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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FOHRA Parades!

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This year’s Haven Hill Festival will include, for the second year, the Novi Brass Band accompanying the 1860’s Base Ball Game on the Goose Meadow ball field.

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Haven Hill Gate House Exposed!

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Members of Highland State Recreation Area's support group, FOHRA, got together on November 8 and cleared away years of brush in front of the Haven Hill Gate House. The old building can now be seen from the M-59 entrance station as visitors enter the park. Above: Heavy brush blocks the view of the Haven Hill Gate House.

Above: Members clip and pull the years of brush that had obscured the Gate House from view.

Above: FOHRA members Tim Wiles and Jerry McManus review the clearing.

Above: The Haven Hill Gate House, once the entrance to Edsel Ford's Haven Hill Estate, exposed to public view beyond the entrance station turn-around at Highland Recreation Area.

Above: Friends of Highland Recreation Area marvel at the new view.

FOHRA plans to improve these sites within the park. The Haven Hill Gate House may become an informative Visitors Center some day. Come on out and help the effort. Visit www.fohra.org for more info.

The Gatehouse

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I had a new adventure the other day after the work day at the barn... I found and photographed the old Gatehouse to Haven Hill. It's located a hundred yards east of the Ranger Station. Click on the pics to see the larger version of each photograph. Gatehouse 1

What a neat old structure... rotting away unfortunately. I can just imagine guests to the area arriving here years and years ago, checking in with the attendants, and then shuttling off through the winding roads and hills towards the lodge!

Gatehouse 2

I'll learn more of this structure from other members of the Friends Group I'm sure. I can't wait to ask more about it. Amazing.

Gatehouse 3

Work Party Entry

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On January 13, 2008 we had a great group of volunteers come out to the Highland Recreation Area and work on the Edsel Ford Haven Hill barn. More large tarps were put on the roof to stop water and snow damage, and lots of interior cleanup was accomplished as well. It was my 1st time inside of the barn. Edsel Ford Barn Interior Photo

Believe it or not, the photo above is a picture of the SECOND FLOOR... the barn is huge! Click on the image to see a larger photo.

All of the volunteers had a great time and the weather cooperated (snow and rain were in the forecast but none fell). Keep in touch... a more extensive post will be coming soon...