Join us for our Connecting with Nature series, where we’ll showcase various activities enjoyed by supporters of our Ottawa County Parks. From popular activities like mountain biking, hiking, skiing, swimming, and fishing to less traditional ones like forest bathing, artistic endeavors, and volunteering, there’s something for everyone. Regardless of the activity, the common thread is the opportunity to immerse oneself in nature, which has been scientifically linked to numerous benefits such as improved attention and reduced stress and anxiety levels.
During this series, we will be highlighting nature-based activities and encouraging you to explore new recreational opportunities. It is a great way to spend more time in nature and reap its rewards.
This month, we’ll explore how skiing in Ottawa County Parks connects people with nature.
Mark Salik
Gliding through snowy trails on cross country skis has been an integral part of my life since the age of eight. I was an early member of the Grand Rapids Nordic Ski Team (GRNST). Though competitive skiing is no longer a regular part of my routine, I still line up for the occasional race. And when it comes to my training, there’s no place I love more than Pigeon Creek.
Pigeon Creek Park, nestled in West Michigan, is my go-to spot for skate skiing. This park offers not only picturesque trails but also a variety of family-friendly amenities like a cozy lodge, rentals, and sledding hills. Over the years, I’ve shared many of my skiing adventures with my family. My three children, now adults, all learned how to ski there. Beyond the skis, they’ve spent hours racing down the sled hill and warming up inside the lodge. It’s a place that has created lasting memories for all of us and has become a cherished family gathering spot.
There’s something magical about Pigeon Creek, especially on a crisp winter morning. The sight of water vapor rising from the creek as the sun pierces through the trees is a breathtaking experience that makes you feel like you’re in a winter wonderland. One of my most unforgettable moments was when a snowy owl silently swooped over my head while I skied under the lights one evening. It’s moments like these that remind me of nature’s beauty and serenity.
When I’m not skiing, I can often be found in the North Ottawa Dunes area, hiking or running through the woods. Being among the trees, whether skiing or hiking, has always been my escape, my reset. I’m a firm believer in the healing power of nature—both physically and mentally. The Japanese call it “forest bathing,” a practice that has proven benefits. Studies show that spending just 20 minutes in the woods, three times a week, can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and decrease cortisol levels, the stress hormone.
In today’s fast-paced world, the simplicity and tranquility of the woods are more important than ever. Whether it’s gliding through snow-covered trails or walking among towering pines, I find myself grounded and recharged after each visit. Nature, in its most pure form, offers healing in ways we often overlook. If you ever find yourself at Pigeon Creek or wandering the dunes, take a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and soak in the peace that the forest brings. After all, nature is the best therapy.
Shannon Mitchell
When I first learned to ski, it was on classic skis. That was my introduction to winter sports. But now, skate skiing has become my passion. And one of the few places within two hours to enjoy this is Pigeon Creek. For me, it’s not just about the thrill of skiing; it’s about the connection—to nature, to friends, and even to myself.
Learning to skate ski wasn’t easy. In fact, I fell—a lot. Yet, every moment was worth it, because each tumble and success was set against the peaceful backdrop of nature. No phones, no distractions—just the crisp air, the trees, and my skis. The rhythm of breathing and moving through the woods provided mental clarity even when my body sometimes protested.
What makes Pigeon Creek special is more than just the trails. It’s the sense of community. During the winter months, there are people I see only on the snow, but over time, friendships have blossomed. We cheer each other on, offer support, and even keep in touch through social media, lending a hand when someone’s having a rough time. The lodge and trail setup create a natural gathering point where that community thrives.
One of my fondest memories is skiing with my three kids—starting when they were just toddlers. Sledding and skiing became family traditions, sweetened by promises of hot cocoa and M&M’s at the end of the day. My friends and I have had moments of pure joy under the full moon, racing through the trails and howling like wolves, lost in the magic of the night. Skiing, much like surfing, has that sense of freedom—like flying, but without the fear of falling back to earth.
After 15 years of skiing, two winters ago, my friend and I chased each other on the newest section of Pigeon Creek. He managed to break the five-minute mile. It’s also the place where I hit my personal best, skiing 31 miles in a single day. And to think, the first time I skied there, I could only manage one loop.
We all have to start somewhere. One thing I’ve noticed is that experienced skiers light up when they see people of all abilities on the trails. The instructors are kind, knowledgeable, and genuinely want everyone to succeed. Whether you’re socializing or training, you’re moving forward—feeling alive in a way that’s easy to forget in today’s fast-paced world.
At Pigeon Creek, it’s not just about the sport. It’s about reconnecting—to nature, to each other, and to ourselves. Whether you’re sledding, enjoying a hot drink by the fire, renting your first pair of skis, or pushing yourself to break a personal record, the trails always welcome you.
Mark Salik
Shannon Mitchell and his daughter
Shannon Mitchell’s daughter
Featured Park: Upper Mactawa Natural Area
The 612-acre property features stunning bridges and is popular among bikers, hikers, runners, and birders. The bike path running through the park connects to Byron Road’s Fred Meijer Kenowa Trail which leads to Kent County on the north side and to the Adams Street’s bike path, which runs to the lakeshore, on the south side. Visitors will find a variety of habitat, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands, that is home to diverse wildlife.
Indian paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea) splashes a bright scarlet burst of color on nature’s canvas. It is found in a wide range of habitats, including shorelines, interdunal areas, marshy ground, and meadows. It grows in most of the lower peninsula and in a few locations on Great Lakes islands and the eastern part of the upper peninsula. Its range includes the whole eastern half of the U.S. and central Canada, including alpine regions.
There are over 100 species of this plant in North America, varying by region and climate. Also found in orange and yellow forms, paintbrush is a parasitic plant which taps into other nearby plants’ roots. It is a rich source of nectar for birds and insects.
Native Americans used it to treat digestive issues, sore throats, and skin disorders. The plant contains compounds with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Pigments from the flowers were used in textiles and on pottery.
The imaginative name may have come from a legend: Once upon a time, a Blackfoot maiden fell in love with a wounded prisoner she was attending. She realized that her tribe was only nursing its captive in order to torture him later. She helped him escape, but went with him for fear of the punishment for such a deed. After some time in his camp, she grew homesick for a glimpse of her old camp. She finally went to her old camp, hid in the nearby bushes, and
overheard two young braves discussing what would happen to the maiden who betrayed them, if only they could find her. Knowing she could never return, but wanting to remember her former home, she took a piece of bark and drew a picture of the camp upon it with her own blood, gashing her leg and painting with a stick. After drawing the picture, the maiden threw the stick away and returned to the other camp. Where the stick landed, a little plant grew with a bush-like end, dyed with her blood, which became the first Indian paintbrush.
