December 2023 eNewsletter

Lantern Lit Events Begin December 9

Based on the popularity of the Lantern Lit events, and at the request of many, FLSP is pleased to share we are adding two additional events this season for a total of six. Join us for the first event on Saturday, December 9, at which FLSP will collect canned or boxed food to donate to local food pantries. There will be Christmas music performed in the Warming Shelter. 


Lantern Lit events in 2024 will be on the following Saturdays -- December 9, January 6 and 20, February 3 and 17, and March 2. 

If you are interested in volunteering for any of these events, please click here. 

2024 Projects

FLSP is pleased to announce numerous projects planned for 2024.  

  • Purchase of two beach mobility wheelchairs to replace the 10+ year old chairs at the Hamlin Beach.
  • Purchase of a beach mobility walker for use at the Lake Michigan Beach.
  • Installation of a SeeCoast Enchroma Viewer on the Island Trail. 
  • Purchase of three animal mounts - beaver, muskrat, and gray fox, for the Lake MI Beach House and for educational sessions.
  • Installation of a replacement shed for storing the 60+ pairs of loaner snowshoes.
  • Tree planting
  • A number of new interpretive signs.
  • Design and initiation of upgrades to the amphitheater including a roof over the stage. This project will extend into 2025.

Photos are examples of some of the projects.

Year End Giving

As we prepare for the 2024 season, donations to FLSP are always welcomed.  For more information regarding how you can donate, click here or visit the donation page on the FLSP website.

December is the month that FLSP membership renewal notices are automatically sent out. If you have not done so, please renew your membership today, and if you are not a member, consider joining by clicking here.

Guided Hikes

Monthly guided hikes are held the third Sunday of each month at 2 p.m. You can join in the fun and get some exercise by meeting the Hike Leaders at the Warming Shelter just off the main parking lot as you enter the Ludington State Park.

Meet Cory (Corinne) Rogers

FLSP is pleased to introduce our newest Board Member, Cory Rogers. 

Submitted by Cory Rogers:

"We moved to Ludington 3 years ago, fulfilling a lifelong dream of my better half’s, to move back to the shores of Lake Michigan. We winter in our Florida home, allowing us to be near his mother, and enjoying the absence of winter. Ludington State Park is a true highlight of what I love about our

Cory Rogers

FLSP Board Member

sweet little harbor town. I love the trails, canoeing, swimming, lighthouses, and live music, which is where I first learned about the Friends of Ludington State Park. I love and admire the wonderful work they do. When I recently “retired”, the very first thought that came to mind was, I want to be a part of it.  

Growing up in Minnesota taught me two things, that I love being outside, in nature, and I very much dislike being cold. I was introduced to California as a young girl and right then and there, I told my parents that it was the place for me. The climate was perfect for all things in nature, especially my love of working with animals. I started riding horses at seven and bought my first horse at 16. California was the ideal year-round place for horses, always outdoors – perfect.

I pursued and enjoyed a career in the world of finance. Twenty plus years later, following the disturbances in the financial markets, I engaged in another passion. I entered the world of design, primarily kitchens and remodeling. Gratefully, I loved my second career too, and continue to take on the occasional project.

I look forward to participating with the many dedicated people who work hard to share our beautiful park with as many people as possible, in as many ways as possible."

Brrrewfest - January 27, 2024

Brrrewfest sponsored by the Chamber Alliance of Mason County is the largest annual FLSP fundraiser. In order to support the event, FLSP will need 100 volunteers. Volunteer sign-up begins in December.  Please hold the date, January 27, and either plan on volunteering or attending the event. 

Returnables Program - Thank You!

The FLSP returnables program would not be possible without the Camp Hosts completing all the sorting. Thank you Camp Hosts - Bruce and Dawn Vander Berg, John and Rita Wychers, Jack and Laura Flynn, and Becky and Warren Noble.

Thank you to Mary Anne Renier for taking the returnables back each Tuesday and to Angelika Beyers, Kathy and Mike Winczewski, Rocky and Linda Burns, and Dave and Rod Young for covering the end of week returns. Special thanks to Bob Sasin for handling the returns to Ludington Beverage and to Nancy Hesting for processing all the Meijer return slips. 

FLSP is very fortunate to have dedicated volunteers. Through their efforts this past summer, they processed and returned 60,420 cans and bottles resulting in $6,042 of revenue for FLSP. The revenue from the returnables helps to fund the FLSP annual programming and projects. 

Adopt-a-Trail

There are still a few opportunities to Adopt-a-Trail in the Ludington State Park.  Check out the FLSP Adopt a Trail page that contains information on adopting an LSP trail and helping all of us enjoy it more. There are a total of 23 trails to adopt and the best part is it does not cost you anything beyond your time. 

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