Tours
Although visitors
are allowed to walk the trails without a guide, we recommend
that first-time visitors receive a tour before venturing out
on their own. Currently, tours at Sunny Fields are conducted
at no charge. We do, however, encourage donations to help
defray our costs in keeping the center open and available
to the public. Donations are tax-deductible. Our season runs
from April 1 - October 31.
Tours are available
by appointment only, and we welcome your phone calls at 810-387-2765.
Typical tour hours are 10am and 2pm on Saturday, Sunday, and
Monday; however, other times and days can be arranged, and
tours can also be tailored for particular interests. Tours
generally last 1 1/2 hours. Directions to the site are provided
when the appointment is made, or you can activate the Google
Map by clicking on this interactive
map link and typing your address in the Starting
Address box, then clicking on Get Directions
to display a map showing your suggested route.
Currently, approximately
25 acres of the property are available to the public. Sunny
Fields is never the same twice. It is ever-changing throughout
the year, and so every tour is a unique event.
Tour
Groups
To qualify for a tour, we prefer that you form a
group of 6-30 people. Tours for individuals are also possible
- contact us for details. For all tours, consideration is
based on the availability of the tour guide and the nature
of the requesting party. We encourage professionals in the
horticulture, forestry, conservation, and ecology fields to
visit us, as well as scouting organizations, garden clubs,
schools, etc. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible
adult.
Parking
Free parking is available on the property. Directions
to the parking lot are also provided at the time of your appointment.
The parking lot is located at 5444 Welch Rd., Emmett, MI 48022
(not a mailing address).
Getting
Around the Park
Due to
the nature of the property and its trail system, wheelchairs
and strollers are not recommended; however, "pull-wagons"
are allowed (motorized vehicles and bicycles are not allowed).
Comfortable attire, and especially sensible shoes, are strongly
encouraged. The trails are of natural materials, and mostly
consist of mowed grass. There are no paved trails, and presently
benches are very limited in number. You can also bring your
own chairs.
If necessary, and
with prior arrangements, we can often provide the service
of our golf cart. Up to three passengers can ride on the golf
cart, in addition to the guide.
Facilities
An area is available with a picnic table and several chairs.
There is also a restroom facility. Trail maps are available.
Weather
Weather, especially rain and thunderstorms, can sometimes
necessitate the rescheduling of a tour. We recommend that
you call ahead on the day of your tour if the weather is questionable.
For your safety, sudden lightning storms typically signal
an abrupt end to all tours.
Park
Rules
Take
only photos...Leave only footprints...
Leave no litter.
No pets.
Remain on the trails.
Do not move or damage any labels, signage, or park property.
Keep out of all water features. Do not add anything
to waterways.
No alcoholic beverages.
No smoking.
No non-prescription drugs.
No firearms, weapons, hunting, fishing, or trapping.
No fighting.
No fires without authorization; restricted to designated
areas.
Keep out of private, posted, and restricted areas.
No loud amplified entertainment devices; tranquility
is encouraged.
Do not feed, disturb, injure, or remove any plants or
animals.
Do not damage animal or plant habitats.
Do not pick flowers or harvest fruit without park authorization.
Do not disturb park features, including soil, stones,
and rocks.
No running, shouting, or active competitive sports.
No tree, fence, or structure climbing.
No nudity.
No overnight use of the park.
Report any problems or concerns to park authorities
at cabin site.
Enjoy
and take care of the park. Leave it nice for others
to enjoy.
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