Fun for the whole family

GRAND RAPIDS–One of the most beautiful nature trails in Michigan is right here in Kent County; plan to check it out this spring. Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 21, 2016 for a free and fun event at the Hansen Nature Trail at Millennium Park. Just pull on your walking shoes, gather the family and make your way down Butterworth Avenue to Riverbend Street to explore one of Kent County Park’s gems, the Hansen Nature Trail.

Designed for adventurers of all ages, this annual “Discover!” event includes a trail walk with nature-themed stations, a water and snack station and more! Kids can even participate in a scavenger hunt by visiting the stations along the walk, for a chance to win a free “Discover! Millennium Park” t-shirt. At each station, visitors will discover something fun and different about the local natural environment, including:

• The story of the Hansen Nature Trail;
• Birds and mammals that make their home nearby;
• The variety of native and non-native trees around the park;
• Unique ponds and their surprising history;
• Wildflowers and native plants thriving in the area;
• Live animal stations featuring reptiles, amphibians and birds of prey!

Visitors can park along Riverbend Street or at the John Ball Zoo (1300 West Fulton) where a free shuttle runs to and from the event. The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is organized and hosted by MSU Extension Master Naturalist volunteers, with support from the Kent County Parks Department, the Kent County Parks Foundation and community businesses and organizations.

“The Discover! program is a great chance to highlight the Hansen Nature Trail and show people the uniqueness of this special area,” said Roger Sabine, Director of Kent County Parks. “Our goal is to build appreciation of natural ecosystems and the important role Kent County Parks plays in preserving these resources. We also hope the event will encourage visitors to discover other parks in our system, and even apply new knowledge to promote nature in their own back yards.”

Check out the Parks Department website at www.KentCountyParks.org.