Member: $12
Non-member: $15
Ages: 14+

Woodland Wildflowers
Woodland Wildflowers put on a great display every spring. Join CNC Naturalist Karen Breternitz for this short hike to look for spring beauties, trout lily, trillium and whatever else we can find in this wildflower rich area.

F10-12 Birding Ohio: Crane Creek Region
The Lake Erie shoreline in northwestern Ohio is known as one of the best birding areas in North America. Birders from all over the continent make a spring pilgrimage to the region in search of warblers and other migratory songbirds. Join experienced birders Kyle Bagnall and Janea Little on a trip to this special spot during the peak of spring migration, for a trip you'll never forget! We'll explore a variety of habitats over the course of three days, at sites such as Crane Creek State Park, Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge and Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve. We'll also stop at the Great Black Swamp Bird Observatory, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center and the Sportsmen's Migratory Bird Center. In 2009, we saw 139 species on the trip!

We'll travel to Ohio in two Nature Center Vans. Lodging is included in the registration fee and will be in Port Clinton at the Sleep Inn. Hotel amenities include a swimming pool, continental breakfast and complimentary high speed internet. (The entire hotel is a non-smoking establishment.) Registration assumes DOUBLE OCCUPANCY. If you are registering by yourself, please indicate your need for a roommate and one will be assigned to you. Participants should bring two sack lunches (coolers will be available) and plan on eating other meals out (a simple breakfast is provided by the hotel).

F10-13 Birding by Voyageur Canoe
Grab a paddle and join Kyle Bagnall for a birding trip down the Chippewa River in a 29' voyageur canoe! This large canoe is a great birding boat because it keeps us all together. Birding should be excellent, with migration still in full swing and resident birds already nesting. Belted Kingfishers, Great Blue and Green Herons, Baltimore Orioles, Cliff and Barn Swallows, Spotted Sandpipers and many others should be easy to spot. We'll also listen for the many birds singing in the woods lining the river, such as Hermit and Wood Thrushes, Scarlet Tanagers and Eastern Wood-Pewee. It will be important to dress according to weather conditions. Be sure to bring binoculars (bring the good ones -- this is a VERY stable canoe!), a snack and something to drink. If poor weather or river conditions exist, this trip will be canceled and those registered will get a full refund. Loaner binoculars are available.

W10-08 Practical Outdoor Skills
Join Dennis Pilaske for a morning of learning and practicing practical outdoor skills that are the foundation for many outdoor activities. Learning these fundamentals can really enhance any outdoor adventure. We'll be learning and applying several different kinds of knots, work on basic map and compass skills, try our hand at fire building, sharpen knives, make water safe to drink and dig into other essential equipment and clothing.

Y10-02 Teen Trex: Ride the River in a Kayak
The weather has gotten warmer and the water is calling! Come explore the Chippewa River by kayak. Whether this is your first kayak adventure or your hundredth, this will be a fun-filled trip. With any luck we'll see herons, hawks, turtles and fish. Pack your water bottle and some dry clothes (just in case) and we'll provide a snack to share.

The Natural History and Behavior of the Wild Canines
Join naturalist Tom Lenon to discover information about one of mid-Michigan's predators, the coyote, red fox and grey fox. A presentation about the natural history of each of these predators with pictures, videos and props will be followed by a hike into the field to see if the local coyotes are willing to respond to calls. This program will be at the CNC Nature Study Building at the end of the Homestead Road. Please come dressed for both the inside and outside portions of the program.

F10-14 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.

Full Moon Stroll
Join CNC Senior Naturalist Janea Little for this guided walk by the light of the full moon! We'll listen for the sounds of many nocturnal animals including deer, beaver & coyotes, and perhaps spot a bat or migrating nighthawk in the twilight sky. Flashlights are optional, as our goal will be to keep our eyes adjusted only to the moonlight.

Members Only - Native Plant Sale
CNC Members get to shop early and get first choice of the plants at the sale. Here's your chance to purchase ferns, trees, shrubs, vines and wildflowers that are native to Michigan. Plants that are propagated from native genotypes are easier to establish in your home landscape than non-native plants. We will have some of the most sought after species that are not readily available from local retailers. Come early for the best selection!

Native Plant Sale
Here's your chance to purchase ferns, trees, shrubs, vines and wildflowers that are native to Michigan. Plants that are propagated from native genotypes are easier to establish in your home landscape than non-native plants. We will have some of the most sought after species that are not readily available from local retailers. Come early for the best selection!

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 30 - September 5.