Cell Phone Tour Debuts at Kensington Metropark

Osprey, herons, and more, oh my! Bird and farm animal facts are just a call a way, with Kensington Metropark’s new cell phone tour, now available through July 19. 

“We want to expand our interpretive services, and enable visitors to access information at their convenience, on the phone,” said Jennifer Hollenbeck, Huron-Clinton Metroparks western district interpretive services supervisor.  “Once we pass the 30-day trial period, we will assess the usage and comments. We’re hoping that people will like this enough for us to make this a permanent part of the visitor experience, and expand it to include more information on the plants and animals you might see at this park, and other Metroparks as well.”

Currently, there are three “stops” on the audio tour. Dial 810-643-4019, and then press 1, 2 or 3 for information:

• 1 – Great Blue Herons: While on the boardwalk on Wildwing Lake, hear about the great blue herons nesting in the rookery.  
• 2 – Osprey: Go to the osprey platform viewing area near Windfall Bay (south of the tollbooth) and hear about the osprey and monitoring efforts. Stop at the free viewing scope to see the birds on the nest, along with their babies.
• 3 – Farm animals: While at the Farm Center, listen to answers to frequently asked questions, and hear the sounds of a Nubian goat. 

The cell phone tour is free, but normal usage rates apply. For additional information, please call Kensington Metropark at 810-227-8917. 

A Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required to enter any Metropark and is only $25 annually for regular admission, $15 annually for seniors or $5 daily. On the day of fireworks, there is a $10 special event daily vehicle permit required for vehicles entering the park after 5 pm; admission is free with an annual permit. General information can be found atwww.metroparks.com or by calling 1-800-47-PARKS. 

Located along the Huron and Clinton rivers, the Metroparks provide a natural oasis from urban and suburban life as well as year-round recreational activities and events. A regional park system, the Metroparks consist of 13 beautiful parks covering 25,000 acres, ten spectacular public golf courses and two marinas on Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair, respectively. The parks also offer scenic nature trails, breathtaking beaches, educational activities and exciting winter sports.