Spring at Szymanski’s Creekside Acres: Growth, Grit, and New Beginnings

As spring begins to settle in at Szymanski’s Creekside Acres, the farm is buzzing with activity—and not just from the bees. After a long and bustling winter, our family has thrown itself wholeheartedly into preparing the land for another busy season. There’s something about this time of year that feels like a deep breath in: full of anticipation, potential, and promise.

With the snow finally melted and the earth softening underfoot, our cleanup efforts have been in full swing. There’s always something to tend to—fallen branches, winter debris, and the ever-growing to-do list that comes with running a family farm. But even the mess feels meaningful. It’s the prelude to a season full of workshops, events, and fresh opportunities to connect with our amazing community.

One of the projects we’re especially excited about this year is the next phase of our tree-planting journey. We’re working toward planting 500 more trees this season! It’s a big, beautiful goal and one that brings us a lot of joy. Of course, it hasn’t been without its challenges. This past winter was tough—many of our young trees suffered sunburn, and the local deer population made themselves a little too at home. But despite the setbacks, we're moving forward with muddy boots and hopeful hearts.

Each season brings new growth—not just in the soil, but in the spirit of what we’re building here. Watching our little patch of Port Austin transform year after year has been nothing short of magical. Every tree we plant is another promise to the future—another step toward creating a more sustainable and beautiful landscape for generations to come.

Another dream that’s coming to life this season is our new pavilion. After years of wrestling with tents and the ever-unpredictable Michigan wind, we’re finally putting up a more permanent, sheltered space to host events and welcome guests. The structure is up, and we’re getting ready to add the steel. It hasn’t been easy—cold, wet weather has made progress slower than we’d like—but Frank and the kids are champs. They’ve been bucking down, braving the elements, and getting the job done. Let’s be honest: nothing says family bonding quite like building something heavy together in the mud!

With the pavilion nearing completion, we’re even more excited about this season’s lineup of workshops and events. Every class and gathering we host reflects what we value most here at Creekside Acres: creativity, learning, and community. From hands-on homesteading workshops and craft classes to kid-friendly summer camps and family experiences, there’s something for everyone. We want people to come here and slow down. To try something new. To reconnect—with the land, with each other, and maybe even with themselves.

So, here’s to the season ahead: to growth, grit, and the grounding joy of spring on the farm. We can’t wait to share it all with you.