Explore the Coast - SW Michigan Sports, Outdoors, & Social

Let's Take a Hike: Love's Creek Nature Center

We will do a 4+ miles hike at Love's Creek. The trails are easy. Love Creek winds its way through this rolling 200-acre natural area outside of Berrien Springs, Michigan. Six miles of hiking trails provide access to a variety of habitats, including a mature Beech-Maple forest with spectacular spring wildflowers.

The daily entry fee is $3.00 per vehicle for Berrien County residents. $5.00 per vehicle or non-residents. You may also opt for the $35 annual pass (regardless of residency). The annual pass is good at Love Creek Park, Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Madeline Bertrand County Park.

Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times. Dog waste must be packed out.
http://www.berriencounty.org/1299/Love-Creek-County-Park

Please print off a trail map before you come. http://www.berriencounty.org/DocumentCenter/View/11853/2019-LC_HikingTrail-Guide-Summer-SM

We will meet in the parking lot by the sidewalk going into the Nature Center.

Afterwards, we will head to Town Hall Pizza for a drink or a bite.
https://www.townhallpizza.com/

I hope you can make it.

Kevin

Fernwood is looking for volunteers for the Lights Nights. LIGHTS at Fernwood has become a staple of celebration in the community. Getting involved with this festive event can be loads of fun, and rewarding.

I will be volunteering on Friday Dec. 19th, (I will also be volunteering on Friday Dec 26th, and Friday Jan 2nd).

To check what they need volunteers for and to sign up, go to:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0948A4AB28A4FFCF8-57708142-lights#/

We can head to McCollum’s Restaurant & Bar after volunteering for a bite and/or drink. (or to get warmed up.) (206 Days Ave, Buchanan, MI, 5 miles from Fernwood.)
https://www.thegranthotels.com/mccollums-restaurant-and-bar (Kitchen is open until midnight.)
Menu: https://www.thegranthotels.com/_files/ugd/71b6a3_7f46a2fd2a2a4beea1704664a4babbb7.pdf

I hope you will join me a a great time volunteering.

Kevin

Some of the spots still available:

Swing Monitor - 1
Monitor light swings and help supervise children while in use. Able to clearly provide instructions and guidelines to patrons.

Education Center Make & Take - 2
Work indoors. Assist children with simple crafts.

LIGHTS Guide - 3
Work outdoors. Help direct visitors to follow the path correctly, answer questions, and offer to take photos to create a positive guest experience.

Parking Volunteer - 3
Outside job. Able to help direct cars in lot, send and receive messages via walkie talkie. Will work in shifts with time to warm up inside.

Ticketing Volunteer - 2
Outside, but in a covered booth. Must have technological ability to admit electronic tickets. Customer service driven with a positive attitude towards guests.

Spots that have already been filled:

Visitor Center Gallery Greeter - 1
Work indoors. Answer questions, direct flow of traffic, and assist with elevator as needed. Take photos at the Fernwood sign. Great customer service and positive attitude essential.

Education Center Concessions - 2
Work indoors. Ability to run concessions with a brief tutorial. Previous cash handling experience helpful. May help with flow of guests as well.

Fire Pit/Rover - 1
Outdoor position. Should be willing to move around the grounds and help as needed. May life/carry items up to 20lbs. Tending fire pits.

Lights at Fernwood

We will meet at the entrance at 5:50. (Buy tickets for the 6:00) The cost is $18 ($16 plus $2 service fee) to enter.

Buy tickets at: Tickets go on sale Nov. 1st.

LIGHTS at Fernwood is returning to the garden for the 2025 holiday season.

LIGHTS will magically illuminate evenings at Fernwood once again with a professionally designed show featuring two extravagant light tunnels, three warm fire pits, a fun winter craft station, nature-inspired light sculptures, festive music and sounds, and more!

Visitors are sure to make bright memories during the most magical garden lights Southwest Michigan has to offer this holiday season, while enjoying hot chocolate, other seasonal drinks and snacks, as well as festive light-up merchandise for all ages!

After, we will go the River Saint Joe for a bite and/or drink. (They close at 8:00.)
https://www.riversaintjoe.com/

I hope you can make it.

Kevin