Plants and Ecology of Aman Park: A Tour Led by Botanists With Over 50 Years of Experience
Online/Virtual
Note from the Program Committee:
Since this spring is different for us, we wanted to find a new (and safe) way to learn about the unique ecosystems that are found at Aman Park. Members of the Program Committee and botanist Bill Martinus did a walking tour of a portion of Aman Park and here are their notes on the Ecology and Spring Wildflowers. Additionally, to supplement the cancelled guided hike and wildflower tour that was scheduled for May 18, 2020, we wanted to add historical context for Aman Park. Many thanks to Kayne Ferrier for doing this research and for writing this piece.
Enjoy learning about Aman Park through reading these notes and accompanying photos. We are hopeful that some of our members will be encouraged to head to the park on their own, using the information found in these pages to go on a self-guided tour. As all parks are experiencing an increase in visitation, Aman Park has traditionally been busy when the Trillium and Virginia Bluebells are in bloom. You may want to consider going in the morning or when it is raining, when fewer people will be there.
Aman Park's address is 0-1859 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids 49534
If a visit to Aman Park is not possible, we are delighted to direct you to a video series, created by Craig Elston, of CDE Nature and the Hudsonville Nature Center. Craig also furnished the photographs of some of the plants that can be found in Aman Park. Craig Elston's Video Series on Spring Wildflowers
May the sharing and/or finding of these different Spring wildflowers, bring you inspiration, encouragement, and joy during these uncertain times.
Click here to see our virtual May program. We hope you enjoy it!
Group Hike CANCELED*
due to social distancing guidelines
Plants and Ecology of Aman Park: A Tour Led by Botanists With Over 50 Years of Experience*
Presented by William (Bill) Martinus and Leon (Chip) Schaddelee, Botanists
Program Description
The program will include a one-mile hike through the floristically rich Sand Creek floodplain forest and oak-forest upland. The talk will focus on descriptions of the different plant communities of Aman Park, how the landscape was shaped by geology and history. We will see numerous plant species including ferns, grasses, sedges, trees, shrubs, and wildflowers and learn the stories they tell.
Biographies:
William (Bill) Martinus holds a B.A. in Art, Education, Natural Sciences, from Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. He taught in public and private schools for 30 years. Bill formerly served on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Botanical Society. He conducts Natural Features Inventories of National Parks and numerous local parks and preserves.
Leon (Chip) Schaddelee holds a B.A. in English from Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI. He taught in public and private schools for 30 years. In the 1980-90s he was a field worker for Michigan Natural Features Inventory—traveling around the state of Michigan, tracking down historical records for rare plant species and inventorying. He also was a field worker for The Nature Conservancy—inventorying preserves and potential preserves. In 1989 he was a field worker for Michigan Natural Features Inventory conducting plant inventories for Allegan State Game Area.
William Martinus botanizing in the new Ottawa Sands property, Ottawa County Parks
Shirley Martinus, wife of William, finding a curious tree in Van Buren Street Dunes, Ottawa County Parks
