A Walk in the Park is an ongoing series from State Journal photographer Nick King, who intends to explore Lansing area parks one hour at a time. If you have a suggestion of a park he should visit, email him at nking@lsj.com.
Clinton County recently celebrated the opening of Kindel Natural Area, 98.5 acres of untouched wilderness donated to the Mid-Michigan Land Conservancy by Paul and Judy Kindel, of Meridian Township.
Located on the 7500 block of Taft Road in Ovid Township, just north of Sleepy Hollow State Park, this sanctuary invites visitors for hiking, nature observation, birdwatching, wildlife spotting and cross-country skiing in the winter months.
The park features a mowed, natural trail that is about 1 1/2 miles long. It winds through wooded areas and follows along wide open spaces where visitors can overlook the large territory. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes because the trail can be uneven and rugged at times.
Kindel Natural Area has a unique woodland-grassland mix with an open tree canopy, dense forests and pockets of wetlands. The park is a haven for diverse wildlife, from various birds to mammals like deer, rabbits and squrriels. Guests are asked to stay on the trails to protect fragile plants and prevent soil erosion.
Paul, a co-founder of the Conservancy and former Michigan State University biochemistry professor, together with Judy, a retired East Lansing Public Schools librarian, gifted this land to safeguard it from development.
“This donation is the capstone of the more than two decades that Paul has worked tirelessly to help amass the more than 3,000 acres of land the Conservancy now protects from development in perpetuity,” said Jared Harmon, the Conservancy’s executive director.
The Kindel Natural Area was celebrated in August during a dedication ceremony in which the Kindel familiy cut a ribbon marking the offical opening of the space.
The gift from the Kindels offers a serene escape for nature lovers to explore Clinton County’s wild beauty. Leashed dogs are welcome, but bicycles, motorized vehicles, horses and camping are prohibited. There’s a small parking area at the park’s entrace and there are no bathrooms on site.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: A Walk in the Park: Kindel Natural Area is Clinton County’s newest wilderness retreat
Reporting by Nick King, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
