The Nature Park is always looking for volunteers to help out during the special events.  We host a variety of public programs including special events (make link to special event page) that require volunteers.  To volunteer contact the park office at 810-639-6161 or email ftnp@centurytel.net
 

We also may have other events that may warrant volunteers like river cleanups or other environmental programs.

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Below is the newly created Volunteer manual titled

“The Trail for Volunteers”

This manual gives important historical background of the park history and management philosophy. Also included is a list of volunteer opportunities.

 The Trail for Volunteers

at

Flushing Township Nature Park

8301 N. McKinley Road

Flushing, MI 48433

810-639-6161

Email: ftnp@centurytel.net

Website: www. gfn.org/flushing/index.html

Flushing Township Nature Park

Park History

It is rare for a township to successfully pursue and establish a major park facility.  Beginning in 1992, the Charter Township of Flushing began the process of purchasing 130 acres from the Donaski family.  Supervisor Granville Auker and Treasurer Carl Liepmann spearheaded the effort to purchase the property and begin development of a nature preserve.  In October 1994, the township obtained a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) grant for $172,000 to help fund the purchase with a 25% match from the Township.  An additional $151,000 grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund was received, in December 1995, to initiate park development.  Flushing Township Nature Park was again cited by the MDNR with a third grant totaling $281,525 in grant funds for more extensive park development.  The house and 2 acres, used as the Park Manager’s residence was purchased for $135,000 in 2001.

Work commenced on the restrooms, utility buildings and pavilion after installation of the entrance driveway.  The observation deck, concrete handicap loop, boardwalk, park office and playground followed.  While construction progressed, an inventory of native plants was conducted with more than 231 species being identified including some rare and unusual species for this area.  Selected prairie burnings were initiated to stimulate native plant growth followed by plantings of prairie grasses and wildflowers.  This work continues today and into the future, striving to increase the quality of the area to pre-settlement conditions.  The native prairie restoration project is a vital project of the nature park, and by far contributes to most of the management efforts.  Volunteers are encouraged to become educated in the prairie by reading our environmental education series brochures on prairies, and or talking with a nature park staff member.

Soon after formation of the Nature Park, Mr. Bill Schneider, Wildtype Nursery and Native Landscapes, was retained as a consultant to develop a plan that would inventory existing plants and restore the area, as practically possible, to pre-settlement conditions.  In this role, Bill continues to be a positive force in the restoration of Nature Park flora.

One of the primary goals is to provide the Flushing community with environmental education including awareness, stewardship and leadership in the conservation of our natural resources.   To help accomplish this, a full-time Park Manager was hired in 2001 and he is assisted by part-time staff, interns and volunteers.

Mission Statement

To provide the Charter Township of Flushing and surrounding communities the opportunity to enjoy nature’s beauty, learn about the natural environment and engage in casual recreation.

Environmental Education Program Mission Statement

To provide sensible and sustainable practices, techniques and demonstrations that promotes the improvement of the natural environment, while enhancing our quality of life.

Examples of program themes are listed below.

Native Plants – Landscaping for:

          Water conservation

          Water quality        

          Rain Gardens

          Wildlife improvement

          Invasive species

          Stress relieving sanctuary

Composting

          Worm bins

Organic Foods

          Why is organic better     

          Where to buy organics

Alternative Energy

          Solar, wind, geothermal

          Electric, heating, appliances

          Home design

          Passive solar, straw built

Reduce Reuse Recycle

          What can be recycled

          Where to take recyclables

          Reusing products

          Crafts, games, projects

Management Philosophy

Flushing Township Nature Park was purchased and designed to be a park that would allow the public to engage in environmental education, nature viewing, and casual recreation.  These three goals are the backbone of the management philosophy, and are interconnected throughout the park.  The management philosophy, however, will be discussed separately. 

Casual recreation is defined as family, group or individual recreation, requiring only existing infrastructure and low maintenance.  Recreational activities include canoeing, kayaking, walking, running, bicycling, cross-country skiing, dog walking on a leash and playground usage.  Activities not fitting this philosophy are, and not limited to, casual and organized sports such as baseball, soccer, basketball, football, volleyball and skateboarding.  The use of motorized vehicles is strictly prohibited.

Nature viewing involves creating, or improving the land and water elements to encourage native plant growth and increased wildlife use.  One of the major management projects is the extensive prairie restoration project.  This is a strong and on-going management goal to encourage the growth and distribution of Michigan native flora, while depressing or eliminating the establishment of non-native invasive species.  The continual improvement in creating a diverse population of native flora will have a positive effect on the ecosystems in the park, the fauna that use and live in the park, and the surrounding areas by the dispersal of native seeds.

Management of the prairie ecosystem involves the use of prescribed (controlled) burns to keep prairie plants viable and to discourage non-native species invasion and tree growth.  This process simulates natural fires that were prevalent in pre-settlement times.

Environmental education is a core management goal.  Educational components are built into all programs and activities.  Examples of these programs include public and school programs, public hikes, organized group activities, scientific classes and experiments held at the Nature Park or at a suitable on-site location.  The Nature Park strives to deliver an increasing number of programs each year, thereby, improving and expanding environmental education in local communities.

Nature Park Staff

Park Manager

The Nature Park Manager is a full-time position and is responsible for the daily operations of the facility.   In that position, the Park Manager has the responsibility of assigning and managing all employee activities and coordinating all maintenance related to buildings, equipment and park property.  Additional primary duties include planning and scheduling various land, mammal and bird habitat improvement projects including prescribed burns, seed collection, plantings, invasive species removal, inventory and scientific studies.  Other duties include marketing and promotion, special event coordination, budget management, grant writing, newsletter and brochure development and website development.  Educational duties include the development, scheduling and execution of public, school and organized group programs.  

Thomas Enright is the current Nature Park Manager.  He was hired in 2001 as the first full-time employee for the Nature Park.  He holds a BS in Natural Resource Management from Grand Valley State University.  Prior to his current position, he worked as an Assistant Park Manager for Berrien County Parks in Berrien County Michigan.  He is a member of the Genesee County Audubon Society, Wild Ones and the Flint River Watershed Coalition.  Personal outdoor interests include camping, hiking, canoeing, bird watching and nature photography.  He and his wife Angie live at the entrance to the Nature Park.

Seasonal Park Ranger/Naturalist

The Nature Park employs one part-time seasonal Naturalist.  The focus of this position is assisting the Park Manager with the development and execution of duties related to daily operations.  Most duties are shared with the Park Manager and they work as a team to complete projects.  This position assists with scheduling, promoting and executing public programs such as hikes, minor events and educational programs for non-school groups.

Seasonal Employee

Flushing Township employs seasonal individuals who assist the park manager in the day to day operations of the Nature Park, and work at the township hall and other activities specified by the Township Supervisor.  These employees are funded through a community block grant, which restricts the applicant to a specified age and income status.  Duties of these positions range from maintenance of park property, mowing trails, assisting in park programs and special events, cleaning restrooms, assisting with land use issues, mowing the Township Hall property, small maintenance of the Township Hall, various tasks performed throughout the township boundaries to serve the public good.  The Township Supervisor and the Park Manager oversee these positions.

Seasonal Intern

Annually, the Nature Park attempts to employ seasonal interns through local high schools and colleges.  Interns should have completed or be enrolled in science related studies and be interested in additional studies or a career in the environmental or related fields.  Duties include assisting staff with programs, hikes and events, land management practices, scientific studies and general maintenance.  Based upon arrangements with individual schools and the Nature Park Manager, interns can receive class credit for work completed.

Parks and Recreation Committee

The overall management of the facility is the responsibility of this committee.  The Committee meets monthly to discuss proposals and issues dealing with the successful operation of the Nature Park.  This committee is composed of Township officials and private citizens.  The Committee hears proposals from the staff and interested citizens regarding improvements, operating policy and changes to ordinances and procedures. Members of the Committee include Township Treasurer, Carl Liepmann, Chair; Township Supervisor, Andy Trotogot, Co-Chair; Brian Pratt, citizen; Jerry Fitch, Township Building Inspector; Ed Smeader, citizen; and Jeff Swanson, citizen.

Seasonal Activities

The Nature Park is open year around from sunrise to sunset.  Seasonal activities help to fulfill the Nature Park’s goals.  These activities are continually changing or being modified to offer improved benefits to residents and visitors.  Activities are offered throughout the year with a concentration in spring, summer and autumn.   Most activities are conducted at the Nature Park, but can be done off-site, if warranted.  School programs are often done in the classroom.  A list of activities is published in the Events, Activities and Resources brochure (enclosed).

Special Events

Special events play an important role in the success and public appeal of the Nature Park.  These events require significant volunteer participation to occur and run smoothly.  Event planning begins several months in advance of the event and regular meetings are held to insure good organization. Nature’s Halloween is the largest special event and will continue to evolve in the future. Planning for this event begins in late August.  Maple Syrup Time is a special event in that it takes a lot of physical work and time to successfully complete the project.  Possible changes to Maple Syrup Time could include other pioneer crafts and games.  Nature Park Water Day was initiated in 2004 and will continue to expand from year-to-year.  Green Day is a new event that promotes the use of alternative energy, sustainable practices, green building design and products.

Volunteer Opportunities/Profiles

Nature Park management and operation includes many duties with a number of them tailored to volunteer involvement.  In general, most duties are limited in time commitment and scope.  In that way, people select the type of activity and time commitment they can make.  Activities are posted early in the year, so that adequate time is afforded to those who want to schedule their involvement.  Listed here are the various volunteer opportunities along with a brief description of the duties and time commitment.

River Clean Up

This activity is done twice annually, once in cooperation with the Flint River Watershed Coalition, in the spring, and once independently, in the fall.

Volunteers should have waders if they plan to enter the water.  Bank cleanup activities require long pants, long-sleeved shirts and gloves to protect from brambles.  These items are supplied by the volunteers. 

Time Commitment: 3 hours

Water Quality Testing

The testing is done twice annually in the spring and fall and generally requires entering the water.  The appropriate equipment is waders.  The Flint River Watershed Coalition provides the testing equipment.  The process involves the collection of benthic macroinvertebrates (bottom dwelling insect larvae with no backbones) such as mayflies, dragonflies and damselflies.  The second part is the analysis is at the UM Flint Biology Department.  A volunteer can participate in one or both sessions.  Training is recommended. This is a fun project.  See next page.

Time Commitment: Collection 3 hours, Analysis – 2 hours, Training – 2 hours.

Nature’s Halloween Committee

A volunteer attends scheduled meetings, helps to recruit other volunteers, attends the event, organizes (with help) a specific part of the event and performs related duties.  A volunteer is part of a team that cooperates to complete the necessary duties.  Staff also is part of the committee which is chaired by the Nature Park manager.

Time Commitment: Meetings (usually 5-6) – 1-2 hours each, Event day – 3-6 hours, Related Duties – 4 – 10 hours.

Nature’s Halloween Event Volunteer

Involvement is usually limited to the day of the event and can be in one or more of the scheduled activities.  Opportunities here include:  parking assistance, attendance counting, food selling and service, game coordination, trick-or- treat trail exhibit assistance, booth setup and cleanup.  

Time Commitment: 1– 4 hours or longer.

Maple Syrup Time (Pioneer Day)

Who doesn’t like real maple syrup?  How would you like to help make it?  Each year the Nature Park staff taps sugar maple trees and makes about 2-3 gallons of syrup.  This involves tapping trees, collecting and boiling down the sap and canning the syrup.  Boiling the sap requires the majority of work time.  The sap collection is dependent on weather and usually occurs in late February or early March.

Time Commitment: Personal choice with a minimum of 4 hours.

Hike Co-leader

If you have skills with wildflower identification, bird watching, butterfly identification, night hikes and interpretive hikes, then the Nature Park has numerous opportunities to assist staff in conducting these hikes and outings.

Time Commitment: Prep work – 1 hour, Hike – 1 ½ - 3 hours.

Skill level must be evaluated prior to assistance.

Bluebird Box Survey

There are 23 bluebird boxes in the Nature Park, located in the prairie areas. Beginning in April, boxes should be checked for occupancy.  Once nesting has begun, weekly checking is suggested.  Removal of House Sparrow nests before egg laying is a management policy.  Record data on sheets provided and enter into computer.  This project

Time Commitment: Training - 1 hour, each survey 1-2 hours.

Wildflower Survey

This survey requires some knowledge of wildflowers and encompasses the entire Nature Park.  Recording sheets are provided along with a map of the different park sections.  Generally, flowers in bloom are the focal point and easiest to identify, but others can be included.  This survey is done monthly and is best completed by several persons.  Volunteers assist staff with this project.

Time Commitment: About 8-10 hours/month

Bird Sighting Recorder

If you like to bird watch, then you could help identify and record species seen in the park.  This information will go into an existing database for use in brochures and with visitors.

Time Commitment: 1-2 hours/ hike.

Contributor - Newsletter Preparation

We always need ideas for articles and someone willing to write about a good nature or community subject.  Newsletters are published quarterly.

Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per article.

Invasive Species Removal/Garden Assistance

There is a need to remove noxious species several times a year.  This volunteer would assist park staff with that task.  Species include weeds and shrubby growth.

Assistance is also needed in the gardens near the Park Office and Pavilion.  If you like to garden, then your services would be welcome. 

Time Commitment: minimum 1 hour/visit. No limit to visits, seasonal.

Flushing Township Nature Park
8301 N. McKinley Road
Flushing, MI. 48433
Phone: 810-639-6161
Fax: 659-4212
Email: ftnp@centurytel.net