Storm Damage at Love Creek

October 4, 2025

Derek Pelc, park manager and naturalist at Love Creek County Park, led a group of 20 Harbor Country Hikers on an upland excursion on this unusually warm day. Love Creek is one of Berrien Counties Hidden Gems, a place with some interesting past history, and some unfortunate recent history. Our hike took us on trails that were devastated On May 4th of this year. On that day, a wind shear came through the forest and toppled many trees like a domino run. It required new trails to get large equipment into the wind damaged areas, altering the trail map, possibly forever!

Fortunately, nature isn’t discouraged by unfortunate events. The freshly exposed ground where the big trees stood, are coming to life with bright green flora and fast growing saplings. The animals in the forest are still making their seasonal calls, the leaves are still changing to their fall colors, and the trails are now open for autumn hikes and upcoming winter recreation. Life goes on at Love Creek County Park.