In the late 1930s, Manuel and Lilah Huyser
purchased a 102-acre parcel at the corner of 142nd Avenue and 64th
Street in Laketown Township. They drained the swamps, cleared the
brush, straightened the creeks, and created an extensive irrigation
system. Many buildings still exist on the farm, largely constructed
with wood harvested from trees on the property. The Huyser home was
built in 1939. Although the home needs maintenance, it is still
structurally sound.
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Huyser Farm is now one of Laketown
Township's parks. It contains nine vegetative communities with
diverse flora representing 62 families and 295 species of vascular
plants. These distinct communities attract an active bird
population most of which are summer residents.
There are several well-defined nature trails, and it is a great
place for hiking, bird-watching, wildlife viewing, X-C skiing,
snowshoeing, and geocaching. Those rows of shrubs just west of the
parking lot are blueberrys, so bring a bucket and load
up!
The Parks Commission has developed a strategic plan for the
farm's preservation, development, and maintenance. The goal is to
create an educational and ecological center that will draw the
interest of Laketown residents, schools, the general public, and
visitors to the area. Click [here] for a peak at the
concept.
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The entrance to the park is located off 64th ST,
just south of 142nd, on the right as yer heading south. Park in the
lot, follow the southern tree line west, and take the trail into
the woods starting in the SW corner of the grassy field. Dogs on
leads are allowed in this park. I'd recommend being liberal with
the insect repellent during the summer, especially if you wander
around in the tall grass!;
Click for more info |
Placed & maintained by a member of
Michigan Geocaching Organization!
Congrats to Tom_Kat for being First to
Find!
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