Families get a taste of blueberries at Huyser Farm

A family picks blueberries at Huyser Farm Park, 4188 142nd Ave., on Monday, July 21, 2025, as part of a program sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission led by the Outdoor Discovery Center.

The young girl looked over the acres of blueberries at Huyser Farm Park on Monday, July 21, 2025.

“Mommy, I want to pick the best blueberries,” she said before heading out as part of the “Blueberry Fields Forever” program led by the Outdoor Discovery Center sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.

“How do you know which are the best blueberries?” she turned and asked Joy Funk, vice present of programming at the Outdoor Discovery Center.

Funk paused before sharing the secret of finding the sweetest berries.

“You have to eat them to find out,” Funk said.

About 20 people signed up for the free event at the park, 4188 64^th St. Another 20 joined in from a local social service agency while dozens of residents fanned out over the fields.

Funk shared the history of blueberries in West Michigan and a few tips on finding the best berries in the park.

The park is open from dawn until dusk. The organic blueberries are free to pick.

Isabelle Holmes picks blueberries at Huyser Farm Park, 4188 142nd Ave., on Monday, July 21, 2025.

Upcoming programs

The next program is “Incredible Insects” Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. at Shore Acres Park, 6602 138^th Ave.

Participants hunt for incredible insects hiding in the wild with nets and bug boxes to explore these amazing creatures.

Suggested age range: 5 to 13 years old. Guardians stay with the class.

Registration is not required but appreciated.

Other free upcoming programs:

Sept. 16 at 2 p.m.: Hawk Watch at Laketown Township Beach, 6710 142^nd Ave.

Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m.: Night Hike at Huyser Farm Park, 4188 64^th St.

For more information, visit OutdoorDiscovery.org.