During these past few weeks, I have been trying to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors while practicing social distancing. Being stuck inside all day can really take a toll on a person and I feel like it is important to take a break every once and awhile, stretch your legs, and get some fresh air. I have visited Little Forks’ Riverview preserve a few times recently since it is close to where I live. At Riverview, I enjoy walking the trail along the river, it has a great view (hence the name). My dog loves going for walks there. She did not, however, love the bath that she got afterward since she was so muddy. Some of the trails are still pretty wet so I would recommend boots or waterproof shoes if visiting that preserve. 

The other day, I visited the Chippewa Nature Center, which is only a few miles away from my house. I was walking across a boardwalk on the rustic River Point Trail when I spooked a herd of deer. There were quite a few deer that were not very far away from me. They must have heard or smelled me as I was coming towards them. I had no idea that the deer were there until they started to run away. It was a nice surprise, they didn’t seem too scared of me and took their time jogging away. One of my favorite parts about being in nature is getting to see wildlife. I find animals extremely interesting; I enjoy learning about them and their environments.

​I have also been going on adventures in my own backyard and exploring our property. My family has lots of woods, trails, and ponds on our land. The other day it was sunny, beautiful, and got up to 60 degrees. My sister and I took advantage of the nice weather and went on nature walk out back behind our house. We could hear frogs making noises all around us as we walked. When we would come up to a pond the frogs could be seen jumping or swimming away. We spent some time catching a few and releasing them back into the water. There were also a few areas where we found large amounts of frog eggs. We did not see any tadpoles, but very soon the ponds will be filled with hundreds of them. I really have enjoyed spending some extra time outside lately. During my AmeriCorps service, I look forward to exploring all the preserves that Little Forks has to offer and getting to visit other natural areas nearby. Nature is incredible and has so much to offer; which is why we need to do our part and take care of it. 

Shelby Cain
Huron Pines AmeriCorps Member

Andrea has also been the force behind Andrea's Field Studies, a Little Forks Conservancy web series focusing on nature, outdoors, mental health, and wildlife! Checkout the full series on our YouTube channel!

Fall is a gorgeous time to explore Little Forks Conservancy’s nature preserves. You can enjoy the last lingering autumn leaves. 

Many people cut back on hiking during this time because of hunting season. But, hiking during hunting season can be just as enjoyable as any other time of year! Here are a few tips to help you discover our trails in the fall.

1. When is hunting season?
Although many of us are most familiar with deer hunting season, there are actually a number of hunting seasons in Michigan. You can see the full list of hunting season dates by clicking here.

2. Is there hunting on the preserves?
Little Forks Conservancy does not allow hunting on the Averill Preserve and Forestview Natural Area. The George and Sue Lane Preserve and parts of Riverview Natural Area are open to bow hunting and spring turkey through a permit system. The Albert & Virginia Szok Preserve is located within Pine Haven Recreation Area which does allow hunting. If you’re planning on visiting the two preserves with hunting on the property, signage will be placed in the parking lot. 

3. Is there hunting nearby at the other preserves?
Yes, some of our neighbors do hunt their properties. For your safety, please stay on the trail and obey any “No Trespassing” signs. Also, please respect neighboring hunters by minimizing loud noises or disturbing wildlife.

4. Do I have to wear orange?
Wearing a bright orange hat or vest is a great way to make sure you’re seen by hunters! Since they wear it themselves, they will know that means you’re there. If you’re walking your dog, make sure he or she remains on a leash – and you can also pick up an orange vest for your dog at local pet supply stores!

If you’re out during dawn or dusk when light is dim, a headlamp or flashlight is also recommended.

5. What if I encounter a hunter?
If you see a hunter on a Little Forks' preserve each hunter should have a permit given to them by Little Forks Conservancy signed by Sara the Stewardship Coordinator. If a preserve that does not allow hunting, contact our office at 989.835.4886.
You may see hunters along the preserve boundary. If you do, quietly continue along the trail within the preserve.
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If you follow these tips, you should be able to safely enjoy a great hike at one of Little Forks’ preserves! If you encounter any problems or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office at 989.835.4886 or email Sara.

This year we are taking some time to get out into the preserves with the community. Whether it is to learn about a creature or plant in the preserve or to share the unique beauty of each preserve with community members.
Schedule

May 17th 6:00pm — Wildflowers at Szok with Chippewa Nature Center- join Interpretive Naturalist Jeanne Henderson from the Chippewa Nature Center for a hike to observe the native wildflowers!

May 24th 5:00pm — Vernal Pool Hike at Riverview Natural Area with Sara – Join Sara at Riverview to hike the first loop and explore the vernal pools near the trail. Sara will go into the importance of the vernal pools and which animals rely on them to survive. Wear waterproof boots.

June 19th 6:30pm — Dog Hike at Riverview Natural Area – Meet Little Forks Staff members and their dogs! We invite community members to have a puppy play date and hike through Riverview. We ask to keep dogs on a leash during this hike. People without dogs are welcome to join as well.

June 28th 7:00pm — Sunset Hike and Campfire with AmeriCorps Member Ted at Riverview Natural Area – Meet Ted at the Riverview north entrance off of 5 Mile Road where he will lead a hike near sunset and end with a campfire where he will share stories of backpacking adventures and others are welcome to share their adventure stories with the group. Bring a chair/blanket, flash light or headlamp.

July 19th 6:30pm — Senior Services Social at Averill Preserve with Andrea- Join Senior Services and Little Forks Conservancy for a walk along the new trail. Contact Andrea for more details.

July 21st 10:30am — Salamander Hike at Riverview Natural Area with Interpretive Naturalist Michelle Fournier from the Chippewa Nature Center to look under logs and learn how to use the app Herp Atlas!

July 25th 5:00pm — Averill Preserve Hike – Join Little Forks Staff to see the completed all access path and all the new features.

August 11th 10am Ferns & Fungi at Forestview Natural Area with Chippewa Nature Center- join Interpretive Naturalist Jeanne Henderson from the Chippewa Nature Center for a hike to observe the variety of ferns and fungus growing at Forestview

September 13th 6:00pm — Tour the New Preserve in Gladwin County! – Come take a look at the newest preserve at Little Forks Conservancy. A staff member will show you the progress so far and what to look forward to in the coming years.

October 19th 5:00pm — Fall Color Hike at Forestview Natural Area- As the weather cools off, join us at Forestview to take in all the fall foliage.
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Little Forks hopes the entire community will get out to the preserves for at least one of these hikes and finds something new to enjoy right outside of the city.