A WARM WINTER SOLSTICE at Leonard Wildlife Preserve

Twenty-two HCH Hikers gathered around Pat’s Truck on December 20, 2025 to learn about our upcoming First Day Hike (New Years Day) and the upcoming Winter Solstice. Several interesting facts about our North American Solstice includes: it’s the shortest day and longest night, the sun's path across the sky is as low as it can get and its noontime elevation is at its minimum, you will cast your longest shadow of the year at noon, and it is the astronomical start of the winter season, which lasts until the vernal equinox in March. Just so you know, we did find one of St Nicks Elves amongst us (Pat wore his long red and white stripped hat with a white tassel on the end).

The hike proved to be interesting. The deep snow from last week melted and created a slippery trail surface, so we had to be careful of our step. And we didn’t get to far into the hike when someone said “It smells like skunk.” Turns out, it wasn’t skunk, some of the field had been covered in manure. Phew! We stopped several times to learn some interesting facts about Leonard Preserve, including some of the wildlife sightings, the old and new growth forests, and the changes made to the wetlands when I-94 was built. We also had a conversation about land conservation in the SW Michigan area. The hike lasted about 1-3/4 hours and was enjoyed by all.

Happy Holidays All!