"Ice Stars" Form on Haven Hill Lake

Haven Hill Lake was created for Edsel and Eleanor Ford and their family in the 1920's by damming Cedar Creek, a part of Michigan’s Huron River watershed. The creek runs out of the lake and eventually becomes part of the Huron River flowing into Lake Erie south of Detroit, Michigan.


In the days of the Haven Hill Estate, the lake was a source of beauty and recreation for the Fords, their family members, and guests. Today it provides the same joys to guests of the Haven Hill section of Michigan's Highland State Recreation Area.

In winter, the lakes' surface freezes and thaws repeatedly throughout the season. Intriguing shapes form on the frozen surface as winter temperatures rise and fall. Sometimes unusual "Ice Stars" can be seen all over the surface of the frozen lake. These star-like shapes are formed when water seeps up through a hole in the ice and snow, creating a spider or octopus-shaped series of channels around the hole at the center.

Watch an aerial video flying over the Ice Stars HERE. 

Visit a great lake ice website in Burlington Vermont for more lake ice information... HERE

The aerial photos and video for this article were gathered using a DJI Phantom 2 quadcopter and a GoPro camera by FOHRA member Jay Fitzgerald and his son Jack.

2016 Haven Hill Redbud Reveal Set for Saturday, May 14

The Friends of Highland Recreation Area are once again proud to announce the “Redbud Reveal”, a season-opening state park event at Highland State Recreation Area in Highland/White Lake, Michigan.

To celebrate the arrival of the 2016 spring and summer season, the Reveal will be held from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm on Saturday, May 14, (rain date Sunday, May 15). Visitors are encouraged to come and see the beautiful and historic Haven Hill lands and structures of the Highland State Recreation Area which includes the historic Haven Hill Gate House, the Edsel Ford Barn, the picturesque Carriage House, and the Haven Hill Lodge footprint up on Haven Hill. The new Cedar Creek trail is also ready for family and individual exploration.

At 1:00 pm, FOHRA President Mr. Dick Russell will give a public address highlighting the Friends group’s activities and event plans for the coming year.

Come on out and join area residents to see if the redbuds are in bloom at Haven Hill!

2016 Antiques and Collectibles Sale
A selection of collectible items for you and your home will be presented on the grounds of the Edsel Ford Barn at Edsel and Eleanor Ford’s former Haven Hill Estate. The Sale event will be held during the “Redbud Reveal” spring season-opening event on Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 10 am until 4:00 pm at Highland State Recreation Area.  Once inside the park please follow the signs to the event and Sale.

All proceeds from the sale of donated items benefit the Friends of Highland Recreation Area and their restoration efforts at the former Haven Hill Estate.

Michigan DNR requires Recreation Passport for state park entry.


Visit www.fohravolunteers.org/sale for more information.

Comment

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 on Display at Edsel Ford Barn on Sunday, January 31

The Chief Pontiac Trail Committee is hosting Snow Snake Races on January 31 at the Edsel Ford Barn 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Come check it out!

Fun for all ages.  $3.00 donation suggested but it's free to watch and to cheer on the competitors. Snow snake kits can be purchased for $5 and loaner snakes are available for racing.

Purchase a snake kit on January 31 and you'll have plenty of time to get it ready for the next race on February 13th.  It's a great project and event for kids and grandkids.

EVENT FLIER

 

Comment

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 New Year from the Friends of Highland Recreation Area

Visit www.fohravolunteers.org for more information about FOHRA in 2016. Happy New Year everyone!

Comment

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 Emerging at Haven Hill Near Edsel Ford Barn!

They are returning! The annual Snow Snake event will occur at the Edsel Ford Barn on Sunday, January 31 between 1 and 4:00 pm. Come out and enjoy this modern interpretation of a native american winter sport. Snakes will be available for those not creating their own with the Scout Program. 

Sponsored by the Chief Pontiac Trail Activities Committee and supported by the Friends of Highland Recreation Area. Public welcome. 

Light refreshments and snacks for sale as a fundraiser. Donations to support the Friends group and their efforts at Haven Hill accepted graciously.



Comment

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.

1ST SNOW BRINGS 15+ INCHES ON NOVEMBER 21ST TO WHITE LAKE, MICHIGAN AREA!

Although it melted VERY quickly, the 1st snow of the 2015/2016 winter was a doozy in the Highland/White Lake, Michigan area.

The Highland State Recreation Area sign covered with snow on November 21, 2015.

If the snows come back we're in for a great outdoor winter season at Haven Hill!

Comment

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.

FOHRA at Wild Ones

FOHRA at Wild Ones

Come learn about the ecological and historical gem in our own back yards, Highland State Recreation Area! Larry and Jay will focus on Haven Hill’s unique natural and cultural history and present day efforts by The Friends of Highland Recreation Area to steward the historic Edsel and Eleanor Ford Family Estate into the future. 

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Annual Meeting Open to Everyone Wednesday, November 4!

Friends of Highland Recreation Area

2015 Annual Meeting

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

White Lake Township Community Hall, 7500 Highland Road (M-59), White Lake, MI 48383

The Board of Directors of the Friends of Highland Recreation Area (FOHRA) would like to welcome its Members and the Public to the 2015 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.

The 1st ever classic young person’s road trip? 100 years ago, in 1915, then 21 year old Edsel Ford and several of his young friends made a little-known drive from Detroit to the World’s Fair in San Francisco. A special program of Autoline Detroit “The Last Drive” will be shown that tells portions of this great Edsel Ford story. Some highlights of FOHRA’s 2015 volunteer year at Haven Hill will also be shown. Other informative and enjoyable Haven Hill displays will be presented during the evening.

Agenda 

  • 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:  FOHRA Annual Business Meeting - 2015 Good Evening & Welcome, Required Votes - FOHRA President; -  Dick Russell
     
  • 7:15 – 7:45 pm   AutoLine Detroit “The Last Drive” Episode #1929: 100 years ago, 21-year old Edsel Ford was preparing to join his fatherrunning Ford Motor Company. Just before he took the reins, Edsel & six buddies drove 1915 Model T’s cross-country on, what Bruce Springsteen would later call, “a last chance power drive.” - Autoline Detroit website.
     
  • 7:45 – 8:00 pm:  Special Presentation
     
  • 8:00 – 8:15 pm: 2015 Video and Photographic Presentation - Aerial quadcopter footage of Haven Hill and the Highland State Recreation Area.
     
  • 8:15 – 8:30 pm:  Overview of Future Programs – Dick Russell - FOHRA Focus for late fall 2015 and 2016 future.
     
  • 8:30 pm: Adjournment
     
  • 8:30 - 8:45 pm: Light Refreshments and Desserts Among “Friends”
Comment

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.

Barn Stormers Share Goose Meadow Ball Field with Gate House Family Nine

The Haven Hill Barn Stormers scored 1 ace and the Gate House Family Nine earned 7 as the 2015 vintage base ball match came to a rainy end in the 9th inning at Goose Meadow at the Highland State Recreation Area Haven Hill Festival last weekend. Saturday, August 29's base ball game was enjoyed by all the cranks as players showed skill on both clubs as they paid tribute to the early games of base ball.

2015 Haven Hill Barn Stormers Base Ball Club

2015 Gate House Family Nine Base Ball Club

Ballists on both teams showed great sportsmanship and prowess as the struck the pill around the field. Next year's Haven Hill Festival game is already anticipated by all the players.

Comment

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.