May 6th 2011 Betsy and I were heading up to the Lakes Mall but on the way we made a few stops. First East Grand River Park (we call it East End Park) on the east side of Grand Haven. Updates have recently been made to this park, new playground equipment and new boardwalk through the marsh and right to the Grand River.
From the new boardwalk at East End Park
We didn't see any flowers near the water, just violets and Storksbill (Erodium cicutarium) in the lawn.
There was work being done at the boat launch.
New Playground Equipment at East Grand River Park
Another quick stop was made to Rycenga Recreation Area (16401 Hemlock Dr, Spring Lake, MI 49456). This is a good park to see Pink Lady's Slipper later in May, there was no sign of them yet. We did see many Marsh Marigolds and violets. There is a nice boardwalk and bridge over the stream.
2011 05 20 We were here for our grandson's baseball practice and we "strollered" through East Grand River Park with our granddaughter. Betsy and I were here two weeks ago, they have finished the new walkway along the Grand River. This is a nice quiet city park.
Along the marshy area I found Cursed Crowfoot (Ranunculus sceleratus), it is in the Buttercup family.
Along walkway at East Grand River Park Grand Haven.
New fishing dock at East Grand River Park
2011 05 19 Betsy, Tilly, and I took a trip to Aman Park, as we drove the 23 miles to the park it started to rain then rained harder. But Betsy said she didn't mind walking in the rain and I knew Tilly didn't mind so we continued on. We did get wet and the mosquitoes were hungry.
We quickly walked the north loop. We saw the hundreds of Virginia Bluebells I had wanted to see.
Patch of Virginia Bluebells
Virginia Bluebells
Sand Creek at Aman Park in Ottawa County
With the rain coming down the leaves were spring green. I did find Green Dragon but it wasn't quite blooming. Thanks Betsy and Tilly for going with me. :)
