Advertisement
New to Gaylord? Love exploring the beautiful tracts of land that surround our region? The Edelweiss Garden Club warmly invites you to this free event. Bring a friend(s) and camera!We’ll be joined by Kendall Fischer, a passionate naturalist originally from Bellaire. Kendall recently graduated from Central Michigan University with a degree in Environmental Sciences and Geology, concentrating in Urban Planning. Now based in Lewiston, she’s excited to share simple, sustainable ways to support the environment and connect with the land. Her love for conservation makes her the perfect guide for this fall outing.
During our visit, Kendall will lead a walk along the preserve’s scenic 1.8-mile trail, which features several historic landmarks from its lumber-era past. We’ll enjoy the fall colors, look for migrating birds, and stop at points of interest along the way. Shorter route options are available for those who prefer a gentler walk, and we’ll also visit the lake—complete with picnic tables and a stunning view of the trees.
For a hands-on activity, we’ll be making seed bombs—small balls of clay, soil, and native seeds that can be tossed onto bare soil to grow pollinator-friendly plants. It’s a fun, eco-friendly way to connect gardening with bird conservation. If there’s interest, we’ll also tour the house museum for a deeper look into the property’s history.
The preserve itself is a local treasure. Once home to the Johannesburg Manufacturing Company, it now spans over 800 acres of forest and lakes. Thanks to the generosity of Louis M. Groen—entrepreneur and inventor of the Filet-o-Fish—the land was gifted to Otsego County for preservation and public enjoyment.
Just 12 miles from downtown Gaylord on M-32 east to 10950 Heatherton Road in Johannesburg. Dress for the weather, rain or shine! A “Meet and Greet” will be held in the Welcome Center from 4:30-5:30 p.m. featuring a “Make Your Own Trail Mix Charcuterie Board”, healthy bird seed cookies for humans and beverages. The program will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Please register by clicking “going” so we have enough hors d’oeuvres and supplies. Also, on the way home, you are invited by our “Out to Dinner” group to stop at Mulligans at the Bluffs from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. You may register on that separate event post or with [email protected].
Advertisement
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Louis M. Groen Nature Preserve, 10950 Hetherton Road,Gaylord, Michigan, United States
