Ligon Outdoor Center 2025-2026

Hello Friends,

As we prepare for our 2026 winter activities, it's heartwarming to see groups continuing to enjoy our facilities, programs, and resources. This winter, students have engaged in a delightful array of programs, lessons, and activities, including snowshoeing, owl pellet dissection, geocaching, tree identification, leadership strategies, and community service. It’s been a joy to see so many smiling faces gathered around the campfire, sharing lunch and s'mores. These cherished experiences will carry on here at Ligon throughout the winter and into spring.

I am excited about the months ahead at Ligon, welcoming schools and community groups for enriching outdoor learning experiences. Reservation requests are coming in regularly, and our calendar is beginning to fill up. I invite you to enjoy this Winter 2026 edition of the Ligon Outdoor Center Updates and encourage you to submit your reservation requests soon to secure your preferred dates.

Warm regards,
Ranger Jason Bentley

Ranger Jason Bentley

jbentley@geneseeisd.org

Phone: 810 560 2187

Ligon Outdoor Center is an ideal spot for conferences, meetings, retreats, ad making connections with nature. With 268 acres of pristine nature, over six miles of hiking trails, and multitude of educational activities for students and teachers, Ligon is the perfect "out of classroom" learning environment. There are several areas and facilities that can be utilized by small and large groups and multiple groups at a time. There are also protocols in place to ensure the health and safety of all guests. All of the activities at Ligon Outdoor Center have been developed with GLCEs in mind. Activities are designed to be self-led and used as an enhancement to your classroom instruction. Instructions and most materials for the activities, are provided for your visit. Limited seasonal specials, which are onsite facilitator led activities, are advertised as available. If you are a first-time visitor, we will gladly schedule a planning session and optional tour so you will be comfortable with the facilities during your visit. Please call Ranger Jason at 810-560-2187 to schedule a planning session. For more information about the programs, activities. and facilities featured at Ligon Outdoor Center, please visit our website!

In 2025 Great Start Collaboratives across the state of Michigan were charged with promoting literacy development to young children and their families throughout the community. The Genesee County Great Start Collaborative had the experience of seeing fellow programs develop successful StoryWalks® in their communities, such as Livingston County StoryWalk - Great Start Livingston. StoryWalks® bring literacy and books to children in a fun and engaging way. This approach shows how everyday moments can support learning. By blending movement, conversation, and stories, StoryWalks® help model reading behaviors, spark children’s curiosity, and creates positive, memorable connections to books that support long-term literacy success. Genesee County Great Start Collaborative invested in four StoryWalks® throughout Genesee County in places where children frequent in a natural environment. These StoryWalks® are located at our Ligon Outdoor Education Center, ForMar Nature Preserve, Linden County Park and Flushing County Park.

A big shout out goes out to Catrina Wisker for including Ligon in this initiative. Catrina is the Great Start Collaborative Coordinator at GISD's Center for Countywide Programs.

Also, big thank you to our GISD operations staff for installing the new Storybook Walk signs here at Ligon.

A heartwarming story, “The Acorn and the Oak” is about a young girl, her mother, and their love of an old oak tree. It is a timeless adventure that takes its readers into the forest and allows them to see all its beauty. The detailed illustrations brought to life with watercolor will forever change the way you see a simple acorn or an oak. Written to inspire all ages, this tale teaches about family, strength and hope. Using the connection that people have with nature, the story reminds us that after we lose something we love, it will forever shape us and remain a part of our lives.

We are thrilled to be able to continue offering snowshoes on loan. If your class is unable to visit Ligon Outdoor Center this winter, fear not! The snowshoes will be available for free rental to local educators to use at their school with students.

Reservations for shoes must be made with Ranger Jason directly. Ligon cannot guarantee the availability of the snowshoes but we will work together to meet the needs of your class. Please call or email for more information. Ranger Jason Bentley jbentley@geneseeisd.org

Phone: 810 560 2187.

In this exciting program, students will discover the backyard basics of how a simple Maple tree can create sweet magic right before their eyes. While you might enjoy maple syrup as a delicious topping for pancakes, have you ever wondered how it travels from a maple tree to your plate? Join Ranger Jason at Ligon this March to explore this beloved springtime tradition.

Students will delve into the science behind the sweet sap, engage in the steps from tapping to tasting, and assist in transforming sap into syrup. This guided program has quickly become a favorite and is available for one class of 30 students each day. Spots are limited, so make your reservations as soon as possible!

Genesee Intermediate School District

2413 W. Maple Avenue

Flint, MI 48507

Email: ligon@geneseeisd.org
Website: http://ligon.geneseeisd.org/
Location: 5213 East Farrand Road, Clio, MI, USA
Phone: 810-591-4487