We will meet at the Boyne City Veteran’s Park pavilion and take a short walk to Sunset Park to see the Shoreline Greenbelt Demonstration Garden. Gow Litzenburger, and NMMGA members Mike Costa and Nancy Cunningham, will talk about the design and planning of this garden – which now enhances both the ecological resilience and visual charm of the shoreline. This garden works to filter runoff, prevent erosion, and protect the health of Lake Charlevoix’s watershed.
Shoreline Greenbelt Demonstration Gardens on Lake Charlevoix shore in Sunset Park in Boyne City. The address for Sunset Park is 8 S. Lake Street. Here are the directions. This garden was revitalized in 2025 thanks to the leadership of NMMGA member Mike Costa, who organized and led this effort with incredible dedication, and the generous contributions of Ryan’s Landscape, NMMGA Nancy Cunningham, Gow Litzenburger, the City of Boyne City, the Wood Shop, and our amazing volunteers, the gardens have been beautifully renewed. Through thoughtful replanting with native species, this refreshed space now enhances both the ecological resilience and visual charm of the shoreline—helping to filter runoff, prevent erosion, and protect the health of Lake Charlevoix’s watershed
As long as you are in Boyne City, take a short drive to the The Rain Garden of the Boyne River Nature Area which is nestled at the back of the Boyne City Business Park off M-75. Click for directions. The BRNA features a rain garden, a pavilion and a scenic trail leading to steps that descend to three boardwalks, allowing visitors to experience the wetland habitat up close as they make their way to the river. Treasure Hunt or Scavenger Trail was added in 2026. This permanent kid-friendly nature walk designed to teach youngsters about native plants and local wildlife. Follow the signs along the path to hunt for specific natural items.
Established in 2014 by Friends of the Boyne River, the Boyne River Nature Area was created to showcase the beauty of the river and surrounding wetlands and educate visitors on the vital role wetlands play in our ecosystem. This project was made possible through the generous support of the Charlevoix County Community Foundation, Frey Foundation, Oleson Foundation, Great Lakes Energy People Fund, the City of Boyne City, and an anonymous private donor. A recent addition to this garden is a scavenger hunt for plants. Find the seven plants and take a picture of each. Send th