Across 50 years, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan has protected spaces where curiosity grows, and where caring for the earth means caring for each other. In West Michigan’s forests, prairies, and shorelines, protecting habitats also means we’re nurturing the relationships that make conservation possible.
As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations, we are hosting the Explorathon: a three-event series highlighting connected, protected natural lands and the impact of collaboration in conservation in West Michigan. The Explorathon invites participants to hike along the Lake Michigan Shoreline, bike the varied topography of the Eastern Glacial Corridor, paddle the waters of our Big Forests & Wild Rivers—while learning about, enjoying, and celebrating the ongoing protection of these beautiful natural places. Together, we will explore the land that has been protected over the past 50 years, and we will dream of the impact that can be had in the coming 50.
Join us for the first stop of the Explorathon: a guided hike along the coast of Lake Michigan, featuring a collaboratively protected stretch of lakeshore!
This contiguous parcel of natural land has been protected by the hard work and dedication of the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, the Michigan DNR, the Ottawa County Parks Department, and the communities of Ferrysburg, Grand Haven, Norton Shores, Spring Lake.
Hike participants will travel along the forested dunes of the iconic shoreline, enjoying views of Lake Michigan to the west and the Grand River valley to the east, while learning more about the importance of landscape-level conservation work, hearing stories about how these lands came to be protected, and enjoying the fruits of decades of hard work to protect and restore natural land on the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Register online and join us Saturday April 18th at 8:30am! https://donate.naturenearby.org/50th-explorathon-hike-041826
EVENT INFORMATION
- When you register, choose from two routes (a 7-mile hike along the coast of Lake Michigan or a 2-mile route around Ottawa Sands). At that time, you will also be able to select your pace group, which determines the time of your departure from the Gillette Visitor Center. Please note that the 7-mile route is primarily natural surface trails, including some sections of steep hills and sand. The 2-mile route takes place on an entirely paved trail, and is a great option for those who prefer a shorter route, or those hiking with kids.
- Parking is available at PJ Hoffmaster State Park, located at 6585 Lake Harbor Rd, Norton Shores, MI 49441. When you arrive at the state park, please park in the day-use beach parking lot. Once you’ve parked, go to the “shuttle pickup” sign – a shuttle will arrive shortly to bring you to the check-in location. PLEASE NOTE: you must have a recreation passport to park at PJ Hoffmaster State Park. These can be purchased with the renewal of your plates, at the Secretary of State, or in person day-of with cash or check.
- TICKETS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND. Please register via the ticket link. On-site registration will be available (cash or card payments accepted), but space is limited. We recommend registering early to secure your spot!
- If you’re interested in sponsoring this event, please reach out directly to [email protected].
- If you’re interested in volunteering for this event, please reach out directly to [email protected].
- More detailed information about parking, pace groups, and other FAQ’s can be answered on the event page: https://donate.naturenearby.org/50th-explorathon-hike-041826
THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS
Ottawa County Parks Department
Michigan DNR – P.J. Hoffmaster State Park
KLH Dunes Preserve