Family hiking program begins

Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy has announced the fifth year of its “Hike Our Preserves” program.

The agency is once again partnering with many local libraries to distribute free hiking sticks that come with participation in the program.

HOP! is Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy’s hiking program that encourages kids to get fit while having fun outdoors. The new season of HOP! includes eleven preserves for kids and families to explore. Registration costs $7 per participant, and includes a hiking stick, as well as a medallion for each of the HOP preserves hiked.

Prospective participants can register and find more information about the program on the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy website: swmlc.org/hop.

Free hiking sticks can be picked up at one of the participating libraries, including Nottawa Township, Marcellus and Schoolcraft.