Scat & Tracks Hike

Description

Winter is the perfect time to observe the activity of our forest friends by searching for animal scat and tracks. Join COL and Harbor Country Hikers at the Merritt Family and Younger Family Preserves as we identify scat and tracks and learn about the animals commonly found on these preserves.
 
Space is limited and registration is required. Please email Grace, COL's Education and Outreach Coordinator, at gball@chikamingopenlands.org to register today!
 
The Merritt Family and Younger Family Preserves protect 60 acres of forest and wetland, and consist of two contiguous preserves. Although at first glance this looks like one big, monotypic forest, it actually represents two forest types in various stages of regrowth, including a mesic (or moist) southern forest and southern hardwood swamp.
 
HCH has 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. This will be a good hike to try our rollator.
 
Dress in layers, a warm cap, and sturdy boots and bring plenty of water. Depending on the weather, there may be some muddy or icy areas. Light precipitation and hot or cold weather don’t ordinarily lead us to call off hikes, but health-threatening temperature extremes and lightning can be causes for cancellation. In case of inclement weather the day of the hike, check our website, harborcountryhikers.com, or our Facebook page for notice of cancellation or rescheduling.

Theme: Scat & Tracks Hike
Venue: Merritt Family & Younger Family Preserves
When: Saturday, February 10, 2024 @ 9 am Eastern
Estimated Presentation Time: 10 minutes
Hike Leader: Grace Fredenburg, COL’s Education & Outreach Coordinator
Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
Hiking Distance: 1.5 miles
Physical Difficulty: Moderate, abandoned logging roads
Location: S Mydra Rd, Union Pier, MI 49129
Parking GPS: 41.833255, -86.658388 (DD)
 
Directions: From Red Arrow Highway, head east on Union Pier Rd. After crossing Lakeside Road, remain on Elm Valley Road for 1/2 mile, watch for S Mydra Rd on your left (sign is very faded). The preserve entrance is about 1/3 mile up Mydra on your left. Park along Mydra Road.