November 2023 eNewsletter

Lantern Lit Event - December 9, 2023

Based on the popularity of the Lantern Lit events, and at the request of many, FLSP is pleased to be adding two additional Lantern Lit events this season for a total of six. The first one will be on Saturday, December 9. There will be Christmas music performed in the Warming Shelter. FLSP is hoping to have groups that are interested in singing Christmas carols by the campfires. If you know a group of singers that may be interested in spreading holiday cheer, please have them email FLSP.

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

If you are interested in volunteering to pass out snowshoes at any of these events, please click here. 

Track Chair Story

The following story was sent to FLSP from a family that was grateful to use one of the track chairs. Through your support of FLSP you helped make the memories for this family possible. 

Arriving at the state park in hopes of taking my dad this past August to see his boardwalk board at the Big Sable Lighthouse, I was so excited to find out that the track chair was available. The track chair gave my dad a chance to see the boardwalk board that was a gift for his 80th birthday, and also gave him encouragement that he could do things! He had lost confidence in himself. When we arrived at the lighthouse, he was able to climb 112 steps to the top. This was a huge accomplishment for my dad and one that gave him encouragement for the rest of our trip to go on and do more wonderful things. I truly do appreciate the track chair and look forward to visiting again with my dad so that he can use one of the track chairs for other adventures.

Kelle from Denver, CO and her Dad, Gary, from St. Louis, MO enjoying the track chair.

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 

Snowshoe Making Classes

There is still an opportunity to learn to make snowshoes at the Ludington State Park this fall.

• Saturday, November 18, first half, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and second half Sunday, November 19,10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Participants will learn to weave a pair of traditional wooden snowshoes, like how the Native Americans crafted them for generations. 

The cost for making a pair of snowshoes is $190 which includes the preformed wooden frames, lacing, high-quality bindings, and personal instruction. Classes are designed to be fun, informative, and interesting. Because this is an activity that requires concentration over long periods of time, participants must be 16 years and older. 

These lifelong quality handmade snowshoes can be used for hiking throughout the winter, given as holiday gifts, and/or used as a decoration in your home. Snowshoeing is an easy, inexpensive way to get outside and burn some calories during the winter months.

Class size is limited to 8 students and reservations are required!

To make a reservation go to the Michigan DNR website and go to the Education section and then to the Outdoor Skills Academy section or click here.

For questions (not reservations): Alan Wernette, Park Interpreter, Ludington State Park  wernettea@michigan.gov  (231) 843-9261.

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. 

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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