 Newly marked trails provide a guide to seeing our feathered friends Together with a group of local birding experts, the Newaygo County Tourism Council is excited to announce the launch of the Newaygo County Birding Trail, a new attraction designed to highlight the region's rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. This trail is expected to draw birding enthusiasts and nature lovers from across the state and beyond, offering a unique opportunity to explore the area's natural beauty while supporting the local economy. The Newaygo County Birding Trail, a collaborative effort between local birding experts Charles Chandler, Andrea and Terry Grabill and Marie Rust and the Newaygo County Tourism Council, features over 30 easily accessible sites throughout Newaygo County, where visitors can observe a wide variety of bird species in their natural habitats. Birding, one of the fastest-growing outdoor recreational activities in the United States, is a significant contributor to both conservation awareness and local economies. The Newaygo County Birding Trail is designed to capitalize on this trend, offering birdwatchers a chance to see species like the Bald Eagle, Sandhill Crane, and Scarlet Tanager, among many others. "Newaygo County is home to some of the most diverse bird populations in the region," said Terry Grabill, local birding expert and Newaygo County Birding Trail committee member. "The trail not only highlights these incredible species but also encourages conservation efforts and fosters a deeper appreciation for our natural environment." In addition to its ecological importance, the Newaygo County Birding Trail is expected to have a positive impact on local tourism. Birdwatchers, hikers, and nature photographers are anticipated to visit the area, benefiting nearby hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. "Tourism is a vital part of Newaygo County's economy, and the Birding Trail is a wonderful addition to our offerings," said Julie Burrell Newaygo County Tourism Council Board President,, "We look forward to welcoming visitors who are eager to experience the natural beauty and hospitality that our community is known for." The trail, suitable for beginners to experts, includes several designated birding sites, each will be equipped with informational signage and observation points. The first sign was installed this week, at the Newaygo County Welcome Center, 4684 Evergreen Drive, Newaygo, MI 49337. The remaining signs will be installed over the next few months, but the public is welcome to visit the birding sites now. The Newaygo County Birding Trail is possible thanks to collaboration from partner site locations and funding from the Fremont Area Community Foundation. Maps and guides are available online at newaygocountyexploring.com  Northern Parula photo courtesy of Darrell Lawson
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 Article and photo by Donna Iverson There’s a new historic herb garden in downtown Muskegon. A Herbal Potager garden has recently been planted in front of a depression-era house at 500 Clay Avenue. The house is located next to the Scolnik House near the historic fire barn museum. It is also a few steps away from both the Monet Garden and the Heritage Memorial Garden. All are Muskegon historic landmarks, open to the public. The historic house and herb garden is owned by Koryn and Troy Wyman of Grand Rapids.They enlisted Lynn Bryant of Lovage Garden to install a garden that was low maintenance, drought resistant, and in keeping with the neighborhood’s rich history. She chose to plant a potager. The word potager comes from Medieval French and literally means, "a garden that provides vegetables for the pot,” according to Bryant. “You may have heard the word "potager" at some point in gardening circles,” Bryant said. A potager garden is a French kitchen garden that traditionally combines vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs for culinary purposes. Medieval gardeners sited their potagers close to the kitchen so the harvest could be brought in and used in that day's meals. For the modern version, Bryant chose a combination of culinary herbs like savory, marjoram, oregano, thyme, lemon thyme, chives, sage, sorrel, dock, fennel, parsley, tarragon, lemon balm, lavender and basils. She also planted echinacea, bee balm, rose, yarrow, anise hyssop, and various grasses, sedges and shrubs. This herbal potager will include salad greens in the fall and spring. Currently the owners are renovating the inside of the house, which will be divided into four apartments, Bryant continued. One unit will be kept for the owners, while the other 3 will be monthly rentals. The family hopes to rent to visiting nurses. Bryant has been a gardener since she was a child. “I grew up on a farm in mid-Michigan, and graduated from Saginaw Arthur Hill High. I've always been growing something in anything that would hold soil. I am always learning, the world of plants is just fascinating.” Bryant lives in North Muskegon where she grows native Michigan flowers in addition to herbs and vegetables. “I guess I have my own potager garden! My favorite herb is...Lovage! Lovage grows deep and tall, is a favorite of pollinators and its leaves taste very strongly of celery. Every time someone tastes it, they always exclaim, "Oh Wow!,” she said. You can check out Lovage Garden at lovagegarden.com, which specializes in herb gardens and native landscapes. |
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