The Midland Tridge is just one of a handful of special pedestrian bridges in Michigan.
(Ed. Note: This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Visit the newsroom online: bridgemi.com.)
By Laura Herberg
Bridge Michigan
When three bridge spans come together at a central point, they’re sometimes called a “tridge.”
They’re rare, but Michigan has at least three of them: one in Midland, one in Ypsilanti and one in Brighton.
A tridge is just one example of special footbridges that can be found across Michigan. The state offers pedestrian bridges with quirky signs, bridges that allow you to take in views of fall colors and bridges that are part of scenic hikes.
Exploring Michigan on foot is a great way to take in what the state has to offer. But traveling over a pedestrian bridge, well, that takes things up a notch.
Read on for a look at some of the standout pedestrian bridges our state has to offer.
This is by no means a comprehensive list but it represents some of the variety of special pedestrian bridges spread across our state. If one you love is missing, shoot an email to Lherberg@bridgemi.com and we might feature it in a future Outdoors Life newsletter.
—————
Black Harbor Suspension Bridge
The Black Harbor Suspension Bridge runs across the Black River in the Ottawa National Forest. The 210-foot-long Upper Peninsula bridge is part of the North Country Trail, which stretches across eight states. The bridge also connects park-goers at the Black River Harbor Pavilion to a beach on Lake Superior.
The bridge was built in 1939 by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a US work relief program during the Great Depression. It was designed for give and sway to accommodate heavy loads and winds, but its movement can make some bridge crossers apprehensive.
—————
The Blue Bridge
The Blue Bridge crosses the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids. The “rail-to-trail” bridge was once known as the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad bridge. It was first built in 1868, then rebuilt in 1874 and finally built again in 1892. After trains stopped running over it in the 1980s, the bridge was converted into a pedestrian bridge, painted its distinctive color and christened the Blue Bridge.
That style of bridge, with its triangular framework, is known as a truss bridge. With a span of more than 100 feet and a structure length of more than 500 feet, the Blue Bridge is one of the longest truss bridges in the state.
—————
Croswell’s Swinging Bridge
In Croswell, on the southern portion of the Thumb, a pedestrian suspension bridge crosses the Black River, connecting a business district to Riverbend Park. Built in 1905, the distance between its towers spans 139 feet.
Entering the bridge on one end, pedestrians pass under a sign that says, “Be good to your mother-in-law.” Legend has it the sign was erected in part to be humorous but also as words of wisdom to couples who liked to stroll across the bridge.
“You can feel it move underneath you as you’re walking across it,” Croswell Treasurer Heather Stull told Bridge Michigan.
In 1915, a cable on the bridge broke and three boys went into the icy river, according to an account in the book, “Looking Back on Croswell.” If you’re worried about the bridge’s stability, know that the boards and fencing were just replaced this month.
A festival to celebrate the Swinging Bridge is held each year on the second weekend in August.
—————
‘Little Mac’ Footbridge
The Manistee River Suspension Bridge is also known as the “Little Mac” Footbridge. The pedestrian bridge — located in Mesick, about an hour south of Traverse City — is part of the Manistee River Trail and crosses the Big Manistee River. The whole bridge, built in 1996, is about 245 feet long, with the part that spans the river about 170 feet long.
The bridge is located between Hodenpyl Dam and a small waterfall denoted as “Sara’s Falls” on Google Maps. If you’re looking for a hiking adventure, the Manistee River Trail can be combined with the North Country Trail to create a hiking loop of about 20 miles.
The bridge recently received several safety upgrades completed in April.
—————
Mouth of the Two Hearted River Bridge
On the North Country Trail, about an hour north of Newberry in the Upper Peninsula, there’s a narrow, squeaky wooden suspension bridge that crosses the Two Hearted River to a sandy beach on Lake Superior.
If you’d like, you can camp in the area, as it’s a part of the Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground, a first-come, first-served rustic campground for tents and small trailers. There are also picnic tables and a charcoal grill available for day use.
Ernest Hemingway spent time in the area and wrote the short story “The Big Two Hearted River” about it.
—————
Presque Isle Suspension Bridge
The Presque Isle Suspension Bridge is a wooden footbridge located in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the Upper Peninsula. The bridge takes visitors wandering from waterfall to waterfall along a short, scenic loop trail across the Presque Isle River to an “almost island” (literally what the French phrase “presque isle” translates to in English). In that case, it’s a peninsula that’s almost entirely surrounded by water — but not quite.
—————
Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk
If you’re looking for a footbridge that doesn’t tower above or below the trees but right there with them, the Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk is for you.
Located about an hour southwest of Ann Arbor in what’s considered the Irish Hills of Michigan, the canopy walk winds 374 feet, at 65 feet up, through tree branches and over an indent in the ground formed by a glacier. The accessible bridge, completed in 2023, is similar to a canopy walk at Dow Gardens in Midland.
The Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk is located on the grounds of Hidden Lake Gardens, a 755-acre botanical garden run by Michigan State University. The Canopy Walk is open year-round Tuesdays through Sundays, weather permitting, but you need to pay admission to the gardens to access it.
—————
The SkyBridge at Boyne Mountain
At Boyne Mountain Resort about a half-hour south of Petoskey, you can pay to cross the SkyBridge.
The towers on either end are made of wood and the resort likes to brag that it’s the “world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge.” At 118 feet above ground and overlooking a small valley, walking across the narrow pedestrian suspension bridge is also billed as a great way to take in some fall colors.
To get to the bridge, you can walk or take a chairlift. If you go during fall colors, you’ll find a cute little area across the bridge with things like a fire pit, a giant chess board, cornhole and a food truck that serves booze, plus live music on the weekends. A little restaurant called The Eagle’s Nest is nearby, just around the bend.? The bridge is open year-round, weather permitting.
—————
The Tridge in Midland
Officially known as The Tridge, the three-legged, red, wooden footbridge is a major tourist attraction in Midland. The structure consists of three 180-foot-long spans that come together over the confluence of two rivers, the Tittabawassee and the Chippewa. Construction was completed in 1981 and The Tridge underwent major renovations in 2017.
It’s lit up at night and gets special colored lighting on a dozen holidays, including Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween. Thursday evenings in the summer, the City of Midland hosts a concert series in front of the iconic structure called Tunes by the Tridge.
—————
The Ypsilanti Tridge
Ypsilanti’s Tridge is less famous than its northern cousin, but it has its own charm. This three-span pedestrian bridge in Ypsilanti crosses the Huron River and connects two green spaces, Frog Island and Riverside Park. The tridge is located partially under the Cross Street vehicle bridge.
A faux marker that included information and a drawing about a flying, furry mythical creature called a “smeet frog” that supposedly frequented the area has been posted on or near the Tridge multiple times between 1999 and the present.
By Laura Herberg
Bridge Michigan
When three bridge spans come together at a central point, they’re sometimes called a “tridge.”
They’re rare, but Michigan has at least three of them: one in Midland, one in Ypsilanti and one in Brighton.
A tridge is just one example of special footbridges that can be found across Michigan. The state offers pedestrian bridges with quirky signs, bridges that allow you to take in views of fall colors and bridges that are part of scenic hikes.
Exploring Michigan on foot is a great way to take in what the state has to offer. But traveling over a pedestrian bridge, well, that takes things up a notch.
Read on for a look at some of the standout pedestrian bridges our state has to offer.
This is by no means a comprehensive list but it represents some of the variety of special pedestrian bridges spread across our state. If one you love is missing, shoot an email to Lherberg@bridgemi.com and we might feature it in a future Outdoors Life newsletter.
—————
Black Harbor Suspension Bridge
The Black Harbor Suspension Bridge runs across the Black River in the Ottawa National Forest. The 210-foot-long Upper Peninsula bridge is part of the North Country Trail, which stretches across eight states. The bridge also connects park-goers at the Black River Harbor Pavilion to a beach on Lake Superior.
The bridge was built in 1939 by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps, a US work relief program during the Great Depression. It was designed for give and sway to accommodate heavy loads and winds, but its movement can make some bridge crossers apprehensive.
—————
The Blue Bridge
The Blue Bridge crosses the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids. The “rail-to-trail” bridge was once known as the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad bridge. It was first built in 1868, then rebuilt in 1874 and finally built again in 1892. After trains stopped running over it in the 1980s, the bridge was converted into a pedestrian bridge, painted its distinctive color and christened the Blue Bridge.
That style of bridge, with its triangular framework, is known as a truss bridge. With a span of more than 100 feet and a structure length of more than 500 feet, the Blue Bridge is one of the longest truss bridges in the state.
—————
Croswell’s Swinging Bridge
In Croswell, on the southern portion of the Thumb, a pedestrian suspension bridge crosses the Black River, connecting a business district to Riverbend Park. Built in 1905, the distance between its towers spans 139 feet.
Entering the bridge on one end, pedestrians pass under a sign that says, “Be good to your mother-in-law.” Legend has it the sign was erected in part to be humorous but also as words of wisdom to couples who liked to stroll across the bridge.
“You can feel it move underneath you as you’re walking across it,” Croswell Treasurer Heather Stull told Bridge Michigan.
In 1915, a cable on the bridge broke and three boys went into the icy river, according to an account in the book, “Looking Back on Croswell.” If you’re worried about the bridge’s stability, know that the boards and fencing were just replaced this month.
A festival to celebrate the Swinging Bridge is held each year on the second weekend in August.
—————
‘Little Mac’ Footbridge
The Manistee River Suspension Bridge is also known as the “Little Mac” Footbridge. The pedestrian bridge — located in Mesick, about an hour south of Traverse City — is part of the Manistee River Trail and crosses the Big Manistee River. The whole bridge, built in 1996, is about 245 feet long, with the part that spans the river about 170 feet long.
The bridge is located between Hodenpyl Dam and a small waterfall denoted as “Sara’s Falls” on Google Maps. If you’re looking for a hiking adventure, the Manistee River Trail can be combined with the North Country Trail to create a hiking loop of about 20 miles.
The bridge recently received several safety upgrades completed in April.
—————
Mouth of the Two Hearted River Bridge
On the North Country Trail, about an hour north of Newberry in the Upper Peninsula, there’s a narrow, squeaky wooden suspension bridge that crosses the Two Hearted River to a sandy beach on Lake Superior.
If you’d like, you can camp in the area, as it’s a part of the Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground, a first-come, first-served rustic campground for tents and small trailers. There are also picnic tables and a charcoal grill available for day use.
Ernest Hemingway spent time in the area and wrote the short story “The Big Two Hearted River” about it.
—————
Presque Isle Suspension Bridge
The Presque Isle Suspension Bridge is a wooden footbridge located in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in the Upper Peninsula. The bridge takes visitors wandering from waterfall to waterfall along a short, scenic loop trail across the Presque Isle River to an “almost island” (literally what the French phrase “presque isle” translates to in English). In that case, it’s a peninsula that’s almost entirely surrounded by water — but not quite.
—————
Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk
If you’re looking for a footbridge that doesn’t tower above or below the trees but right there with them, the Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk is for you.
Located about an hour southwest of Ann Arbor in what’s considered the Irish Hills of Michigan, the canopy walk winds 374 feet, at 65 feet up, through tree branches and over an indent in the ground formed by a glacier. The accessible bridge, completed in 2023, is similar to a canopy walk at Dow Gardens in Midland.
The Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk is located on the grounds of Hidden Lake Gardens, a 755-acre botanical garden run by Michigan State University. The Canopy Walk is open year-round Tuesdays through Sundays, weather permitting, but you need to pay admission to the gardens to access it.
—————
The SkyBridge at Boyne Mountain
At Boyne Mountain Resort about a half-hour south of Petoskey, you can pay to cross the SkyBridge.
The towers on either end are made of wood and the resort likes to brag that it’s the “world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge.” At 118 feet above ground and overlooking a small valley, walking across the narrow pedestrian suspension bridge is also billed as a great way to take in some fall colors.
To get to the bridge, you can walk or take a chairlift. If you go during fall colors, you’ll find a cute little area across the bridge with things like a fire pit, a giant chess board, cornhole and a food truck that serves booze, plus live music on the weekends. A little restaurant called The Eagle’s Nest is nearby, just around the bend.? The bridge is open year-round, weather permitting.
—————
The Tridge in Midland
Officially known as The Tridge, the three-legged, red, wooden footbridge is a major tourist attraction in Midland. The structure consists of three 180-foot-long spans that come together over the confluence of two rivers, the Tittabawassee and the Chippewa. Construction was completed in 1981 and The Tridge underwent major renovations in 2017.
It’s lit up at night and gets special colored lighting on a dozen holidays, including Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween. Thursday evenings in the summer, the City of Midland hosts a concert series in front of the iconic structure called Tunes by the Tridge.
—————
The Ypsilanti Tridge
Ypsilanti’s Tridge is less famous than its northern cousin, but it has its own charm. This three-span pedestrian bridge in Ypsilanti crosses the Huron River and connects two green spaces, Frog Island and Riverside Park. The tridge is located partially under the Cross Street vehicle bridge.
A faux marker that included information and a drawing about a flying, furry mythical creature called a “smeet frog” that supposedly frequented the area has been posted on or near the Tridge multiple times between 1999 and the present.
Opening Day of Firearms Deer Season Approaching
John Huyser with his opening day buck.
Photo courtesy Jack Payne
By Jack Payne
I hope for plenty of standing water or a heavy frost. Opening day of gun season is one of the days I look forward to most each year.
When there’s water or a heavy frost, I can usually hear a deer before I see it. In thick cover, this really helps. Most of the time, you only catch a glimpse — maybe an ear flicker or a shape that stands out among the trees.
We hike in just over a mile and enjoy the solitude. If there is one tip to pass on for success with a gun, it’s sitting all day. This means heading out into the woods in the dark and being prepared to stay until dark.
I’ve had the pleasure of hunting with many accomplished hunters over the years, and most of the guys were prepared to sit all day. The majority of the bucks that we see each season are between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Often, there is a low period after 9 and before the time that most guys are heading in for coffee or lunch. This is why the midday hours are so good. Folks are moving about, cold, bored, or hungry. This movement gets the deer moving.
To sit all day, one must have faith in their blind location. If you did your scouting properly, you should have a location or two that smells like success. Deer like security once the guns sound off. Thick cover like a swamp, an old clearcut, corn fields, or a briar thicket draws deer. Look for fresh droppings and signs of deer bedding.
Carry some high-protein snacks and drinks with you. Dried fruit, jerky, almonds, and peanuts are excellent snack foods. Two peanut butter sandwiches and some cube cheese. Water is hard to beat. I space my snacks out, and that gives me something to look forward to.
Remember that the rut is on, and most bucks still want a doe. For many years, we put out scent cannisters. This covered our scent, and it did attract smaller bucks. They would stop, stick their nose up in the air, and sniff. If you place these canisters near a firing lane, it’s a good strategy to get a buck to stop. Three canisters set in a V pattern will cover your scent fairly well.
Warm clothes are a must. Layered clothing is best, and when you walk in, carry some of those clothes. We bring our extra clothes to our blind at least one day prior to the opening. We leave them in a plastic bag along with our chair. If you overheat, you will sweat and then turn cold. It’s better off getting to your blind five minutes later without sweating than on time and freezing two hours later.
Carry a comfortable stool with a backrest. If you can’t sit because of leg or back cramps, then you are finished. The same applies if you hunt from a tree. Be comfortable.
Carry a piece of carpet if it’s really cold. Cold frozen turf sucks heat from your feet. An old piece of carpet will keep your feet warmer.
The past three seasons, we boned our deer in the woods. This reduces the weight to carry out. You must bring proof of the sex of the deer out with you.
Watch the birds, pats, and squirrels. Keep a tally of each. Carry a camera to capture some of the action. Becoming a part of the event will lead to fewer instances of boredom. I feed a mouse bread crumbs each season. The trick is seeing how close I can get the mouse to me.
Tell yourself that you will see a deer, and you only need to see one to make the season a success, and sitting on the stand all day becomes easier. A plastic sled makes the job of hauling gear into the woods and a buck out much nicer. I’ve averaged 2-3 buck sightings per opening day when staying all day.
Remember to stop in at Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop before the opener.
I hope for plenty of standing water or a heavy frost. Opening day of gun season is one of the days I look forward to most each year.
When there’s water or a heavy frost, I can usually hear a deer before I see it. In thick cover, this really helps. Most of the time, you only catch a glimpse — maybe an ear flicker or a shape that stands out among the trees.
We hike in just over a mile and enjoy the solitude. If there is one tip to pass on for success with a gun, it’s sitting all day. This means heading out into the woods in the dark and being prepared to stay until dark.
I’ve had the pleasure of hunting with many accomplished hunters over the years, and most of the guys were prepared to sit all day. The majority of the bucks that we see each season are between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Often, there is a low period after 9 and before the time that most guys are heading in for coffee or lunch. This is why the midday hours are so good. Folks are moving about, cold, bored, or hungry. This movement gets the deer moving.
To sit all day, one must have faith in their blind location. If you did your scouting properly, you should have a location or two that smells like success. Deer like security once the guns sound off. Thick cover like a swamp, an old clearcut, corn fields, or a briar thicket draws deer. Look for fresh droppings and signs of deer bedding.
Carry some high-protein snacks and drinks with you. Dried fruit, jerky, almonds, and peanuts are excellent snack foods. Two peanut butter sandwiches and some cube cheese. Water is hard to beat. I space my snacks out, and that gives me something to look forward to.
Remember that the rut is on, and most bucks still want a doe. For many years, we put out scent cannisters. This covered our scent, and it did attract smaller bucks. They would stop, stick their nose up in the air, and sniff. If you place these canisters near a firing lane, it’s a good strategy to get a buck to stop. Three canisters set in a V pattern will cover your scent fairly well.
Warm clothes are a must. Layered clothing is best, and when you walk in, carry some of those clothes. We bring our extra clothes to our blind at least one day prior to the opening. We leave them in a plastic bag along with our chair. If you overheat, you will sweat and then turn cold. It’s better off getting to your blind five minutes later without sweating than on time and freezing two hours later.
Carry a comfortable stool with a backrest. If you can’t sit because of leg or back cramps, then you are finished. The same applies if you hunt from a tree. Be comfortable.
Carry a piece of carpet if it’s really cold. Cold frozen turf sucks heat from your feet. An old piece of carpet will keep your feet warmer.
The past three seasons, we boned our deer in the woods. This reduces the weight to carry out. You must bring proof of the sex of the deer out with you.
Watch the birds, pats, and squirrels. Keep a tally of each. Carry a camera to capture some of the action. Becoming a part of the event will lead to fewer instances of boredom. I feed a mouse bread crumbs each season. The trick is seeing how close I can get the mouse to me.
Tell yourself that you will see a deer, and you only need to see one to make the season a success, and sitting on the stand all day becomes easier. A plastic sled makes the job of hauling gear into the woods and a buck out much nicer. I’ve averaged 2-3 buck sightings per opening day when staying all day.
Remember to stop in at Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop before the opener.
Outdoor Truths
By Gary Miller
During the early archery season I arrowed a nice doe. I calculated that I was in my tree stand about seven minutes.
Before I went to search for my deer, I gathered my equipment, loaded it on my four-wheeler, and took it to my truck. By the time I was back at my tree stand, about 40 minutes had passed. I knew I had made a good clean shot and there shouldn’t be any trouble finding my deer.
I had tried to mark where I took the shot, but by the time I was back on the trail I was confused. I looked for my arrow and any sign of blood but could not find either.
I decided to climb back up into the tree stand to look again at where the doe had stood. I recalculated and shortly thereafter found my arrow and a few minutes later, the deer.
Later, I thought about how difficult I had made a simple procedure simply by forgetting where I had made my shot. I was reminded of a spiritual truth I had learned a few months earlier.
All through the Old Testament, when man had an encounter with God, God commanded him to build an altar. Abraham was the first that is recorded. God had told him that he would have a son. This was a real stretch for Abraham to believe since he was about 75 years old at that time and his wife was barren. God told him to build an altar.
Jacob was another. He physically wrestled with the angel of the Lord one day. Jacob was given a lasting limp, but his encounter was followed by him building an altar.
We have the significance of this in another example. The children of Israel were crossing through the River Jordan. They were now in the land that was promised to them. God told them to take 12 stones, one for every tribe, and stack them up, so that when their children pass by, they could tell them how God had delivered them. These stones would be a remembrance of their encounters with God.
Many times, God has encounters with us. There may have been a time that He called you into a certain ministry, or He may have spoken to your heart about a particular matter so clearly that it was undeniably Him.
Since then, time has passed. You have not forgotten about that moment, but it seems distant and it has caused you to doubt. But what if you had built an altar at the time and place that God had spoken to you? You would be able to go back and remember exactly what transpired there. And your faith would be renewed.
It’s not too late. Maybe you need to take a trip back in time, to that place where you had your encounter with God. While you’re there, build an altar.
An altar is anything that will cause you to remember what happened. One time, I scratched an “A” in a tree, so that each time I passed by that tree I would be reminded of that moment with God. When I see that tree, doubt and discouragement leave and faith is restored.
It’s just like getting back up in that tree stand and seeing it all over again. It will make the path clear, once again.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 22 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoortruths.org.
During the early archery season I arrowed a nice doe. I calculated that I was in my tree stand about seven minutes.
Before I went to search for my deer, I gathered my equipment, loaded it on my four-wheeler, and took it to my truck. By the time I was back at my tree stand, about 40 minutes had passed. I knew I had made a good clean shot and there shouldn’t be any trouble finding my deer.
I had tried to mark where I took the shot, but by the time I was back on the trail I was confused. I looked for my arrow and any sign of blood but could not find either.
I decided to climb back up into the tree stand to look again at where the doe had stood. I recalculated and shortly thereafter found my arrow and a few minutes later, the deer.
Later, I thought about how difficult I had made a simple procedure simply by forgetting where I had made my shot. I was reminded of a spiritual truth I had learned a few months earlier.
All through the Old Testament, when man had an encounter with God, God commanded him to build an altar. Abraham was the first that is recorded. God had told him that he would have a son. This was a real stretch for Abraham to believe since he was about 75 years old at that time and his wife was barren. God told him to build an altar.
Jacob was another. He physically wrestled with the angel of the Lord one day. Jacob was given a lasting limp, but his encounter was followed by him building an altar.
We have the significance of this in another example. The children of Israel were crossing through the River Jordan. They were now in the land that was promised to them. God told them to take 12 stones, one for every tribe, and stack them up, so that when their children pass by, they could tell them how God had delivered them. These stones would be a remembrance of their encounters with God.
Many times, God has encounters with us. There may have been a time that He called you into a certain ministry, or He may have spoken to your heart about a particular matter so clearly that it was undeniably Him.
Since then, time has passed. You have not forgotten about that moment, but it seems distant and it has caused you to doubt. But what if you had built an altar at the time and place that God had spoken to you? You would be able to go back and remember exactly what transpired there. And your faith would be renewed.
It’s not too late. Maybe you need to take a trip back in time, to that place where you had your encounter with God. While you’re there, build an altar.
An altar is anything that will cause you to remember what happened. One time, I scratched an “A” in a tree, so that each time I passed by that tree I would be reminded of that moment with God. When I see that tree, doubt and discouragement leave and faith is restored.
It’s just like getting back up in that tree stand and seeing it all over again. It will make the path clear, once again.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 22 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoortruths.org.
Gardening Gifts That Keep Giving
Kids gardening tools make a great gift for the youngsters in your life.
Photo courtesy Corona Tools
By Melinda Myers
Gift the gardeners in your life with tools that are sure to make them smile as they put them to work throughout the coming years. No matter your budget, you are sure to find the perfect gift for your favorite gardener.
Help gardeners track the weather and rainfall in their backyard. You can find decorative and functional low- and high-tech thermometers in a wide range of prices. Consider giving them a rain gauge to help monitor rainfall so they know when and how much to water.
For the indoor gardener, paint a pot, preferably one with drainage holes, that they can use to display their favorite plant. If your budget allows, add potting mix and a plant or gift certificate so they can select a new or favorite plant from the garden center. Include a pair of snips to help them trim, groom and keep their indoor plants looking their best.
Purchase a fun watering can or decorate one with decoupage. This is a fun gift for kids and adults to make for family and teachers. Just select a plastic or metal watering can, gather pictures, and secure and seal them to the watering can with a suitable material found at craft stores.
Dress up your favorite gardener’s gear with colorful tools like the British Meadow Pruner & Holster Set endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society. The pruners have a comfort grip and are perfect for cutting small branches and stems and the floral holster will keep them handy when gardening. This makes a great gift for gardeners that appreciate aesthetics as well as quality tools.
And what gardener doesn’t need a good bypass hand pruner with two sharp blades to make clean cuts. Look for one with a large ¾” cutting capacity if your gardener does extensive pruning. Select one with narrow, comfortable nonslip grips like those on the ClassicCUT® Bypass Pruner for those with small- to medium-sized hands. Stuff one in their stocking, combine it with a new garden book, or wrap it up as it makes a great gift on its own.
Don’t forget the youngsters on your list. Research shows children exposed to the outdoors and gardening are more focused, do better in school, and have less severe ADHD symptoms. Girls raised in a landscaped environment are more confident and less subject to peer pressure. By encouraging them to garden you might be helping them acquire a lifelong skill and get help planning, planting and tending the garden.
Giving them their own kid-sized garden gear (coronatools .com) can make gardening more fun and easier as they garden by your side or in their own garden plot or container. Look for tools designed to fit children’s hands like Corona’s kids 3-piece garden tool set that has everything a young gardener needs to dig, explore, plant and tend their garden. A kid-sized wheelbarrow is just the right size for hauling plants, soil and mulch.
Don’t let the hustle of the holiday season put a damper on your gift giving. Keep in mind this act of kindness generates happiness in ourselves and others.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Corona Tools for her expertise to write this article. Her website is Melinda Myers.com.
Gift the gardeners in your life with tools that are sure to make them smile as they put them to work throughout the coming years. No matter your budget, you are sure to find the perfect gift for your favorite gardener.
Help gardeners track the weather and rainfall in their backyard. You can find decorative and functional low- and high-tech thermometers in a wide range of prices. Consider giving them a rain gauge to help monitor rainfall so they know when and how much to water.
For the indoor gardener, paint a pot, preferably one with drainage holes, that they can use to display their favorite plant. If your budget allows, add potting mix and a plant or gift certificate so they can select a new or favorite plant from the garden center. Include a pair of snips to help them trim, groom and keep their indoor plants looking their best.
Purchase a fun watering can or decorate one with decoupage. This is a fun gift for kids and adults to make for family and teachers. Just select a plastic or metal watering can, gather pictures, and secure and seal them to the watering can with a suitable material found at craft stores.
Dress up your favorite gardener’s gear with colorful tools like the British Meadow Pruner & Holster Set endorsed by the Royal Horticultural Society. The pruners have a comfort grip and are perfect for cutting small branches and stems and the floral holster will keep them handy when gardening. This makes a great gift for gardeners that appreciate aesthetics as well as quality tools.
And what gardener doesn’t need a good bypass hand pruner with two sharp blades to make clean cuts. Look for one with a large ¾” cutting capacity if your gardener does extensive pruning. Select one with narrow, comfortable nonslip grips like those on the ClassicCUT® Bypass Pruner for those with small- to medium-sized hands. Stuff one in their stocking, combine it with a new garden book, or wrap it up as it makes a great gift on its own.
Don’t forget the youngsters on your list. Research shows children exposed to the outdoors and gardening are more focused, do better in school, and have less severe ADHD symptoms. Girls raised in a landscaped environment are more confident and less subject to peer pressure. By encouraging them to garden you might be helping them acquire a lifelong skill and get help planning, planting and tending the garden.
Giving them their own kid-sized garden gear (coronatools .com) can make gardening more fun and easier as they garden by your side or in their own garden plot or container. Look for tools designed to fit children’s hands like Corona’s kids 3-piece garden tool set that has everything a young gardener needs to dig, explore, plant and tend their garden. A kid-sized wheelbarrow is just the right size for hauling plants, soil and mulch.
Don’t let the hustle of the holiday season put a damper on your gift giving. Keep in mind this act of kindness generates happiness in ourselves and others.
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Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Corona Tools for her expertise to write this article. Her website is Melinda Myers.com.
Kellogg Sanctuary Workshop to Focus on Northern Cardinals
Join W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary staff and a local artist to learn about the lives of the striking Northern Cardinal and paint your own wooden bird sculpture.
The Brushes and Beaks event is set for 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, in the Sanctuary’s classroom.
Participants will learn about Northern Cardinals, their unique traits and behaviors, and then will let their own creativity fly by painting their own wooden cardinal. A local artist will provide guidance on the painting, and participants will take their wooden birds home.
The cost of attendance for Sanctuary members is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, and $4 for children ages 2-17. For non-members, admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, and $6 for children ages 2-17.
Register to reserve your spot at bit.ly/kbs-brushes-and-beaks-2025.
The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary’s mission is to conserve native habitat for migratory and resident birds and to promote environmental awareness through research, education and outreach. Since 1928, the Sanctuary has served as a practical training school for animal care and land management, and remains an innovator in wildlife conservation efforts.
The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary is located at 12685 East C Ave., one mile north of M-89 and just west of 40th Street. To learn more, visit birdsanctuary.kbs.msu.edu. Direct questions to bird sanctuary@kbs.msu.edu or 269-671-2510.
The Brushes and Beaks event is set for 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, in the Sanctuary’s classroom.
Participants will learn about Northern Cardinals, their unique traits and behaviors, and then will let their own creativity fly by painting their own wooden cardinal. A local artist will provide guidance on the painting, and participants will take their wooden birds home.
The cost of attendance for Sanctuary members is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and students, and $4 for children ages 2-17. For non-members, admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, and $6 for children ages 2-17.
Register to reserve your spot at bit.ly/kbs-brushes-and-beaks-2025.
The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary’s mission is to conserve native habitat for migratory and resident birds and to promote environmental awareness through research, education and outreach. Since 1928, the Sanctuary has served as a practical training school for animal care and land management, and remains an innovator in wildlife conservation efforts.
The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary is located at 12685 East C Ave., one mile north of M-89 and just west of 40th Street. To learn more, visit birdsanctuary.kbs.msu.edu. Direct questions to bird sanctuary@kbs.msu.edu or 269-671-2510.
