Upcoming Events/Programs |
Program Registration Form
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 FALL COLOR GOLF CART TOURS
Senior citizens are invited to a member of the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo for a golf cart tour of the fall colors along the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. The section of the KRV Trail that we will be traversing is bordered by deciduous trees whose green leaves turn many colors in the fall, ranging from yellow, orange, red and maroon. While admiring this beautiful spectacle of nature, this leisurely journey will allow you to learn why these color changes occur. No prior knowledge is required - only an interest in the natural world and the environment.
When: Monday, October 11 at 10 a.m.; Wednesday, October 13 at 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).
Sign-Up: Golf cart space is limited to 10 participants and pre-registration is required (walkers are welcome as well). For registration or questions, please call 269-373-5073
Fee: Free
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KRV TRAIL FALL NATURE WALKS
Join us for three fall walks on the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, each with a different emphasis. Led by a member of the Audubon Society of Kalamazoo, you will have the opportunity to walk along the trail and learn about: Seeds, Nuts and Berries (9/12), Mushrooms (9/26) and the Fall Colors (10/17). Each walk will last approximately 1.5-2 hours, and will be a maximum of two miles. No prior knowledge is required - only an interest in the natural world and the environment.
When: Sunday, September 12 at 2 p.m. - Seeds, Nuts and Berries; Sunday, September 26 at 2 p.m. - Mushrooms; Sunday October 17, at 2 p.m. - Fall Colors
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).
Sign-Up: For registration or questions, please call 269-373-5073.
Fee: Free
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KRV TRAIL WALKING CLUBS - NORTHSIDE WALKERS AND CABOOSE CREW
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(s) 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! You'll also have the opportunity to hear monthly speakers on health-related topics, and receive a free T-shirt for attending four times.
When: The Caboose Crew meets Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m. beginning September 7; The Northside Walkers meet on Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m., beginning September 8.
Who: All ages, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult
Where: Caboose Crew: On the KRV Trail, beginning at the 10th Street parking lot near the Caboose (2 miles north of W. Main). Northside Walkers: Meet at the Douglass Community Center, 1000 W. Paterson St.
Sign-Up: For registration or questions, please call 373-5073.
Fee: Free
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FALL COLOR WALK WITH THE KALAMAZOO NATURE CENTER
Why do leaves change color in the fall? To find out, join us for a comfortable stroll through the fall colors along the newest section of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. Led by Dan Keto, a naturalist from the Kalamazoo Nature Center, you will learn about the special features of the fall season.
When: Saturday, October 16 at 2 p.m.
Who: All ages, children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Where: This walk will begin along the newest section of KRV Trail, starting from the Kalamazoo Nature Center - 7000 N. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo. Parking for this walk is available at the Adventure House parking lot, which is the first immediate right turn after entering KNC from Westnedge.
Sign-Up: For registration or questions,please call 373-5073.
Fee: Free
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RIVER VALLEY CRUISERS - KRV TRAIL BICYCLE CLUB
If you're looking for a group to bike with at a casual pace, we have the solution. Join us Monday mornings for an easy ride along the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail. Routes will vary and will average 4-6 miles. We'll start at different locations each week allowing you to experience all of the beauty of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail.
When: Mondays at 9 a.m. beginning September 13.
Who: All ages, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Where: The first ride will take place on September 13 beginning at the 10th Street parking lot near the Caboose (2 miles north of W. Main) and a schedule of future ride locations will be available.
Sign-Up: For registration, questions and a schedule of ride location, please call 373-5073.
Fee: Free
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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.
