tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58077570981829873392024-03-16T14:50:09.686-04:00Kalamazoo SeasonsChuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.comBlogger449125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-23446982917121366052023-11-27T15:06:00.001-05:002023-11-27T15:08:10.704-05:00Winter Events 2023-4<p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwQaCazgHGSa85LP_2i99zLduWll5R4gWDfe3Yt16WZWRJ-F03PHLf350kUuY14_lenBkWqgqbhQAEJ2vR7jzQKt9Zq3kXtVhATvDTzu4eKf2fKhrb8zL-KhKQfrxrsZPbzOunvMXv1kfkm4bmwYIw2ljsKuqAuUqTFRMu0sVLq_y50xMnLiz_XRqtD8/s6000/IMG_5941.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigwQaCazgHGSa85LP_2i99zLduWll5R4gWDfe3Yt16WZWRJ-F03PHLf350kUuY14_lenBkWqgqbhQAEJ2vR7jzQKt9Zq3kXtVhATvDTzu4eKf2fKhrb8zL-KhKQfrxrsZPbzOunvMXv1kfkm4bmwYIw2ljsKuqAuUqTFRMu0sVLq_y50xMnLiz_XRqtD8/w400-h266/IMG_5941.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>With Thanksgiving over and Kalamazoo's first snow cover, it's feeling like Winter is here. We'll need more snow for <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2013/02/top-five-beginner-ski-trails-near.html">skiing</a> and <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2011/02/sledding-kalamazoo.html">sledding</a>, and some colder temperatures for outdoor <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/skating">skating</a> but local festivities celebrate the season regardless of weather.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Winter Events near Kalamazoo</span><br />
</p><blockquote>
December 2, 2023 <a href="https://www.portagemi.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=3066&month=11&year=2023&day=27&calType=0">Tree Lighting & Traditional Holiday</a> celebration Celery Flats,<i> Portage</i> </blockquote>
<p>
<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>December 2, 2023 <a href="https://naturecenter.org/buylocal">Local Gift Fair</a> 9 am -4 pm Kalamazoo Nature Center <span style="font-style: italic;">Kalamazoo</span> <br /></p><blockquote>December 18, 2023 <a href="https://www.kzooparks.org/Events/Kzoo-Parks-Events/December-to-Remember">December to Remember</a> Bronson Park <i>Kalamazoo</i></blockquote>
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December 31, 2023 <a href="http://www.newyearsfest.com/">New Year's Eve Fest</a> <i>Kalamazoo</i></blockquote>
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January 12-24 2024 <a href="http://www.kalamazoobeerweek.com/">Kalamazoo Beer Week</a> <i>Kalamazoo</i>
<span class="slogan-text"><br /></span><span class="slogan-text"><br /></span>February 2-4, 2024 <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2012/02/ice-breaker.html">Icebreaker </a> <span style="font-style: italic;">South Haven</span> <br /><br />February 17-18, 2024 <a href="https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_79146_84107---,00.html">Free Fishing Winter Weekend</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">throughout Michigan</span><br />
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February 24, 2024 <a href="https://www.mibeer.com/Events/winter-beer-festival-1">Winter Beer Festival</a> <i>Grand Rapids</i><br />
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March 2, 2024 <a href="https://www.quietadventures.org/">Quiet Adventures Symposium</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">East Lansing</span></blockquote><p>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ongoing events</span><br />
<a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2019/12/hollands-kerstmarkt.html">Kerstmarkt</a> Fridays and Saturdays<i> </i>(11/18 to 12/16/2023) <i>Holland<br /><br /><span> </span></i><span> <span> </span><span> <a href="https://christkindlmarktgr.com/">Christkindl Markt </a>Wednesday-Sunday</span></span><i><span><span> (</span></span></i><span><span>11/17 to 12/23/2023)</span></span><i><span><span> Grand Rapids<br /></span></span></i><br />
<a href="https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count#">Christmas Bird Count</a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">See also</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.rei.com/opt-outside">OptOutside</a> An alternative to hitting the malls on Black Friday</p><p>Kzoo Kids: <a href="https://kzookids.com/downtown-kalamazoo-holly-jolly-trolley-santa/">Christmas Activities in Downtown Kalamazoo</a><br />
<br />
Discover Kalamazoo's <a href="http://www.discoverkalamazoo.com/events/">event listing</a><br />
<br />
Gazelle Sports <a href="https://gazellesports.com/pages/events">Races and running calendar</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/michigan/places-winter-mi/">11 Unforgettable Winter Places in Michigan </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/01/52-michigan-weekends.html">West Michigan Winter Weekends</a><br />
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Sarrett Nature Center's <a href="http://sarett.com/events/event-list/">Event list</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Benton Harbor<br /></span><a href="https://www.michigan.org/events"><br />Events calendar</a> from Pure Michigan<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>
</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1e_i7UA2hPtKJfHc87mmSumWvQ5EFysAEAR2gx8zYVucQeRbwEiBjFqAUC1lmCqeBd3Po526QlmVJaHpkVrDiJvM8CuRrLe0_j0M9OIbw-y2Axk5NJB2Bp78V6y26CcydNMcbdkp1Q22ZXAlR3XVCchap9BgIgOOz6vSvQcYRxr1unplh-31GCbI8u4/s4032/IMG_4604.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1e_i7UA2hPtKJfHc87mmSumWvQ5EFysAEAR2gx8zYVucQeRbwEiBjFqAUC1lmCqeBd3Po526QlmVJaHpkVrDiJvM8CuRrLe0_j0M9OIbw-y2Axk5NJB2Bp78V6y26CcydNMcbdkp1Q22ZXAlR3XVCchap9BgIgOOz6vSvQcYRxr1unplh-31GCbI8u4/w300-h400/IMG_4604.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br />
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</p><p> </p>Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-17266364181271453932023-08-31T06:00:00.001-04:002023-08-31T06:00:00.140-04:00Fall Events 2023<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZFav81BNpVrV7-P5Mcm1q1fh9MyFOjZFkP4HX9OP0phnUNbBf1fD8q-BH-lkqgsej3QIOsoC8yLdJw8cfWBAX1NPXmbOr9SgHShvsC6LTpj-JfGJD52GkxAEGWvcoCAATjRz8Q51CPGFqS7tyLr0LPaNVLZuOB90OVDlMOE9BF3hWyHs6qkvvFAvSpI/s3787/IMG_2611.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3787" data-original-width="2840" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZFav81BNpVrV7-P5Mcm1q1fh9MyFOjZFkP4HX9OP0phnUNbBf1fD8q-BH-lkqgsej3QIOsoC8yLdJw8cfWBAX1NPXmbOr9SgHShvsC6LTpj-JfGJD52GkxAEGWvcoCAATjRz8Q51CPGFqS7tyLr0LPaNVLZuOB90OVDlMOE9BF3hWyHs6qkvvFAvSpI/w300-h400/IMG_2611.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>
The start of school and the Labor Day holiday mark the end of
summer, even if the astronomical season lasts a few more weeks. September and October still have great weather
for outdoor activities-- for <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/camping">camping</a>, <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/paddling">paddling</a>, or a <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2012/11/hiking-michigan.html">walk</a> or <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/biking">bike</a> ride. Seasonal
festivals celebrate Labor Day, Art, <a href="http://www.kalamazooseasons.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/sandhill-crane-fall-migration.html">Sandhill Cranes</a>, and harvest time.<br />
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<br />
</p><div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Fall events around Kalamazoo</b></div><p>
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September 2-4 <a href="https://lawrenceoxroast.com/?page_id=2">Lawrence Ox Roast</a> <i>Lawrence</i><br />
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September 4 <a href="http://www.westmichiganlaborfest.com/">West Michigan Labor Fest</a><i> Grand Rapids </i><br />
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September 8-10 <a href="http://www.wineandharvestfestival.com/"> Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival</a> <i>Paw Paw </i><br />
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September 14 - October 1 <a href="https://www.artprize.org/about">Art Prize</a> <i>Grand Rapids</i><br />
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September 16 <a href="https://www.stjoetoday.com/fallfest">Fall Festival</a> <i>St. Joseph<br /><br /></i>September 17 <a href="https://www.portagemi.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=3047&month=6&year=2023&day=29&calType=0&fbclid=IwAR23U_k8AM3q3p9LygINGck9f0U59Dm0n3e_2kjiMMG7e9sOXnPt0w9jRp0">Fall Festival</a> <i>Portage</i><br />
<br />September 24 <a href="https://vicksburghistory.org/harvest-fest/#">Harvest Fest </a><i>Vicksburg </i><br /></p><p>September 29-30 <a href="http://www.oktoberfestgr.com">Oktoberfest</a> <i>Grand Rapids</i> <br /></p><p></p><p>October 6-7 <a href="https://www.zeelandfestivals.com/pumpkinfest">Pumpkinfest</a> <i>Zeeland</i><br /><br />October 14-15 <a href="https://www.michiganaudubon.org/news-events/signature-events/cranefest/">Cranefest</a> <i>Bellevue</i><br />
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October 12-15 <a href="https://goosefest.squarespace.com/">Fennville Goose Festival</a> <i>Fennville</i><br />
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October 21-22 <a href="http://www.artsandeats.org/">Arts and Eats Tour</a> <i>Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren counties</i><br />
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<br />
<br />
<b>Also consider:</b><br />
<br />
</p><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.metroparent.com/daily/family-activities/fairs-festivals/guide-to-southeast-michigan-labor-day-family-fun/">Southeast Michigan Labor Day events</a> from MetroParent<br />
<br /><a href="https://kzookids.com/fall-festivals/">SW Michigan Fall Festivals Guide</a> from Kzoo Kids<br /></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://oaklandcountymoms.com/labor-day-weekend-events-2015-metro-detroit-michigan-39339/">Labor Day Weekend Events for Metro Detroit</a> (Oakland County Moms)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.mackinacbridge.org/walk/">Mackinac Bridge Walk</a> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.discoverkalamazoo.com/5-spots-sip-cider-pick-pumpkins-soak-fall-kalamazoo/">5 Spots to Sip Cider, Pick Pumpkins, and Soak up Fall</a> from Discover Kalamazoo</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.michigan.org/article/trip-idea/fantastic-fall-scenic-drives-michigan">Fall Scenic Drives</a> from Pure Michigan<br />
<br />
Fall recommendations from <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/09/52-michigan-weekends-fall.html">52 Michigan Weekends</a><br />
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Fresh apple cider from <a href="http://www.verhagesfruitfarmandcidermill.com/">VerHages Cider Mill</a>.<br />
<br />
Fall walks and rides on the <a href="http://www.kalcounty.com/parks/krvt/trailprogramming.htm#Events">Kalamazoo River Valley Trail</a><br />
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Event listings from <a href="http://www.discoverkalamazoo.com/events/">Discover Kalamazoo</a><br />
<br />
Gazelle Sports' calendar of West Michigan <a href="https://gazellesports.com/pages/events">Races and Events</a> <br />
<br />
League of Michigan Bicyclist's <a href="http://www.lmb.org/index.php?option=com_eventlist&view=eventlist&Itemid=22">Michigan Ride Calendar</a><br />
<br />
Sarrett Nature Center's <a href="http://sarett.com/events/event-list/">Event list</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Benton Harbor</span></blockquote><p> <span> </span><span> </span><a href="https://www.michigan.org/events">Events calendar</a> from Pure Michigan<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNiX7QypUSjqiwxnImPoqmABG4TR1QN_UfDMJYncqhb0vUumW17IIEu4sNMSP7UqlUapaXGob6HSErECcmZCGbqFndtrlaop8FqNWfrn5LFhAWH8TcAIWpMUw17ksaOZKY3Venij-Ne2AcsilbtivRAEyJfJ8SfN0awxj8HriwZE9qZdPxijb9lXVHSI/s4032/IMG_2891.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNiX7QypUSjqiwxnImPoqmABG4TR1QN_UfDMJYncqhb0vUumW17IIEu4sNMSP7UqlUapaXGob6HSErECcmZCGbqFndtrlaop8FqNWfrn5LFhAWH8TcAIWpMUw17ksaOZKY3Venij-Ne2AcsilbtivRAEyJfJ8SfN0awxj8HriwZE9qZdPxijb9lXVHSI/w400-h300/IMG_2891.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p> </p>
Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-28077028028112580252023-07-20T11:46:00.000-04:002023-07-20T11:46:40.776-04:00Pilgrim Haven Natural Area<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ARKVW0-P2SBXMcabFfi0c78wt6mmsjGPmvJMBPdqkQ1Yqg1XFaqfEYy3e2ZEwwPWqc5FKJEt2fSeI_pfKWt1c5hW1-T_JHvMt509cbrkuMCpyy_61oCBM1Q9N_-8474xwefhP279v1RdFWmzzrP-ORN0nEdhSFDIku3VcrZ6VTlGx6aZRmwAyzdVE1U/s3841/IMG_3715%202.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2881" data-original-width="3841" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ARKVW0-P2SBXMcabFfi0c78wt6mmsjGPmvJMBPdqkQ1Yqg1XFaqfEYy3e2ZEwwPWqc5FKJEt2fSeI_pfKWt1c5hW1-T_JHvMt509cbrkuMCpyy_61oCBM1Q9N_-8474xwefhP279v1RdFWmzzrP-ORN0nEdhSFDIku3VcrZ6VTlGx6aZRmwAyzdVE1U/w400-h300/IMG_3715%202.heic" width="400" /></a></div><p>After a few enjoyable hours in South Haven (including a good lunch at <a href="https://www.threeblondesbrewing.com/">Three Blondes Brewing</a> and observing the <a href="https://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/3436634/corps-of-engineers-to-begin-dredging-beach-nourishment-in-south-haven/">Army Corps of Engineers</a>' <a href="https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2023/06/beachgoers-frolic-around-south-haven-harbor-dredging-outwash.html">channel-dredging/ beach nourishment</a> project at South Beach) I headed out of town to explore a beach that I had never visited.</p><p>Pilgrim Haven is a <a href="https://swmlc.org/project/pilgrim-haven-natural-area/">Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy preserve</a> about 5 miles south of South Haven, near <a href="https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/ParksandTrails/Details.aspx?id=502&type=SPRK">Van Buren State Park.</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirv8TiKg541bKwRNvvspaXTXsPuPqI-g_o4gTnCA18wYSlX1E536KYPwkZUU0Rsj0veIYyL6YXM_YmM-gXGKtfYS7UmAj1E-xa-bMp58_26c0XZ1Ji6OGulC7oYQdoLAn6w3AMu-CvOUfIkJdtZZtXNHsHRvmussO2ZHyjQS-x862o-d7tTwuOdG8fmY/s4032/IMG_3728.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiirv8TiKg541bKwRNvvspaXTXsPuPqI-g_o4gTnCA18wYSlX1E536KYPwkZUU0Rsj0veIYyL6YXM_YmM-gXGKtfYS7UmAj1E-xa-bMp58_26c0XZ1Ji6OGulC7oYQdoLAn6w3AMu-CvOUfIkJdtZZtXNHsHRvmussO2ZHyjQS-x862o-d7tTwuOdG8fmY/w400-h300/IMG_3728.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>The parking lot on 18th Avenue is well-marked and has restrooms and signs explaining the history of the preserve. A sidewalk leads directly to Lake Michigan. The ramp to the beach is paved and wheelchair accessible.
The beach itself is less wheel friendly, consisting of a mix of sand,
pebbles, and rock cobble. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjus0UsziPSsHAx1D1II3xDJzLEKop4Q2pRtD0F68xqDscmcMJUj2M_ArXQxALae_PaFTdtZ7fMsZJkWRkzmKeHM-NeE2OOmG6n5iSuLpvm8hi2NIRkAvdcVmZ8PN6fGVXpxQ6isA8tbEYVAfne61uKUIH-sg5Y5AHGCKsperZz7ZijU2I4PAbsrDFV_qA/s4032/IMG_3681.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjus0UsziPSsHAx1D1II3xDJzLEKop4Q2pRtD0F68xqDscmcMJUj2M_ArXQxALae_PaFTdtZ7fMsZJkWRkzmKeHM-NeE2OOmG6n5iSuLpvm8hi2NIRkAvdcVmZ8PN6fGVXpxQ6isA8tbEYVAfne61uKUIH-sg5Y5AHGCKsperZz7ZijU2I4PAbsrDFV_qA/w400-h300/IMG_3681.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn50Cui6Qi_Kkcy-CJ5ffdsn91qcvkC1aK-HNXa5l4Q1pDaelckILMVi_yir8Fqe5egZgKHpXPEBHGKDX-O-1ngE7BPVm-xXO0CvBqoJGiA8hUhuRwr9PVx3lzhsY0Zkmj0eI5h4i-jEc6txa6LEMIL2Gx0LNOZgxKlF__UzgQ6Rato0NjAsWaYse10fA/s4032/IMG_3683.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn50Cui6Qi_Kkcy-CJ5ffdsn91qcvkC1aK-HNXa5l4Q1pDaelckILMVi_yir8Fqe5egZgKHpXPEBHGKDX-O-1ngE7BPVm-xXO0CvBqoJGiA8hUhuRwr9PVx3lzhsY0Zkmj0eI5h4i-jEc6txa6LEMIL2Gx0LNOZgxKlF__UzgQ6Rato0NjAsWaYse10fA/w400-h300/IMG_3683.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div> <br /><p></p><p></p>While there were a few people sunbathing, most people were beachcombing for interesting rocks. The Conservancy does allow visitors to collect a small number of rocks for personal use and the preserve frequently appears on lists of <a href="https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2023/06/4-lake-michigan-beaches-to-visit-for-rock-hunting.html">places to rock hunt</a>. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8FsN1ZT_fd6Qm_IIvp31BJoLLx7ZK_E6Jvg1rz0UG1FCcU_Dij3ztasVzi8Thosb9gHciovRCQoysyMHfyHgndZXmzATLKn8TZY6olCtXuY_jE8diMN4PzjmJGCTGaQwVJY1qPYeMogWKhF-imPX4jWtuw_0O8NESsq7IRJgPQawZlGzwWMB7YkInjw/s4032/IMG_3689.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8FsN1ZT_fd6Qm_IIvp31BJoLLx7ZK_E6Jvg1rz0UG1FCcU_Dij3ztasVzi8Thosb9gHciovRCQoysyMHfyHgndZXmzATLKn8TZY6olCtXuY_jE8diMN4PzjmJGCTGaQwVJY1qPYeMogWKhF-imPX4jWtuw_0O8NESsq7IRJgPQawZlGzwWMB7YkInjw/w300-h400/IMG_3689.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div>I didn't find much-- just a few colorful granite pebbles-- but I didn't really know what to look for. <a href="https://www.michiganrockhounds.com/">Michigan Rockhounds </a>report
that commonly found treasures at Pilgrim Haven include lightning stone,
quartz, unakite, horn coral, crinoid calyx, and chert along with some rare
finds that are more common in <a href="https://mynorth.com/2019/07/michigan-rock-hunting-is-the-best-on-earth/">Northern Michigan.</a> (Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council has a list of <a href="https://swmichigan.org/blog/rock-and-fossil-hunting-in-southwest-michigan">shoreline rocks and fossils</a> and Owlcation has two articles: <a href="https://owlcation.com/stem/Lake-Michigan-Beach-Stones">identifying rocks of Lake Michigan</a> and <a href="https://owlcation.com/stem/I-Found-A-Pretty-Rock-On-The-Beach-And-Wondered-II">beach stone identification</a>. MLive has an article with photos on <a href="https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/2015/11/collectible_rocks_of_southwest.html">Collectible rocks of Southwest Lake Michigan beaches</a>.)<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7s3D9YDt71XW7CBwmhNuhZthDbm4kuHF1kyZFi3kbF8gXuWWX89yiF_IXEomWv8rEb4X4cgLxveks8Im5HTh8ZNe6LoZYjn8Ng7yWX6I1kVZA7ACYhRDMoTQ23AVgEC4X5aRBd7H8sN0izmAS49l2C2KT0PDSYOaPJ4d4v33Ou2a41lFBZfmx1SIzfQ/s4032/IMG_3725.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7s3D9YDt71XW7CBwmhNuhZthDbm4kuHF1kyZFi3kbF8gXuWWX89yiF_IXEomWv8rEb4X4cgLxveks8Im5HTh8ZNe6LoZYjn8Ng7yWX6I1kVZA7ACYhRDMoTQ23AVgEC4X5aRBd7H8sN0izmAS49l2C2KT0PDSYOaPJ4d4v33Ou2a41lFBZfmx1SIzfQ/w300-h400/IMG_3725.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7npGf05sxndeiALCj1pCnT87nWkAspT6-VB7zcM1KuaQ_kZDflaB5osaJv0B455iTASV45-YBHykgXpDqoKBQgmRWNkV9uuCDECqRaK4sFfZwGZfr78anaBroMJXfIZKHwxkm5zx7KcDfDAWBe7ZuX6aem9zpDukU9JLTdIr17icbpx-60Ae2P1zLxiE/s4032/IMG_3694.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7npGf05sxndeiALCj1pCnT87nWkAspT6-VB7zcM1KuaQ_kZDflaB5osaJv0B455iTASV45-YBHykgXpDqoKBQgmRWNkV9uuCDECqRaK4sFfZwGZfr78anaBroMJXfIZKHwxkm5zx7KcDfDAWBe7ZuX6aem9zpDukU9JLTdIr17icbpx-60Ae2P1zLxiE/w300-h400/IMG_3694.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div>Before becoming a preserve, Pilgrim Haven had been a youth camp for decades. The chimney from the camp's dining hall has been preserved in an open lawn. (Here's a post from a former <a href="https://twoweeksinahammock.com/meditations-on-nature/pilgrimage-to-pilgrim-haven/">camper revisiting Pilgrim Haven</a>.) <p></p><p>A short system of grassy trails runs through the woods of the 27 acre preserve, with a bridge over Dyckman Creek.</p><p>I'd been vaguely aware of Pilgrim Haven as a supporter of the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, but I didn't realize it so was so close to South Haven. Now that I'm familiar with it, I expect it will become a regular addition to my Lake Michigan visits.</p><p><a href="https://swmlc.org/project/pilgrim-haven-natural-area/"><br /></a></p><p><b><a href="https://swmlc.org/project/pilgrim-haven-natural-area/">Pilgrim Haven Natural Area</a><br />18th Avenue<br />South Haven Charter Township, MI 49090</b></p><p><i>[free admission]</i><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p>Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-84767643738528586152022-07-05T14:38:00.000-04:002022-07-05T14:38:00.029-04:00West Side County Park<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2AGYMmEKtRybSGrZEMqkH4jOJ-aGH1HkGzhx0OuGd5AnRVDCVw_h_YqvgmH-TdFLXEHYMQLF9I1Zt3iJ8Xd7ttAu0SH_uutGH5Co5jx5NyfkqmV_js6dwxRaInFtBR3F9ojkPphYn1DiQyOpkONlUNbeHGHo_287VVf1p49TZthx23KZklbBqDZd/s4032/IMG_9736.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs2AGYMmEKtRybSGrZEMqkH4jOJ-aGH1HkGzhx0OuGd5AnRVDCVw_h_YqvgmH-TdFLXEHYMQLF9I1Zt3iJ8Xd7ttAu0SH_uutGH5Co5jx5NyfkqmV_js6dwxRaInFtBR3F9ojkPphYn1DiQyOpkONlUNbeHGHo_287VVf1p49TZthx23KZklbBqDZd/w300-h400/IMG_9736.HEIC" width="300" /> </a> <br /></div></div><p></p><p>Holiday weekends have been really crowded at Lake Michigan. Last summer, we weren't able to visit our favorite beaches a couple of times since all the parking spots and the overflow parking were full. On Sunday, of the Fourth of July weekend, we were in Douglas, MI and didn't want to face the congestion at <a href="https://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/09/saugatuck-dunes-state-park.html">Saugatuck Dunes State Park</a> or Oval Beach, so we drove south to see what we could find.</p><p>Driving about 5 miles brought us to West Side County Park, where we easily found a parking space. The park had a big picnic area with two pavilions and a lot of picnic tables, occupied by several groups. There was a grassy play area and a fenced playground.</p><p>We walked the length of the park to a nice beach overlook, with benches and a small gazebo. Access to the beach was fenced off and a small sign said to use the north stairs.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qcIu6HAHS28FziDYP0QwghJ-xJCnyHg8FhJ5cYC57AGqVBTT7l1sK5fBUqmV8UQ_Ns34STozrVL1JGlvEH4CWfX1Mnb8b1NHM0wRPvFQqz4t9lIOUxer4U4cAEx92z3yLFSTRDJ5_-3Fq_BekNHPhszmK7qrjy2udWGGV31y4UjAzrM9ECGG9cY9/s4032/IMG_9715.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qcIu6HAHS28FziDYP0QwghJ-xJCnyHg8FhJ5cYC57AGqVBTT7l1sK5fBUqmV8UQ_Ns34STozrVL1JGlvEH4CWfX1Mnb8b1NHM0wRPvFQqz4t9lIOUxer4U4cAEx92z3yLFSTRDJ5_-3Fq_BekNHPhszmK7qrjy2udWGGV31y4UjAzrM9ECGG9cY9/w300-h400/IMG_9715.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p>We walked the width of the park through the woods and found a steep stairway down to the beach. A visitor in the parking lot said she had counted 80 steps initially, but only 77 after drinking a few White Claws.</p><p>The beach wasn't huge, but it was a nice stretch of sand with a little bit of shade at the edge of the dune. The sand changed to pebbles at the waterline, making walking less comfortable. There were plenty of people of all ages using the beach on what I imagine was one of its busiest days of the season.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw19KMqmWbO0gaK2AlykN_RX10brmPi1IxYKfRKXmmM3V7AiwqESjlMWeEDtp0HGfRs82Pl9N_uVFqpmLbcVyFT5QcjdHevqQSwTZ6pDP0kwHAtxia-KLE1SDoN1bMh6nZyDCSgbJsVrP8OBf1JDPwCVU-ZXqRf-Ub-e-RzUHMFASi4njZuLy5KmLx/s4032/IMG_9730.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw19KMqmWbO0gaK2AlykN_RX10brmPi1IxYKfRKXmmM3V7AiwqESjlMWeEDtp0HGfRs82Pl9N_uVFqpmLbcVyFT5QcjdHevqQSwTZ6pDP0kwHAtxia-KLE1SDoN1bMh6nZyDCSgbJsVrP8OBf1JDPwCVU-ZXqRf-Ub-e-RzUHMFASi4njZuLy5KmLx/w300-h400/IMG_9730.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p>This was a new beach for me and a nice option when everything else was likely to be full. It looks like the park had a <a href="https://bicyclebasefennville.wordpress.com/2015/08/02/west-side-county-park-make-this-a-stop-on-your-next-ride/">wheelchair accessible ramp </a>to the beach at one point, but we didn't see any traces of it. A cooler would be difficult to manage on the current stairs and a wheelchair would be impossible.<br /></p><p> </p><p><b>West Side County Park</b><span class="LrzXr"><br />2152 Lakeshore Dr, <br />Fennville, MI 49408</span></p><p><span class="LrzXr">free <br /></span></p><p></p>Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-36577825177952254262022-06-20T17:57:00.002-04:002022-06-20T17:57:44.825-04:00Sunset Lake<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uPtSbd5EWrlWLCJrHtiQBf3xZLH1XYTcZSyxuC1v6yg60kY45h21JROjt1kywm1S6qcgxNoQe0HKikUsJO_RsZx9k5J4Zpv5RxmDqCwVqfu_K6z1ObjstB7u2enI721Sln_aKa4eeOQZhRIsn_5z6TQ4gqKWGbmcPeL-LP0pJXeCwlNGAhCdmwLs/s4000/IMG_3226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uPtSbd5EWrlWLCJrHtiQBf3xZLH1XYTcZSyxuC1v6yg60kY45h21JROjt1kywm1S6qcgxNoQe0HKikUsJO_RsZx9k5J4Zpv5RxmDqCwVqfu_K6z1ObjstB7u2enI721Sln_aKa4eeOQZhRIsn_5z6TQ4gqKWGbmcPeL-LP0pJXeCwlNGAhCdmwLs/w400-h300/IMG_3226.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Sunset Lake is about 15 miles south of Kalamazoo in the Village of Vicksburg. It's a long narrow lake with access at <a href="https://vicksburgmi.org/community/vicksburg-parks-recreation/sunset-lake-park/">Sunset Lake Park</a>. It's a short carry from the street to the little beach in the park.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEzXtP7LkCtLo8Zj8_ABE-bRAJddu4Qk_5Oi7g_DgDTIcbiGqLMGAwjoIr5bM8up-9g77m1VmjDAj8PzEUFLDb9llbhApQXOhLcKXpeRqB-gnYCqoisXfGB2fZjDPdvyqkzaEoBN9sfNVcMfR6MD1fIFkx7YkX126ulk0TZYPoepPR6LzGG4Q3DmQ/s3452/IMG_3228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3452" data-original-width="2588" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEzXtP7LkCtLo8Zj8_ABE-bRAJddu4Qk_5Oi7g_DgDTIcbiGqLMGAwjoIr5bM8up-9g77m1VmjDAj8PzEUFLDb9llbhApQXOhLcKXpeRqB-gnYCqoisXfGB2fZjDPdvyqkzaEoBN9sfNVcMfR6MD1fIFkx7YkX126ulk0TZYPoepPR6LzGG4Q3DmQ/w300-h400/IMG_3228.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Lakeside homes line the shore near the park. Paddling north, the docks and houses give way to cattails and trees. The <a href="https://vicksburgmi.org/community/vicksburg-parks-recreation/recreation-area-and-trail/">Vicksburg Recreation Area</a> preserves a section of waterfront on the east.<br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislYSDfQms4a5v_EnJq82WfBnjwJFLMF0wclFmsx93ztvTrPm82USISrfGwEEsU-QWoqmy2KsvxNqeBaH0C_z22NVIwVJHJ6g_orhvO2_NbdQwr9iwVKiAwOl4oc9EW15cWQyWqkk-gW59sxUKBXAVEMeMoMOc4XYEUbVvg2fCAcAQopqWbD1P3znW/s3816/IMG_3236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2862" data-original-width="3816" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEislYSDfQms4a5v_EnJq82WfBnjwJFLMF0wclFmsx93ztvTrPm82USISrfGwEEsU-QWoqmy2KsvxNqeBaH0C_z22NVIwVJHJ6g_orhvO2_NbdQwr9iwVKiAwOl4oc9EW15cWQyWqkk-gW59sxUKBXAVEMeMoMOc4XYEUbVvg2fCAcAQopqWbD1P3znW/w400-h300/IMG_3236.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Sunset Lake had plenty of seaweed, algae, and duckweed. I'd recommend visiting early or late in the season when the vegetation is lighter. We did watch an airboat spraying copper sulfate to control the algae, so it may clear somewhat as the chemicals work.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_plfoF5fkvLPphTKfNeq5mLw1u0A_aYrUIfaHmm4Ara-KIX7l1aQd9bTm29goxnSzycWQP8zoXU747UHqgz387_GgphXpeCbT1RmgQ9TkWCnNH04mi0bhRyk7GE1s-SB-OtjgLoIJIVC2zCp9HuZ7lApN0jyKAmfSu2S-jhk2HX5zcAUisCx-IXa/s4000/IMG_3242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_plfoF5fkvLPphTKfNeq5mLw1u0A_aYrUIfaHmm4Ara-KIX7l1aQd9bTm29goxnSzycWQP8zoXU747UHqgz387_GgphXpeCbT1RmgQ9TkWCnNH04mi0bhRyk7GE1s-SB-OtjgLoIJIVC2zCp9HuZ7lApN0jyKAmfSu2S-jhk2HX5zcAUisCx-IXa/s320/IMG_3242.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Sunset Lake connects to Gourdneck Creek which eventually leads to Gourdneck Lake. We didn't explore the creek this afternoon.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReQlAuK7us-EMmrdenn8eZog6kq3eZcBoEH5YpDx-9FxfhHczJ-Tcnovh_EVP5cBD8APpk-KdjLwTNF2jiAayxYU7B7xWdQtYDQY79teHflxkhxwBE7pEhcDMHcTbBAIpMgGD8ymVKXg4MyLwwRgrm9CRbbDx8laG8swE2qiS7ducaV9p34FNqVBr/s4000/IMG_3227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhReQlAuK7us-EMmrdenn8eZog6kq3eZcBoEH5YpDx-9FxfhHczJ-Tcnovh_EVP5cBD8APpk-KdjLwTNF2jiAayxYU7B7xWdQtYDQY79teHflxkhxwBE7pEhcDMHcTbBAIpMgGD8ymVKXg4MyLwwRgrm9CRbbDx8laG8swE2qiS7ducaV9p34FNqVBr/w400-h300/IMG_3227.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p><b>Sunset Lake Park</b><span style="font-size: small;"><span><br />339 Page St</span> <span class="G0bp3e"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span><br />Vicksburg, MI 49097</span></span> </p><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p></p>Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-25754919526584299932020-07-15T12:44:00.000-04:002020-07-15T12:44:04.626-04:00Milkweed season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixl3xI9uKCyEgQmCHwMVKmu9gAnH2yURiIYxnepnqtpXEXp_W9u1uAs4a4G7v0I_6r1R8j-J7_gyl6B4SspCvMQLbVERWi2WOshzlOT5hZvNYtWMmqRqmx9VVtQddiqEHTDtPOjZfRLmM/s1600/IMG_8856.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixl3xI9uKCyEgQmCHwMVKmu9gAnH2yURiIYxnepnqtpXEXp_W9u1uAs4a4G7v0I_6r1R8j-J7_gyl6B4SspCvMQLbVERWi2WOshzlOT5hZvNYtWMmqRqmx9VVtQddiqEHTDtPOjZfRLmM/s320/IMG_8856.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
I have three types of milkweed blooming in my yard. I've let a big patch of Common Milkweed (<a href="https://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2011/07/milkweed.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Asclepias syriaca)</span></a> turn into a jungle near my mailbox. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfly6xXnzwU0Xu9S7NxlVFcK335entLtHHIFilTtHPoEuvsuW-cNF__fB8jL82_Ih7AIagC1V_QdMvJ3_NCHEy4LXHgTMU3bevqbrK-YDe3TuM9c3gBFe4gY0RJAOu54VDvRzX8oD0tQ/s1600/IMG_8860.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfly6xXnzwU0Xu9S7NxlVFcK335entLtHHIFilTtHPoEuvsuW-cNF__fB8jL82_Ih7AIagC1V_QdMvJ3_NCHEy4LXHgTMU3bevqbrK-YDe3TuM9c3gBFe4gY0RJAOu54VDvRzX8oD0tQ/s320/IMG_8860.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Butterfly Milkweed (<i><a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/07/butterfly-milkweed.html">Asclepias tuberosa</a></i>) with its bright orange flowers is more attractive. I have some blooming in a prairie garden in my backyard.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsAExvmmypkOuR0GOplQ-pZBS-13Tvtjwynlwc64hZUXJE2vnjJM-mcbbYp23dIF2snu9AL44ERrxv2t06-90sI2V2f11nudYJP861OTBTgYXdS2kZVJg6xTYPlHf2DKphwaDqlit_S4/s1600/IMG_8876.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsAExvmmypkOuR0GOplQ-pZBS-13Tvtjwynlwc64hZUXJE2vnjJM-mcbbYp23dIF2snu9AL44ERrxv2t06-90sI2V2f11nudYJP861OTBTgYXdS2kZVJg6xTYPlHf2DKphwaDqlit_S4/s320/IMG_8876.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Swamp Milkweed (<a href="https://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2012/06/swamp-milkweed.html"><i>Asclepias incarnata</i></a>) with its brilliant pink flowers is a close contender for showiest milkweed. It grows naturally near our pond.<br />
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All three are great host plants for Monarch butterflies and their caterpillars.Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-28393482936687374942020-03-05T19:09:00.000-05:002020-03-05T19:09:47.093-05:00Maple Sugar Season 2020<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6RP3sUuv-j-agejaMa-pqaaf0DpS5vHxrTFoi8zX6h-f_nR76FOZh7-HO8CmORXtJdP3vxUEsEXD6kvIwwlfdRIlJ3mNSRLCmXNxbJnqcy4HkIFVYX2HtwJiNLD-b9c4-2uhyphenhyphen6NQzMk/s1600/IMG_4273.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6RP3sUuv-j-agejaMa-pqaaf0DpS5vHxrTFoi8zX6h-f_nR76FOZh7-HO8CmORXtJdP3vxUEsEXD6kvIwwlfdRIlJ3mNSRLCmXNxbJnqcy4HkIFVYX2HtwJiNLD-b9c4-2uhyphenhyphen6NQzMk/s400/IMG_4273.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
Michigan's recent weather, with warm sunny days and cold, below-freezing nights, is perfect for maple sugaring. The temperature changes make the sap flow and a strategically driven spile can divert some into a bucket. Heating the sap concentrates the sweetness, as water transforms into clouds of steam.<br />
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<b>Maple Syrup Festivals near Kalamazoo</b><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
March 7-8 and 14-15 <a href="https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=5F6E7E78-C76E-DB7B-116D6162ABBBF22E"><b>Maple Sugar Time</b></a> <a href="http://www.nps.gov/indu/index.htm">Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore</a> <i>Chesterton, Indiana</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
March 7, 15 <a href="http://sarett.com/event/maple-sugar-magic/"><b>Maple Sugar Madness</b></a> <a href="http://www.sarett.com/">Sarett Nature Center</a> <i>Benton Harbo</i>r<br />
<br />
March 7-8 <a href="https://www.naturecenter.org/Home/Calendar/MapleSugarFestivalSchedule.aspx"><b>Maple Sugar Festival</b></a> <a href="http://www.naturecenter.org/">Kalamazoo Nature Center</a> <i>Kalamazoo </i><br />
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March 21-22 <b>Sugar Camp Days</b> <a href="http://www.sjcparks.org/bendix.html">Bendix Woods County Park</a>, <i>New Carlisle, IN</i> <br />
<br />
March 21 <a href="https://blandfordnaturecenter.org/events/50th-annual-sugarbush-festival-2/?occurrence=2020-03-21"> <b>50th Annual Sugarbush Festival </b></a> <a href="http://blandfordnaturecenter.org/"> Blandford Nature Center</a> <i>Grand Rapids </i><br />
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April 24-26 <b><a href="http://wakarusachamber.com/maple-syrup-festival/">Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival</a></b>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Wakarusa, Indiana</span> <br />
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April 24-26 <b><a href="http://www.vermontvillemaplesyrupfestival.org/index.htm">79th Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival</a></b> <i>Vermontville</i></blockquote>
Also consider<br />
<blockquote>
<a href="http://www.michiganmapleweekend.com/">Michigan MapleWeekends</a><br />
<a href="http://www.shepherdmaplesyrupfest.org/"><br /></a>
<a href="http://oaklandcountymoms.com/michigan-maple-syrup-events-24696/">Michigan Maple Syrup Events 2020</a> in Oakland County and Southeast Michigan<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.shepherdmaplesyrupfest.org/">Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival</a> <br />
<br /><a href="https://www.chicagoparent.com/explore/nature/maple-syrup-events/">Chicago-area Maple Syrup Events</a></blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIut9ei5SamHtUGT0QIWIHuIr3Kdj4VnMk29NWIoL3OWyzeGvPb9PWr1CSEeoPl7819cIGi7qursJqLpGwheth0osBvesYU2SIDk3IDuq0ZniAMgSt24y_pkZ0qu2gCN7xLMEgJPYQ5hc/s1600/IMG_4276.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIut9ei5SamHtUGT0QIWIHuIr3Kdj4VnMk29NWIoL3OWyzeGvPb9PWr1CSEeoPl7819cIGi7qursJqLpGwheth0osBvesYU2SIDk3IDuq0ZniAMgSt24y_pkZ0qu2gCN7xLMEgJPYQ5hc/s400/IMG_4276.jpeg" width="400" /></a> Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-7912079882488431802019-12-15T10:51:00.000-05:002019-12-15T10:51:27.411-05:00Holland's Kerstmarkt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'd been interested in visiting the <a href="https://www.holland.org/kerstmarkt">Kerstmarkt</a>
in Holland, Michigan for several years and this season I finally made it
on the last day it was open. The Kerstmarkt is the Dutch version of the
outdoor Christmas markets that are popular throughout Europe.<br />
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Holland's market featured over a dozen booths selling crafts, plus a few offering food and drinks, and warming hut.</div>
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On Saturday's the <a href="http://www.hollandfarmersmarket.com/">Holland Farmer's Market </a>sells fresh produce, baked goods, and chocolates which doubles the size of the market.</div>
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It also offered a dogsled demo on the day I visited.<br />
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The Kerstmarkt was a pleasant, low-key experience. It was no where near the size of Chicago's <a href="http://www.christkindlmarket.com/">Christkindlmarket</a> but it did make a list of the <a href="https://bigseventravel.com/2019/11/best-christmas-markets-in-the-world-2019/">Top 50 Christmas Markets </a>worldwide. On its own, I'm not sure it justifies the drive from Kalamazoo but it does make a good excuse to visit downtown Holland during December.<br />
<br />
The Kerstmarkt right at the edge of Holland's 8th Street shopping district, which is West Michigan's best "Main Street." My favorite place for lunch in Holland, <a href="https://www.newhollandbrew.com/location/holland/">New Holland Brewing</a>, is just a few blocks from the market. Along the way, <a href="https://hollandoutpost.com/">The Outpost</a> is great shop for camping, SUPs, and outdoor clothing. 8th Street also has branches of regional favorites like <a href="https://gazellesports.com/pages/gazellesportsholland">Gazelle Sports</a> and <a href="https://www.kilwins.com/stores/kilwins-holland">Kilwins</a> chocolates and a newly opened <a href="https://hopcat.com/holland">Hopcat</a>.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://kerstmarkt.wordpress.com/">Holland Kerstmarkt</a><br />
8th Street Market Place<br />
150 W. 8th Street<br />
Holland, Michigan
Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-31332362210458375212019-12-02T16:25:00.000-05:002019-12-02T16:25:21.230-05:00Winter Events 2019-2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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While we had snow earlier this year, December is the traditional start to Winter. Get ready for a season of <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2013/02/top-five-beginner-ski-trails-near.html">skiing</a>, <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2011/02/sledding-kalamazoo.html">sledding</a>, and <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/skating">skating</a>. Plenty of local festivals celebrate the season.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Winter Events near Kalamazoo</span><br />
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<blockquote>
December 7, 2019 <a href="http://www.portagemi.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=803&month=12&year=2019&day=2&calType=0">Tree Lighting & Traditional Holiday</a> celebration Celery Flats,<i> Portage</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
December 7, 2019 <a href="http://kzooparks.org/events/candy-cane-hunt/">13th annual Candy Cane Hunt </a>Mayors Riverfront Park <i>Kalamazoo</i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
December 7, 2019 <a href="https://naturecenter.org/buylocal">Local Gift Fair</a> 9 am -4 pm Kalamazoo Nature Center <span style="font-style: italic;">Kalamazoo</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
December 31, 2019 <a href="http://www.newyearsfest.com/">New Year's Eve Fest</a> <i>Kalamazoo</i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
January 11-18 2020 <a href="http://www.kalamazoobeerweek.com/">Kalamazoo Beer Week</a> <i>Kalamazoo</i>
<span class="slogan-text"><br /><br />January 23-26, 2020</span> <a href="http://winterfestmi.org/">Winterfest</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Grand Haven</span></blockquote>
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<span class="slogan-text">January 31- </span>February 3, 2020 <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2012/02/ice-breaker.html">Icebreaker </a> <span style="font-style: italic;">South Haven</span><br />
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February 14 -17, 2020
<a href="http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/howto.html">Great Backyard Bird Count</a> <br />
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February 15-16, 2020 <a href="https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_79146_84107---,00.html">Free Fishing Winter Weekend</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">throughout Michigan</span><br />
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February 22, 2020 <a href="https://www.mibeer.com/Events/15th-annual-winter-beer-festival-2020">Winter Beer Festival</a> <i>Grand Rapids</i><br />
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February 29, 2020 <a href="http://www.quietwatersymposium.org/">Quietwater Symposium</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">East Lansing</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ongoing events</span><br />
<blockquote>
<a href="http://www.bcfestivals.com/international-festival-of-lights/">International Festival of Lights</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Battle Creek </span>November -December<span style="font-style: italic;"> <a href="http://www.binderparkzoo.org/specialPages/zoolights.php"></a></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
<a href="https://binderparkzoo.org/events/zoo-lights/">Zoo Lights</a> Binder Park Zoo <span style="font-style: italic;"><i>Battle Creek</i></span></blockquote>
<a href="http://www.holland.org/events/annual-events/dutch-winterfest/">Dutch Winterfest </a><i>Holland</i><br />
<blockquote>
<a href="https://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/02/millennium-park-ice-rink.html">Millennium Park Skate Rink</a> opens December 8, 2019, or when weather permits <span style="font-style: italic;">Portage</span></blockquote>
<a href="https://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count#">Christmas Bird Count</a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">See also</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.rei.com/opt-outside">OptOutside</a> An alternative to hitting the malls on Black Friday<br />
<br />
Discover Kalamazoo's <a href="http://www.discoverkalamazoo.com/events/">event listing</a><br />
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Gazelle Sports <a href="https://gazellesports.com/pages/events">Races and running calendar</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/michigan/places-winter-mi/">11 Unforgettable Winter Places in Michigan </a><br />
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<a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/01/52-michigan-weekends.html">West Michigan Winter Weekends</a><br />
<br />
Sarrett Nature Center's <a href="http://sarett.com/events/event-list/">Event list</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Benton Harbor</span><br />
<br />
The DNR has <a href="https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_11859_48489---,00.html">calendars of events </a>for State Parks and Recreation Areas.<br />
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<a href="http://www.michigan.org/events/index">Events</a> from Pure Michigan <br />
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Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-44281287076054787452019-08-30T08:00:00.000-04:002019-08-30T08:00:06.776-04:00Fall Events 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As August comes to a close, Labor Day brings the final holiday of summer. September and October offer plenty of warm days and cool nights for outdoor activities. Fall is a great season for for <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/camping">camping</a>, <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2011/06/michigan-rivers-less-paddled.html">paddling</a> or a <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2012/11/hiking-michigan.html">walk</a> or <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/biking">bike</a> ride through the woods. Area
festivals celebrate Labor Day, <a href="http://www.kalamazooseasons.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/sandhill-crane-fall-migration.html">Sandhill Cranes</a>, harvests, and art.
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<b>Fall events around Kalamazoo</b></div>
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August 30- September 2 <a href="http://www.lawrencemi.org/lawrence-ox-roast-homecoming/">Lawrence Ox Roast</a> <i>Lawrence</i><br />
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September 2 <a href="http://www.westmichiganlaborfest.com/">West Michigan Labor Fest</a><i> Grand Rapids </i><br />
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September 6-8 <a href="http://www.wineandharvestfestival.com/"> Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival</a> <i>Paw Paw </i><br />
<br />
September 13-14 <a href="http://www.ghsalmonfest.com/">Grand Haven Salmon Festival</a> <i>Grand Haven</i><br />
<br />
September 7-October 27 <a href="https://project.artprize.org/">Project 1</a> <i>Grand Rapids (</i>Project 1 replaces <a href="https://www.artprize.org/about">Art Prize</a> this year.)<br />
<br />
September 21 <a href="https://www.stjoetoday.com/all-events/details/2019-fall-fest-september-21">Fall Festival</a> <i>St. Joseph</i><br />
<br />
September 27-28 <a href="http://www.oktoberfestgr.com/events/">Oktoberfest</a> <i>Grand Rapids</i><br />
<br />
October 12 <a href="https://binderparkzoo.org/events/bonteboktoberfest-oct-12/">BontebokOktoberfest</a> Binder Park Zoo <i> Battle Creek </i> <br />
<br />
October 12-13 <a href="http://cranefest.org/">Cranefest</a> <i>Bellevue</i><br />
<br />
October 11-13 <a href="https://goosefest.squarespace.com/">Fennville Goose Festival</a> <i>Fennville</i><br />
<br />
October 19-20 <a href="http://www.artsandeats.org/">Arts and Eats Tour</a> <i>Hastings, Middleville, Hickory Corners</i>, and surrounding areas<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Also consider:</b><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.metroparent.com/daily/family-activities/fairs-festivals/guide-to-southeast-michigan-labor-day-family-fun/">Southeast Michigan Labor Day events</a> from MetroParent<br />
<br />
<a href="http://oaklandcountymoms.com/labor-day-weekend-events-2015-metro-detroit-michigan-39339/">Labor Day Weekend Events for Metro Detroit</a> (Oakland County Moms)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.mackinacbridge.org/walk/">Mackinac Bridge Walk</a> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.discoverkalamazoo.com/5-spots-sip-cider-pick-pumpkins-soak-fall-kalamazoo/">5 Spots to Sip Cider, Pick Pumpkins, and Soak up Fall</a> from Discover Kalamazoo</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.michigan.org/article/trip-idea/fantastic-fall-scenic-drives-michigan">Fall Scenic Drives</a> from Pure Michigan<br />
<br />
Fall recommendations from <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/09/52-michigan-weekends-fall.html">52 Michigan Weekends</a><br />
<br />
Fresh apple cider from <a href="http://www.verhagesfruitfarmandcidermill.com/">VerHages Cider Mill</a>.<br />
<br />
Fall walks and rides on the <a href="http://www.kalcounty.com/parks/krvt/trailprogramming.htm#Events">Kalamazoo River Valley Trail</a><br />
<br />
Event listings from <a href="http://www.discoverkalamazoo.com/events/">Discover Kalamazoo</a><br />
<br />
Gazelle Sports' calendar of West Michigan <a href="https://gazellesports.com/pages/events">Races and Events</a> <br />
<br />
League of Michigan Bicyclist's <a href="http://www.lmb.org/index.php?option=com_eventlist&view=eventlist&Itemid=22">Michigan Ride Calendar</a><br />
<br />
Sarrett Nature Center's <a href="http://sarett.com/events/event-list/">Event list</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Benton Harbor</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.michigan.org/events/index">Events</a> from Pure Michigan
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The DNR has <a href="https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_11859_48489---,00.html">calendars of events </a>for State Parks and Recreation Areas.</blockquote>
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Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-22691274742215811172019-06-23T21:40:00.001-04:002019-06-28T08:18:50.415-04:00Summer Events 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now that the solstice has passed, Kalamazoo is fully into Summer. West Michigan is a great place for <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/biking">biking</a>, <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/paddling">canoeing</a>, <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/hiking">hiking</a>, and <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/camping">camping,</a> or beachtime at <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/Lake%20Michigan">Lake Michigan</a>.
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Summer events near Kalamazoo</b> </div>
<br />
June 26-July 3 <a href="https://wenkegardencenter.com/wenkes-famous-cart-sale-begins-june-26-2019/">Wenke Greenhouse's Cart Sale</a> <i>Kalamazoo </i><br />
<br />
July 3-7 <a href="http://www.bcballoons.com/">Balloon Festival </a><i>Battle Creek </i><br />
<br />
August 8-11 <a href="http://www.blueberryfestival.com/">56th annual Blueberry Festival </a><i>South Haven</i><br />
<br />
August 23-25 <a href="http://www.hastingssummerfest.com/">Hastings Summerfest</a> <i>Hastings</i><br />
<br />
August 23-25 <a href="https://kzookids.com/events/kalamazoo-balloon-fest-2019/">Kalamazoo Balloon Fest </a>at <a href="https://gullmeadowfarms.com/BalloonFest">Gull Meadow Farms</a>, <i>Kalamazoo</i><br />
<i><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></i><br />
September 2-5 <a href="http://www.lawrencemi.org/lawrence-ox-roast-homecoming/">Lawrence Ox Roast</a> <i>Lawrence</i><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-weight: bold;">Also consider:</span></i><br />
<br />
<blockquote>
<a href="http://www.michigan.org/blog/guest-blogger/eight-ways-to-spend-a-long-weekend-in-michigan/">Long weekend suggestions</a> from Pure Michigan<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.giftbasketsfrommichigan.com/blog/michigan-travel/50-fun-things-to-do-in-michigan-this-summer/">50 fun things to do in Michigan this summer</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/06/52-michigan-weekends-summer.html">West Michigan Summer Weekends</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://farmersmarketkalamazoo.com/">Kalamazoo Farmers Market</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://michiganfireworks.com/">Michigan Fireworks Displays</a> <i>a comprehensive list of fireworks throughout the state</i> <br />
<br />
Kzoo Kids: <a href="https://kzookids.com/summer-fun-guide-kalamazoo-families/">101 Summer fun ideas for families</a>.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span class="entry-title" style="display: none;">Ultimate Kalamazoo Summer Fun Guide – 101 Ideas for Families</span><span class="entry-title" style="display: none;">Ultimate Kalamazoo Summer Fun Guide – 101 Ideas for Families</span><span class="entry-title" style="display: none;">Ultimate Kalamazoo Summer Fun Guide – 101 Ideas for Fam</span>Gazelle Sports <a href="https://gazellesports.com/pages/events">Events page</a> (running and races)<br />
<br />
Bike Friendly Kalamazoo's <a href="http://bikefriendlykalamazoo.org/events/">Event listings</a></blockquote>
<blockquote>
Event listings from <a href="http://www.discoverkalamazoo.com/events/">Discover Kalamazoo</a></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<a href="http://wmta.org/events/">Events</a> from West Michigan Tourist Association<br />
<br />
Kzoo Kids lists <a href="http://kzookids.com/southwest-michigan-beach-guide/">Beaches near Kalamazoo & Battle Creek</a> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Cleveland.com promotes <a href="http://www.cleveland.com/travel/index.ssf/2013/07/five_hours_and_a_world_away_a.html">Lake Michigan beach towns</a>.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Beach Freaks guide to <a href="http://www.kalamazooseasons.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/beach-freaks-guide-to-michigans-best.html">Michigan's Best Beaches</a></blockquote>
<blockquote>
League of Michigan Bicyclist's <a href="http://www.lmb.org/index.php?option=com_eventlist&view=eventlist&Itemid=22">Michigan Ride Calendar</a><br />
<br />
West Michigan Coastal Kayaker's Association <a href="https://wmcka.org/events/">Event Calendar</a> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy <a href="http://swmlc.org/swmlc-events-workdays/">volunteer workdays</a>
<br />
<br />
Sarrett Nature Center's <a href="http://sarett.com/events/event-list/">Event list</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Benton Harbor</span><br />
<br />
Michigan Festivals and Events Association <a href="http://mfea.org/browse-events/">Events browser</a><br />
<br />
Michigan DNR's <a href="https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_11859_48489---,00.html">State Park Events</a> </blockquote>
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Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-92003946548597349052019-05-04T21:56:00.001-04:002019-05-04T21:56:30.587-04:00Bow in the Clouds Preserve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Somehow I had never visited Bow in the Clouds Preserve, even though it's just a few miles northeast of downtown Kalamazoo. The preserve was originally part of the Nazareth Campus of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. They donated it to the <a href="https://swmlc.org/project/bow-in-the-clouds-preserve/">Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy</a> several years ago.<br />
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The entrance is off Nazareth Road, about a half mile north of Gull Road. There's a good-sized gravel parking lot beside an old barn. The SWMLC just completed an accessible trail with an overlook to the marsh. (<a href="https://swmlc.org/unveil-the-trail/">Grand opening event</a> May 11, 2019.)<br />
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From the new loop trail, a dirt (non-accessible) trail drops down to the marsh itself. Look for the blue metal blazes. An extended boardwalk took us right through the marsh, where we saw woodpeckers, mourning doves, robins, and deer. Marsh Marigolds added some nice color. <br />
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After crossing the marsh on the boardwalk, the trail climbed slightly through some mature woods. There were some big patches of Mayflowers and one section featured budding <a href="https://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/05/celadine-poppy.html">Celadine Poppies.</a> Eventually stairs led uphill to the Nazareth Campus.<br />
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We took another set of steps back down to the marsh and then switched to the trail with white metal blazes. This trail followed the edge of the marsh and looped north along Nazareth Road to return to the accessible trail and the parking area.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #844f2b;"><b><a href="https://swmlc.org/project/bow-in-the-clouds-preserve/">Bow in the Clouds Preserve</a></b></span><br />
3400 block of Nazareth Rd.<br />
Kalamazoo, MI 49048<br />
<br />Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-46915663528887486172019-04-14T12:19:00.000-04:002019-04-14T12:19:12.905-04:00Spring Events 2019<br />
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While this morning's snow wasn't very promising, there have been signs that Spring is coming. Blackbirds, Great Blue Herons, and Turkey Vultures have returned. Turtles have been sunning. Crocus have been in full flower and the daffodils are starting to blossom. Kalamazoo's Spring is a great time for <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2012/11/hiking-michigan.html">hiking</a>, <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/biking">biking</a>, or <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/04/national-geographic-guide-to.html">bird watching</a>. Warmer temperatures will also bring <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/03/kalamazoo-wildflowers.html">wildflowers</a> and <a href="http://www.kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2012/04/morels.html">morels</a>.<br />
<br />
Many West Michigan festivals and activities celebrate Spring. <br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Spring events near Kalamazoo</span><br />
<blockquote>
March 1- April 30 <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/03/butterflys-in-grand-rapids.html">Butterflies are Blooming at Meijer Gardens</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Grand Rapids</span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
April 20 free admission to the <a href="https://naturecenter.org/Programs/Special-Events/Earth-Day">Kalamazoo Nature Center</a> for Earth Day </blockquote>
<blockquote>
April 22 free admission to the <a href="http://birdsanctuary.kbs.msu.edu/events/earth-day-free-admission-4/">Kellogg Bird Sanctuary</a> for Earth Day </blockquote>
<blockquote>
April 20-28, <a href="http://www.nps.gov/npweek/">National Park Week</a> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
April 27 <a href="http://woodpeckerfest.webs.com/">Thornapple Woodpecker Festival</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Middleville</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
May 4 <a href="http://www.blossomtimefestival.org/?page_id=43">Blossomtime Grand Floral Parade</a> 1pm<i> St Joseph - Benton Harbor</i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
May 4-12 <a href="http://www.tuliptime.com/">Tulip Time festival</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Holland</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
May 11-18 <a href="http://www.kalamazoobikeweek.com/">Kalamazoo Bike Week</a> <i>Kalamazoo</i><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>
<span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br />
<br />
May 18-19 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KiteFestatGH/">The Kite Festival at Grand Haven</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Grand Haven</span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"></span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
May 18 Kalamazoo Area Wild Ones <a href="http://www.kalamazoowildones.org/2014-programs-field-trips/">6th Annual Native Plant Sale</a> People's Food Co-op <i>Kalamazoo</i> </blockquote>
<br />
Also consider:<br />
<blockquote>
<a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2011/03/planting-time.html">Vegetable planting dates</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3307_3580-186672--,00.html">Earth Day Activities</a> throughout Michigan
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Bike Friendly Kalamazoo's <a href="http://bikefriendlykalamazoo.org/events/">Event listings</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://tawasbirdfest.com/">Tawas Point Birding Festival</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Iosco County</span> May 16–18 </blockquote>
<blockquote>
birdwatching at <a href="http://www.michigan.org/blog/guest-blogger/four-birding-trails-and-sanctuaries-to-visit-in-michigan/">Bird Trails and Sanctuaries in Michigan</a> <br />
<br />
Discover Kalamazoo's <a href="http://www.discoverkalamazoo.com/events/">event listing</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.michigan.org/events/index">Events</a> from Pure Michigan<br />
<br />
Gazelle Sports' calendar of West Michigan <a href="https://gazellesports.com/pages/events">Races and Events</a><br />
<br />
League of Michigan Bicyclists <a href="http://www.lmb.org/index.php?option=com_eventlist&view=eventlist&Itemid=22">Michigan Bicycling Calendar</a> <br />
<br />
Michigan Festivals and Events Association <a href="http://mfea.org/browse-events/">Events</a> browser<br />
<br />
The DNR has <a href="https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_11859_48489---,00.html">calendars of events </a>for State Parks and Recreation Areas.<br />
<br />
Sarrett Nature Center's <a href="http://sarett.com/events/event-list/">Event list</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Benton Harbor</span> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://kzookids.com/five-area-attractions-offer-free-admission-in-may-to-members-southwest-michigan-cultural-membership-exchange/">Southwest Michigan Cultural Exchange</a> May <i>Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Hickory Corners</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/03/52-michigan-weekends-spring.html">Spring weekend getaways</a></blockquote>
<br />
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Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-29327442198723725372019-02-23T13:21:00.001-05:002019-02-23T13:21:24.493-05:00Maple Syrup Season 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As winter wanes, warm days and cold nights cause the maple sap to flow. 40 gallons of sap yield one gallon of syrup. Local events celebrate the season.<br />
<br />
<b>Maple Syrup Festivals near Kalamazoo</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
March 2-3 and 9-10 <b><a href="https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/maple-sugar-time.htm">Maple Sugar Time</a></b> <a href="http://www.nps.gov/indu/index.htm">Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore</a> <i>Chesterton, Indiana</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
March 3, 9 <a href="http://sarett.com/event/maple-sugar-magic/"><b>Maple Sugar Madness</b></a> <a href="http://www.sarett.com/">Sarett Nature Center</a> <i>Benton Harbo</i>r<br />
<br />
March 9-10 <a href="https://www.naturecenter.org/Home/Calendar/MapleSugarFestivalSchedule.aspx"><b>Maple Sugar Festival</b></a> <a href="http://www.naturecenter.org/">Kalamazoo Nature Center</a> <i>Kalamazoo </i><br />
<br />
March 16-17 <b>Sugar Camp Days</b> <a href="http://www.sjcparks.org/bendix.html">Bendix Woods County Park</a>, <i>New Carlisle, IN</i> <br />
<br />
March 23 <b><a href="https://blandfordnaturecenter.org/event/sugarbush-festival-2/">Sugarbush Festival</a> </b> <a href="http://blandfordnaturecenter.org/"> Blandford Nature Center</a> <i>Grand Rapids </i><br />
<br />
April 26 - 28 <b><a href="http://wakarusachamber.com/maple-syrup-festival/">Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival</a></b>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Wakarusa, Indiana</span> <br />
<br />
April 26 - 28 <b><a href="http://www.vermontvillemaplesyrupfestival.org/index.htm">79th Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival</a></b> <i>Vermontville</i></blockquote>
Also consider<br />
<blockquote>
<a href="http://www.michiganmapleweekend.com/">Michigan MapleWeekends</a><br />
<a href="http://www.shepherdmaplesyrupfest.org/"><br /></a>
<a href="http://oaklandcountymoms.com/michigan-maple-syrup-events-24696/">Michigan Maple Syrup Events 2019</a> in Oakland County and Southeast Michigan<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.shepherdmaplesyrupfest.org/">Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival</a> <br />
<br /><a href="https://www.chicagoparent.com/explore/nature/maple-syrup-events/">Chicago-area Maple Syrup Events</a></blockquote>
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Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-20309651522848911612018-11-26T23:05:00.003-05:002018-12-01T10:49:43.702-05:00Winter Events 2018-19<br />
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While the winter solstice doesn't happen until December 21, it's already looking a lot like winter in Kalamazoo. (Perhaps the <a href="https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/learning/seasons/winter/when-does-winter-start">meteorological</a> definition of the season makes more sense.) Right now, it looks like weather for <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2013/02/top-five-beginner-ski-trails-near.html">skiing</a>, <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2011/02/sledding-kalamazoo.html">sledding</a>, or <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/skating">skating</a> is about here. Whatever your preferred definition, a variety of local festivals celebrate the season.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Winter Events near Kalamazoo</span><br />
<blockquote>
December 1, 2018 <a href="http://www.portagemi.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=510&month=12&year=2018&day=4&calType=0">Traditional Holiday</a> celebration Celery Flats,<i> Portage</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
December 8, 2018 <a href="http://kzooparks.org/events/candy-cane-hunt/">13th annual Candy Cane Hunt </a>Mayors Riverfront Park <i>Kalamazoo</i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
December 8, 2018 <a href="http://www.naturecenter.org/">Local Gift Fair</a> 9 am -4 pm Kalamazoo Nature Center <span style="font-style: italic;">Kalamazoo</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-style: italic;"></span> December 1-23, 2018 (weekends) <a href="http://www.binderparkzoo.org/specialPages/zoolights.php">Zoo Lights</a> Binder Park Zoo <i>Battle Creek</i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
December 31, 2018 <a href="http://www.newyearsfest.com/">New Year's Eve Fest</a> <i>Kalamazoo</i></blockquote>
<blockquote>
January 11-20 2019 <a href="http://www.kalamazoobeerweek.com/">Kalamazoo Beer Week</a> <i>Kalamazoo</i>
<span class="slogan-text"><br /><br />January 24-27, 2019</span> <a href="http://winterfestmi.org/">Winterfest</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Grand Haven</span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
February 1-3, 2019 <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2012/02/ice-breaker.html">Icebreaker </a> <span style="font-style: italic;">South Haven</span><br />
<br />
February 15 -18, 2019
<a href="http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/howto.html">Great Backyard Bird Count</a> <br />
<br />
February 16-17, 2019 <a href="https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_79146_84107---,00.html">Free Fishing Winter Weekend</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">throughout Michigan</span><br />
<br />
February 22-23, 2019 <a href="http://www.mibeer.com/winter-festival">Winter Beer Festival</a> <i>Grand Rapids</i><br />
<br />
March 2, 2019 <a href="http://www.quietwatersymposium.org/">Quietwater Symposium</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">East Lansing</span></blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ongoing events</span><br />
<blockquote>
<a href="http://www.bcfestivals.com/international-festival-of-lights/">International Festival of Lights</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Battle Creek </span>November -December<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></blockquote>
<a href="http://www.holland.org/events/annual-events/dutch-winterfest/">Dutch Winterfest </a><i>Holland</i><br />
<blockquote>
<a href="https://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/02/millennium-park-ice-rink.html">Millennium Park Skate Rink</a> opens when weather permits <span style="font-style: italic;">Portage</span></blockquote>
<a href="http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count">Christmas Bird Count</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">See also</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.rei.com/opt-outside">OptOutside</a> An alternative to hitting the malls on Black Friday<br />
<br />
Discover Kalamazoo's <a href="http://www.discoverkalamazoo.com/events/">event listing</a><br />
<br />
Gazelle Sports <a href="http://www.gazellesports.com/wp/?post_type=tribe_events">Races and running calendar</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/michigan/places-winter-mi/">11 Unforgettable Winter Places in Michigan </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/01/52-michigan-weekends.html">West Michigan Winter Weekends</a><br />
<br />
Sarrett Nature Center's <a href="http://sarett.com/events/event-list/">Event list</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Benton Harbor</span><br />
<br />
The DNR has <a href="https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_11859_48489---,00.html">calendars of events </a>for State Parks and Recreation Areas.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.michigan.org/events/index">Events</a> from Pure Michigan
<br />
<br />
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Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-13848738426280499852018-08-30T07:40:00.000-04:002018-08-30T07:40:01.722-04:00Fall 2018 events<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Like
it or not, Summer will end soon. Fortunately, Fall is still great for
outdoor activities around Kalamazoo. Warm days and cool nights are
perfect weather for <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/camping">camping</a> or <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2011/06/michigan-rivers-less-paddled.html">paddling</a>. Colorful leaves make it a great time to take a <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2012/11/hiking-michigan.html">walk</a> in the woods or to explore a local <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/biking">bike trail</a>. <a href="http://www.kalamazooseasons.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/sandhill-crane-fall-migration.html">Sandhill Cranes</a>
gather in West Michigan before they migrate south for the season. Area
festivals celebrate Labor Day, fall harvests, fish, art, and birds.
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Fall events around Kalamazoo</b></div>
<br />
September 3-5 <a href="http://www.lawrencemi.org/lawrence-ox-roast-homecoming/">Lawrence Ox Roast</a> <i>Lawrence</i><br />
<br />
September 3 <a href="http://www.westmichiganlaborfest.com/">West Michigan Labor Fest</a><i> Grand Rapids </i><br />
<br />
September 7-9 <a href="http://www.wineandharvestfestival.com/"> Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival</a> <i>Paw Paw </i><br />
<br />
September 14-15 <a href="http://www.ghsalmonfest.com/">Grand Haven Salmon Festival</a> <i>Grand Haven</i><br />
<br />
September 19-October 7 <a href="https://www.artprize.org/about">Art Prize</a> <i>Grand Rapids</i><br />
<br />
September 22-29 <a href="https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79133_79206_83612---,00.html">Michigan Trails Week</a>
<br />
<br />
September 22 <a href="http://kzooparks.org/events/eco-raft-race/">Eco Raft Rac</a>e <i>Kalamazoo</i><br />
<br />
September 22 <a href="https://www.stjoetoday.com/all-events/details/2018-fall-fest-september-22">Fall Festival</a> <i>St. Joseph</i><br />
<br />
September 29-30 <a href="http://www.oktoberfestwestmichigan.com/">Oktoberfest</a> <i>Grand Rapids</i><br />
<br />
October 13 <a href="https://binderparkzoo.org/events/bonteboktoberfest-oct-13/">BontebokOktoberfest</a> Binder Park Zoo <i> Battle Creek </i> <br />
<br />
October 13-14 <a href="http://cranefest.org/">Cranefest</a> <i>Bellevue</i><br />
<br />
October 12-14 <a href="https://goosefest.squarespace.com/">Fennville Goose Festival</a> <i>Fennville</i><br />
<br />
October 20-21 <a href="http://www.artsandeats.org/">Arts and Eats Tour</a> <i>Hastings, Middleville, Hickory Corners</i>, and surrounding areas<br />
<br />
October 18-21, 25-28 <a href="https://binderparkzoo.org/events/zooboo/">Zoo Boo</a> Binder Park Zoo <i> Battle Creek </i><br />
<br />
November 10 <a href="http://kzooparks.org/events/kalamazoo-holiday-parade/">Holiday Parade</a> 11am- 12:30pm <i>Kalamazoo</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Also consider:</b><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.metroparent.com/daily/family-activities/fairs-festivals/guide-to-southeast-michigan-labor-day-family-fun/">Southeast Michigan Labor Day events</a> from MetroParent<br />
<br />
<a href="http://oaklandcountymoms.com/labor-day-weekend-events-2015-metro-detroit-michigan-39339/">Labor Day Weekend Events for Metro Detroit</a> (Oakland County Moms)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.mackinacbridge.org/walk/">Mackinac Bridge Walk</a> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.discoverkalamazoo.com/5-spots-sip-cider-pick-pumpkins-soak-fall-kalamazoo/">5 Spots to Sip Cider, Pick Pumpkins, and Soak up Fall</a> from Discover Kalamazoo</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.michigan.org/article/trip-idea/fantastic-fall-scenic-drives-michigan">Fall Scenic Drives</a> from Pure Michigan<br />
<br />
Fall recommendations from <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/09/52-michigan-weekends-fall.html">52 Michigan Weekends</a><br />
<br />
Fresh apple cider from <a href="http://www.verhagesfruitfarmandcidermill.com/">VerHages Cider Mill</a>.<br />
<br />
Fall walks and rides on the <a href="http://www.kalcounty.com/parks/krvt/trailprogramming.htm#Events">Kalamazoo River Valley Trail</a><br />
<br />
Event listings from <a href="http://www.discoverkalamazoo.com/events/">Discover Kalamazoo</a><br />
<br />
Gazelle Sports' calendar of West Michigan <a href="https://gazellesports.com/pages/events">Races and Events</a> <br />
<br />
League of Michigan Bicyclist's <a href="http://www.lmb.org/index.php?option=com_eventlist&view=eventlist&Itemid=22">Michigan Ride Calendar</a><br />
<br />
Michigan Festivals and Events Association <a href="http://mfea.org/browse-events/">Events</a> browser <br />
<br />
Sarrett Nature Center's <a href="http://sarett.com/events/event-list/">Event list</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Benton Harbor</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.michigan.org/events/index">Events</a> from Pure Michigan
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The DNR has <a href="https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_11859_48489---,00.html">calendars of events </a>for State Parks and Recreation Areas.</blockquote>
<br />
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<br />Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-40701910101784756702018-08-28T20:09:00.001-04:002018-08-28T20:09:47.358-04:00Paddle boarding at Ramona Park, Portage MI<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My daughter was interested in trying standup paddle boarding (SUP) this summer and there are plenty of places to try it in West Michigan. South Beach in South Haven has a rental spot right on the beach but, when we visited last week, Lake Michigan was really cold (only little kids would stay in the water) and, on an earlier trip, it was much too windy. (Kiteboarders were literally flying.) <br />
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I wanted a smaller, calmer, and preferably warmer lake. <a href="https://kzookids.com/family-friendly-kayak-and-canoe-options-around-kalamazoo/">Kzoo Kids</a> suggested Ramona Park in Portage, which had the added advantage of being much closer to home. Park <a href="http://www.portagemi.gov/215/Seasonal-Recreation">admission</a> was free for Portage residents ($10 per car for non-residents) and board rental was $12 for an hour.<br />
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Getting into a standing position on the board was easier than I expected and staying upright wasn't too hard. I fell off in the first minute but stayed on the board after that. Perhaps I should have read some <a href="https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/paddleboarding.html">Stand Up Paddle Board instructions</a> before we went, but it felt okay figuring it out on our own. <br />
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We started by paddling with the wind, which was really easy. The breeze was strong enough that we'd move along nicely, even without paddling.<br />
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The breeze, of course, worked against us when we turned back. I had been paddling for a few minutes before I realized I was making no progress at all. To actually go forward required much faster paddling or kneeling down on the board to cut wind resistance. Kneeling was much less comfortable, but it did work.<br />
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That's pretty much how we spent our hour-- great paddling downwind, then struggling upwind. Overall it was reasonably fun. My daughter really enjoyed it and I'd do it again, but perhaps on a calmer day.<br />
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<br />Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-44717279253824989282018-06-20T11:19:00.000-04:002018-06-20T11:19:50.724-04:00Summer Events 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As the solstice approaches, Michigan moves to full Summer mode with <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/biking">biking</a>, <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/paddling">canoeing</a>, <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/hiking">hiking</a>, and <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/camping">camping</a> and beachtime at <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/Lake%20Michigan">Lake Michigan</a>.
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Summer events near Kalamazoo</b></div>
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June 20 <a href="https://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2018/06/free_admission_offered_at_kala.html">Free Parks Day </a> <i>Kalamazoo County</i><br />
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June 28-July 4 <a href="http://www.bcballoons.com/">Balloon Festival </a><i>Battle Creek </i><br />
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July 20-22 <a href="http://www.sotpea.org/">Old Tyme Tractor Show</a> <i>Scots</i><br />
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August 9-12 <a href="http://www.blueberryfestival.com/">54th annual Blueberry Festival </a><i>South Haven</i><br />
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August 24-26 <a href="http://www.hastingssummerfest.com/">Hastings Summerfest</a> <i>Hastings</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-weight: bold;">Also consider:</span></i><br />
<blockquote>
<a href="http://www.michigan.org/blog/guest-blogger/eight-ways-to-spend-a-long-weekend-in-michigan/">Long weekend suggestions</a> from Pure Michigan<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.giftbasketsfrommichigan.com/blog/michigan-travel/50-fun-things-to-do-in-michigan-this-summer/">50 fun things to do in Michigan this summer</a><br />
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<a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/06/52-michigan-weekends-summer.html">West Michigan Summer Weekends</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://farmersmarketkalamazoo.com/">Kalamazoo Farmers Market</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://michiganfireworks.com/">Michigan Fireworks Displays</a> <i>a comprehensive list of fireworks throughout the state</i><br />Gazelle Sports <a href="https://gazellesports.com/pages/events">Events page</a> (running and races)<br /><br />Bike Friendly Kalamazoo's <a href="http://bikefriendlykalamazoo.org/events/">Event listings</a></blockquote>
<blockquote>
Event listings from <a href="http://www.discoverkalamazoo.com/events/">Discover Kalamazoo</a></blockquote>
<blockquote>
<a href="http://wmta.org/events/">Events</a> from West Michigan Tourist Association<br />
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Kzoo Kids lists <a href="http://kzookids.com/southwest-michigan-beach-guide/">Beaches near Kalamazoo & Battle Creek</a> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
Cleveland.com promotes <a href="http://www.cleveland.com/travel/index.ssf/2013/07/five_hours_and_a_world_away_a.html">Lake Michigan beach towns</a>.</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Beach Freaks guide to <a href="http://www.kalamazooseasons.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/beach-freaks-guide-to-michigans-best.html">Michigan's Best Beaches</a></blockquote>
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League of Michigan Bicyclist's <a href="http://www.lmb.org/index.php?option=com_eventlist&view=eventlist&Itemid=22">Michigan Ride Calendar</a><br />
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West Michigan Coastal Kayaker's Association <a href="https://wmcka.org/events/">Event Calendar</a> </blockquote>
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Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy <a href="http://swmlc.org/swmlc-events-workdays/">volunteer workdays</a>
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Sarrett Nature Center's <a href="http://sarett.com/events/event-list/">Event list</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Benton Harbor</span><br />
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Michigan Festivals and Events Association <a href="http://mfea.org/browse-events/">Events browser</a><br />
<br />Michigan DNR's <a href="https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_11859_48489---,00.html">State Park Events</a> </blockquote>
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<br />Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-81044611512880525492018-04-15T22:33:00.002-04:002018-04-15T22:33:31.030-04:00Spring Events 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The snow this April hasn't been deep enough to ski but it sure hasn't felt very Spring-like. Kalamazoo will eventually have warmer weather for <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2012/11/hiking-michigan.html">hiking</a>, <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/biking">biking</a>, or <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/04/national-geographic-guide-to.html">bird watching</a>. Warmer temperatures will also bring <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/03/kalamazoo-wildflowers.html">wildflowers</a> and <a href="http://www.kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2012/04/morels.html">morels</a>.<br />
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Many West Michigan festivals and activities celebrate Spring. <br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Spring events near Kalamazoo</span><br />
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<blockquote>
March 1- April 30 <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/03/butterflys-in-grand-rapids.html">Butterflies are Blooming at Meijer Gardens</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Grand Rapids</span></blockquote>
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April 21 free admission to the <a href="https://naturecenter.org/Programs/Special-Events/Earth-Day">Kalamazoo Nature Center</a> for Earth Day </blockquote>
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April 22 free admission to the <a href="http://birdsanctuary.kbs.msu.edu/events/earth-day-free-admission-3/">Kellogg Bird Sanctuary</a> for Earth Day </blockquote>
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April 21-29, <a href="http://www.nps.gov/npweek/">National Park Week</a> </blockquote>
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April 14 <a href="http://www.portagemi.gov/Departments/City-Clerk/Greenathon.aspx">Green-A-Thon 2018</a> Celery Flats <span style="font-style: italic;">Portage</span> </blockquote>
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April 28 <a href="http://woodpeckerfest.webs.com/">Thornapple Woodpecker Festival</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Middleville</span> </blockquote>
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May 5 <a href="http://www.blossomtimefestival.org/?page_id=43">Blossomtime Grand Floral Parade</a> 1pm<i> St Joseph - Benton Harbor</i></blockquote>
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May 5-13 <a href="http://www.tuliptime.com/">Tulip Time festival</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Holland</span> </blockquote>
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May 12-19 <a href="http://www.kalamazoobikeweek.com/">Kalamazoo Bike Week</a> <i>Kalamazoo</i><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>
<span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br />
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May 19-20 <a href="http://www.mackite.com/news.htm">Great Lakes Kite Festival 2016</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Grand Haven</span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;"></span></blockquote>
<blockquote>
May 19 Kalamazoo Area Wild Ones <a href="http://www.kalamazoowildones.org/2014-programs-field-trips/">4th Annual Native Plant Sale</a> People's Food Co-op <i>Kalamazoo</i> </blockquote>
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Also consider:<br />
<blockquote>
<a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2011/03/planting-time.html">Vegetable planting dates</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3307_3580-186672--,00.html">Earth Day Activities</a> throughout Michigan
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Bike Friendly Kalamazoo's <a href="http://bikefriendlykalamazoo.org/events/">Event listings</a><br />
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<a href="http://tawasbirdfest.com/">Tawas Point Birding Festival</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Iosco County</span> May 17–18 </blockquote>
<blockquote>
birdwatching at <a href="http://www.michigan.org/blog/guest-blogger/four-birding-trails-and-sanctuaries-to-visit-in-michigan/">Bird Trails and Sanctuaries in Michigan</a> <br />
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Discover Kalamazoo's <a href="http://www.discoverkalamazoo.com/events/">event listing</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.michigan.org/events/index">Events</a> from Pure Michigan<br />
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Gazelle Sports <a href="http://www.gazellesports.com/wp/?post_type=tribe_events">Races and running calendar</a><br />
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League of Michigan Bicyclists <a href="http://www.lmb.org/index.php?option=com_eventlist&view=eventlist&Itemid=22">Michigan Bicycling Calendar</a> <br />
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Michigan Festivals and Events Association <a href="http://mfea.org/browse-events/">Events</a> browser<br />
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The DNR has <a href="http://michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10365_36576_48489---Y,00.html">calendars of events </a>for State Parks and Recreation Areas.<br />
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Sarrett Nature Center's <a href="http://sarett.com/events/event-list/">Event list</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Benton Harbor</span> <br /><br />
<a href="http://kzookids.com/five-area-attractions-offer-free-admission-in-may-to-members-southwest-michigan-cultural-membership-exchange/">Southwest Michigan Cultural Exchange</a> May <i>Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Hickory Corners</i><br />
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<a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/03/52-michigan-weekends-spring.html">Spring weekend getaways</a></blockquote>
Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-32469593757034298652018-03-01T11:13:00.000-05:002018-03-01T11:13:08.732-05:00Maple Syrup Season 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The transition from Winter to Spring is maple sugar season. Warm days and cold nights cause the maple sap to flow. <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/02/12/584528440/climate-change-could-mean-less-maple-syrup-for-your-pancakes">Changing climate</a> affects the temperature, which <a href="http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/opinion/columns/field-and-forest-by-richard-gast/2018/02/extremes-in-weather-can-profoundly-affect-maple-syrup-production/">complicates syrup production</a> by moving the sap flow earlier in the year. Local events continue to celebrate the season.<br />
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<b>Maple Syrup Festivals near Kalamazoo</b><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
March 3-4 and 10-11 <b><a href="https://www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?event=01E404BA-DB7B-5D2E-198608BB5585D7B8">Maple Sugar Time</a></b> <a href="http://www.nps.gov/indu/index.htm">Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore</a> <i>Chesterton, Indiana</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
March 11 <a href="http://sarett.com/event/maple-sugar-madness-5/"><b>Maple Sugar Madness</b></a> <a href="http://www.sarett.com/">Sarett Nature Center</a> <i>Benton Harbo</i>r<br />
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March 10-11 <a href="https://www.naturecenter.org/Home/Calendar/MapleSugarFestivalSchedule.aspx"><b>Maple Sugar Festival</b></a> <a href="http://www.naturecenter.org/">Kalamazoo Nature Center</a> <i>Kalamazoo </i><br />
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March 17-18 <b>Sugar Camp Days</b> <a href="http://www.sjcparks.org/bendix.html">Bendix Woods County Park</a>, <i>New Carlisle, IN</i> <br />
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March 24 <b><a href="http://blandfordnaturecenter.org/event/46th-annual-sugarbush-festival/">Sugarbush Festival</a> </b> <a href="http://blandfordnaturecenter.org/"> Blandford Nature Center</a> <i>Grand Rapids </i><br />
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April 27 - 29 <b><a href="http://wakarusachamber.com/maple-syrup-festival/">Wakarusa Maple Syrup Festival</a></b>, <span style="font-style: italic;">Wakarusa, Indiana</span> <br />
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April 27 - 29 <b><a href="http://www.vermontvillemaplesyrupfestival.org/index.htm">78th Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival</a></b> <i>Vermontville</i></blockquote>
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Also consider<br />
<blockquote>
<a href="http://www.michiganmapleweekend.com/">Michigan MapleWeekends</a><br />
<a href="http://www.shepherdmaplesyrupfest.org/"><br /></a>
<a href="http://oaklandcountymoms.com/michigan-maple-syrup-events-24696/">Michigan Maple Syrup Events 2018</a> in Oakland County and Southeast Michigan<br />
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<a href="http://www.shepherdmaplesyrupfest.org/">Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival</a></blockquote>
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Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-77650505143673369842017-11-22T22:03:00.000-05:002018-11-04T11:12:47.462-05:00Winter Events 2017-18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After a wet November in Kalamazoo, it's hard to predict what December will bring. Will there be enough snow for <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2013/02/top-five-beginner-ski-trails-near.html">skiing</a>, <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2011/02/sledding-kalamazoo.html">sledding</a>, and <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/skating">skating</a>? Whatever the weather, a variety of local festivals celebrate the season.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Winter Events near Kalamazoo</span><br />
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November 24, 2017 <a href="http://kzooparks.org/events/tree-lighting/">Tree Lighting</a>, 5 pm -7:30 pm Bronson Park <i>Kalamazoo</i><br />
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December 2, 2017 <a href="http://www.portagemi.gov/News-and-Events/Event.aspx?id=497">Tree Lighting</a><i> Portage</i> </blockquote>
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<i></i>December 9, 2017 <a href="http://kzooparks.org/events/candy-cane-hunt/">12th annual Candy Cane Hunt </a>Mayors Riverfront Park <i>Kalamazoo</i></blockquote>
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December 9, 2017 <a href="http://www.naturecenter.org/">Local Gift Fair</a> 9 am -4 pm Kalamazoo Nature Center <span style="font-style: italic;">Kalamazoo</span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-style: italic;"></span> December 15-23, 2017 <a href="http://www.binderparkzoo.org/specialPages/zoolights.php">Zoo Lights</a> Binder Park Zoo <i>Battle Creek</i></blockquote>
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December 31, 2017 <a href="http://www.newyearsfest.com/">New Year's Eve Fest</a> <i>Kalamazoo</i></blockquote>
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January 13-21 2018 <a href="http://www.kalamazoobeerweek.com/">Kalamazoo Beer Week</a> <i>Kalamazoo</i>
<span class="slogan-text"><br /><br />January 25 - 28, 2018</span> <a href="http://winterfestmi.org/">Winterfest 2018</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Grand Haven</span></blockquote>
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February 2-4, 2018 <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2012/02/ice-breaker.html">Icebreaker </a> <span style="font-style: italic;">South Haven</span><br />
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February 16 -19, 2018
<a href="http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/howto.html">Great Backyard Bird Count</a> <br />
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February 17-18, 2018 <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10364_52261_50497---,00.html">Free Fishing Winter Weekend</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">throughout Michigan</span><br />
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February 23-24, 2018 <a href="http://www.mibeer.com/winter-festival">Winter Beer Festival</a> <i>Grand Rapids</i><br />
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March 3, 2018 <a href="http://www.quietwatersymposium.org/">Quietwater Symposium</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">East Lansing</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ongoing events</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.bcfestivals.com/international-festival-of-lights/">International Festival of Lights</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Battle Creek </span>November -December<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></blockquote>
<a href="http://www.holland.org/events/annual-events/dutch-winterfest/">Dutch Winterfest </a><i>Holland</i><br />
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<a href="https://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/02/millennium-park-ice-rink.html">Millennium Park Skate Rink</a> opens December 2, 2017 (weather permitting) <span style="font-style: italic;">Portage</span></blockquote>
<a href="http://birds.audubon.org/christmas-bird-count">Christmas Bird Count</a><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">See also</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.rei.com/opt-outside">OptOutside</a> An alternative to hitting the malls on Black Friday<br />
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Discover Kalamazoo's <a href="http://www.discoverkalamazoo.com/events/">event listing</a><br />
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Gazelle Sports <a href="http://www.gazellesports.com/wp/?post_type=tribe_events">Races and running calendar</a><br />
<a href="http://communitylink.com/us/mi/kalamazoo/profile/winter.htm"><br />Kalamazoo in Winter</a> from CommunityLink<br />
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<a href="http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/michigan/places-winter-mi/">11 Unforgettable Winter Places in Michigan </a><br />
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<a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/01/52-michigan-weekends.html">West Michigan Winter Weekends</a><br />
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Sarrett Nature Center's <a href="http://sarett.com/events/event-list/">Event list</a> <span style="font-style: italic;">Benton Harbor</span><br />
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The DNR has <a href="http://michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10365_36576_48489---Y,00.html">calendars of events </a>for State Parks and Recreation Areas.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-23535644782555775972017-10-15T00:00:00.000-04:002017-10-15T00:00:28.856-04:00Laketown Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I can't remember when I last found a "new" beach in Southwest Michigan. It's been easy to fall back on a favorite park: <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/09/saugatuck-dunes-state-park.html">Saugatuck Dunes</a>, <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2013/05/wildflowers-at-warren-dunes.html">Warren Dunes</a>, or <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-31154_31260-54007--,00.html">Grand Mere</a> and not explore new places. A couple of weekends ago I stumbled across Laketown Beach Park, a few miles north of Saugatuck Dunes. <br />
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Laketown Beach is a quirky little park featuring some impressive stairs. The park starts with a small parking lot where 142nd Avenue dead-ends at the dunes. A few signs, a porta-potty, and some stairs. And then some more stairs. Then a few more. <br />
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From the top, there's a nice view of Lake Michigan and a long flight of stairs leading to the beach and water. The <a href="https://www.awesomemitten.com/day-63-laketown-beach/?hvid=2YpTK1">Awesome Mitten blog</a> claims the round-trip takes nearly 500 steps.<br />
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The beach frontage on the Lake is fairly small. Big signs mark private land on either side of this <a href="http://www.laketowntwp.org/boards-commissions/parks-commission/parks/">township park</a>. There was plenty of room for a picnic in early October, but I imagine it could fill up in mid-summer. <br />
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While you can't lay out a blanket on the private beaches, Michigan law allows people to walk along the lakefront, whether the land is privately or publicly owned. So, the private beach signs don't say, "Keep Out," they say, "Keep Walking."<br />
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I enjoyed a long walk along the lake, turning back near Saugatuck Dunes State Park. <br />
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I didn't walk north from the park, but Holland's "Big Red" lighthouse was visible in the distance. It's about 3 miles away, so it could be an ambitious beach walk. <br />
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Laketown Beach Park<br />
<div class="address">
6710 142nd Ave.</div>
<span class="city">Holland,</span><span class="state"> MI </span><span class="zip">49423</span><br />
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<span class="zip"><i>free </i></span><br />
Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-49169918042424028022017-10-01T08:39:00.000-04:002017-10-01T08:39:15.115-04:00MapleHeart Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The <a href="https://www.traillink.com/trail/mapleheart-trail/">MapleHeart Trail</a> connects Goshen, Indiana to Elkhart and its name brought images of majestic trees, perhaps painted with early fall color. I'd <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2011/08/pumpkinvine-trail.html">biked</a> the Pumpkinvine Trail out of Goshen and I expected a bucolic ride through rural Indiana.<br />
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But, I was wrong.<br />
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The MapleHeart Trail is a purely practical connector between Goshen and Elkhart. It's neither tree-lined nor rustic. It's basically a wide side-walk along a county highway. If you live in Goshen and want to get to Elkhart, the trail takes you there, safely and easily. Transportation over recreation. Practical bike routes make a lot of sense given the large Amish population in the region, who use the trails to commute.<br />
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To be fair, it's a nice ride to the attractive Ox Bow County Park, about halfway between the two towns. It also <a href="http://pumpkinvine.org/trail-information/">connects</a><span id="goog_1806557844"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1806557845"></span> to the Pumpkinvine Trail, for those wanting a longer ride.<br />
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My ride started in Abshire Park, east of Goshen. From there, it was 9 miles to Elkhart, on a combination of the Pumpkinvine Trail, the Wilden Avenue Connector, and the MapleHeart Trail. It was a beautiful afternoon and good exercise, even it not exactly what I expected.Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-42859061415832895402017-09-17T08:38:00.000-04:002017-09-17T08:38:22.483-04:00Fall Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gCtpIWTiL2ecgSee3lu1wBJaxlc3k7ReKubUUsAKF2evavtWruN_1xRD4siAImtAT-hufeRh2-N9-5kTWdvpq9mch-F_gg4RVwypCgJ9KBks_uqj8IZQbwSAGltAr8TiuO-g9KexNQM/s1600/joe_pye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gCtpIWTiL2ecgSee3lu1wBJaxlc3k7ReKubUUsAKF2evavtWruN_1xRD4siAImtAT-hufeRh2-N9-5kTWdvpq9mch-F_gg4RVwypCgJ9KBks_uqj8IZQbwSAGltAr8TiuO-g9KexNQM/s400/joe_pye.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Joe Pye Weed<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><i><a href="http://michiganflora.net/species.aspx?id=330">Eutrochium maculatum</a></i> (or <a href="http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/sp_joepye.htm">Illinois Wildflowers</a> or <a href="https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=EUMA9">USDA)</a><br />
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When I think of color in the Fall, I automatically think of <a href="https://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2013/10/peak-color-in-kalamazoo.html">autumn leaves</a>. Most of summer's <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2014/07/prairie-flowers.html">prairie flowers</a> are finished, replaced by a variety of <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/09/new-england-aster.html">asters</a> and <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2011/09/goldenrod.html">goldenrods</a>. A walk at the Kalamazoo Nature Center reminded me that there are still some interesting plants in bloom, particularly in the wet soil along the Kalamazoo River.<br />
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Jewelweed <i> </i><a href="https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=IMCA">I<i>mpatiens capensis</i></a> (or <a href="http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/or_jewelweed.htm">Illinois Wildflowers</a> or MSU extension <a href="https://www.canr.msu.edu/nativeplants/uploads/files/Jewelweed.pdf">pdf)</a><br />
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White Turtlehead <i><a href="http://michiganflora.net/species.aspx?id=1935">Chelone glabra</a></i> <a href="https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=chgl2">(or USDA link</a> or <a href="http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/wh_turtlehead.htm">Illinois Wildflowers</a> )<br />
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Great Blue Lobelia <i><a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2011/08/great-blue-lobelia.html">Lobelia siphilitica</a></i> <br />
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<br />Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5807757098182987339.post-62287136222228157352017-09-01T13:18:00.000-04:002017-11-02T10:47:15.475-04:00Fall 2017 Events<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Labor Day marks the last weekend of Michigan's summer. In Kalamazoo, Fall is a great time for
<a href="http://www.kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/hiking">walking</a> or <a href="http://www.kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/biking">riding</a> under colorful foliage, <a href="http://www.kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/search/label/paddling">paddling</a> down a river, or watching <a href="http://www.kalamazooseasons.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/sandhill-crane-fall-migration.html">Sandhill Cranes</a>. Area festivals celebrate Labor Day, fall harvests, fish, and birds.
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<b>Fall events around Kalamazoo</b></div>
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September 2-4 <a href="http://www.lawrencemi.org/lawrence-ox-roast-homecoming/">Lawrence Ox Roast</a> <i>Lawrence</i><br />
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September 4 <a href="http://www.westmichiganlaborfest.com/">West Michigan Labor Fest</a><i> Grand Rapids </i><br />
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September 8-10 <a href="http://www.wineandharvestfestival.com/"> Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival</a> <i>Paw Paw </i><br />
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September 9 <a href="http://kzooparks.org/events/eco-raft-race/">Eco Raft Rac</a>e <i>Kalamazoo</i><br />
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September 15-17 <a href="http://www.ghsalmonfest.com/">Grand Haven Salmon Festival</a> <i>Grand Haven</i><br />
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September 24-30 <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10365_16839_62555---,00.html">Michigan Trails Week</a>
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September 20-October 8 <a href="https://www.artprize.org/about">Art Prize</a> <i>Grand Rapids</i><br />
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September 22-23 <a href="http://www.stjoetoday.com/all-events/details/2017-fall-fest-september-22-23">Fall Festival</a> <i>St. Joseph</i><br />
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September 29-30 <a href="http://www.oktoberfestwestmichigan.com/">Oktoberfest</a> <i>Grand Rapids</i><br />
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October 14-15 <a href="http://cranefest.org/">Cranefest</a> <i>Bellevue</i><br />
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October 13-17 <a href="https://goosefest.squarespace.com/">Fennville Goose Festival</a> <i>Fennville</i><br />
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October 21-22 <a href="http://www.artsandeats.org/">Arts and Eats Tour</a> <i>Hastings, Middleville, Hickory Corners</i>, and surrounding areas<br />
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October 19-29 Zoo Boo <a href="http://www.binderparkzoo.org/visitor/events.php">Binder Park Zoo</a> <i> Battle Creek </i><br />
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November 11 <a href="http://kzooparks.org/events/kalamazoo-holiday-parade/">Holiday Parade</a> 11am- 12:30pm <i>Kalamazoo</i><br />
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<b>Also consider:</b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<a href="http://www.metroparent.com/daily/family-activities/fairs-festivals/guide-to-southeast-michigan-labor-day-family-fun/">Southeast Michigan Labor Day events</a> from MetroParent<br />
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<a href="http://oaklandcountymoms.com/labor-day-weekend-events-2015-metro-detroit-michigan-39339/">Labor Day Weekend Events for Metro Detroit</a> (Oakland County Moms)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mackinacbridge.org/annual-bridge-walk-7/">Mackinac Bridge Walk</a> </blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.discoverkalamazoo.com/5-spots-sip-cider-pick-pumpkins-soak-fall-kalamazoo/">5 Spots to Sip Cider, Pick Pumpkins, and Soak up Fall</a> from Discover Kalamazoo</blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.michigan.org/article/trip-idea/fantastic-fall-scenic-drives-michigan">Fall Scenic Drives</a> from Pure Michigan<br />
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Fall recommendations from <a href="http://kalamazooseasons.blogspot.com/2010/09/52-michigan-weekends-fall.html">52 Michigan Weekends</a><br />
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Fresh apple cider from <a href="http://www.verhagesfruitfarmandcidermill.com/">VerHages Cider Mill</a>.<br />
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Fall walks and rides on the <a href="http://www.kalcounty.com/parks/krvt/trailprogramming.htm#Events">Kalamazoo River Valley Trail</a><br />
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Event listings from <a href="http://www.discoverkalamazoo.com/events/">Discover Kalamazoo</a><br />
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Gazelle Sports' calendar of West Michigan <a href="http://gazellesports.com/wp/?post_type=tribe_events">Races and Events</a> <br />
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League of Michigan Bicyclist's <a href="http://www.lmb.org/index.php?option=com_eventlist&view=eventlist&Itemid=22">Michigan Ride Calendar</a><br />
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The DNR has <a href="http://michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10365_36576_48489---Y,00.html">calendars of events </a>for State Parks and Recreation Areas.</blockquote>
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<br />Chuck Stullhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16764698108162760118noreply@blogger.com0