Second season of Laketown parks programs underway

Invasives treatments, herb gardens included in community events.

Scott and Sara Ruiter of Douglas work on their projects while other participants get supplies at the “Talking Stick” workshop on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, at the Carriage House at the Felt Estate, 6597 138th Ave.

The Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission approved its winter indoor programs on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, featuring holiday fun, how to treat invasive plants, and herbs to use in the kitchen.

“The parks commission is pleased to offer for the second year, the indoor winter program,” said Parks Commissioner Mary Jo Bertolino, organizer of the events. “A much enjoyed ‘Talking Sticks’ workshop kicked off the season on Nov. 9.  We hope you will enjoy this season’s indoor programs.”

The programs started in November with for Native American Heritage Month with a workshop on “Talking Sticks,” an object traditionally used in council circles to designate who had the right to speak.

For more information, email Bertolino at parks@laketowntwp.org.

Chris Swinson of Mycophile’s Garden explains information about mushrooms at the Carriage House at the Felt Estate, 6597 138th Ave., on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025.

Upcoming events are:

December: Winterfest from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Felt Estate, 6597 138th Ave. Free event with Santa and Mrs. Claus, reindeer, wagon rides and carolers. For more on Winterfest, visit laketowntwp.org.

January: Ari Henson, the restoration coordinator for Allegan Conservation District, will lead a free presentation on the cut stump method of treating woody invasives on Saturday Jan. 10, at 11 a.m. at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road.

February: Ben Savoie will lead a free presentation of oak wilt including the cause, prevention and how to prevent spread of this disease, at 1 p.m. Feb. 10. The location is to be announced.

March: Andy Rozendaal, farm director of Eighth Day Farm in Holland, will lead a Kitchen Herb Garden presentation with suggestions for using the herbs in your cooking by Corey Mitchell from The Beard and The Gal. The date has not yet been set but it will be at the Carriage House at The Felt Estate, 6579 138th Ave.  Rozendaal will be bringing herbs to demonstrate a small kitchen garden planter and gardening information for those who have more garden space.

The parks commission started its first winter programs in the first half of 2025 with presentations including hands-only CPR, mushroom identification and butterfly gardens.