Place Your Legacy Brick at the Highland State Recreation Area Historic Haven Hill Gate House

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Starting in the fall of 2017, the 501c3 volunteer group “Friends of Highland Recreation Area” will create a commemorative brick circle at the Haven Hill Conversation Ring in Highland State Recreation Area. The site is on the grounds of the Haven Hill Gate House, which was the former entrance to Edsel and Eleanor Ford’s historic estate. The peaceful garden location is ideal for quiet personal reflection and thoughts of loved ones. Consider a brick paver as a tribute to a friend, family member, or a beloved pet.

Your chosen wording will be engraved on a personalized brick that will become a permanent part of Haven Hill’s rich history.

Brick Dedications: For a donation of $60.00 your brick will be a wonderful and unique gift and a lasting legacy. Bricks are 4”x 8” and can be engraved with 3 lines with up to twelve letters and spaces per line (content is subject to approval). If you desire a special symbol on your brick, please call so we can determine if the one you want is possible to produce.

Proceeds: All proceeds from the brick sales will be used to support the continuing efforts of the Friends of Highland Recreation Area to renovate and repurpose the Edsel and Eleanor Ford buildings at Highland Recreation Area and to maintain the commemorative brick circle.

Special Note: The first commemorative bricks will be installed beginning in August of 2017. Subsequent brick orders will be received and processed for two installation sessions each year.

Ordering is Easy: Complete your form from the website and include a check or money order payable to Friends of Highland Recreation Area. Head to our website, www.fohravolunteers.org. "Click on the Brick" and download an order form.

Additional Questions?  Email us at fohravolunteers@gmail.com. Or call 248-494-8919. 

 

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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.

Antiques and Collectibles Sale at Edsel Ford Barn Set for Saturday, May 6

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Saturday, May 6, 2017

at Highland State Recreation Area

10:00 am until 3:00 pm

Antiques and Collectibles Sale

A selection of collectible items for you and your home will be presented on the grounds of the historic Edsel Ford Barn at Edsel and Eleanor Ford’s former Haven Hill Estate. The historic barn is undergoing renovation by the park’s Friends Group, and is located within Highland State Recreation Area between Duck Lake and Bogie Lake Roads in White Lake. The fundraising Sale will be held during the “Redbud Reveal” event on Saturday, May 6, 2017 from 10 am until 3:00 pm. Once inside the park, please follow the signs to the Sale at the Barn.

A FUNDRAISER

All proceeds from the sale of donated items will benefit the Friends of Highland Recreation Area and their restoration efforts at the former Haven Hill Estate. FOHRA is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring the structures and spirit of the historic Haven Hill.

Enter the Recreation Area at 5200 Highland Road (M-59), White Lake, Michigan. The entrance to the park is on the south side of the highway. The Michigan DNR requires the Recreation Passport on your license plate for state park entry. It is a great value and will give you and your family access to all of Michigan's State parks and waterways. A Passport may be purchased at the park on the day of the event. 

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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.

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 Snakes Will Slither Sunday at the Edsel Ford Barn

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Despite the lack of snow, the Snakes will still slither at the Edsel Ford Barn on Sunday...

The Boy Scouts of America Chief Pontiac Trail Committee Snow Snake races will be held at the Edsel Ford Barn. Race Day is Sunday, January 29, 2017 from 1 PM to 4 pm at the Edsel Ford Sheep Barn, near the Organizational Camping Area. $3 per competitor; pay at the event. Includes one CPPC Lil’ Brave Segment patch. Extras Snow Snakes on hand to use and to purchase.

Recreational Passport (RP) required. Buy your Rec Passport for 2017 if needed ($11.00).

For more details click the link below...

http://www.chiefpontiacprograms.org/SnowSnake.html

The Friends of Highland Recreation Area are proud supporters of the Boy Scouts and the Chief Pontiac Trail Committee.

 

 

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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.

FREE Special Program: Haven Hill - A Story to Tell - A Legacy to Honor

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Come hear the story of The People – The Place – The Significance of Haven Hill & Highland State Recreation Area in the origins of Michigan State Parks & Natural Area System in Southeast Michigan and beyond. 

You will hear about Glacial Landforms & Native Americans, the Edsel & Eleanor Ford Family, the Dodge Brothers, PJ Hoffmaster (First Director of our State Parks), Genevieve Gillette (First Lady of our State Parks), Jens Jensen (noted Prairie Style Landscape Architect), and even the Girl Scouts of America’s National Roundup. Program by Lawrence Falardeau, Artist and Landscape Architect.

Brighton District Library, 100 Library Drive, Brighton, MI 48116, 810-229-6571

Free Admission, open to the public.

For more info go to: FOHRAvolunteers.org or Http://Www.Sierraclub.Org/Michigan/Crossroads

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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.

MDNR to Host Public Meeting Jan. 26 on Highland Recreation Area Phase 2 Draft Management Plan

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MDNR Article on the FOHRA Blog... Click on the image below for more info...

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host an open house Thursday, Jan. 26, to solicit public input on Highland Recreation Area's draft phase 2 general management plan. The open house will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Highland Township Hall Auditorium, 205 N. John St. in Highland. 

MDNR Website Article.

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10366_54559_10402-401674--RSS,00.html

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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.

Happy Holidays from the Friends of Highland Recreation Area!

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The Board of Directors and the Membership of the Friends of Highland Recreation Area would like to thank you for your support in 2016 at Haven Hill in Highland Recreation Area. We wish you a Happy New Year 2017 and hope you will continue to have wondrous times at Haven Hill this winter season. Click below to see a short video "Thank You"!

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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.

You're Invited! Annual Meeting Wednesday Night

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Friends of Highland Recreation Area Annual Meeting Wednesday

2016 Annual Meeting, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, Wednesday, November 2


Huron Valley Council for the Arts Building
205 West Livingston Road, Highland, MI 48357 (248) 889-8660

The Board of Directors of the Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) would like to welcome its Members and the public to the 2016 FOHRA Annual Meeting and Social. Our yearly event showcases FOHRA’s volunteer activity at Edsel and Eleanor Ford’s former Haven Hill estate within the Highland State Recreation Area.

2016 Meeting Highlights
Guest Speaker Mr. Mark Campbell of the Henry Ford Heritage Association will be presenting
“The Impact of Henry Ford”. FOHRA member Jay Fitzgerald will give a special presentation about the Ford Model A automobile as an introduction to a special award for the Livingston A’s driving club. 

•    6:30 – 7:00 pm: Sign-In and Social
Guestbook Sign-In. Enjoy visiting with FOHRA members and seeing some informative Haven Hill exhibits. Appetizers, desserts, and light beverages will be served.

•    7:00 – 7:15 pm: Welcome: FOHRA Annual Business Meeting
2016 Good Evening & Welcome, Required Votes - FOHRA President; -  Dick Russell

•    7:15 – 7:35 pm “The Impact of Henry Ford”: A Presentation by Mr. Mark Campbell of the Henry Ford Heritage Association. Come and enjoy Mark’s presentation about the impact of Henry Ford on people of the world.

•    7:35 – 7:45 pm: Special Presentation: Pettibone Creek Questers – The Pettibone Creek Questers will make a special presentation at the Annual Meeting

•    7:45 – 8:00 pm: Presentation: “The Model A Ford Automobile” – Jay Fitzgerald. A history of the Model A and Edsel’s role in its development and production.

•    8:00 – 8:15 pm: Special Presentation: The FOHRA Presidents Award and Special Gift to the Livingston A’s

•    8:15 – 8:30 pm:  Overview of Future Programs – Dick Russell
FOHRA Focus for late fall 2016 and 2017 future.

•    8:30 pm: Adjournment

•    8:30 - 8:45 pm: Light Refreshments and Desserts Among “Friends”

FOHRA is committed to supporting the Highland State Recreation Area by assisting and promoting interpretive, scientific, historical, and educational visitor services. 

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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.

Special Presentation: FOHRA Annual Meeting to Host Mark Campbell, Henry Ford Heritage Association

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Mark Campbell, Henry Ford Heritage Association

Mark Campbell, Henry Ford Heritage Association

You're invited to the 2016 Annual Meeting of the Friends of Highland Recreation Area on Wednesday, November 2 at 6:30 pm at the HVCA building in Highland...

Enjoy a special presentation by Mark Campbell of the Henry Ford Heritage Association entitled, “The Impact of Henry Ford” at this year's Annual Meeting of the Friends of Highland Recreation Area. Mark has more than just a passing interest in Ford history. He has a direct family connection, being the great-great nephew of Clara Bryant Ford. Mark grew up around Fair Lane, the home of Henry and Clara Ford, attending the annual Christmas brunch, special events, and learning to drive Fair Lane’s Model T.

The event will also include special presentations and updates about the activities of the Friends group this past year. And please stay afterwards for light desserts, coffee, and refreshments. 

Social time with refreshments and appetizers will begin at 6:30 pm and the formal start of the meeting is at 7:00 pm. 

The address of the Huron Valley Council for the Arts building in Highland, Michigan is 205 West Livingston Road, Highland, MI 48357. Phone: 248-889-8660. Visit our web page at www.fohravolunteers.org for more information. 

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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.

Fall Color "Peaking" at Highland State Recreation Area

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Come out and see a spectacular display of Fall colors along the roads, hills, and lake shores at Highland State Recreation Area. The colors are fantastic now. See the best views during the golden hours at sunrise and sunset. Enjoy the cool temperatures and get outside for "Nature's Show Time"!

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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.