Celebrate Earth Day at Watkins Lake

Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve. Photo by Tamara Denby.

submitted by Manchester Voices Indivisible

Manchester Voices Indivisible will be hosting a celebration of Watkins Lake State Park & County Preserve and the government agencies who care for it at Watkins Lake State Park & County Preserve, which is located at 14490 Arnold Rd, on Tuesday, April 22.

First, Earth Day Play will be held from 10am to noon. Kids of all ages are invited for nature-based table activities. A 45-minute nature walk will begin at 10:30am as well as a chance to run like crazy in the big field. Bring a bag lunch, if you’d like. Seniors are welcome to join in!

In the evening a Sunset Walk will be held from 7pm to 9pm. Gather at the golden hour to observe wildlife, learn from naturalists, and celebrate with special guests. At approximately 7:30pm, a surprise guest will lead us on a grassy path up a gentle slope to a hilltop for one of the park’s grand views of rural Jackson County at sunset. There is limited wheelchair access on the gravel and earthen path but the Sunset Walk is not wheelchair accessible. NOTE: We will be observing Watkins Lake from the roadside and hillsides while the critical breeding habitat is closed to humans.

A gem of the Irish Hills, this park-plus-preserve showcases our region’s signature natural features and supports a variety of recreational activities. Because it spans the border of Washtenaw and Jackson Counties, many entities collaborate in its care, including: Norvell Township; Manchester Township; Washtenaw County Parks; Michigan Department of National Resources; and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. On Earth Day, we will acknowledge the special value of this gem and the critical services our government provides at all levels, and we will have frank discussion regarding the future role of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, which has already been damaged by budget cuts, firings, and office closures.

There is limited parking space so carpooling is recommended if an option for you. As this is a State Park, a Recreation Passport is required.

For more information on this event contact: Info@Manchester-Voices-Indivisible.org.

Editor’s note: Updated shortly after publication to include parking information.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.