Trail Programming
Although Michigan is ranked near the top nationally for its amount of trails, it is also ranked high in obesity, coronary heart disease and diabetes. The existence of trails alone does not lead to improved health if they are not used. Programs and events on trails encourage usage, improving your health and well-being. They also provide enjoyable outdoor opportunities for you and your family - and the health, recreational and educational benefits of participating in programs are endless.
In partnership with the Parks Foundation of Kalamazoo County, the Kalamazoo County Parks Department received a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to plan and implement programs/special events that encourage trail usage. The Parks Foundation of Kalamazoo County, the Kalamazoo County Parks Department and the Friends of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trailway are committed to providing programs and special events to help maximize the benefits of the trail!
If you would like to support trail programs beyond the initial grant funding, all contributions are welcome and appreciated. 100% of donations to the KRV Trail Program will be dedicated to the support of community programs such as the popular "Learning Cycles," a bike donation program to local elementary schools, interpretive nature walks along the trail, and our dog walking group, "Mutt Strutters," just to name a few. So join us on the trail and please consider supporting future programming!
Please make checks payable to Kalamazoo County Treasurer (include "Trail Programs" in the memo line).
Send to:
KRV Trail Programming
3299 Gull Road
Wing 2, Room 201
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
Mission Statement: The mission of Kalamazoo River Valley Trail Programming is to encourage and increase trail usage by planning and implementing programs and events that coincide with eight benefit areas including: health and fitness, tourism, economic development, recreation, transportation, education, quality of life and environmental/land preservation.
To fulfill this mission, Kalamazoo River Valley Trail Programming has established the following goals:
- Offer a wide range of opportunities for people of all ages, and all abilities.
- Involve volunteers to assist with providing a safe, well-maintained trail; as well as various other activities - making civic engagement the cornerstone of our efforts.
- Specifically target non-users.
- Build and maintain partnerships with groups that have similar interests.
Vision: Our vision is to improve the health and well-being of all citizens in Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties by maximizing the benefits of the trail.
KRVT Programming: 3299 Gull Road, Wing 2 Rooms 201 and 204. Phone: 373-5073
KRV Trail Spring Wildflower Walks
Join the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo for a chance to see and learn about our native spring wildflowers that grow along this section of the trail. You will also learn about the threats to the survival of this wonderful spring flora. No prior knowledge is required, only an interest in the natural world and the environment. If you do have a wildflower field guide, bring it! Round trip is maximum two miles and the walking is easy as the trail is paved and flat. Each walk will be held rain or shine, and should last 1.5-2 hours.
When: Sunday, April 25 at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 2 at 2 p.m.
Who: All ages, children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Where: On the KRV Trail, beginning at the 10th Street parking lot near the Caboose (2 miles north of W. Main Street).
Sign-Up: For registration or questions, please call 373-5073.
Fee: Free
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KRV Trail Spring Wildflower Golf Cart Tours
Senior citizens are invited to join the Audubon Society as they lead you on a golf cart tour of the spring wildflowers along the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. This leisurely journey will allow you the opportunity to see and learn about our native spring wildflowers that grow along this section of the trail. You will also learn about the threats to the survival of this wonderful spring flora. No prior knowledge is required, only an interest in the natural world and the environment.
When: Wednesday May 5 at 10 a.m., Thursday May 6 10 a.m.
Who: Seniors, age 55+
Where: On the KRV Trail, beginning at the 10th Street parking lot near the Caboose (2 miles north of W. Main Street).
Sign-Up: Golf cart space is limited, so pre-registration is required (walkers are welcome as well).
For registration or questions, please call 373-5073.
Fee: Free
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KRV Trail Bird Walks
You are invited to join the Audubon Society for an opportunity to see, hear and learn about the resident as well as migrant birds that are passing through or are returning to our area to breed. We'll discuss habitat for foraging or nesting, and the interconnection of native plant species, insects and birds. Not only is this the peak of spring migration, but the trees are still not quite leafed out, making finding the birds much easier. Bring binoculars and a field guide if you have them, although there will be some available for loan. Beginners are welcome as no prior knowledge is required, only an interest in the natural world and the environment.
Who: All ages, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
When: Thursday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m., Monday, May 3 at 6:30 p.m., Monday May 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: On the KRV Trail, beginning at the 10th Street parking lot near the Caboose (2 miles north of W. Main Street).
Sign-Up: For registration or questions, please call 373-5073.
Fee: Free
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Wildflowers and Spring Features of the KRV Trail
Walk along the KRV Trail East from 10th street and discover some of the signs of spring. We will share stories, natural history and the beauty of our Michigan flora. Join Naturalist Dan Keto from the Kalamazoo Nature Center as we welcome migratory birds and the spring season to the KRV Trail. (Please bring binoculars if you have them.)
When: Saturday, April 24, 2 - 3 p.m.
Who: All ages, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Where: On the KRV Trail, beginning at the 10th Street parking lot near the Caboose (2 miles north of W. Main Street).
Sign-Up: For registration or questions, please call 373-5073.
Fee: Free
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Riverside and the Return of Spring
Please join us as we look for song birds along the KRV Trail, and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of spring! Dan Keto, a naturalist from the Kalamazoo Nature Center, will lead this experience of nature appreciation. See what we find as we explore nature that can be found on the fringe of human development along the Kalamazoo River (Please bring binoculars if you have them).
When: Saturday, May 15, 2 - 3 p.m.
Who: All ages, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Where: Meet at the KRV Trail Paterson Street parking lot (just west of Riverview on Paterson Street).
Sign-Up: For registration or questions, please call 373-5073.
Fee: Free
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KRV Trail Walking Club
Are you tired of walking alone? Walking in a group increases your commitment to sticking to your routine, and it's a great chance to socialize and make new friends! You're invited to join our group and experience the benefits of walking. Did you know that walking can reduce stress, help prevent heart disease, improve sleep and help you maintain or lose weight? Walking is also a very inexpensive form of exercise as all you need is a comfortable pair of shoes! Receive a free pedometer for joining, and have the opportunity to hear monthly speakers on health related topics.
When: Walking Club West meets on Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m. beginning April 13, and Walking Club East meets on Thursday mornings at 9 a.m. beginning April 15.
Who: All ages, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Where: Walking Club West: On the KRV Trail, beginning at the 10th Street parking lot near the Caboose (2 miles north of W. Main). Walking Club East: Meet at the KRV Trail Paterson Street Parking lot, (just west of Riverview Drive on Paterson Street).
Sign-Up: For registration or questions, please call 373-5073.
Fee: Free
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KRV Trail Nordic Walking Clinic
Presented by Lee's Adventure Sports
Have you said to yourself: What's the deal with those Nordic Walking Poles? Well, here's your chance to find out! Join a representative from Lee's Adventure Sports and experience the benefits of using Nordic Walking Poles. Equipment will be provided, as well as general instruction on the poles, including the best ways to use the poles and reduce fatigue. Join us as we enjoy the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail in a whole new way!
Who: All ages; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
When: Monday, May 17 at 6 p.m.
Where: Meet at the KRV Trail Paterson Street Parking lot, (just west of Riverview Drive on Paterson Street).
Sign-Up: Space is limited to 10 participants, so pre-registration is required. For registration and questions, please call 373-5073.
Fee: Free
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KRV Trail Mutt Strutters
This dog walking group will include an informational session presented by certified trainers from PetSmart. Open to dogs of all ages and all sizes - and their owners, of course! An emphasis on leash training and socialization with other dogs outside on the beautiful Kalamazoo River Valley Trail!
Who: All dogs and owners with proof of up-to-date licenses and vaccinations; children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
When: Tuesday evenings - April 13, April 27, May 11 and May 25 from 6 - 7 p.m. Attend as few or as many sessions as you're able to.
Where: APRIL SESSIONS will be at the 10th Street Parking Lot (located north of H Avenue West)
MAY SESSIONS will be held at the Paterson Street Parking Lot (just west of Riverview Drive on Paterson Street).
Sign-Up: For registration and questions, please call 373-5073.
Fee: Free
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2010 Trail Blazer
Support the Friends of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trailway by participating in the 2010 Trail Blazer. As a fundraiser for their organization, the Friends of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trailway are planning this 38-mile bike ride, encompassing both the KRV Trail and Kal-Haven Trail. The ride will lead you from Kalamazoo to South Haven (or vice versa). Road routes are available for those looking to go the extra mile and include distances of 25, 45, 70 and 100 miles.
When: Saturday, May 8; Registration 7 a.m. - Noon
Registration Sites: 1) Corner of Douglas and Paterson, Kalamazoo; 2) Kal-Haven Trail head, South Haven; 3) The Bloomingdale Depot, Bloomingdale.
Sign-Up: Sign Up information coming soon. Please call 373-5071 if you have any questions.
Fee: Individual $15, Family $30. Please add $5 for registrations received after April 30. Shuttle also available for $12, and long sleeve t-shirts will be available for $15. Please make checks payable to the Friends of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trailway.
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Self-Guided Family Scavenger Hunts
Busy schedule? Unable to make it to our programs? Here's the perfect chance to visit the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail when it's most convenient for you, and still experience all of its great features! Visit our website at www.kalcounty.com/parks/krvt for a printable self-guided scavenger hunt, or pick up a copy at the Kalamazoo Public Library. Copies are available at the Central Library, as well as the Alma Powell and Oshtemo Branches.
10th Street Scavenger Hunt Flyer | Paterson St. Scavenger Hunt Flyer
