Monday, October 19, 2015

Grand Ravines North
This beautiful place is near where I live. I had a family photo shoot here on Saturday and I am always in aw of God's beauty. The autumn colors were amazing that day and the sun was shining making it a perfect day for a little hike and a photo shoot. 

Today the wind is blowing like crazy and there are so many leaves coming off of the trees. Maybe the ones that are on the ground in the yard can blow away and make less to clean up later. 





The Grand River Ravines County Park property is composed of the 68-acre former Fillmore at the Bend Open Space purchased in 1999 and two more recent purchases of 100 acres and 19 acres to create this 187-acre park site with over 2600’ of Grand River frontage. The property is adjacent to Grand Valley State University’s southern border and includes deep wooded ravines similar to those that extend along GVSU’s riverfront. The ravine system in this area ranked among the County’s highest quality natural lands in a 1988 survey by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory.

With major land acquisitions completed, park staff have begun to develop a master plan to guide development of the site for appropriate public use. Ideas to be considered in the planning process include trails for hiking and cross-country skiing as well as paved pathway for biking, rollerblading and other non-motorized uses. The paved pathway will be part of a future Grand River Greenway trail which is proposed to link GVSU to Kent County and ultimately connect to Grand Haven. Hiking trails are proposed to connect with trails through GVSU ravines providing significant hiking opportunities. Fishing access and docks are proposed along the waterfront, and nature interpretation will focus on the ravines. The existing home, with its open floor plan and fully accessible design will be used as a multi-purpose building for interpretive programs and group rentals including meetings and retreats.