1. Jens Jensen Preserve- Meltin'
John
Location: Jens Jensen Preserve, V/L Parkway, Sawyer, MI, 49125
(Use Google Maps to navigate to this preserve. Apple Maps does not work for this property.)
Clue: “I’m a rocket man, burning out his fuse up here alone… OH! Didn’t see you there. If you’re hoping to find me, look for the white pine tree along the north end of the preserve.”
Directions: Parking is along the road. Continue straight at the first intersection, follow the trail past the first right-hand turn until the trail dead-ends, then take the trail to the right.
Sponsored by Biggby Coffee Bridgman
2. Myron Perlman Nature Preserve- Maya Rudolph
Location: Myron Perlman Nature Preserve, 13804 Wolkins Rd, Buchanan, MI 49107
Clue: "You can find me laughing and hiding along the Beech Ridge Trail at this wonderful preserve! Find me and tell me your favorite joke."
Directions: Park in the designated parking lot and follow the farm lane into the woods. Follow the signage to find the start of the Beech Ridge trail (the second right).
Sponsored by Union Coffee House and Cafe
3. Robinson Woods Preserve- Poison
Icy
Location: Robinson Woods Preserve, 7869-8207 W East Rd, Three Oaks, MI 49128
Clue: “Nature always finds a way and wins! I bet you can’t find me hiding near the white pine tree along the East side of the trail."
Sponsored by Sideyard
4. Flynn Woods Preserve- Amy
Polar
Location: Flynn Woods, 8016 W East Rd, Three Oaks, MI 49128 (across the street from Robinson Woods)
Clue: “Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey, you! How did the reindeer learn to play piano? He was elf-taught!!! HA! HA! HA! You can find me straight down this trail away from the mud!"
Sponsored by Chikaming Open Lands
5. Chris Thompson Memorial Preserve- Snow Cold Steve Frostin'
Location: Chris Thompson Memorial Preserve, 7560 Warren Woods Rd, Three Oaks, MI 49128
Clue: “YOU can find ME at the BEST PART OF THIS COL preserve. That’s Right. I said IT. The Galien River IS THE best part and that’s the bottom line, cause Snow Cold said SO!”
Sponsored by Burn 'Em Brewing
6. Sugarwood Forest Preserve- Snowin' Wilson
Location: Sugarwood Forest Preserve, 6855 Elm Valley Rd, Three Oaks, MI 49128
Clue: “WOOOW! Would you look at that tree?! You can find me in the back part of this preserve hanging out by a bench and the mother of all trees."
Sponsored by Infusco
7. Merritt and Younger Family Preserves- Frostin' Wiig
Location: Merritt & Younger Family Preserves, V/L, Mydra Rd, Union Pier, MI 49129
Clue: “WOOOO! WEEE! I’m on the clock and ready to rock...rock around that pond on these snazzy new ice skates, that is! Follow the trail until the first left-hand turn and find me near the pond."
Directions: Mydra Rd is along Elm Valley Rd. If traveling from the West (lake) to the East (towards Three Oaks) the street sign is faded. It is the left-hand turn right after Butterfield Rd. If traveling from the East (Three Oaks) to the West (lake) Mydra Rd is the first right-hand turn after Walnut Ct. Walnut Ct is located on the left-hand side of the road.
Sponsored by Chikaming Open Lands
8. Leonard Wildlife Preserve- Holly
Berry
Location: Edward and Elizabeth Leonard Wildlife Preserve, 15800 Lakeside Rd, Union Pier, MI 49129
Clue: “The snow’s coming down-own! I’m watching it fall! So many trees all around…you can find singing among the trees at Edward & Elizabeth Leonard Preserve. Make sure to wear shoes that are ok to get muddy. It can get a little slushy by me."
Directions: Follow the trail around the farm field until you enter the forest. Take the only right-hand trail, passing the first left-hand trail, and hike along until you find Holly Berry.
Sponsored by Forté Coffee
9. Turtle Creek Preserve- Austin
Powders
Location: Turtle Creek Preserve, 12255 Lubke Rd, New Buffalo, MI 49117
Clue: “Yeah Baby! You can find me grooving by a hidden loop and hanging with the shagadelic trees at this preserve.
Directions: Park in the New Buffalo Elementary School parking lot and follow the sidewalk to the entrance of Turtle Creek Preserve. The trail will split to the right and left. Take the right-hand trail and enjoy the loop. Austin Powders is located along the back end of this loop.
Sponsored by Issa Vibe Cafe
10. Grand Beach Marsh Preserve- Frosty Savage
Location: Grand Beach Marsh Preserve, 51000 Deer Park Dr, Grand Beach, MI 49117
Clue: “I’m the Macho Man Frosty Savage, who’s funky like a monkey. The sky’s the limit at Grand Beach Marsh Preserve. I’m too hot to handle, too cold to hold, and waiting for YOU down by the marsh."
Sponsored by Chikaming Open Lands
11. Harbert Dunes Preserve- Sleighbob Snowpants
Location: Harbert Dunes Preserve, W Harbert Rd, Harbert, MI, 49115
Clue: “I’MMMMMM READY! I’M READY! I’M READY..to see who can find me while I’m hiding at this COL preserve! I’m hiding in a SUPER SECRET spot. Don’t tell Patrick where I'm hiding.
Directions from Red Arrow Roasters: Park in their lot and safely cross Red Arrow HWY to Rea Ave. Follow Rea Ave to its “Dead End” and follow the footpath marked by two tall yellow posts. Continue down the North part of Rea Ave until it dead ends at Harbert Rd. Turn left and walk to Harbert Dunes Preserve, which will be along the left (South) end of the road. The trail starts as a boardwalk and loops over a rolling landscape. The total walk from Red Arrow Roasters through the preserve and back to your vehicle is roughly 20 minutes (at our Education & Outreach Coordinator’s pace).
Public Parking Options: Red Arrow Roasters (M-F 8am-1pm), Harbert Beach (end of Harbert Rd), and Cherry Beach. Please email Grace at gball@chikamingopenlands.org with questions.
Sponsored by Red Arrow Roasters
