Read the Kent County Parks Department's Quarterly Newsletter

The end of February often marks a seasonal turning point for Michiganders. The glow of the holidays has long faded, and while spring is on the horizon, it’s still weeks away. That mid-winter lull has many searching for ways to beat cabin fever.

At Kent County Parks, we’re committed to enhancing year-round access to our natural areas—especially during the winter months. One of this season’s key improvements was the newly renovated four-season restroom at Millennium Park, a much-needed addition for visitors taking advantage of the plowed walking and hiking trails or the groomed cross-country skiing routes. If you’re a fan of cross-country skiing, don’t miss the trails at Kaufman Golf Course, either—they even offer equipment rentals if you need them. With winter recreation available at more than half of our parks, there’s no shortage of ways to get outside and enjoy the season.

While we’re embracing winter, we’re also preparing for an exciting spring. This year, we’ll be breaking ground on several major projects, including Kent County Parks' first enclosed dog park at Wahlfield Park in Alpine Township, the first officially designated adaptive mountain bike trails at Johnson Park in Walker, and several new sections of the Grand River Greenway in Plainfield, Cannon, and Ada Townships. Every project is designed with four-season accessibility in mind, ensuring our parks remain vibrant and welcoming year-round. You can read more about these and other upcoming projects later in this newsletter.

It’s an exciting time for Kent County Parks, and I hope to see you in one of our 43 parks soon! If you have ideas on how we can improve, send us an email to let us know.

Ben Swayze
Director

Pictured above is Ben Swayze, Kent County Parks Department Director

As winter fades, our dedicated volunteers have been hard at work improving park ecosystems, ensuring our natural spaces remain healthy and thriving. Last year, volunteers contributed over 11,173 total service hours in over 25 parks.

This winter, volunteers worked hard to remove invasive buckthorn, setting the stage for a healthier, more resilient landscape this spring. Invasive species like buckthorn aggressively outcompete native plants, reducing biodiversity and disrupting ecosystems. Buckthorn, in particular, forms dense thickets that crowd out native vegetation, degrade wildlife habitat, and release harmful chemicals into the soil. Its berries, while eaten by birds, contain emodin—a toxin that disrupts digestion and can be fatal to amphibians.

A heartfelt thank you to Bob Birkman, our Steward of the Year, for his unwavering dedication to Kent County Parks.

A pilot for American Airlines, Bob devotes countless hours each week to habitat restoration and conservation efforts. His passion for preserving our parks and hands-on commitment to stewardship have left a lasting impact on our natural areas.

This January, we had the privilege of honoring Bob during a special Volunteer Appreciation Open House, where we also recognized 130 core stewards who collectively contributed 1,563 hours to improving our parks. Their dedication highlights the power of community-driven conservation and the vital role volunteers play in protecting public lands—and there’s always room for more helping hands.

Whether you’re passionate about conservation, environmental education, or giving back, there’s a place for you in our volunteer network, with opportunities ranging from invasive species removal and tree planting to trail maintenance and habitat restoration.

Pictured above is Bob Birkman cutting and treating invasive black locust trees at Millennium Park.

Our Volunteer Services team works year-round to restore native plant habitats, creating essential spaces for pollinators like monarch butterflies and native bees. This spring, you can help, too—whether by volunteering at a workday or making pollinator-friendly choices in your own backyard.

Because if you didn't know already, what we plant at home directly impacts our parks. Replacing ornamental invasives with native species extends valuable habitat beyond park boundaries. Volunteers have already helped by collecting and distributing native seeds at Millennium, Luton, and Dwight Lydell Parks, and by restoring areas overtaken by invasive species.

If you're updating your landscape, consider swapping invasive shrubs like barberry and buckthorn for native, wildlife-friendly options:

• Nannyberry (Viburnum lentago): Provides nectar for pollinators and berries for birds.
• Spicebush (Lindera benzoin): Supports swallowtail butterflies and thrives in shade.
• Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius): A hardy, flowering shrub perfect for hedges.
• Meadowsweet (Spiraea alba): Attracts butterflies and provides seeds for songbirds.

Even well-intentioned planting choices can pose risks to our natural areas. Many store-bought plants labeled as “pollinator-friendly” have been treated with neonicotinoid pesticides, which are lethal to bees and butterflies. Before purchasing, look for neonicotinoid-free plants from reputable native plant nurseries. Some of the best native plants for pollinators include:

• Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis): Attracts hummingbirds with vibrant red blooms.
• Golden Alexander (Zizia aurea): A bright yellow perennial that thrives in meadows.
• Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana): Offers white spring flowers and edible berries.
• Blazing Star (Liatris spicata): A tall purple favorite for bees and butterflies.

For more options, check out bee balm, butterfly weed, and smooth aster. To get involved and learn more, consider attending one of our upcoming wildflower and habitat restoration events, including:

• Luton Park Wildflower Walk & Invasive Pull – April 30
• Lepard Preserve Old-Growth Forest Dedication & Hike – May 3
• Two Rivers Greenspace Wildflower Walk & Invasive Pull – May 10
• Seidman Park Garlic Mustard Pull – May 19

Pictured above is a group of volunteers planting in flower beds at Millennium Park.

Join us for our 16th Annual Discover! Nature Event at Millennium Park’s Hansen Nature Trail on Saturday, May 17. This free, family-friendly event invites visitors of all ages to explore nature up close along a scenic, interactive trail featuring more than a dozen nature stations with hands-on activities, live animals, and expert insights.

For decades, Katie and Ed Bolt have been passionate about birding—their collective interest deepening in the mid-1990s when the couple met a man who could recognize over 300 bird calls.

“That really opened our eyes to how much is out there,” Katie said.

In 2015, they began hosting Thursday morning bird walks with friends and strangers alike at Millennium Park, intrigued by its dynamic habitat and wildlife. Over time, as more people joined the walks and discovered the park’s wonders, it even became an eBird Hotspot.

“You may not always see a lot of birds, but it’s always fun to see who shows up,” she said.

While winter may seem like a quieter season for birding, the Bolts say it offers many unique surprises. Birds that aren't as common in the summer, such as the American Tree Sparrow and a variety of ducks like the Common Goldeneyes and Common Mergansers, often make appearances in the winter months. And even when bird sightings are fewer and farther between, the Bolts say there is always something interesting to observe, including occasional glimpses of mink, beaver, or deer along the trails.

These Thursday bird walks are open to all, completely free of charge, and welcome to birders of all experience levels. If you're interested in joining, plan to meet at the cul-de-sac on Veterans Memorial Dr. SW, east of Maynard Ave. SW.

The meeting time changes seasonally, starting at 8 a.m. from May through September and 9 a.m. from October through April.

This weekly event provides a wonderful opportunity for bird enthusiasts to connect with nature and each other while exploring the diverse birdlife of Millennium Park. Those interested in joining can find more details on the Grand Rapids Audubon website.

Pictured above, in order of appearance, is Katie and Ed Bolt posing in the snow at Millennium Park, an American Tree Sparrow resting on a branch, and Katie Bolt looking at a distant eagle's nest through binoculars.