Birding Trail Takes Flight

L-R Fremont Area Community Foundation President and CEO Shelly Kasprzycki, FACF Community Investment Office Greg Poches, Birding Trail Committee members Charles Chandler, Terry Grabill, Andrea Grabill, and Marie Rust, NC Tourist Counci President Julie Burrell, NC Administrator Chris Wren and State Rep Joseph Fox

Grand opening draws birders, wannabe birders and the curious to the event

Photos by Lil DeLaat

The Newaygo County Birding Trail took flight on Saturday at the Newaygo County Welcome Center’s John Graves Lodge  where Julie Burrell, Board President of the Tourism Council opened the event and spoke to the growing popularity of the sport and its far reaching  influence on tourism. She also thanked the Fremont Area Community Foundation for their support and gave a shout out to the committee members before finishing with,” As we celebrate today’s grand opening, we recognize this isn’t just about birds—it’s about people, place, and purpose. Let’s keep building a Newaygo County that thrives on conservation, connection, and creativity.”

State Representative  Joseph Fox offered a few words about his lifetime interest in birding followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony. After the symbolic opening Terry (Birdgoober) Grabill delivered a bit of Birding 101. Grabill explained some of the birding basics including tools such as binoculars  and handy apps available to  help identify birds by sound as well as sight. Marie Rust followed up with a presentation that guided attendees through the nearly 40 sites that make up the trail. 

The well-designed trail maps made an impressive debut showcasing the dozens of sites throughout the county. While many are part of  familiar  landmarks some of the locations may surprise people. 

Terry and Andrea Grabill, Charles Chandler and Marie Rust were the foursome on the spearheading committee who brought this idea to fruition. A quartet of birders who recognize the tourism opportunities birding provides given its ever-increasing popularity and sought out the support needed to make it happen.

But the main course for the four was the opportunity to help bring the sport they love to others. To provide easily accessed guidance  aimed at enhancing the experience for newcomers or even first timers.

Learn more about the trail:
https://newaygocountyexploring.com/birding-trail/
​The Birding Trail maps are available at the Newaygo County Welcome Center.
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Terry Grabill delivers Birding 101

Marie Rust went over the dozens of sites located throughout the county

The Birding Trail Committee, Back Row: Marie Rust, Andrea Grabil Terry Grabil and Charles Chandler. Front row: Ruby.