glacial Corridor\, paddle the waters of our Big Forests & Wild Rivers\, and celebrate the ongoing protection of these beautiful natural places.  \nThe Explorathon’s Guided Paddle will take participants floating down the Pere Marquette River. This event will highlight the Land Conservancy of West Michigan’s work with landowners to protect private land using conservation easements. \n\n\nMore info coming soon! \nIf you’re interested in sponsoring this event\, please reach out directly to han@naturenearby.org.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n 
URL:https://naturenearby.org/events/50th-explorathon-paddle-082926/
CATEGORIES:50th Anniversary
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://naturenearby.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/08.29.26-single-color.png
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR