May 2024 eNewsletter

Reminder - LSP is OPEN this summer

Have you heard someone say the LSP is closed this summer? Please help us stop the rumors, the LSP is not closing until September 3. The following is from the LSP website which you can access here.


"Due to planned park enhancements, the majority of the park will close Sept. 3, 2024 through July 1, 2025. The 2,000 acres of parkland and beautiful 3-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline south of the Big Sable River, including the hiking trails and boardwalk, will remain open and accessible to the public via roadway parking along M-116."

2024 Summer Guest Presenter Series

The 2024 guest presenter season will start on Tuesday, June 11, with music by John Merchant and Greg Miller. The last performance will be on Saturday, August 31, with music by Eric Engblade.

Based on past attendance, FLSP will host local favorite Chloe Kimes and her band at Waterfront Park in downtown Ludington on Tuesday, July 2. All performances are free to the public. The complete schedule will be distributed later this month. We are thankful for this year's series sponsor, Safe Harbor Credit Union. 


80 Cows music - July 16

Recreation Passport

Did you know that 97% of state park funding is generated by user fees, including the Recreation Passport and royalty revenues? Just 3% comes from Michigan's General Fund tax dollars. Pending legislation would change the Recreation Passport from an opt-in model to an opt-out model. If the bill is approved, it is estimated the change would generate an additional $17.2 million in revenue to help upgrade and modernize state parks. You can read more about this potential change by clicking here

Invasive Species Pull - June 2


Join Emily Leslie, DNR Natural Resource Steward, on Sunday, June 2, from 10 a.m. to noon for an invasive species pull in the Ludington State Park.


Meet at the small parking area at the intersection of Piney Ridge Road and 19th Street, which is just north of the Hobby Crest Resort.


Help protect the park from invasive plants like garlic mustard and spotted knapweed! No experience is necessary, and training and tools will be provided. Long sleeves and long pants are recommended to protect against thorns. 


For more information or to register, please contact Emily at 517-242-8760 or LeslieE1@michigan.gov.

Returnables Program

Looking for a non-glamourous but important volunteer opportunity? FLSP conducts a returnables program each year. Last year, 62,000 returnables were processed. We need volunteers to take returnables back to Meijer twice a week. FLSP Board Member Mary Anne Reiner will be taking them back each Tuesday and we need other volunteers to do it on Friday. If you would like to get slightly sticky and have our gratitude, please sign up here

Board Member Focus - Peg Gramas

Peg Gramas enjoying the LSP

FLSP recently welcomed Margaret (Peg) Gramas as our newest Board. This is her FLSP story.


"As a volunteer with FLSP, I have led hikes on Sunday afternoons in Ludington State Park. In addition, I have volunteered at fundraising events such a BRRRewfest where I poured beer and sold beverages.

Volunteering has not always been a big part of my life. For many years I was too busy working and raising a family to volunteer. When the kids were grown, I had more time on my hands but not a particular passion. Since then I have discovered that enjoying and being a good steward of the outdoors is my passion. Ludington State Park is a gem in our state and worthy of the volunteer support and efforts of our Friends group. 


Leading hikes and otherwise spending time outdoors in the state park is keeping me healthier, in mind, body and spirit. There is nothing quite like walking through the woods, forest bathing or even kayaking on the lake to quiet the mind. One becomes introspective, grounded, more tolerant and mindful when spending time in the woods observing the changes of seasons and minutiae of the forest floor. 


I would encourage others to help out and volunteer with FLSP in order to improve the lives of the community and themselves. One way to do this is to invite friends, family and new acquaintances to participate in LSP events such as music, wildlife demonstrations, and hikes. Then invite them to volunteer with FLSP in a manner that utilizes their talents, skills and interests."

State of the State Park

If you missed the presentation by Jim Gallie, Ludington State Park Manager, on the State of the State Park, you can watch it by clicking hereJim provides a great overview of the LSP and the upcoming 2024/2025 projects.

Guided Hikes

Monthly guided hikes are held on the third Sunday at 2 p.m. except in July and August when the hike leaders take a break. 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 Ludington State Park.

Support our Business Members

Please welcome our newest business member, Hungry Howie's.


If you visit any of these businesses or interact with their leaders, please thank them for supporting FLSP and helping to improve and promote Ludington State Park. 

If you are not a FLSP Member, join today!

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