WSV’s Kay Davis writes, “During my first visit to (Sturgis’ Timm Preserve), the exposed roots and ground were wet and looked slippery. That day was warm with heavy, misty air which caused a steady tapping in the tree leaves and thick vegetation, similar to the Star Wars scene in which we were first introduced to Yoda. The fact I recognized it as such was the indicator that my entire walk on that summer day would be associated with the original movie trilogy.”

Summer is well underway. With some pandemic restrictions still in place and local cases climbing, cabin fever remains a reality for many. For St. Joseph County residents seeking activities that follow the rules and precautions, outdoor recreational opportunities provide a wide range of viable and safe options. Watershed Voice has compiled a basic list of places for outdoor activities both locally and in other Michigan locales within an hour and a half of Three Rivers.

“Parks and Rec showed me the beauty of local politics. If you want to go to a city commission or county commission meaning—outside of this time of coronavirus—you can, and I’d say you should. You would find these are ordinary people, our friends and neighbors, just about all of whom hold other day-jobs, trying to make complicated decisions where it’s not always so clear what the “right thing” to do is. In Three Rivers, you can even go chew out your mayor at the bookstore. He might push back, but he’ll listen. I know because I’ve done it.”