Haven Hill Efforts Told at the RAM Center for MDNR and Other Friends Groups

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FOHRA members attended a two day conference at the Ralph A. MacMullan MDNR conference center in Roscommon this weekend. The yearly gathering of MDNR staff and Friends Group Members is a great exchange of ideas and information, and a "meet and greet" of others with similar interests and programs at other State Parks throughout Michigan. Miguel Rodriguez, MDNR Friends Group Coordinator, arranged and then MC'd the weekend gathering.

Friends Group's presentations included updates of special efforts and programs at Bay City State Recreation Area, Maybury State Park, Island Lake Recreation Area, Grand Haven State Park, and our own Highland State Recreation Area.

Various members of the MDNR staff presented subjects such as Understanding the Parks General Management Plans, Considering ADA Requirements for your state park projects, Parks and Rec Programming and How Friends Can Help, Oak Wilt Losses and Treatment Programs, new MDNR Website Features, a new Event Request process, and more. Patricia Berry of the U of M Fund Development Office gave everyone tips great on fundraising.

FOHRA members presented the history of the volunteer efforts at Highland Recreation Area's Haven Hill Estate for those in attendance that were not familiar with the park and our historic programs. The bulk of the presentation content included the many and varied Friends of Highland Recreation Area events that the group holds to encourage new memberships and participation from the general public. The presentation was well received by all in attendance. 

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John Fitzgerald

The Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) volunteer organization was established in 2007, and is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt non-profit organization operating under lease agreement with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Within one of the most picturesque, fascinating, and historically significant state parks in southeast lower Michigan, our goal is to combine the former Haven Hill estate history with Highland Recreation Area’s existing amenities, wilderness, and recreation.

Snow Snake Race Sunday at 1:00 pm

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Come out and enjoy seeing the kids race their snakes!

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New Cedar Creek Trail at Highland State Recreation Area is Nearing Completion

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The Cedar Creel trail has portions that skirt the edge or even cross wetland areas. New decking has been installed to minimize impact on the landscape. The deck will also provide a nice view to the east.

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Dine with Edsel and Eleanor Event is Tomorrow

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Gentlemen (and Ladies) attending this year’s fund raiser will not only see a special "Fishing In Da U.P." table setting this year, but also a vintage automobile display just down the street on the corner of Livingston and Milford Road where some vintage cars will be on display throughout the day.

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Haven Hill Festival: Special Events for 2014!

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HHF 2014 Logo Square - Full Size

Saturday, August 23rd, at Haven Hill in Highland State Recreation Area

The Haven Hill Festival is a celebration of the amazing natural and historic resources of the Highland State Recreation Area and the former Edsel and Eleanor Ford Haven Hill Estate. This year’s free event will include activities for everyone of all ages. Vintage Model A Ford cars will be on display and an 1860’s Base Ball match will start at 10:00 am with live brass band music performed by the Novi Brass. Summer foods and beverages will be available for purchase while enjoying these other great activities:

  • Model A Ford Car Display
  • 1860's Vintage Base Ball Game with Base Ball History Information
  • Edsel and Eleanor Ford Haven Hill Estate Historic Photographs and Found Items Displays
  • Children’s Activities Tent
  • Drawing Fundraiser for a Night's Stay at Highland State Rec Area's Bass Lake Cabin
  • Haven Hill National Landmark Area Photography Exhibit
  • Art Exhibits at the Haven Hill Gate House
  • Haven Hill Gate House Garage: Open to the Public
  • Self-guided Tours of the Haven Hill Lodge Footprint
  • Volunteers Dressed in Period Attire
  • And more!

The Festival will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2014 between 10 am and 3 pm at the Goose Meadow Picnic site and ball field. Follow signs in the park to the Festival on the day of the event. The Haven Hill section of the park can be entered at 5200 Highland Road (M-59) between Duck Lake and Bogie Lake roads. The Festival is provided to the public at no charge, while entry into Highland State Recreation Area is now via the Recreation Passport on your license plate. Day passes are available for a nominal charge at the front gate if you do not have a Recreation Passport. Food and beverage sales serve as a fundraiser for the Friends of Highland Recreation Area volunteer organization. These funds will be directed towards the general operations of FOHRA and their continuing efforts to revitalize the historic Edsel Ford Haven Hill estate structures within the park.

The Haven Hill Festival is an alcohol-free, family-oriented event now in its' 6th year at Highland State Recreation Area in Highland/White Lake, Michigan. The celebration continues to benefit the state park and the surrounding communities now and into the future.

More Info? visit www.havenhillfestival.com

The Friends of Highland Recreation Area are a 501(c)3 charitable organization. Visit www.fohra.org for more information.

5200 Highland Rd, White Lake Township, MI 48383, Phone: (248) 889-3750  

Dine with Edsel or Picnic with Henry Fundraiser This Weekend!

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Reminder to everyone that this weekend is our newest fundraiser. Sunday, Sunday, November 3, at the Hibbard Tavern, 115 E. Summit Street,  in Milford. The Ladies of FOHRA (Friends of Highland Recreation Area) are sponsoring a table settings FUNDRAISER entitled Dine with Edsel or Picnic with Henry, in the Historic Hibbard Tavern Sunday Nov. 3 noon-5.  $6 Tickets at the door ($5 seniors) 115 E. Summit St.   Milford.  Special gifts to the first 50 visitors.  Sketches of the Edsel Ford family will be on display, so come meet the local artist.  Help us raise funds for the refurbishing/re-use of the former Edsel Ford buildings in Highland Recreation Area.   Questions call 248-698-2737.

Dine with Edsel

 

Family Festival This Saturday at Haven Hill

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Come out with your family and learn of the history of the Haven Hill Estate and see the wonderful Highland State Recreation Area this Saturday. In addition to running the bases at the game , children's crafts and activities will be available under a shaded kids canopy.

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