The site we will be visiting is adjacent to a trail so it’s very accessible. However, scrambling across a steep slope will be difficult. Mosquito repellent and/or netting, sunscreen, water as well as suitable clothing are suggested.

Joe Trapp is the current President of the Southwestern Chapter of the Michigan Botanical Society.

Note: All motorized vehicles entering the state recreation area are required to have a Recreation Passport for entry. Recreation Passports can be purchased in advance or on-site. For more information: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/Buy-and-Apply/rec-pp

Directions: The address is 5163 Fort Custer Drive, Augusta, Michigan, 49012. The coordinates are 42.334655079887106, -85.33835080491731. From the Kalamazoo area, take I-94 eastbound to exit 85 and turn left (north) on 35th St. You will cross the Kalamazoo River and then turn right on to West Battle Creek St. There is road construction on Battle Creek St., so you will need to make a small detour. In downtown Galesburg, turn right (east) onto to East Michigan St. and in 0.2 miles, left (north) onto Burgess Dr. In 0.6 miles, you will cross railroad tracks and then turn right (east) on to East Battle Creek St (M-96). Stay on M-96 through Augusta MI and you will cross the Kalamazoo River again. The entrance to the State Recreation Area is on your right (south). We will meet in the mountain bike parking lot. See the Ft Custer State Recreation map below).