Nature connection

Sue and John Gruel Nature Trail makes the Sky Walk at Hidden Lake Gardens more accessible

June 18, 2024
A group of people embark on a nature walk with Sparty

The Sue and John Gruel Nature Trail is the newest addition to Hidden Lake Gardens, a botanical garden and arboretum owned and operated by MSU, situated about 65 miles southeast of East Lansing in Tipton, Michigan.

This new multi-access trail, one-third of a mile in length, connects the trailhead parking lot to the Sky Walk and will enable visitors of varying abilities to traverse through the woodland en route to the Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk, which opened in 2023 thanks to the support of donors. The Sky Walk is wheelchair accessible, and the new trail provides visitors utilizing wheelchairs, strollers, or assistive devices for walking, the opportunity for an engaging nature experience.

John Gruel was a passionate enthusiast for nature and an amazing ambassador of Hidden Lake Gardens. The trail was made possible by the generosity of friends of John and Sue. Family members, donors and community volunteers celebrated the dedication of the Gruel Trail in June.

LEARN MORE about support for Hidden Lake Gardens by contacting Associate Director of Gift Planning Laura Peek at lpeek@msu.edu or by calling (517) 884-1070. 

Sparty sits on a bench as a person walks down the Gruel Nature Trail
Sparty pays a visit to the Gruel Nature Trail, to cheer on its grand opening and welcome its first visitors.
Sparty high-fives a man.
Visitors, donors, community members and volunteers gathered to celebrate the dedication of the Gruel Nature Trail.
Sparty joins a group of people for a walk.
Community members participate in the inaugural walk down the Gruel Nature Trail.
Sparty is driven down a woodland path by a Hidden Lake Gardens staff member.
Sparty hitches a ride with Hidden Lake Gardens staff on his visit to the Gruel Nature Trail.
Sparty poses with a man on the Canopy Sky Walk at Hidden Lake Gardens.
Visitors enjoy the Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk.

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