Coastal water trail to debut this spring

LUDINGTON — Kayakers and canoeists who enjoy navigating the shoreline of Lake Michigan will find their voyage a little easier this year. The Sable Points Coastal Water Trail will debut.

The trail is being spearheaded by the Mason-Lake and Oceana conversation districts.

“We are traditionally known as an organization that works with farmers,” said Jordan DeVries, administrator of the Mason-Lake Conservation District. “But, it really comes down to the water and preserving it.

DeVries said the trail basically ties together existing facilities and assets, such as parks and public beaches, and provides guidance to outdoors enthusiasts. This will be done through the publication of a guidebook and signage at the destinations.

Funding for the trail came through a $12,590 grant from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Coastal Management Program along with a $2,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Mason County.

While the mission of the conservation district is to work with private land owners to preserve and protect the environment, DeVries said creating the water trail on public lands will create awareness of the district’s mission and promote conservationism.

The trail will be kicked off during a program at Sandcastles Children’s Museum in Ludington on March 27.