Subscribe By Email
Enter your email address:











Park Director's Blog

29

Like Scouts -We Are Prepared
By Amy McMillan

Guest Writer - Deb Wilkes

I signed up for the Warrior Dash with a little (ok, a lot) of encouragement from a co-worker.  Nancy, our Recreation Program Specialist, is the Queen of Quirkiness around the office.  Her imagination and enthusiasm only works on one speed - overdrive.  A little of that enthusiasm rubbed off on another gal in the office who surprisingly jumped (so-to-speak) into the mud with us.  Teneisha, quiet, unassuming Marketing Assistant, signed up to run with us.  Apparently there is a warrior in the co-worker you least expect.

So our team consists of two middle-aged women, one a grandma, and the mother of two little boys (10 and 1 yr old).  Like germs in a petri dish, we've multiplied in numbers to include husbands, friends, kids, nieces and sister-in-laws, nearly 20 of us all running on Saturday morning.  Needless to say, we've been strategizing about it for months now, what to wear and how to prepare; and here we are - one day from the event.  WE ARE WARRIOR READY!

With that said, we read an article on IRunFlint.com that offers some practical, albeit tongue-in-cheek advice from a race veteran. Whether you are running, watching, or contemplating participation next year, you'll enjoy reading these tips. 

We hope to see you there cheering us on; and maybe next year some of the enthusiasm (or mud) will rub off on you too.

Share |
26

Crazy? You be the Judge.
By Amy McMillan

 
The most popular question about the Warrior Dash:  “Are those people (who are racing) out of their minds?  “
 
I’ll leave the answer to that question up to you, but, in the interest of full disclosure, I should point out that I have a sign on my desk from Red Frog Events that describes the Warrior Dash as, and I do quote, “The Craziest Frickin’ Day of Your Life.” 
 
The second most popular question about this weekend’s Warrior Dash:  “What about parking?” is much easier to answer as it does not require an advanced degree in psychology.
 
Parking for the Warrior Dash is at the E.A. Cummings Center, on Mt Morris Road, between Genesee and Irish Roads.  Just follow the signs when you turn on Mt Morris Road.  Parking is $10 per car.
 
The Warrior Dash is the place to be in Michigan this weekend, so be sure to figure a little extra time in your schedule for traffic and parking.  You won’t want to miss one mud-covered minute!
Share |
24

Warrior Roast, Muddy Mayhem, and Cargo Climb oh my!
By Amy McMillan

 

It’s official - Red Frog Events’ Michigan Warrior Dash at the Genesee County Parks’ E.A. Cummings Center, is sold out!
With registration that skyrocketed to 25,823 people, Red Frog Events Communication Director Lauren Shield declared, “The Michigan Warrior Dash is on pace to be one of the top three largest Warrior Dash races yet!” 
 
Warrior Dash racers are coming to Genesee County Parks from 44 different states, including Alaska and Hawaii.  That’s right, from Alaska and Hawaii.
 
The Warrior Dash is all about offering racers and spectators with a day of entertainment that they will never forget.  And it definitely delivers.
 
Its festival atmosphere centers on a large stage with live music filling the air all day long. Wicked race course challenges include the Warrior Roast, Muddy Mayhem, and Cargo Climb (just to name a few).  Want a sneak peek of the Michigan Warrior Dash race course? Go to the Warrior Dash website for a bird’s eye view.
 
Red Frog Events’ Michigan Warrior Dash.  Saturday, July 30.  Sunday, July 31.  Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission’s E.A. Cummings Center.  Be there.
 
Share |
21

Take Me Home 3
By Amy McMillan

I am happy to report that staff at Genesee County Animal Control found temporary homes for both Elmo, the absolutely adorable Bassett-beagle mix feature, and the sweet, loveable Boxer who were recently featured in this blog.  Both pets are in temporary homes through two local rescue organizations that focus their efforts and their expertise on finding forever homes for these breeds. 

Animal rescue organizations, including the two that saved the day for both of these dogs, are always in need of volunteers, donations, and, most of all, good, loving homes for the animals they save.  If you’d like to help, but don’t know where to go, type in “Animal Rescue Organizations in Genesee County, Michigan” into the internet search engine of your choice.  You’ll be amazed by the number of groups doing this great work.
 
One of the biggest challenges for Genesee County Animal Control and virtually every dog rescue organization everywhere throughout the United States is finding homes for dogs who are black.  Especially big black dogs.  These great guys, Click here for details about this great dog!are just two of literally dozens of black dogs and puppies in desperate need of loving homes.  You can help by sharing their stories with the dog lovers in your network and encouraging them to do the same. 
 Click here for details about this pup!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thinking about adding four furry legs to your own family?  Here are just a few great reasons to consider a big black dog for your new best friend. 
Share |
21

100 Degrees With A Breeze
By Amy McMillan

 
If you’re feeling more than a little claustrophobic from being indoors in any air-conditioned space you can find, but find it all but impossible to be outdoors the current heat wave, consider this: an entirely unscientific, absolutely informal “study” has found that the temperature of the shaded shorelines of Genesee County Parks on Mott Lake, Byram Lake, Buell Lake, and the Holloway Reservoir is about 5 degrees lower in many cities and neighborhoods throughout the County where the concrete and asphalt from sidewalks and streets soaks up and holds onto the near-record-breaking heat. 
 
Driving to and from work, from park to park down highways, city streets, and primary roads, I notice that the gauge on my car that keeps track of the temperature outside drops conspicuously the closer I get to one of these refreshing waterways.   While I definitely don’t enjoy this downward trend in temperatures during the winter, I appreciate it beyond measure any time the mercury rises above 85 degrees.  When the temperature hits 90 and the heat index rockets toward 100 degrees, that 5 degree drop, combined with any breeze blowing off the water makes me want to break into song.
 
Even in the relative “cool” of the Genesee County Parks, it’s still incredibly important to follow some important guidelines to staying healthy in the heat: drink lots of water, stay in the shade whenever possible, and know your limits when it comes to physical activity. 
Share |
19

Every Train Has a Story
By Amy McMillan

If every picture is worth a 1,000 words; then it can be said that every train has a story. And our beloved steam locomotive has a fascinating story behind her. Here is the story behind our Huckleberry Railroad Engine 464.
 
Engine 464 was built in 1903 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad.  She was the final "mudhen" in an order of 15 locomotives and is a narrow gauge class locomotive.  Narrow gauge uses a small track gauge rather than the standard gauge: 3 feet as opposed to 4 feet 8 1/2 inches. 
 
For most of her life she hauled freight and may also have performed helper duties and traversed some of the best railroad scenery in the world.  She also served the Rio Grande Southern in the 1940s, and was used on the Silverton train, out of Durango, in the 1950s.  Following this, she performed switcher duties in Durango until its retirement in the late 1950s. 
 
In 1973, Knotts Berry Farm, of Placentia, CA, acquired #464, and it entered service there.  It was used for several years, but was sidelined due to the low clearance of the counterweights (hence the name "mudhen") and a declining mechanical state.

Meanwhile back in Michigan: 
  
In 1871 the Flint River Railroad began construction of a line that went from Flint to Otter Lake.  In 1872 the Pere Marquette purchased the line and extended it to Fostoria.  This line gave access to this vast lumbering and farming area.
 
The train moved so slow that it took approximately four hours to travel the 25 miles.  It was said passengers could get off the moving train and pick the huckleberrys that grew along the track and reboard the train without it even slowing down. In 1925 the train discontinued passenger service, and in 1971 it was shut down completely.

In 1981, Genesee County Parks & Recreation Commission acquired #464 from Knotts Berry Farm and began immediate restoration of this beautiful steam locomotive. She entered service in 1989 and was named the Huckleberry Railroad. The rest, as they say is history as she still picks up passengers inside historical Crossroads Village and delights adults and children of all ages as she rolls through scenic Genesee County Park property.
 
 
 

 

Share |
17

Enjoy a summer evening on the Genesee Belle
By Amy McMillan

 Join us on the Belle for a beautiful evening cruise.
Do you dream of cruising on Mott Lake, feeling the gentle wind blow through your hair, and hearing the splash of fish as they jump out of the water, flashing their silvery scales in the evening light?

Don’t let a little detail like not having a boat of your own get in the way of making your dream come true.  Board the Genesee Belle, our very own paddlewheel riverboat that docks at Stepping Stone Falls on Friday and Sunday evenings and departs for a cruise around Mott Lake at 7 p.m. 
 
From the open-air upper deck of the Genesee Belle, you can catch soothing lake breezes and take in sweeping views of the shoreline. It’s a popular place to be on a hot summer evening!  Tickets for a 
45-minute cruise on Mott Lake are just $2.50 for adults and $1.50 for children 12 and under.

Seating is limited.

Tickets are available on a first-come basis and they sell quickly, so plan to arrive early.
Share |
14

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? Part I and Part II
By Amy McMillan

PART I 
Instead of the usual DVD on family movie night, make the popcorn “to go.” Then head out to the Genesee County Parks and enjoy decidedly G-rated (for great!) live theatre that will delight your entire family.
 
Fairy Tale Theater will present “Little Red Riding Hood” at the Clover Beach pavilion in Linden County Park on Friday, July 15. On Saturday, July 16, you can see it at Pavilion 1 in Flushing County Park.
 
The play features talented performers from all over Genesee County and is short enough in length so even the youngest audience members to enjoy. 
 
Oh, and did I mention that it’s free?!
 
PART II

Who’s afraid of the Animal Shelter?

When I talk with animal lovers about visiting Animal Control to find a new four-legged friend, they often say, “I can’t go to Animal Control to look at the cats, kittens, puppies and dogs available for adoption because I’ll want to take them all home with me.”
 
It’s true - the dozens of sweet creatures there all hoping for a happy new life can break your heart. But don’t let that stop you from going, because while you can’t adopt all of them, you can become a forever home for one. It may be hard to choose from all of those furry faces and wagging tails, but I think you’ll know your new best friend when your eyes meet. (Check out Take Me Home 2 blog)
 
You can also help find forever homes for these gorgeous guys and girls and this beauty by sharing this blog with your animal-loving friends, family members and co-workers. And please, encourage them to share this information with their contacts, too. The more people learn about the availability of these loyal and loving animals, the sooner we will get them out of the shelter and into permanent pet-loving homes.
 
 
 
 
 
 
And with the touch of a few computer keys, you will have helped save the lives of animals in need … and have infinitely improved the life of their adopters!
 
By the way, the Huffington Post just ran a great article about the psychological benefits of owning pets.
 
Share |
14

Take Me Home 2
By Amy McMillan

Oh yeah, scratch right there to make me smile!

I'm a 6-7 year old female (females never tell their real age!) boxer breed and I'm in absolute dog heaven when my tummy is scratched! That big grin on my face says it all. I'm very calm and friendly and ready for a family to adopt me any day. 
 
Bright eyed and ready to play with a family
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I'm a young (and very attractive, if I do say so myself) adult female cat who is already spayed and ready for a home too. I'm spunky aLooks like a bird, doesn't fly like a bird...where's the challenge? This playful, spayed female cat is ready for a home.nd playful and enjoy the toys in my temporary home at the Animal Shelter. I'm sure to catch your eye when you visit me at the Shelter.  I'm waiting for you!
 
Here’s an update on Elmo: I know how to play fetch! Even though I've been tagged as Elmo, I really should be named “Buddy” because I'm the type of loyal companion who’d be right by your side for companionship and unconditional love. I want to be curled up right at your feet and I'm still waiting for a home. 
Elmo, the gentle, loving beagle bassett mix is still waiting for adoption. 
 

 

We're all available, right now,  by visiting Genese County Animal Control at G-4351 W. Pasadena Ave, Flint.  810-732-1660.  Pick me up and take me home!

Share |
8

If It Is Bloomin' Nestin' Hatchin' or Flyin' or Grazin'
By Amy McMillan

You must be at For-Mar Nature Preserver and Arboretum.  See what I mean...
 

Swamp Milkweed: One of the best milkweeds to draw Monarch butterflies.  Adults feed on the flowers, larvae on the leaves.

 

 .
 

 Littleleaf Linden: Non-native tree with clusters of small yellow flowers that are fragrant and attract loads of bees.

 

 

 Snapper turtle laying eggs 

Native Bee Balm:   One of several native bee balms, this one displays a wonderful lavender color.  Also known as Monarda or Bergamot (Not the bergamot found int he Earl Gray tea.

 

 

                                              

 Bluebird nest with eggs 

  

 

 

                                                            

 

 

Look carefully to find the bluet damselfly.  The eggs will hatch and the larvae, called nymphs, live in the water and feed on small aquatic animals.  Nymphs climb out of the water up to a suitable stem to moult into damseflies.

 

A fawn wobbles into the meadow.

Share |