F10-15 Salt River Kayaking
Explore the Salt River by kayak, following the route of early 19th century explorers and 1870's lumbermen. Participants will be transported by CNC van to Veterans Memorial Park, near Sanford, where we will begin our trip. The Salt is a scenic small river, and "creative paddling" around a few obstructions may be necessary. Actual time on the river will depend on river conditions, paddling both upstream and back again. If weather or water conditions are not favorable, this trip will be canceled (determined the morning of the trip at CNC's discretion) and participants will be refunded.

W10-09 Compass and Orienteering Workshop
Using a compass to find your way off the trail is a fun and valuable skill. Learn the basics of using a compass, then follow a compass course to arrive at a new destination. We'll start in the temporary Visitor Center classroom, then head outside. Maps and compasses will be provided.

Nature for Youth (Coyotes)
This program is designed to help kids develop a connection to the natural world through fun, hands-on activities including experiment stations, games, crafts and more. Nature for Youth is held the first Saturday every the month at the temporary Visitor Center.

Homestead Sunday
Take a break from your busy schedule and enjoy a peaceful afternoon at the Homestead Farm. Staff and volunteers will be on hand at our log cabin and one-room schoolhouse to answer your questions, give tours of the farm and teach lessons from long ago. Kids of all ages can help with chores, play traditional games and visit the farm animals. The Homestead and Schoolhouse are open Sundays, May 30 - September 5.

Green Dragons of CNC
Green Dragons are on the rise at CNC. Join Naturalist Karen Breternitz to find this unusual plant. We will also visit some of CNC's "Big Trees" and look for wildflowers in bloom.

Green Dragons of CNC
Green Dragons are on the rise at CNC. Join Naturalist Karen Breternitz to find this unusual plant. We will also visit some of CNC's "Big Trees" and look for wildflowers in bloom.

Wee Stroll
This program is designed for parents to take a guided walk with their child, learn about the outdoors and learn ways to introduce children to the natural world around them.

W10-10 Improving Your Nature Photography
Have you ever grimaced helplessly while viewing pictures from an otherwise memorable vacation? Did your shots of mountains, daisies and elk differ from your memories? Don't despair! You may not need lots of expensive equipment to improve your photos. Before discussing photographing landscapes, flowers and wildlife, nature photographer Phil Stephens will help you better understand exposure, image sharpness and composition.

This class is for those already familiar with most of the settings and features on their cameras, either digital or film. (Note: If you are not so knowledgeable with your camera, for $10 more you can meet with the instructor for up to 30 minutes in the period several weeks before the class to become familiar. When you register, call to set up an appointment.) For the class itself, bring your camera with its instruction manual, a lunch and three of your outdoor photographs to be critiqued.

Traveling Around the Wetlands
Just like humans, many animals travel to and from MBS. "What?" you say. Did the security screeners let some slip by? No, we are not talking about the local airport; we are talking about our local Marsh, Bog, and Swamp! Yes, right here at Chippewa Nature Center we can visit these three amazing natural wonders, and discover clues about who has been been there! Bring your sense of adventure and check in at the Wetlands Area parking lot on Badour Road to pick up your passport! All ages welcome, those under 18 with an adult.

The Little Log Schoolhouse
Kids are invited to bring their imaginations and step back in time as they become students in a one-room school for a day. Join the schoolmaster as interactive lessons from days-gone-by are used to teach students the "4-R's" - reading, writing, arithmetic and recitation. We'll also have recess and play some 19th century school yard games.

CSM1 South Manitou Island Adventure (Nature Day Camp)
This trip allows our younger adventurers to get a taste of backpacking, while having the freedom to explore without all the weight. Monday will be spent getting ready and traveling to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. On Tuesday, we will take the ferry to South Manitou Island, where we will backpack to base camp. For the rest of the week we will explore an 1870s lighthouse, walk through a cemetery, discover abandoned farmsteads, visit the Valley of the Giants, climb sand dunes, watch sunsets, and enjoy becoming friends. This is sure to be a fun introduction to backpacking and a week to remember!

Sensational Summer Days - Michigan's Snakes
Add a special element to your visit this summer by exploring Sensational Summer Days! This indoor program includes a variety of self-guided, hands-on exploration stations. Experiments, fun facts, crafts, and scavenger hunts are just a few of the types of activities you'll find. The activities change weekly, so feel free to come back again and again!

F10-16 Voyageur Canoe Trip
Join Tom Lenon for an exciting adventure as we paddle a section of the Chippewa River in a 29-foot Voyageur Canoe. The canoe is a fiberglass reproduction of the birchbark canoes used by voyageurs to haul loads of trade goods and valuable animal pelts in the 18th and 19th centuries. During the trip we'll explore the unique natural and cultural resources of the area all while having a truly unique outdoor experience. We expect this program to fill up quickly, so sign up right away! If weather or water conditions are not favorable this trip will be canceled (determined the afternoon of the trip at CNC's discretion) and participants will be refunded.

F10-17 Local Kayak Trip
Join Tom Lenon in a quiet kayak trip down the Chippewa River. This relaxing trip is a great way to see resident wildlife such as Bald Eagles, turtles and muskrats and discover local history from a new point of view. If weather or water conditions are not favorable, this trip will be canceled (determined the afternoon of the trip at CNC's discretion) and participants will be refunded.

Morning Bird Walk
Join CNC Senior Naturalist Janea Little for part or all of this guided walk on CNC's trails to look for some of the 200+ species of birds that have been seen at CNC over the years. At this time of year, nesting should be in evidence everywhere we look, from territorial male birds singing their hearts out, to nests and eggs, to the fledglings of the early-nesting species. Loaner binoculars are available.

Preschool Story Hour: Are You a Bee?
Come spend an hour learning about nature! The hour will include a story and may include songs, art, rhymes and other age-appropriate activities.

Morning Bird Walk
Join CNC Senior Naturalist Janea Little for part or all of this guided walk on CNC's trails to look for some of the 200+ species of birds that have been seen at CNC over the years. At this time of year, nesting should be in evidence everywhere we look, from territorial male birds singing their hearts out, to nests and eggs, to the fledglings of the early-nesting species. Loaner binoculars are available.

Slimy Critters - Earthworms and Slugs
Want to get "slimed"? Come join Jackie Kelly on a journey to the world of the slippery, slimy critters at Chippewa Nature Center. We'll take a walk looking for slugs, worms and anything else that's slippery or slimy. Inside we'll take a closer look at these critters and discover how slime really helps them live. Dress appropriately - you may get "slimed!"

F10-18 Local Kayak Trip
Join Dennis Pilaske on a quiet kayak trip down the Chippewa River. This relaxing trip is a great way to see resident wildlife such as Bald Eagles, turtles and muskrats and discover local history from a new point of view. If weather or water conditions are not favorable, this trip will be canceled (determined the afternoon of the trip at CNC's discretion) and participants will be refunded.

Sensational Summer Days - Backyard Bandits (Opossums & More)
Add a special element to your visit this summer by exploring Sensational Summer Days! This indoor program includes a variety of self-guided, hands-on exploration stations. Experiments, fun facts, crafts, and scavenger hunts are just a few of the types of activities you'll find. The activities change weekly, so feel free to come back again and again!

Full Moon Stroll
It will probably be too dark to look for the namesake of this month's full moon, the Strawberry, but come along with CNC Senior Naturalist Janea Little to look for more visible items instead! We'll watch for wildlife and enjoy the beauty of the full moon while we practice using our night vision by keeping flashlights off!

F10-19 Adventures for Women: Paddle & Pedal
It sounds like a biathlon but it really is just an opportunity to enjoy nature along the Chippewa River and the Chippewa Trail in one day. Join Janea Little to bike the Chippewa Trail from the Tridge to CNC, after which we will put kayaks in the water and paddle back down to the Tridge. Bring your own bike. CNC will provide all the equipment for kayaking. Wear shoes that can get wet. If weather or water conditions are not favorable the trip with be canceled and full refunds issued.

CPR1 Backpacking Pigeon River (Nature Day Camp)
Strap on a pack and set out for adventure with this unique backpacking trip in the Northern Lower Peninsula. We'll spend the week in the forests, enjoying trails, searching for elk, listening for coyotes, and learning many outdoor skills. Sharing meals, laughter, and fun along the trail, you will remember this trip for years to come. This trip is a great transition between the relative ease of South Manitou Island and the longer, more challenging Porcupine Mountain trip.

F10-20 Local Kayak Trip
Join Dennis Pilaske on a quiet kayak trip down the Chippewa River. This relaxing trip is a great way to see resident wildlife such as Bald Eagles, turtles and muskrats and discover local history from a new point of view. If weather or water conditions are not favorable, this trip will be canceled (determined the afternoon of the trip at CNC's discretion) and participants will be refunded.

Sensational Summer Days - The River and Its Critters
Add a special element to your visit this summer by exploring Sensational Summer Days! This indoor program includes a variety of self-guided, hands-on exploration stations. Experiments, fun facts, crafts, and scavenger hunts are just a few of the types of activities you'll find. The activities change weekly, so feel free to come back again and again!