Berrien County Parks offers fall hiking, nature activities

Published 9:28 am Thursday, September 21, 2017

Residents can witness the changing fall colors by hiking any one of Berrien County Parks’ numerous trails this season, including Galien River, Love Creek and Madeline Bertrand County Parks. Those interested in lakeshore area walks can find trails at Silver Beach and Rocky Gap.

Hikers can enjoy the trail on their own or join in one of the weekday morning group walks. Group walks will last approximately 90 minutes and cover 2 to 2 1/2 miles.

Here is a schedule of upcoming group hikes:

10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4 — Silver Beach County Park

Hikers will meet in the north parking lot and will hike south along the shore.

10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11 — Love Creek County Park

Hikers will meet at the nature center and walk along Love Creek Valley.

10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 18 — Galien River County Park

Hikers should meet at the parking lot trailhead for an exploration of this new county park. The walk will include the Canopy Walkway, Marsh Boardwalk and Ridge Trail

10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25 — Madeline Bertrand County Park

Hikers will meet at the Visitors’ Center and will walk along the St. Joseph River to the northern parts of the park. The location is renowned for great picnicking and disc golf playing.

10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 1 — Love Creek County Park and Nature Center

Hikers should meet at the Nature Center and will walk through the Beech-Maple forest along Love Creek.

In addition to fall hiking, the parks will also feature a variety of nature events.

Here’s a schedule of upcoming nature activities:

3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 — Bugs, Slugs and More at Love Creek

The community is invited to explore the world of insects through this activity.

3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 — Snakes, Turtles and Such at Love Creek

Those interested in getting up close with reptiles should meet for this activity at the Nature Center.

1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8 —Voyageur Canoe Outing on the Galien River

This activity will feature an exploration of the Galien River Marsh on a 34-foot Voyageur canoe. There is no charge, but space is limited to 15. The trek will start at the public boat launch in New Buffalo to Galien River County Park and back. For reservations, call (269) 471-2617.

• 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14 — October Night Hike to Johanna’s Woods Loop at Love Creek

Hikers should meet at the Nature Center. Those who participate will have the opportunity to see the Love Creek’s trail at dusk and after dark. There may be an owl sighting. Those participating are advised to bring a headlamp and small flashlight. The hike is approximately two miles.

1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 — Boardwalks, Birds and Such at the Galien Rover

This activity will feature an exploration of the Galien River County Park’s trails, boardwalks and treetop canopy walkways. Hikers will keep a lookout for migrant birds. Those with binoculars are welcome to bring them.

• Berrien County Birding Club

Berrien County Parks sponsors the Berrien County Birding Club to promote recreational birding. A list of events can be found at berriencounty.org/parks/birding

For more information, visit: berriencounty.org/parks