Hike #4 Sailors Pines Preserve

This will be the 4th in a series of trail discoveries in our area led by Carmen Alfaro

Guided hike near Croton on tap for Nov 13


The Sailor’s Pines Preserve near Croton is the next hike to be led by Carmen Alfaro on Sunday, November 13 from 3pm – 5pm. Sailors Pines is a private preserve, and is located west of Croton Dam on 52nd Street just east of Locust Avenue. Parking is on the two track drives pulling into the preserve. This is a family friendly event with free-will donations accepted.
“Sailors Pines is a beautiful example of what our white pine forests looked like before the last wave of old growth clear cut logging that took place in the 1920’s,” stated Carmen Alfaro.
A short walk brings you to a cathedral of pines where some tower more than 100 feet overhead, with many over than 30 inches in diameter.  This stand of giant pines was spared by William Sailors from the fate of his other timberland holdings.

“The purpose of these Guided Hikes and Gatherings are to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together in the beauty of our Newaygo County environment,” said Carmen. “We are so fortunate to have these woodland and wetland treasures right here in our back yards! Many folks are not familiar with the trails and preserves in our area, so getting out as a group in a safe and fun way to learn about them is one of my goals. The other goal is to increase the awareness and love for all of the plants and animals that live in these special places, so we will work to protect them.”

The Sailors Pines hike is the fourth event in the ongoing Guided Hike series. Future hikes planned may include a night time moon walk at Loda Lake, and discovering the new trails at Richmond Woods Nature Preserve east of Brohman. Events can be followed on Facebook @Sunhart Center of Ecology & Design. Carmen is also the new Director of the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition which can also be followed on Facebook.

“I hope to see new faces as well as some of our seasoned ‘Guided Hikers’ at Sailors Pines on the 13th,” stated Carmen. “We will step off at 3pm. Dress for the fickle Michigan weather, as we will visit the pines come rain, shine or even snow!”  

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