Ligon Outdoor Center Updates

Hello Friends,

Another winter season is upon us and as I write this message to you, I cannot help but to be distracted by the scene out my window. The backdrop of the Ligon White Pines with falling snow is a sight I never tire of. Even though it looks cold out there, somehow that chill and whistle of wind beckons for a closer investigation. What experience awaits around the next bend of the trail? What critters are active now, trying to survive this time of year by searching out the next meal and can I silently stalk through this quiet blanket of snow for a better vantage point? Will the Bald Eagles be perched by the lake? How much snow will fall and how far can I walk in the snowshoes before I tire and need to retreat to a warm fire? When is the next group of kids going to be here to share these experiences with? All good things to daydream of, but none more important than that last one. When will you come visit?

Winter is a magical time of year here at the Ligon Outdoor Center and there are many educational, recreational, and just plain fun experiences for students to participate in. I encourage you to contact me to help plan and schedule a trip with your class this winter. Together we can customize a trip that will include lessons and activities that will fit your educational goals and give students the opportunity to share in experiences that for some will be a once in a lifetime moment, while for others this day may help plant a seed that will continue to grow for a lifetime. When will you come visit?

Ranger Jason

Jonathan Williamson of Clio Boy Scout Troop 101 recently completed his Eagle Scout service project for Ligon Outdoor Center. New benches at the Stone House fire circle and building entrance were built and donated along with a classroom set of bird identification field guides. Many thanks to Jon for his efforts and completion of this project.

Due to a generous donation from the Genesee County Educational Foundation, Ligon has received brand new snowshoes for all age ranges! We are thrilled to be able to continue offering this winter recreational activity to our visitors.

If your school or district 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 at 810-560-2187. Ligon cannot guarantee the availability of the snowshoes but we will work together to meet the needs of your class. Please call for more information.

Last school year the GISD worked hard to establish a new website for Ligon Outdoor Center so you will have all resources at your fingertips!

This new platform is a more comprehensive landing space for everything Ligon and includes news and updates, special event information, new programs and more!

Please visit the Ligon site at www.ligonoutdoorcenter.org!

Genesee Intermediate School District is excited to announce that Ligon Outdoor Center will have construction begin this fall. The dock project will bring both a handicap accessible trail along with a new lakeside dock for learning through observation. Ligon continues to offer a safe and exciting environment for adventurous learning.

Field trips will not be affected during this construction time. However, the dock and access trail is closed until completion of the project. If you have any question please do not hesitate to call Ranger Jason at 810-560-2187.

Ligon Outdoor Center remains open for on-site visitor groups. Ligon is the perfect "out of classroom" learning environment with 268 acres of pristine nature, over six miles of hiking trails, and a multitude of educational activities for students and teachers. There are several areas and facilities that can be utilized by small and large groups and multiple groups at a time, all while being able to offer physical distancing. 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.

If you are a first-time visitor, we will gladly schedule a planning session/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!

At Ligon, we believe that the best learning is embedded in nature! Join Ranger Jason as he brings Lessons from Ligon to you at home or school! He explores different topics and activities related to nature focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

New videos released! -- here is an overview of the lessons.

Resource and material links provided.

Education & Learning

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