Burning Down the Prairie (Chikaming Township Park & Preserve)

Description

The Harbor Country Hikers will observe the role of controlled burns when they visit the site of a recent prairie burn at Chikaming Township Park & Preserve. Buffy Dunham has years of experience with prescribed fire and monitoring post burn vegetation, will talk about the when, how and why of burns. She will lead a walk through the prairie, then HCH President Pat Fisher will take over and lead the Hikers through some of the other areas of the park.
Chikaming Township Park and Preserve is one of the natural gems of SW Michigan and is a popular destination for birding, hiking, biking, walking your dog, fishing, gardening or just sitting on a bench and reflecting in nature. The preserve consists of just over 263 acres and hosts at least eight distinct types of ecosystems.
 
HCH recently purchased an All-Terrain Rollator which may be reserved for use on our hikes. Reservations are made by Emailing harborcountryhikers@gmail.com on a first-come first-served basis.
 
Wear long pants (preferably tucked-in), a sun hat, sturdy shoes or boots and insect repellent and bring plenty of water. Depending on the weather, there may be some muddy areas. HCH hikers observe federal and state guidelines so mask wearing is optional.

Theme: Burning Down the Prairie
Venue: Chikaming Township Park & Preserve
When: Saturday, May 7, 2022 @ 2 PM EDT
Estimated Presentation Time: 20 minutes
Hike Leaders: Buffy Dunham, Pat Fisher
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Hiking Distance: ~2.0 miles
Physical Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Location: Warren Woods Rd, Three Oaks, MI 49128
Parking: 41.838994, -86.650091 (DD)
 
Directions: From Red Arrow Highway, head east on Warren Woods Road for 1.4 miles. Watch for the park entrance on the right side of the road. Follow the gravel lane back to the pavilion parking lot. We will be gathering under the pavilion.