WHITE PINE TRAIL STATE PARK
RIVER TEACHING STATION
GARDEN
RIPARIAN BUFFER ZONE
PAVED PATHWAY
The White Pine Trail State Park is Michigan’s newest, narrowest, longest state park. This Rail Trail stretches from Grand Rapids to the north for 92 miles. Lincoln Elementary School grounds border the Clam River. The riverfront has been designated as part of the new trail system. Lincoln school has entered into a partnership with community and environmental groups to be part of the project which includes river restoration, beautification, construction of recreational areas and the planning and construction of a River School teaching station at Lincoln school.
Lincoln parents, teachers, and students have participated in the planning of the various teaching structures and worked with community professionals and volunteers to plant school grounds with a natural Michigan prairie, meadow, and butterfly garden. This is an ongoing project.
Spring
2001
After careful planning, the
first stage
of our project
was the construction
of our teaching plaza 
by
the river.
The river banks were reformed into a more natural shape to improve both
the appearance of the river and the habitat areas found along the river
banks. Rock was brought in for this
portion of the project. A terraced
plaza was constructed which included stairs to approach the river and
terraced retaining walls to provide seating areas and places for planting
of native plants.
Volunteers, students, teachers, and
environmental professionals then began the garden
portion of our project. The grass in the garden 
area
was organically removed. The soil was prepared for planting and
holes were dug for larger plants. Students grew native plants from
wildflower seeds in their classrooms and plants were purchased from
wildflower nurseries. Wonderful volunteers assisted students in
grades
Kindergarten through 5th grade as they planted their seedlings and other
plants into our garden. Mulch was spread and our garden was
watered. A large rock spiral made of 26 large stones (to help us
remember we're the 26th state!) was placed in the garden area. These
rocks can be used for seats when classes are outside! We left for
the summer, but volunteers continued to care for our garden throughout the
summer.
Fall
2001 
When
we returned to school in August
our garden was beginning to bloom!!
Our yellow flowers were a great attraction for butterflies, and some of
our classes even raised and released more butterflies. Students had
many opportunities to observe and enjoy our garden.
Spring
2002
Students
at Lincoln enjoyed presentations by a 4-H Envirothon team about the
natural habitats found in and along our river. They explained to our
students what wildlife has been observed and then discussed what wildlife
we hope will move into the new habitat areas that will be created.
Team members then worked with groups of students to plant the "Riparian
Buffer Zone," the area that will be between the river and the
paved pathway. Students moved brush to build habitat for fish,
painted and installed bat boxes, planted trees and shrubs, and moved lots
of soil and mulch. A bucket brigade from the river completed the
planting activities. Now we're waiting for new animal life to move
in! This summer the paved portion of the pathway will be completed
from the headwaters up to Ayer St.
Summer
2003
The
path is paved along the Lincoln School section. Extra plantings fill
in areas between the walkway and the river's edge.