Many look to Newaygo County as a haven for forests, fields, and natural water features. While that is very true, this beautiful environment needs to be protected from ongoing development that is endangering the native ecosystem. This is true throughout the world. We at NCEC believe that preserving and restoring native plant ecosystems has become a crucial endeavor, even more here because we have so much to protect in Newaygo County.
The West Michigan Agroforestry Partnership and the Newaygo Conservation District are hosting a sustainable agriculture event at Earthscape Farm on Thursday, August 17. The program will be from 4:30pm – 7:30pm at Earthscape Farm, 6523 W. Baseline Road Fremont, MI, 49412. Free BBQ and refreshments will be served. Space is limited and registration is required. To register, go to www.westmichiganagroforestry.com, scroll down to Agroforestry Field Series and click on Register Here.
Earthscape Farm has been owned and run by Bill and Patrice Bobier since the 1970’s. This “in the Field” workshop will rely on Bill’s decades of organic farming experience, and will provide information, demonstration and guidance on “silvopasture” systems from their establishment through their ongoing management. Silvopasture is a term that describes trees, pasture and livestock integrated and managed as a singular, healthy and sustainable system.
“The ideas connected to it have been recirculated several times over the years”, states Mr. Bobier. “Now with the rapidly changing climate they are being repopularized.”
Forest Bathing as a practice provides another level of nature induced health. It helps us slow our brain chatter, open our senses, and experience the forest in a quieter, more personal way. Through suggestions, or “invitations”, provided by a Certified Guide, one has the opportunity to access a deeper relaxed state, to notice nature’s details that we often pass by, and to blend into the green communities around us. Along the walk, one may be inspired to journal or draw their experience, share with others in the circle, or just listen and be.
The Western Michigan (WMI) Chapter of the North Country Trail Association (NCTA) has taken a significant step towards enhancing the hiking experience for outdoor enthusiasts. In a bid to provide valuable information to hikers, the WMI Chapter has introduced QR codes along the North Country Trail (NCT) in Kent and Newaygo Counties.
To Speak for the Trees: My Life’s Journey from Ancient Celtic Wisdom to Healing Vision of the Forest, written by Diana Beresford-Kroeger, is a must-read for anyone who wants to cultivate a deep love and appreciation for nature. Her poetic style and remarkable storytelling skills will capture your imagination and inspire you to protect our world’s ecosystem. Reading this book is an ideal way to gain knowledge and a profound connection with the world around us.
How cool is it that we, in Newaygo County, can basically step out of our homes and onto secluded forest trails that pass by rivers, streams, and lakes? On top of that, we have 65+ miles of established, well-groomed North Country Trail running through some of the most scenic areas of Michigan, connecting us to six other states: New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota!
The Newaygo County Environmental Coalition (NCEC) seeks to connect individuals and organization who are actively working to support a healthy, sustainable environment in Newaygo County. The NCEC will function as the “Voice” of our natural world and the primary hub of environmental information where we live, work and play. We will continue this work through our mission to “support the beauty and sustainability of the Newaygo County environment through information, education and advocacy.”
Did you know that Michigan loons are endangered? There is an estimated population of less than 500 loon pairs. Unfortunately, the development of homes on lakes lead to the elimination of nesting places for loons and the use of motorized watercraft can scare them away. However, we at Pettit Lake have decided to be a part of the LOON WATCH. We have large areas of natural lake shoreline and commit to keeping a safe distance from the loons when out enjoying the lake.
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