Huyser Farm welcomes free blueberry pickers

Sarah Gaffney and her daughter, Eleanor, 6, pick blueberries at Huyser Farm Park, 4188 64th St., in Laketown Township, on Monday, July 13, 2026, as part of the free “Blueberry Fields Forever” event led by the Outdoor Discovery Center and sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.

About 40 people, some in wide-brimmed hats, bathed in sunscreen and bug spray, holding buckets, gathered around the gazebo at Huyser Farm Park on Monday, July 13, 2026.

“Why are we all here today? What do we want?” called out Outdoor Discovery Center Naturalist Jennifer LaForest.

“Blueberries!” children and adults answered in unison at the Laketown Township Park, 4188 64^th St.

The blueberry fields at Huyser Farm Park, 4188 64th St., in Laketown Township, were popular on Monday, July 13, 2026, during the free “Blueberry Fields Forever” event led by the Outdoor Discovery Center and sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.

After a brief history of blueberries in West Michigan and Huyser Farm Park, the pickers headed into the 6.5 acres of organic berries to fill their buckets, bags and cups.

The free “Blueberry Fields Forever” event was led by the Outdoor Discovery Center and sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.

Adrienne Geibel picks berries at Huyser Farm Park, 4188 64th St., in Laketown Township, on Monday, July 13, 2026, as part of the free “Blueberry Fields Forever” event led by the Outdoor Discovery Center and sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.

Adrienne Geidel from Nebraska was visiting family and heard about the event and wanted to be part of the fun.

Sarah Gaffney and her daughter Eleanor, 6, picked berries high and low on the bushes.

Though there were ripe berries throughout the park, many of the berries were still green or just turning, meaning picking will continue for the next several weeks. Blackberries and raspberries are also sprinkled throughout the fields.

Picking is free. The park is open from dawn to dusk. Insect spray is recommended. Dogs are allowed on a leash not longer than 6 feet.

Laforest noted the berries are not sprayed or treated, but they need to be thoroughly washed before consuming due to the abundant wildlife in the park.

The 102-acre park is home to diverse plant and animal life with almost 3 miles of marked trails.

The blueberry event was part of free summer programming in the township.

A participant in the free “Blueberry Fields Forever” event on Monday, July 13, 2026, picks ripe berries as part of the Outdoor Discovery Center sponsored by the Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission.

Other programs

Other free upcoming programs:

Aug. 20, 10-11 a.m.: Incredible Insects, Shore Acres Park, 6602 138^th Ave. Hike the dune trails of Shore Acres Township Park and search for insects. Join a naturalist and walk through the park with sweep nets, uncovering the hidden lives of these small animals. Get a closer look at their life cycles, habitats, and unique traits that make them extraordinary. All the materials provided. For ages 5 to 14. Guardians stay with the class.

Sept. 15, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: Birds of Prey, Felt Mansion Garage. Get to know the Outdoor Discovery Center resident raptors – including hawks, owls, and falcons. See these magnificent birds up close, and explore their amazing features, from skulls and wings to talons and feathers. All ages welcome. Guardians stay with the class.

Oct. 2, 7:30-8:30 p.m. Night Hike, Huyser Farm Park, 4188 64^th St., 6597 138^th Ave. Registration required. Step into the woods after dark for a night-time adventure. Use your senses to discover how much you can feel, hear, touch, and even see in the dark. For ages 6 and up. Guardians stay with the class.