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Visitor Center Hours:
Monday-Friday 8-5,
Saturdays 9-5, Sundays and Holidays 1-5
Trails
open every day from dawn to dark
2012:
May |
June |
July |
August
September |
October |
November |
December
Download a Registration
Form to sign up for fee-related programs |
|
|
June 2012 |
|
1/1/12-12/31/12
Member: $7
Non-member: $10
Ages: 9+ |
IP12-01
Walk
100 Miles
Register
at the Visitor Center
to walk 100 miles on
Chippewa Nature Center Trails
and you will receive a logbook in which to
keep track of the dates and mileage you have
traveled. To
achieve your goal, travel along any of the
nature center trails by walking, skiing or
snowshoeing. Take in the beautiful views along
the Pine and Chippewa Rivers, investigate the
fields, forests and wetlands, see how things
change throughout the seasons, look for and
enjoy the bountiful wildlife and join the many
guided hikes throughout the year.
Travel
100, 200 or 500 miles in 2012 and receive a
t-shirt to mark your achievement!
Three additional prizes will be awarded to the
three people who have logged the most miles.
Registration:
989-631-0830 or scheduler@chippewanaturecenter.org |
|
6/2/12
Sat
9 am-12 pm
Free Admission
Ages: 18+ |
Exploring Sand Point Nature Preserve
Join Chippewa Nature Center Senior Naturalist, Janea
Little, for a two-hour hike to explore the 139-acre Sand
Point Nature Preserve in Huron County. The preserve,
located along Wildfowl Bay on the east side of the
Saginaw Bay, is owned and managed by the Saginaw Basin
Land Conservancy. The preserve features one of the
largest remaining areas of undeveloped shoreline (4,746
feet) and much of the remaining coastal wetlands on Sand
Point.
Approximately half of the preserve is wetlands,
attracting wildlife that includes Bald Eagles and Marsh
Wrens. The State of Michigan has recognized the
importance of this property by officially designating it
an "Environmental Area," a title placed on only about
8.5% of the Great Lakes shoreline.
The preserve is located at the southwestern base of the
Sand Point Peninsula in Caseville Township of Huron
County. Parking for the preserve is located on the bay
side of M-25, approximately 4 miles southwest of
Caseville, halfway between Dunn and Crescent Beach
Roads.
To participate in the hike, please meet Janea at the
preserve’s parking lot at 9 a.m. Although we will mostly
stick to trails, wear sturdy hiking boots, in case we
see something wonderful and need to go bushwhacking.
Loaner binoculars will be available. The hike will take
place rain or shine, so please dress for the weather. |
|
6/2/12
Sat
8 am-6 pm
Registration Deadline:
5/25/12
Members: $28
Non-members: $35
Ages 15+, under
18
w/adult |
F12-16 Kayaking the Deadstream Swamp
- FULL
The Deadstream Swamp, west of Houghton Lake, is one of
the biggest remaining Northern White Cedar swamps in all
of North America. Join experienced trip leaders Kyle
Bagnall and Jackie Kelly as you paddle CNC kayaks
through the heart of this National Natural Landmark on
the scenic and remote Dead Stream. Beaver, muskrat,
waterbirds and other wildlife abound in the marshes and
bogs of the largest semi-wilderness area in the Lower
Peninsula. Participants should bring water and a lunch
to eat on the river. Limited opportunities exist to get
out of the boats during the trip. Some paddling
experience required. Kayaks, personal flotation devices,
paddles and transportation are provided. |
|
6/2/12
Sat
9-10 am &
10:30-11:30 am
Free Admission
Ages: 3-5
w/adult |
Preschool Story Hour: Squish! A
Wetland Walk
Come spend an hour learning about nature! The hour will
include a story and may include songs, art, rhymes and
other age-appropriate activities. |
|
6/2/12
Sat
1-2:30 pm
Free Admission
Ages: 5-9
w/adult |
Nature for Youth: Turtles & Frogs
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. Each session is held on the first Saturday of
the month at the Visitor Center, 1-2:30 pm. |
|
6/3/12
Sun
1:30-5 pm
Free Admission
All Ages |
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 will be
open Sundays, May 27 - September 2. |
|
6/3/12
Sun
9-11 pm
Free Admission
Ages: 9+, under 18
w/adult |
Full Moon Walk
Wind-up your weekend with a relaxing, guided walk by the
light of the full moon! Senior Naturalist Janea Little
will lead this walk, and challenge you to get your
"night eyes" going by walking without the light of
flashlights (but bring them anyway, just in case!).
Please wear dark clothing, so we aren't quite as
noticeable to wildlife (and to better keep your night
eyes in the dark). |
|
6/6/12
Wed
6-9 pm
Registration Deadline:
6/1/12
Members: $15
Non-members: $22
Ages: 15+, under 18
w/adult |
F12-17 Local Kayak Trip
Join Tom Lenon 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.
|
|
6/7/12 Thurs
9-10 am &
10:30-11:30 am
Free Admission
Ages: 3-5
w/adult |
Preschool Story Hour: Squish! A
Wetland Walk
Come spend an hour learning about nature! The hour will
include a story and may include songs, art, rhymes and
other age-appropriate activities. |
|
6/7/12 Thurs
6-11 pm
Registration Deadline:
6/1/12
Members: $20
Non-members: $30
Ages: 18+ |
F12-18 Nayanquing at Night
Nayanquing Point, located on the Saginaw Bay just north
of Linwood, is well-known as an outstanding area for
wetlands species. Yellow-headed Blackbirds, American and
Least Bitterns, Sedge and Marsh Wrens, Swamp Sparrows,
Black-crowned Night Herons and many other species can be
seen and heard here. On this evening trip, we'll enjoy
viewing many species from an observation tower and while
walking some of the dikes along the wetland areas. But
the show isn't over once the sun goes down, as the
"thunder pumper," the American Bittern, then starts its
unique call. Join Senior Naturalist Janea Little for
this evening field trip to enjoy a great birding spot. |
|
6/7/12 Thurs
7 pm
Free Admission
All
Ages |
Valley Herb
Society - CNC Herb Garden
Join the VHS for their monthly meeting.
For program information, please contact Cathy Devendorf
at
cdevendorf@chippewanaturecenter.org or 989.631.0830. |
|
6/7/12 Thurs
7 pm
Free Admission
All Ages, under 18
w/adult |
Midland Hike and Paddle Club
Join the MHPC for their monthly meeting. |
|
6/8/12
Fri
9-10 am &
10:30-11:30 am
Free Admission
Ages: 6 mos-2 yrs
w/adult |
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. |
|
6/8/12
Fri
6:30-8:30 pm
Free Admission
All Ages, under 18
w/adult |
Native Trees and Shrubs for the Landscape: Touring the
Garrett Arboretum
Bring your questions and share your knowledge with us as
we hike through the Garrett Arboretum of Michigan Trees
and Shrubs. We will discuss the benefits of using native
plants in your landscape, look at which species are most
attractive and pest free, and look at characteristics
that help to identify some species. Meet at the Visitor
Center. |
|
6/9/12
Sat
2-3:30 pm
Free Admission
All Ages, under 18
w/adult |
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. We'll take a closer look at these critters and
discover how slime really helps them live. Dress
appropriately - you may get "slimed"! |
|
6/10/12
Sun
1:30-5 pm
Free Admission
All Ages, under 18
w/adult |
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 will be
open Sundays, May 27 - September 2. |
|
6/12/12 Tues
9:30-11:30 am
Free Admission
All Ages, under 18
w/adult |
Green Dragons of Chippewa Nature Center
Join Naturalist Karen Breternitz as we pursue the Green
Dragons of CNC. Each year we find more and more of these
unusual plants in different locations. Some are huge!
Some are just babies getting started in a new area. What
will we find this year? Meet us at the pavilion at the
end of the Homestead road to find out! |
|
6/12/12 Tues
6/13/12
Wed
6/14/12 Thurs
6/15/12
Fri
8 am-5 pm
6/16/12
Sat
9 am-5 pm
6/17/12
Sun
1-5 pm
Free Admission
All Ages |
Summer Exploration Days: Birds of Prey
Add a special element to your visit this summer by
exploring Summer Exploration 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! |
|
6/13/12
Wed
6-9 pm
Registration Deadline:
6/8/12
Members: $15
Non-members: $22
Ages: 15+, under 18
w/adult |
F12-19 Local Kayak Trip
Join CNC staff on a leisure kayak trip to travel down
the river. Interesting facts about the natural and
cultural history found along the way will be pointed
out. This trip is an easy way to relieve the pressures
of the week and get a little exercise and is a great way
to get out and enjoy the outdoors! 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. |
|
6/14/12 Thurs
7-9 am
Free Admission
Ages: 9+, under 18
w/adult |
Bird Nest and Nesting Behavior Hike
During this hike, Director of Land and Facilities, Tom
Lenon, will especially focus on looking for nesting
birds and talk about where some of the common birds nest
and why. Common nesting behaviors will also be pointed
out. |
|
6/14/12 Thurs
7-9 pm
Free Admission
All Ages, under 18
w/adult |
Green Dragons of Chippewa Nature Center
Join Naturalist Karen Breternitz as we pursue the Green
Dragons of CNC. Each year we find more and more of these
unusual plants in different locations. Some are huge!
Some are just babies getting started in a new area. What
will we find this year? Meet us at the pavilion at the
end of the Homestead road to find out! |
|
6/16/12
Sat
10 am-12 pm
Free Admission
All Ages, under 18
w/adult |
Green Dragons of Chippewa Nature Center
Join Naturalist Karen Breternitz as we pursue the Green
Dragons of CNC. Each year we find more and more of these
unusual plants in different locations. Some are huge!
Some are just babies getting started in a new area. What
will we find this year? Meet us at the pavilion at the
end of the Homestead road to find out! |
|
6/17/12
Sun
1:30-5 pm
Free Admission
All Ages, under 18
w/adult |
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 will be
open Sundays, May 27 - September 2. |
|
6/17/12
Sun
2-4 pm
Free Admission
All Ages, under 18
w/adult |
Who Lives in a Wetland Neighborhood?
If you were to live in a wetland, who would be your
neighbors? Many different plants and animals have
special features which allow them to survive in water or
water-soaked habitats. Get to know these creatures and
their adaptations as we walk around the wetlands and
discover their wetland address. Meet Educator Jeanne
Henderson at the Wetlands Area pavilion. All ages
welcome, but most appropriate for ages 8 and up. |
|
6/19/12 Tues
6/20/12
Wed
6/21/12 Thurs
6/22/12
Fri
8 am-5 pm
6/23/12
Sat
9 am-5 pm
6/24/12
Sun
1-5 pm
Free Admission
All Ages |
Summer Exploration Days: Wasps, Hornets, & Bees
Add a special element to your visit this
summer by exploring Summer Exploration 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! |
|
6/20/12
Wed
6-9 pm
Registration Deadline:
6/15/12
Members: $15
Non-members: $22
Ages: Women 14+, under 18
w/adult |
F12-20 Adventures for Women: Kayak Trip
Enjoy a quiet paddling trip down the Chippewa River, a
wide, slow-moving river perfect for either beginners or
experts who want to relax. On this trip we'll watch for
herons, eagles, map turtles, orioles, flycatchers,
muskrat, mink, fish, and other wildlife who call the
river "home." Kayaking is a wonderful way to gain a new
perspective of the river, with close-up views of tree
trunks battered by breaking spring ice, contrasting
scenes of peaceful forest versus lawns with mowers
blazing, and the different habitats within the river
itself provided by varying water depths and substrates. |
|
6/20/12
Wed
9:30-11:30 am
Free Admission
All Ages, under 18
w/adult |
Native Trees and Shrubs for the Landscape: Touring the
Garrett Arboretum
Bring your questions and share your knowledge with us as
we hike through the Garrett Arboretum of Michigan Trees
and Shrubs. We will discuss the benefits of using native
plants in your landscape, look at which species are most
attractive and pest free, and look at characteristics
that help to identify some species. Meet at the Visitor
Center. |
|
6/20/12
Wed
7-9 pm
Free Admission
All Ages, under 18
w/adult |
Summer Solstice Hike
The Summer Solstice occurs at 7:09pm this evening,
marking the longest day of the year! Join Kyle Bagnall
on an exploration through woods and fields of Chippewa
Nature Center to mark the start of this special season.
Meet at the Visitor Center, where we'll begin our hike. |
|
6/21/12 Thurs
9-10 am &
10:30-11:30 am
Free Admission
Ages: 3-5
w/adult |
Preschool Story Hour: Waiting for
Wings
Come spend an hour learning about nature! The hour will
include a story and may include songs, art, rhymes and
other age-appropriate activities. |
|
6/22/12
Fri
7-10 am
Free Admission
Ages: 9+, under 18
w/adult |
Birds & Bagels
 Migration is over, but there will still be plenty of
nesting species to be found! Beginner and experienced
birders alike are invited to join Senior Naturalist
Janea Little for 2+ hours of birding, followed by
refreshments in the Visitor Center. Loaner binoculars
are available. Generously sponsored by Big Apple Bagels. |
|
6/23/12
Sat
1:30-3 pm
Free Admission
Ages: 5+, under 18
w/adult |
Monsters of the Deep
Okay, so our ponds aren't all that "deep" and aquatic
insects aren't really "monsters", but if you are only a
couple of millimeters long, a Predacious Diving Beetle
looks pretty scary and a pond is like Lake Huron! Join
Naturalist Phil Stephens to collect aquatic critters and
take a closer look with microscopes before putting them
back into the water. |
|
6/24/12
Sun
1:30-5 pm
Free Admission
All Ages, under 18
w/adult |
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 will be
open Sundays, May 27 - September 2. All ages welcome. |
|
6/26/12 Tues
6/27/12
Wed
6/28/12 Thurs
6/29/12
Fri
8 am-5 pm
6/30/12
Sat
9 am-5 pm
7/1/12 Sun
1-5 pm
Free Admission
All Ages |
Summer Exploration Days: Water, Water Everywhere
Add a special element to your visit this summer by
exploring Summer Exploration 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! |
|
6/26/12 Tues
6-9 pm
Registration Deadline:
6/20/12
Members: $20
Non-members: $28
Ages: 15+, under 18
w/adult |
W12-07 Upside-Down and Swamped: What to do
When Paddling Turns
to Swimming (A Canoe and Kayak Training) - FULL
Join Tom Lenon and Curt Holsinger, our seasoned staff,
for a three hour “tour.” This will be a program that
Gilligan and the Skipper should have had before their
trip! During this on-water program, we will cover
different paddling strokes and braces, as well as gear
and canoe/kayak types. You will also see other rescue
techniques such as the Capistrano Flip and the Eskimo
Roll. During the program you will have the opportunity
to challenge yourself by practicing these skills. Come
prepared to be in the water and to learn things that you
never knew were possible in a canoe/kayak!
Tom and Curt have hours of paddling experiences in
diverse and adverse conditions and have led numerous
paddling trips and rescue trainings. As both will attest
to, as you become more confident and comfortable with
your paddling skills, you will gain more freedom to
venture out! |
|
6/27/12
Wed
9 am-2 pm
Free Admission
All Ages, under 18
w/adult |
Homestead Quilters
Pick up a needle and learn this beautiful craft with the
Quilters at their regular monthly meeting. |
|
6/28/12 Thurs
6-9 pm
Registration Deadline:
6/22/12
Members: $15
Non-members: $22
Ages: 15+, under 18
w/adult |
F12-21 Local Kayak Trip
Join CNC's Dennis Pilaske on a leisure kayak trip to
travel down the river. Interesting facts about the
natural and cultural history found along the way will be
pointed out. This trip is an easy way to relieve the
pressures of the week and get a little exercise and is a
great way to get out and enjoy the outdoors! 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. |
|
|
2012:
May |
June |
July |
August
September |
October |
November |
December
|
|
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