Kenneth J. Lehman Nature Trails

The Kenneth J. Lehman Nature Trails are located on MCC’s Sidney campus. They are open to the public from dawn until dusk, 365 days a year. More than four miles of trails are marked with numbered trail posts, and maps are available at most major trail heads. There is no charge to visit these beautiful trails, which wind through forests, grasslands and wetlands. In addition, a disc golf course is open and free to use. Course maps and score sheets are available at the Recreation Desk in the Activities Building or at Hole No. 1, located between the tennis courts and College Drive. Discs are available to rent at MCC’s Recreation Desk.

The MCC Nature Trails Committee welcomes new members. The committee meets four to six times per year and provides direction on upcoming projects.

Mission

The Kenneth J. Lehman Nature Trails provides educational and recreational opportunities for students and the community.

maps and trail information

Learn individual trail names and the corresponding trail marker colors and numbers to help you find your way.  A number of pre-planned hikes and a self-guided trail map(PDF) are also available for your convenience.

Nature Trails Photo Contest

The Kenneth J. Lehman Nature Trails Photo Contest happens annually with submissions due in the spring each year. Photos of animals, plants, landscapes, over-time/time-lapse, or anything else you've photographed from the Kenneth J. Lehman Nature Trails are accepted. Click the link above to submit your photos and view past winners.

Events

The Nature Trails Committee puts together a variety of fun events for the community year-round. Click the link above to check out upcoming events.

Activities

The Kenneth J. Lehman Nature Trails offer a variety of year-round activities that are family friendly! Enjoy scavenger hunts, nature bingo, geocaching, fairy door hunting and more! 

Disc Golf

MCC's disc course is free to use. Discs are available to rent at MCC’s Recreation desk, in the Activities Building, and are free for MCC students, faculty and staff with a valid MCC ID, and any community member with a valid MCC Recreation pass. All others may use a disc for a $2 fee.

bramble ramble 5k run/walk

The annual Bramble Ramble 5k run/walk and Michael J. Seaman Memorial 10k run showcase the variety and beauty of Montcalm Community College’s Kenneth J. Lehman Nature Trails.

adopt-a-trail program

Volunteer to adopt-a-trail from May through October and commit to visiting the trail every other month to provide low-key maintenance.

VOLUNTEER

The Kenneth Lehman Nature Trails are maintained entirely by volunteers, with the occasional help of the Montcalm Community College Maintenance Department. Workdays are typically held in April and September. Groups (scouts, youth groups, etc.) that would like to volunteer are encouraged to participate. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Heather Wesp at 989-328-1270 or email naturetrails@montcalm.edu for more information.

DONATE

While time is the most valuable thing you can donate, we are happy to accept materials and supplies as well as monetary donations. Your gift can benefit and impact the Lehman Trails in many ways. Donations will go to the Montcalm Community College Foundation and are tax deductible. MCC Nature Trails values partnerships with local businesses. Contact Heather Wesp for more information and giving opportunities.

Funding Sources

Trail activities, maps and brochures, and maintenance are funded by a combination of low-cost events (like the Bramble Ramble 5k) and contributions from Montcalm Community College and the MCC Foundation. In the past, we have sold note cards and envelopes with pictures from the trails as well as dedication/memory benches. If you would like to purchase notecards or a bench, please contact Heather Wesp at 989-328-1270 or email naturetrails@montcalm.edu for more information.