 The Earth is what we all have in common."- Wendell Berry By Sally Wagoner, Newaygo County Environmental Coalition The public is welcome to a free, family friendly Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 26 at Brooks Park., 28 N State Road, Newaygo, 49337. “Naturally Newaygo” is a drop-in event from 2pm – 5pm, with no registration needed. “We will have hands-on activities for all ages,” states Jen Burfield of the Newaygo Conservation District. “One game is a bird migration obstacle course, where kids become birds and learn about how birds fly between their winter and summer homes in spring and fall.” “Earth Day is one of my favorite times of year,” states Amanda Paige of the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly. It comes in Spring which is the start of stream monitoring season. This is where regular community members become important citizen scientists. At the Naturally Newaygo event, families will get to pick and sort a bunch of stream bugs, known as macroinvertebrates, and look at them through microscopes.” Amanda adds, “These little critters can tell us a lot about how healthy a stream is, or is not. It is a great way to have fun with science, and help our environment too.” Naturally Newaygo is a collaborative event between the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly (MRWA), the Newaygo Conservation District (NCD), and the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition (NCEC). “The idea came about pretty organically – pun intended – as our three organizations were talking about Spring plans,” states Amanda. Added Jen, ”We do a lot of these kinds of family and youth friendly programs at Kropscott Farm Environmental Center. We are excited that our three organizations could come together to bring fun and environmental awareness and education to the community at Brooks Park.” NCEC will add to the activities with a Recycling Game. Kids will win prizes as they learn if various common household items and toys can be recycled, or if they must be thrown in the trash. “This fun activity will help families learn how to recycle the right way, and keep unnecessary trash out of our landfills,” states Sally Wagoner of NCEC. “Just show up at Brooks Park on Saturday, April 26, anytime between 2pm – 5pm”, states Ms. Burfield. It will be a great way for families to celebrate Earth Day, to learn some new things, take home some prizes, and have a good time too!” Questions may be directed to Amanda Paige: [email protected]. 
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 Event to support NC Autism Community
The Newaygo County Autism Community’s Annual Walk for Autism will be held on Saturday, May 3 at Fremont High School’s Pine Street Athletic Field. This year’s theme is Toy Story’s “You’ve Got A Friend in Me”. Registration is scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. with opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. with the presentation of the Ken Schipper Autism Acceptance Award. The public is invited to join the walk and share in the celebration. Free snacks will be provided and the morning events will include yard games, a bounce house, free face painting and the Bubble Guy. Tee shirts will be available on the day of the walk for $20. Registration and the mandatory release form are available online at newaygocountyautismcommunity.org. Pledge forms are also available online for walkers who want to help raise money. People who cannot join the walk but want to donate can choose the “Donate” tab online or mail a check to Newaygo County Autism Community, P.O. Box 56, Fremont, MI 49412. All monies raised will be kept in Newaygo County and help fund local autism programs and services.  Members of the Newaygo County 4-H Horse SPIN Club riding the trails around Camp Henry. 4-H Spin Club concludes with a trail ride The Newaygo County 4-H in collaboration with Camp Henry, successfully completed the third season of the Newaygo County 4-H Horse SPIN Club. Open to youth, ages 11 – 19, Newaygo County 4-H Horse SPIN Club remains popular among 4-H youth; many of which come back season after season to ride. The club focuses on equestrian care and introduces youth to the joy of riding. Being around horses offers kids numerous benefits including physical fitness, boosting confidence and self-esteem, improving social skills, and strengthening coordination while also providing a fun and engaging activity that fosters a connection between the rider and horse. After four weeks of instruction, the Newaygo County 4-H Horse SPIN Club concluded with a trail ride around Camp Henry.  4-H youth enjoying a riding lesson with 4-H volunteers and Camp Henry staff. The success of any 4-H club hinges on the dedication and commitment of its 4-H leaders and the Newaygo County 4-H Horse SPIN Club is no different. 4-H leaders, Virginia Howes, Tammy Theiste, and Elizabeth Letter, all experienced riders themselves, provide guidance and support to the 4-H youth alongside Aubrey Woodwyk and Charity kays, staff of Camp Henry. The Newaygo County 4-H Horse SPIN Club is made possible through a grant from the Fremont Area Community Foundation. For more information about the Newaygo County 4-H Horse SPIN Club, contact Laurie Platte Breza, 4-H Program Coordinator at 231-928-1056.  4-H youth members and leaders of the Newaygo County 4-H Horse SPIN Club. |
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