January 2023 eNewsletter

2022 Year in Review

• The return of Brrrewfest in January supported by a 100 FLSP volunteers.
• Seventy new lanterns to enhance our four annual lit-lantern events which last year had over 600 attendees.
• Three educational Zoom sessions with 120+ participants. 
• Installation of the SeeCoast EnChroma Viewer on the Skyline Trail. The installation was the first in the state of Michigan using the EnChroma technology for individuals that are color blind.
• The establishment of the Action Track Chair program to enhance access to the LSP for individuals with mobility challenges. In its introductory year the track chair was used a total of 58 times.
• Support for the LSP Themed Art Exhibit in August at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts.
• The installation of a bike fixing station by the Warming Shelter and the acquisition of a second one to be placed by the Hamlin Beach House.
• The summer guest presenter / entertainment program had 20 events either on a Wednesday or Saturday with total attendance of 2,728.
• Successful returnables program that resulted in the sorting and return of 62,400 cans and bottles. 
• 3 Adopt-a-Highway litter pick-up events.
• The initiation of the monthly guided hikes program. 
• The installation of a FLSP selfie sign by the Warming Shelter.
• The return of the LSP Fall Festival and Wagon Ride with over 700 attendees, 500 of which took a wagon ride.
• 114 paid memberships which includes 10 lifetime members, and represents 160+ individuals.
  

With your help and participation we look forward to a very successful 2023!

FLSP Winter / Spring Zoom Sessions

FLSP has scheduled numerous Zoom sessions regarding the Ludington State Park. Everyone is invited to participate in these no cost sessions by registering here.

• Ludington State Park Photography with Brad Reed  – Monday, January 23, 7 p.m.
• Aquatic Invasive – Sea Lamprey with Alan Wernette, DNR Park Interpreter - Tuesday, February 23, 7 p.m.
• Ludington State Park: Making Memories for Decades! with Jim Jensen, MCHS - Monday, March 20, 6:30 p.m. 
  
• Invasive Species Management in and around the Ludington State Park with Bri Jasinski, MLCD, Sara Bolan, AFFEW and Jim Gallie, LSP - Tuesday, April 4, 7 p.m.
• State of the Ludington State Park with Jim Gallie, LSP Park Manager - Tuesday, April 25, 7 p.m.

Second Track Chair Fully Funded

As a result of the generosity of numerous individuals and organizations the second Action Track Chair is now fully funded. We would like to specifically recognize the DNR Partnership Match, Michigan Power LP, both the Epworth Fund for Ludington and the Carol Nunn Nelson Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County, and memorial contributions made in the names of James Tallman and Rick Jordan for significantly helping FLSP reach the funding goal. The second track chair has been ordered and will be placed into service this May.

Returnables Program a Success

The FLSP returnables sorting area at the LSP.

One of the annual FLSP fundraising programs is the collection, sorting and returning of donated returnables. This past summer the Camp Hosts sorted 62,400 cans and bottles. FLSP volunteers returned 28,300 to local stores and the rest were returned directly to our beer distributor partners -- Alliance Beverage and Ludington Beverage.  Thank you to the Camp Hosts and FLSP volunteers for the $6,240 raised through your efforts.

Calling All Brrrewfest Volunteers

FLSP is the charity partner for the Chamber Alliance Annual Brrrewfest which will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Legacy Park. This is our largest annual fundraiser and it would not be possible without the help of 100+ volunteers. If you have not yet signed up to volunteer, please consider volunteering today or purchasing tickets to the event.

Lit Lantern Events

FLSP has set the dates for the 2023 Lit Lantern Events held from 6 to 8 p.m. on January 7 and 21 and February 4 and 18. Last year, FLSP and LSP partnered with the Mason-Lake-Oceana Great Start Collaborative at one Lit-Lantern session for a Book Walk. This year we are going to partner on January 17 and February 18 to offer two Book Walk sessions. Free books will be available for kids and each walk will have a theme based on the book content. In order for these evening events to be successful we need volunteers. 

Monthly Guided Hikes Reminder

The next guided hike will be on Sunday, January 15 starting from the Warming Shelter at 2 p.m. You do not have to be an experienced hiker to participate since hiking pace and length will vary depending on the interest of the participants.

FLSP 2023 Improvement Projects

In addition to adding the second track chair, FLSP is seeking funds to replace two of the beach wheelchairs and to add a walkway on the Hamlin Beach like the walkway that FLSP funded ten years ago on the Lake MI beach. All donations towards these projects, which total $30,500, are greatly appreciated. You can donate by clicking here. 

Membership Renewal Notices

It is that time of year for membership renewals. If you had a paid membership in 2022 you should have received an email reminder containing a link to renew online. You can pay online or mail in a check. If you have questions about memberships, please email FLSP by clicking here.