by orionontv | Jun 3, 2024 | Recreation
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Nature Awaits: Where learning meets adventure
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As fall field-trip registration gets underway for Nature Awaits – the Michigan Department of Natural Resources program aimed at getting more fourth graders into state parks for fun and learning in the great outdoors – here’s more on the program, why we do it, and what teachers and students can expect!
Please read on, and for further questions email [email protected].
 Fall registration is now open for Nature Awaits, an education initiative that allows fourth grade classrooms to visit a state park on a free field trip.
Educators can choose from 30 state parks throughout Michigan, with transportation costs for public schools reimbursed up to $1,000. Trained DNR educators lead participants through 90 minutes of student-centered activities – aligned with state curriculum standards and spanning a variety of subjects such as science, language arts, social studies and physical education – during an interactive hike.
“Nature Awaits really exemplifies the main goals of the DNR,” said DNR education services manager Kevin Frailey. “It reaches students with factual science, promotes the understanding that Michigan’s natural resources belong to them, and actually gets them outside and experiencing nature in a fulfilling way.”
Almost 8,000 students participated in the program in spring 2024, with the most popular locations being Waterloo State Recreation Area in Jackson and Washtenaw counties, Belle Isle Park in Wayne County and Sleepy Hollow State Park in Clinton County. Fall trips will begin in September and run through November.
To learn more about the program and to register, visit Michigan.gov/NatureAwaits. |
 Michigan is home to 104 state parks, with 30 of those parks hosting Nature Awaits programs this fall. Each park offers students a unique opportunity to explore, connect with and learn about nature.
“We want Michigan fourth graders to be fluent in environmental literacy, and that starts by giving them the tools they need to think critically about nature and the outdoors,” said Nature Awaits coordinator Katie McGlashen. “Someday these kids will be the ones charged with caring for Michigan’s environment. Without opportunities to explore our natural world, to interact with plants and animals or engage in outdoor activities, it is far less likely they’ll become lifelong advocates for these amazing resources.”
With that in mind, here are some suggestions to prepare for your Nature Awaits experience.
Students
- Trained DNR educators will ensure that your whole group stays together and safe.
- You will be encouraged to be curious. Make sure you ask questions and investigate your surroundings.
- You will have lots of opportunities to explore the park during your interactive hike and share your observations.
Educators
- Check your emailed receipt attachment for information about parking, pavilion lunch space, drinking water and other important details. The receipt also has contact information for your Nature Awaits educator.
- Review the lesson plans and activities provided for free as part of the Nature Awaits program.
- Public school teachers should complete the survey at the end of the program to receive their transportation reimbursement for the trip.
Parents
- Check the weather with your student the day before the field trip. Dressing for the weather is important for outdoor learning, and students who are cold, wet or unprepared have a difficult time learning to the best of their abilities.
- Prepare for the possibility of insects or sun exposure.
- In Michigan, you’re never more than a half-hour away from a state park, state forest campground or state trail system. Be sure to take advantage of the one-time park pass that your student will receive at the conclusion of their Nature Awaits program. Learn more about our parks at Michigan.gov/StateParks.
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 Here are some of the other programs the DNR and our partners offer that help get kids and educators outside and exploring.
Salmon in the Classroom: This program allows hundreds of third through 12th grade classrooms across the state to raise, learn from and release young Chinook salmon in approved waterways.
Academy of Natural Resources: The Academy of Natural Resources helps educators learn about Michigan’s diverse natural resources, discover current trends in their management and experience activities that bring knowledge to the classroom. Weeklong programs at two locations qualify for state continuing education clock hours, or SCECH.
ANR registration is open right now! If you know an educator seeking inspiration for nature/science-based learning, visit Michigan.gov/ANR to sign up for ANR Classic (July 7-12) or ANR North (Aug. 4-9).
MiSTEM Network: MiSTEM convenes a statewide network of leaders in education, business and local communities to empower the next generation of innovators, working together to prepare learners for the vital, high-demand careers of the future in science, technology, engineering and math.
Michigan Green Schools: The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Michigan Green Schools Program supports and celebrates the achievements of pre-K/K-12 schools in protecting the state’s air, land, water and ecosystems through their commitments to environmental education and stewardship actions. |
 From employment opportunities to free programming for state park visitors, there are many ways to join our team and experience Michigan’s outdoors.
Nature Awaits educators
If you or someone you know is interested in working with the DNR, outdoor education programs like Nature Awaits are a great way to get involved. Educators are based out of select state parks or visitor centers and travel in provided vehicles to fourth grade field trip sites.
Explorer guides
Explorer guides spend the summer taking visitors on guided hikes, teaching kids and families how to fish, educating people about plants, trees and wildlife and sharing the beauty of Michigan’s state parks system.
“In 2023, our guides connected with more than 72,000 visitors, and this year we look forward to seeing returning visitors and plenty of new faces,” said explorer guide program coordinator Shaun McKeon.
See what’s happening in nature this week! Check out an explorer program near you. |
 Nature Awaits was made possible thanks to $4 million included in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget to establish the program. It was a huge boost toward ensuring that many more kids, no matter where in the state they live, have the opportunity to discover the outdoors up close and with expert guidance.
“Every Michigander deserves a chance to form a special bond with Michigan,” said Whitmer. “That’s why I first proposed Nature Awaits in my 2023 budget, and I’m so proud that we got it done to offer every 4th grader a free field trip to a Michigan state park.
“We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and this incredible program helps every person who calls it home form a deep, lasting connection to Michigan. From our lakes both Great and small to our millions of acres of forest, thousands of miles of coastline, and towering sand dunes, Michigan’s Nature Awaits.” |
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by orionontv | May 30, 2024 | Recreation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2024
Contact: Ron Leix, Treasury, 517-335-2167
A newly installed “Set with Met” giant wooden chair is now available for visitors to use at Kensington Metropark.
Miss Michigan 2023 co-hosts event, speed paints and reads to local children
OAKLAND COUNTY — Pre-school children from a local day care facility shared a newly installed giant wooden chair with 2023 Miss Michigan Maya Schuhknecht during Michigan Education Trust’s “Sit with MET” event Wednesday at Kensington Metropark to promote Michigan’s Section 529 prepaid tuition educational savings plan.
MET Executive Director Diane Brewer kicked off the event, which coincided with National 529 Day, by telling children from Rosebrook Child Development Center in Wixom and parents that “MET wants to help your family and families all over Michigan save money so you and other kids can be whatever they want to be when they grow up.”
She added, “MET wants your families to know that the gift of learning begins with reading in the same way that the gift of education begins with saving for school and there’s no place more fun to read than in a giant chair in the park.”
Since it was signed into law more than 35 years ago as Michigan’s Section 529 prepaid tuition program, MET’s objective has been to help families financially prepare for their children’s educational future by prepurchasing future tuition at today’s rates.
The installation of the oversized Adirondack chair at Kensington Metropark and another one at Lake St. Clair Metropark are part of a new sponsorship arrangement between MET and Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
“As we focus on expanding supplemental science learning, field trips and other educational programs through our Metroparks and Me initiative, I am reminded of the similar focus that MET has to expand education opportunities for students in Michigan,” said Jim O’Brien, Metropark’s district superintendent. “We are honored to have MET as one of our sponsors this year and excited to house this giant and creative chair here at Kensington and Lake St. Clair Metropark this summer for visitors to enjoy.”
As part the program, Miss Michigan 2023 Schuhknecht memorialized the unveiling in a painting she created as the children looked on. Schuhknecht is a professional artist and speed painter. She is the first pageant winner to highlight speed painting in the talent portion of the scholarship contest.
“I went to college to become an artist,” Schuhknecht told the children. “I am living my dream and I want all of you and other children to live your dreams with help from the Michigan Education Trust.”
MET is offering financial incentives to new and existing customers from now to May 31, 2024. See rules and eligibility requirements.
Additionally, MET holds events periodically throughout the state to provide attendees the opportunity to purchase a MET contract. Representatives from MET are available at the events to help educate people on the features and benefits of each plan and offer tips to parents, grandparents and others on saving for college. MET also offers one-on-one consultation sessions for those unable to attend one of the events.
Investing with MET
MET contracts can be opened by purchasing as little as one credit hour, and anyone can contribute to a child’s education savings plan, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends and others. With a Pay-As-You-Go plan, once the plan is opened, contributions can be as low as $25.
The 529 plan also has tax advantages. For instance, distributions from MET are not taxed by the state or federal government when it comes time to pay for qualified higher education expenses. Michigan residents who are MET contract holders can also claim a state tax deduction on the total contributions they make during a calendar year.
Contributions to an existing account can be made at any time during the year through MET’s secure online pay site. MET gift declarations also allow contributors to print out certificates of their contributions designed for holidays, birthdays, graduations and more that can be put in a card or gift wrapped.
More information about MET is available at www.michigan.gov/setwithmet or 800-MET-4-KID (800-638-4543).
by orionontv | May 29, 2024 | Recreation
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DNR News
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 May 29, 2024
Fisheries, trails, parks and more: June meetings welcome public participation, comments
The Department of Natural Resources is committed to providing Michigan residents the opportunity to share input and ideas on policy decisions, programs and other aspects of natural resource management and outdoor recreation opportunities.
One important avenue for this input is at meetings of the public bodies that advise the DNR and, in some cases, also set policies for natural and cultural resource management. Frequently check the DNR boards, commissions, committees and councils webpage for updates.
The links below will take you to the webpage for each group, where you will find meeting details such as location and agenda (when finalized). Please check these pages often, as meeting details may change and sometimes meetings are canceled.
June meetings
- Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee – Thursday, June 20, 9 a.m. (Contact: Barbara Graves, 517-284-6135).
- Coldwater Resources Steering Committee – Wednesday, June 12, 10:30 a.m. (Contact: Addie Myers, 989-778-0389).
- Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizens’ Advisory Council – Wednesday, June 5, 6 p.m. EDT (Contact: Stacy Welling Haughey, 906-226-1331).
- Equine Trails Subcommittee – Wednesday, June 12, 1 p.m. (Contact: Anna Centofanti, 517-331-6219).
- Michigan Historical Commission – Thursday, June 13, 10 a.m. (Contact: Michelle Davis, 517-331-7374).
- Michigan Iron Industry Museum Advisory Board – Tuesday, June 11, 3 p.m. (Contact: Troy Henderson, 906-475-7857).
- Michigan Natural Resources Commission – Thursday, June 13, 9:30 a.m. (Contact: [email protected]).
- Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board – Wednesday, June 12, 9 a.m. (Contact: Jon Mayes, 517-284-5954).
- Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee – Thursday, June 13: (tour) 10 a.m.; (meeting) 12:15 p.m. (Contact: Barbara Graves, 517-284-6135).
- Michigan State Waterways Commission – (tour) Wednesday, June 26, 1 p.m.; (meeting) Thursday, June 27, 9 a.m. (Contact: Michelle Wieber, 517-285-0747).
- Timber and Forest Products Advisory Council – Friday, June 28, 10 a.m. (Contact: Kimberley Korbecki, 517-582-3204).
- Tribal Co-management Citizens Fishery Advisory Committee – Monday, June 24, 6:30 p.m. (Contact: David Caroffino, 231-350-8654).
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by orionontv | May 23, 2024 | Recreation
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News Digest – ‘Summer safety’ smarts
Planning a Memorial Day weekend trip? Make sure you’re prepared. Check out safety tips below!
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| Here are a few of this week’s stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:
See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom.
PHOTO FOLDER: Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used below, and others, are available in this folder.
Summer temperatures are here, and the water is calling! Many state parks, but not all, offer swim areas identified by buoys or markers, a beach flag warning system and water depth less than 5 feet at the time of installation. Before you jump in, make sure to keep safety in mind, especially on big water. Remember the Great Lakes are large, powerful water systems that hold more than 20% of the world’s fresh water. Strong currents can catch even the most experienced swimmer off guard.
To keep everyone safe, follow these must-know tips:
- Check weather conditions and beach flags in buoyed swim areas (double-red flags = water access closed, red flag = high hazard, yellow flag = medium hazard, green flag = low hazard). By law, you cannot enter the water from the beach when double-red flags are flying or if otherwise directed.
- Choose buoyed swim areas located in state parks. Swim areas offer additional safety measures and visual cautions. It’s important to note that not all state parks have designated swim areas.
- Never swim alone, especially children.
- Keep close watch on children and weaker swimmers: Stay within arm’s reach, have them wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, be conscious of their limits and take breaks frequently.
- Be aware of water temperatures. Water can be much colder than the ambient air temperature might suggest, especially in larger bodies of water like the Great Lakes. Sudden immersion and/or sustained time in cold water can cause cold shock, making it hard to breathe and increasing your risk of drowning.
Learn more about these beach safety tips, including information about the benefits of buoyed swim areas, the beach flag warning system, how to spot (and escape) Great Lakes currents and more at Michigan.gov/BeachSafety.
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Summer is the season of grills, campfires, sparklers and fireworks, and with hotter, dryer weather comes fire season. To protect people, wildlife and landscapes, it’s important to follow fire safety tips and be prepared in case your fire does something unpredictable.
Here are some basic safety guidelines:
- When making a campfire, build it in a ring or pit. Never leave a fire unattended, even for a moment. When you’re done, douse your fire thoroughly with water, stir and douse again.
- When using fireworks, keep a hose handy and make sure to soak used sparklers in water before discarding them. Never shoot fireworks into dry grass, brush or trees. When barbecuing, never leave the grill unattended and keep a water source nearby.
- If you are planning work, not play, for your holiday weekend, make sure your yard cleanup is safe. When towing trailers or equipment, ensure tow chains don’t drag and cause sparks, and avoid using heavy machinery like lawnmowers in dry areas. Always keep a water source handy.
- Debris burning is the top cause of wildfires in Michigan. Check whether burn permits are being issued or if weather conditions allow for safe burning before you burn. Check the burn permit page or call 866-922-BURN (866-922-2876) for more information.
- Use firewise landscaping tips at home, too, to maintain a safe space around your house. Trim low branches, remove dead vegetation and keep firewood piles a safe distance away.
Nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by people. If you see a fire grow out of control, call 911 immediately. Swift action can save lives.
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/FireSafety.
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Off-road vehicles are fun year-round, but ORV activity ramps up in spring and summer as people head to Michigan trails and ORV scramble areas to enjoy world-class riding experiences.
Keeping safety in mind is vital on any ride, for you and others. According to 2023 statewide ORV crash data, 93% of ORV fatalities could have been prevented. These crashes were primarily due to excessive speed and a lack of helmet/seat belt use.
“Always ride within your and the machine’s capabilities,” said Cpl. Mike Hearn, DNR law enforcement ORV and snowmobile specialist. “When operators ride too fast, they are more likely to lose control when they hit even the smallest bump, try to make turns or stop. Riding sober and at a safe speed are the best ways to stay safe.”
All ORV operators are urged to “Ride Right” and keep this important guidance in mind:
- Operate within the limits of your ORV and your own capabilities.
- Ride at a safe speed.
- Ride sober.
- Ride on the right side of the trail.
- Keep lights on when riding.
- Always wear a helmet.
Do your part to ensure everyone returns home safely; read more about ORV safety at Michigan.gov/RideRight. For more on where to ride and ORV laws in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/ORVInfo.
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Just in time for the holiday weekend, the DNR and McDonald’s of Michigan are teaming up to encourage young boaters to wear their life jackets this summer.
Now through Labor Day, conservation officers will pass out coupons for a free McDonald’s ice-cream cone or apple slice package (valid at participating McDonald’s locations) to youth boaters who are seen properly wearing a life jacket.
“We’re excited to partner with McDonald’s on this boating safety campaign to remind parents to encourage their children to wear life jackets,” said Lt. Tom Wanless. “It’s easy to get distracted on the water, and making sure your child wears a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is one of the easiest safety precautions you can take.”
According to the most recent U.S. Coast Guard statistics, 75% of boating deaths are due to drowning, and 85% of those victims were not wearing a life jacket.
If you’re planning to be on or near the water this weekend – or at all this summer – take time before you leave shore to ensure you are prepared for a water emergency:
- Complete an accredited boater safety education program.
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
- Leave a float plan with someone on shore.
- Boat sober.
- Stay alert for swimmers, wildlife, other boaters, escaped fish nets and debris floating near the surface of the water.
- Make sure your vessel is in good operating condition and pack basic safety gear, including life jackets, a first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, tow rope and anchor.
- Carry a cell phone or marine radio.
- Pack water, snacks and weather-appropriate clothing in case you become stranded.
Keep in mind that current water temperatures throughout the state are still chilly, increasing the risk for hypothermia.
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The 2024 North American wildfire season is underway and warmer weather is increasing the risk of higher ozone levels.
In case you missed it, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is suggesting Michigan residents take steps to protect themselves from risks related to poor air quality.
Monitor the air quality index on the AirNow website, or sign up for alerts through the EnviroFlash system. Keep an eye on the news and weather and be prepared in case of smoke.
Before a wildfire smoke event, MDHHS recommends you:
- Familiarize yourself with your forced air HVAC system or your window air conditioning unit. If it has a fresh-air intake or outdoor air damper, you will need to close it during a smoke event.
- Ensure you have replacement air filters that are rated MERV-13 or higher.
- Consider purchasing a portable air cleaner. If you don’t have one, you can make a do-it-yourself air filter.
- Help neighbors and family members plan for possible wildfire smoke.
- If you have asthma or other respiratory illnesses, heart disease, diabetes or another health condition that may make you more sensitive to wildfire smoke, talk to your health care provider ahead for guidance.
- Children under 18, anyone over the age of 60, pregnant people and outdoor workers are also more at risk. Talk to your health care provider ahead of time to make a plan.
Find more information on the MDHHS Your Health and Wildfire Smoke page. |
 See more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors at Instagram.com/MiStateParks. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer at 989-274-6182. (This photo is by Ryan Burger Devries, for the Michigan DNR, at Grand Haven State Park in Ottawa County).
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A safe cookout starts with safe food practices. Keep food safety tips in mind, especially around cleaning, storage and cooking preparation.
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Many outdoor recreation opportunities require a safety certificate; check out available safety and education programs to brush up on your safety skills.
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by orionontv | May 21, 2024 | Recreation
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DNR News
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 May 21, 2024
Contact: Joe Nohner, 517-599-6825 or Chip Kosloski, 517-281-1705
Over $1.7 million in grants will benefit fish and aquatic systems statewide
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is awarding more than $1.7 million in Fisheries Habitat Grants for conservation projects on lakes and streams statewide. The funds are matched by more than $950,000 in partner contributions, for a total conservation value of about $2.7 million.
“These grants provide critical funding for projects that yield cleaner water, healthier fish populations and better aquatic habitats – all of which make the outdoors safer and more enjoyable for residents,” said Randy Claramunt, chief of the DNR Fisheries Division. “Our natural resources have always been central to Michigan’s appeal as an outdoor recreation destination, and creative, collaborative projects like these make a lasting, positive impact on those resources.”
The projects will rehabilitate and protect valuable fish habitats that provide the foundation for Michigan’s world-class fisheries. Two of them are DNR Priority Habitat Conservation Projects – those proactively identified by the department as important to sustaining healthy habitats, fisheries and aquatic communities – and another four are projects that directly benefit priorities of Michigan’s Wildlife Action Plan.
The Fisheries Habitat Grant program provides funding for a variety of activities including fish habitat conservation, dam removal and repair, resource assessment studies and access to recreation opportunities such as fishing. Funding from fishing license sales, state of Michigan general funds and a settlement with Consumers Energy is distributed through three grant areas: aquatic habitat conservation, dam management, and aquatic habitat and recreation in the Au Sable, Manistee and Muskegon river watersheds.
Most of the funding is distributed through traditional grants that are funded this year, but the Fisheries Habitat Grant program also provides conditional commitments for funding from future years. These conditional commitments enable partners to leverage future Fisheries Habitat Grant funds in applications for federal and other funding sources, making high-priority and sometimes very expensive projects possible.
Joe Nohner, a resource analyst with the DNR Fisheries Division, said the funded projects will protect and rehabilitate aquatic habitats across the state, while in many cases also improving public safety through the removal of dams.
“These projects are critical to strengthening and maintaining populations of fishes and other aquatic species,” Nohner said. “They will improve fish migration in over 327 miles of Michigan streams and boost public safety through the removal of three dams and seven culverts.”
Supporting work in 12 counties
 This year’s funded projects (and counties where projects are located) include:
- City of Battle Creek – Kalamazoo River restoration project (Calhoun County), $325,000.
- City of Kalamazoo – Habitat restoration of Portage Creek at Milham Park (Kalamazoo County), $75,000.
- Conservation Resource Alliance – Boyne Falls Dam removal options analysis (Charlevoix County), conditional commitment for $135,000.
- Conservation Resource Alliance – Manistee River tributaries aquatic organism passage (Wexford County), $150,000.
- Conservation Resource Alliance – N. Cole Creek/24th Street fish passage (Lake County), $100,000.
- Conservation Resource Alliance – Stony Creek restoration, fish passage and Marshville Dam removal implementation (Oceana County), $108,604.
- DNR Fisheries Division – Muskegon walleye rearing pond water intake improvements (Muskegon County), $156,000.
- Duplain Township – Duplain Township Dam removal engineering and design (Clinton County), $225,000. (The snow-covered Elsie Dam is pictured above.)
- J.A. Woollam Foundation – Restoring fish passage on the headwaters of the Fox River (Alger County), $62,264.
- Michigan Trout Unlimited – North Branch Manistee stream restoration and improvement at Flowing Wells (Kalkaska County), $144,800.
- Michigan Trout Unlimited – Riparian wood inventory for opportunistic stream improvement on state land (Crawford and Kalkaska counties), $27,700.
- Trout Unlimited – Restoring habitat and connectivity in the White River watershed (Newaygo County), $250,500.
Fisheries Habitat Grant funding is available annually to local, state, federal and tribal governments and nonprofit groups through an open, competitive process. The next request for proposals is expected to be announced in September.
Learn more about the Fisheries Habitat Grant program and other grant opportunities at Michigan.gov/DNRGrants. |
Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption/credit information follows.
- Elsie Dam: The failing Elsie Dam in Duplain Township, Clinton County, will be removed using Fisheries Habitat Grant funds, with the goal of reconnecting fish passage on 200 miles of the Maple River. Photo credit: Bruce Levey.
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by orionontv | May 21, 2024 | Recreation
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DNR News
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May 20, 2024
Contact: Andrew LundBorg (Grand Haven State Park supervisor), 616-307-0667 or Pat Whalen (DNR PRD district supervisor), 269-838-1196
Electronic, web-enabled beach warning system takes Grand Haven State Park beach safety to the next level
 Representatives from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division, SwimSmart and the city of Grand Haven, community members and other stakeholders gathered Monday at a ribbon-cutting at Grand Haven State Park to formally unveil a new electronic beach safety notification system.
The new system features 12 electronic and web-enabled towers, demonstrating the DNR’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety and emergency response times at this popular state park.
Grand Haven State Park is among the state’s most well-known beach destinations – in fact, earlier this year it was listed in Travel and Leisure’s top 25 beaches in the nation – but it is critical that visitors respect the strong, powerful waters of Lake Michigan and are aware of and prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
“To boost safety at popular Great Lakes state park beaches, SwimSmart towers will help provide real-time warnings to beachgoers,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “This innovative, technology-based system features two types of towers visible along the Grand Haven swim beach, marking the first state park location for this initiative.”
Eight orange towers, located on the beach, feature an easy-to-understand electronic light display that mimics the familiar double-red, red, yellow and green flag system visitors are used to seeing on the beach. Additionally, life rings are stationed at each tower. If one of the rings is accessed to aid in helping someone in the water, 911 and park rangers will simultaneously be contacted. The towers can play prerecorded messages to alert users to changing conditions, emergencies and other important information. |
 The four blue light towers, located along the sidewalk, feature a readily accessible emergency phone that park staff and visitors can press to trigger an immediate emergency response. The blue light towers are equipped with a higher-power loudspeaker, video monitoring system and a direct line to the Ottawa County 911 center. The loudspeaker system will work in conjunction with the prerecorded messages of the orange beach towers and allow park staff to broadcast live messages.
The $570,000 project was made possible with a $200,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, and the balance covered through DNR Parks and Recreation capital outlay funds.
The products were invented, developed and installed by Michigan-based SwimSmart, an innovative technology company whose products are created to empower beachgoing families and patrons to make informed decisions when it comes to water recreation.
The DNR will leave the current flagpoles in place but will only fly the flags if the new system goes down due to loss of electricity or other reasons.
“This partnership with the Michigan DNR brings us one step closer to realizing our mission of preventing the next water emergency from happening,” said Jacob Soter, founder and CEO of SwimSmart. “We share the DNR’s commitment to public safety, and are excited to provide this resource to the countless families who will be visiting Grand Haven State Park this summer and for years to come.”
“The safety of our visitors on the Great Lakes is our top priority,” said Pat Whalen, district supervisor for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “That’s why we continually evaluate and refine beach safety protocols at state parks throughout the year.”
For example, the DNR introduced double-red warning flags at all state-designated swim beaches along the Great Lakes in Michigan state parks in 2022. When double-red flags are present, beachgoers are not allowed to enter the water from the beach.
Visit Michigan.gov/BeachSafety for tips and information on safely visiting the Great Lakes, including state-designated swim beach locations, the beach flag warning system, Great Lakes currents (and how to escape them) and more.
For more information, contact Andrew LundBorg, park supervisor, at 616-307-0667 and [email protected] or Pat Whalen, PRD district supervisor, at 269-838-1196 or [email protected]. |
Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. All photos courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
- SwimSmart demo: Jacob Soter, founder and CEO of SwimSmart, explains how the electronic light displays work on one of the newly installed orange towers at the Grand Haven State Park beach. The LED lights replicate the traditional flag system (double-red, red, yellow and green) for water conditions, and the tower contacts 911 dispatch center in the event of an emergency.
- SwimSmart blue light tower: One of the towers located along the beach sidewalk at Grand Haven State Park. Each tower features two-way communication with a 911 dispatcher, loudspeaker broadcasting and video monitoring for water emergencies and park security.
- Blue light tower – help: The easy-to-use help button and speaker on the blue light towers that staff and the public can use to summon emergency assistance from the Grand Haven State Park beach sidewalk.
- Orange light tower menu: Signage on the orange towers, now installed at the Grand Haven State Park beach, shows each light color with corresponding safety category.
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