Outdoors, local parks celebrated on National Trails Day

Sat, Jun 6, 2009    to del.icio.us

WEST OLIVE — A beautiful blue sky met outdoor lovers at Hemlock Crossing on Saturday morning to celebrate National Trails Day.

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The event was organized by the Friends of Ottawa County Parks and EcoTrek Fitness, an outdoors and exercise business run by Cari Draft-Elliott of Spring Lake.

The morning started with an 8 a.m. group workout led by Draft-Elliott on the Hemlock Crossing trails. Friends member Mike Cary led a nature walk in the county park. Earth's Edge of Grand Haven had kayaks available for demonstrations on the Pigeon River, which runs through the park. Information booths were manned by the Friends group, National Outdoor Women, Go Gear and Edge Excursions.

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Joni McCollum of Fruitport said the newly formed local chapter of the National Outdoor Women aims to educate women and children on the outdoors and to promote outdoor activities. "Things women can do to embrace the outdoors ... and enjoy Michigan," she said.

Draft-Elliott's mother, Shirley Draft, said the volunteer Friends organization's mission is to promote the parks to Ottawa County residents.

"We have so many wonderful parks that we need people to get out and use them," Draft said.

Her grandson, Austin Elliott, 14, is into eco-trekking. He said it focuses on hiking, jogging, stretching, yoga and other exercises in the outdoors and along park trails.

"It's fun to do," Elliott added.

National Trails Day, organized by the American Hiking Society, was celebrated across the country on Saturday. Several organizations held events in Michigan; including the Trailhead Kids Club of Western Michigan, which led a morning hike through Mulligan's Hollow in Grand Haven.

On the Net:

www.friendsofocp.org

www.nationaloutdoorwomen.com

www.ecotrekfitness.com

www.trailheadkids.com