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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:
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August
September |
October |
November |
December
Download a Registration
Form to sign up for fee-related programs |
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February 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 |
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2/1/12 Wed
2/8/12 Wed
2/15/12 Wed
2/22/12 Wed
7-9 pm
Register by: 1/23/11
Members: $40
Non-members: $45
Ages: 15+ |
W12-03
Introduction to Fly Tying and Aquatic Biology for Fly
Fishing
Are you tired of spending high prices for flies? Would
you like to know more about what flies to use for
steelhead, salmon, trout and bass? Would you like to
learn more about the fascinating aquatic animals that
inhabit our lakes and rivers?
If you answer yes to the above we invite you to attend
our four-week Aquatic Biology and Fly Tying Class. All
equipment and materials will be supplied as we cover
over a dozen different types of flies. You will also
receive a copy of instructions for each type of fly made
during the course. The instructor, John Johnson, is a
veteran trout fisherman and a member of the Leon P.
Martuch Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Space is at a
premium, so register early. |
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2/4/12
Sat
9-10 am &
10:30-11:30 am
Also offered:
2/2/12 Thurs
9-10 am &
10:30-11:30 am
Free Admission
Ages: 3-5 w/adult |
Preschool
Story Hour: Who Wants a Ride?
 Come spend an hour learning about nature! The hour
will include a story and may include songs, art, rhymes
and other age-appropriate activities. |
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2/4/12 Sat
10-11:30 am
Free Admission
Ages: 5+, under 18
w/adult |
Family Snowshoe Hike
- CANCELLED
 Whether you are a beginner or have strapped snowshoes on
many times before, you are welcome to join us for a walk
on our trails. We’ll look for animal tracks, birds, and
other points of interest, and enjoy the snowy scenery.
If you need to borrow snowshoes, please call 631-0830 to
reserve a pair. Please arrive promptly at the start of
the program so we can maximize our time outdoors. |
|
2/4/12 Sat
1-2:30 pm
Free Admission
Ages: 5-9 w/adult |
Nature for Youth – Michigan Hibernators
 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. |
|
2/7/12 Tues
8-10 am
Free Admission
Ages: 9+, under 18
w/adult |
Sunrise Snowshoe Hike
- CANCELLED
 Whether you are a beginner or have strapped snowshoes on
many times before, you are welcome to join us for a walk
on our trails. We’ll look for animal tracks, birds, and
other points of interest, and enjoy the snowy scenery.
If you need to borrow snowshoe, please call 631-0830 to
reserve a pair. Meet at the Visitor Center. |
|
2/7/12 Tues
7 pm
Free Admission
All
Ages |
Mid-Michigan
Rock Club (MMRC)
Visitors are welcome to bring along any rock, mineral,
gem, fossil, earth science or lapidary arts items which
they might like to show to the group. To learn more
about this group and their upcoming programs, visit
www.midlandrockclub.com. |
|
2/8/12 Wed
6:30-8 pm
Free Admission
All
Ages |
Wild Ones Meeting (Mid-Mitten
Chapter):
Wild
About Wildflowers
Wild
About Wildflowers is a 30-minute film that will help
you choose native plants and will show you how to grow
them in your yard or acreage. Made in Michigan by
filmmaker Tom Huggler, the film identifies each plant
and demonstrates how to create a natural landscape or
garden. Resource and plant lists will be shown too.
Additionally, chapter member Randy Kursinsky will show
us how he developed his property with a new pond,
meadow, woods and butterfly garden. The program is
sponsored by the Mid-Mitten chapter of Wild Ones and
Native Plants Natural Landscapes, and is open to the
public. Refreshments will be served. |
|
2/9/12 Thurs
4-5:30 pm
Free Admission
Ages: 9+, under 18
w/adult |
Snowshoe Hike
 Whether you are a beginner or have strapped snowshoes on
many times before, you are welcome to join us for a walk
on our trails. We’ll look for animal tracks, birds, and
other points of interest, and enjoy the snowy scenery.
If you need to borrow snowshoes, please call 631-0830 to
reserve a pair. Meet at the Visitor Center. If snow
conditions are unfavorable the hike will be canceled
(based on the discretion of CNC). |
|
2/10/12
Fri
9-10 & 10:30-11:30 am
Free Admission
Ages: 6 mos-2yrs
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. |
|
2/10/12
Fri
7-9:30 pm
Also offered:
2/11/12 Sat
7-9:30 pm
Register by: 2/3/11
Members:
$25 (per couple)
Non-members:
$35 (per couple)
Ages: 18+ |
F12-02
Valentine Snowshoe Hike and Dessert
This popular event is designed for couples who would
like to spend an evening together enjoying the outdoors.
Cathy Devendorf and Jeanne Henderson will guide you
through the woods to explore the sights and sounds of
the Nature Center after dark. For those new to
snowshoeing, we will begin the evening with a brief
lesson on using snowshoes and then head out on the
trails for approximately 1 ½ hours. We will end the
evening warming up inside and enjoy special refreshments
by candlelight. If snow conditions are poor we will
enjoy a casual walk instead. Please inform us at
registration if you need to borrow snowshoes. |
|
2/11/12
Sat
7-9:30 pm
Also offered:
2/10/12 Fri
7-9:30 pm
Register by: 2/3/11
Members:
$25 (per couple)
Non-members:
$35 (per couple)
Ages: 18+ |
F12-03
Valentine Snowshoe Hike and Dessert - FULL
This popular event is designed for couples who would
like to spend an evening together enjoying the outdoors.
Cathy Devendorf and Jeanne Henderson will guide you
through the woods to explore the sights and sounds of
the Nature Center after dark. For those new to
snowshoeing, we will begin the evening with a brief
lesson on using snowshoes and then head out on the
trails for approximately 1 ½ hours. We will end the
evening warming up inside and enjoy special refreshments
by candlelight. If snow conditions are poor we will
enjoy a casual walk instead. Please inform us at
registration if you need to borrow snowshoes. |
|
2/12/12 Sun
2-3:30 pm
Free Admission
Ages: 5+, under 18
w/adult |
Animal Tracks and Trails
 Winter often seems like a time when little is alive.
However, animals may be more lively than you think – you
just don’t see them. But you can see the tracks and
other “signs” they leave behind. CNC Educator Jackie
Kelly will give you a quick overview of some of the
clues to look for. We will check for clues in the field,
so dress warmly. |
|
2/14/12
Tues
4-5:30 pm
Also:
1/31/12 Tues
4-5:30 pm
Free Admission
Ages: 9+, under 18
w/adult |
Snowshoeing Little Forks Conservancy’s Riverview Natural
Area
 Join Dennis Pilaske from Chippewa Nature Center and Elan
Lipschitz from the Little Forks Conservancy (LFC) for a
snowshoe hike to LFC’s trails of Riverview Natural Area
along the Tittabawassee River. We will meet at Little
Forks Conservancy’s parking lot on Wheeler Road. If you
need to borrow snowshoes, please call 631-0830 to
reserve a pair.
Directions to Riverview Natural Area From Downtown
Midland: Head west on M-20 for 4.2 miles. Turn right
onto N. Homer Rd. Follow Homer Rd for 2 miles. Take the
curve onto E. Wheeler Rd. Follow E. Wheeler Rd. for .25
miles. The parking lot is on the right.
Directions to
Riverview Natural Area From Chippewa Nature Center: Head
south on S. Badour Rd. Turn right onto E. Pine River Rd
and follow for .9 miles. Stay straight to go onto E.
Prairie Rd. Follow E. Prairie Rd. until you reach S.
Homer Rd. Turn right. Follow Homer Rd until it curves
into E. Wheeler Rd. Follow E. Wheeler Rd. for .25 miles.
The parking lot is on the right. |
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2/15/12 Wed
7-8:30 pm
Free Admission
Ages: 12+, under 18
w/adult |
Public Archaeology at a Long Lost Trading Post in
Southwest Michigan
 During the 2011 field season, Western Michigan
University archaeologists continued investigations at
Fort St. Joseph, an 18th-century
mission-garrison-trading post complex in southwest
Michigan. Excavations are providing a better
understanding of the activities in the area of the site
that is accessible for study. In this presentation, Dr.
Michael Nassaney will discuss recent findings, their
implications for understanding the fur trade, and the
expanded effort to involve the community through public
education and outreach. |
|
2/16/12 Thurs
9-10 am &
10:30-11:30 am
Free Admission
Ages: 3-5 w/adult |
Preschool
Story Hour: Near the Water
Come spend an hour learning about nature! The hour
will include a story and may include songs, art, rhymes
and other age-appropriate activities. |
|
2/16/12 Thurs
4-5:30 pm
Free Admission
Ages: 9+, under 18
w/adult |
Snowshoe Hike
Whether you are a beginner or have strapped snowshoes on
many times before, you are welcome to join us for a walk
on our trails. We’ll look for animal tracks, birds, and
other points of interest, and enjoy the snowy scenery.
If you need to borrow snowshoes, please call 631-0830 to
reserve a pair. Meet at the Visitor Center. If snow
conditions are unfavorable the hike will be canceled
(based on the discretion of CNC). |
|
2/18/12 Sat
2-3 pm
Free Admission
All Ages, under 18
w/adult |
Snakes Alive!:
Discovering the Wonders of Snakes
 Snakes may be one of the most feared and misunderstood
animals, but after attending this program you’ll see how
fascinating and beneficial these beautiful reptiles can
be. Join CNC Educator and snake enthusiast Michelle
Fournier for this live snake program. All our welcome to
get as close a look at the snakes as you feel
comfortable! |
|
2/19/12 Sun
2-3 pm
Free Admission
Ages: 15+ |
Michigan’s Wild Pathways
 Would you like to find new wild places to hike, or
re-live some of your own memories? Naturalist and
photographer Phil Stephens has hiked many of Michigan’s
wild pathways with their waterscapes, woodlands,
wildlife and wild flowers. Although he has backpacked in
a number of them, his illustrated program will emphasize
day hikes to such places as Pigeon River State Forest,
various state parks, Sleeping Bear Dunes National
Lakeshore, our three national forests, Pictured Rocks
National Lakeshore and Isle Royale National Park.
Besides detailing these natural areas, Phil will share
tips to help make your next hike more safe and
enjoyable. This program kicks off his Michigan’s Wild
Pathways Series, in which he will lead trips to some of
these wonderful places. |
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2/21/12 Tues
4-5:30 pm
Free Admission
Ages: 9+, under 18
w/adult |
Snowshoe Hike
Whether you are a beginner or have strapped snowshoes on
many times before, you are welcome to join us for a walk
on our trails. Native Americans used snowshoes for
thousands of years to make winter travel through deep
snow possible. CNC’s Dennis Pilaske will teach you the
basics of snowshoeing and then take you on a a short
walk on and off the trails to enjoy the winter
wonderland. Meet at the Visitor Center. If you need to
borrow snowshoes, please call 631-0830 to reserve a
pair. If snow conditions are unfavorable the hike will
be canceled (based on the discretion of CNC). |
|
2/22/12 Wed
8-11 am
Free Admission
Ages: 9+, under 18
w/adult |
Birds and Bagels
 Senior
Naturalist Janea Little won't keep you out for the whole
three hours of this hike, but will come back early for
snacks and hot drinks. Too much snow on the ground? No
problem -- we'll strap on snowshoes! Winter birding
might net us winter specialties like redpolls, juncos,
tree sparrows, shrikes or Snow Buntings, along with
year-round residents like a variety of woodpeckers,
cardinals, Blue Jays and finches. Loaner binoculars are
available. |
|
2/22/12 Wed
9 am-2 pm
Free Admission
All
Ages |
Homestead
Quilters
Pick up a needle and learn this beautiful craft with the
Quilters at their regular monthly meeting. |
|
2/23/12 Thurs
4-5:30 pm
Free Admission
Ages: 9+, under 18
w/adult |
Snowshoe Hike
Whether you are a beginner or have strapped snowshoes on
many times before, you are welcome to join us for a walk
on our trails. We’ll look for animal tracks, birds, and
other points of interest, and enjoy the snowy scenery.
If you need to borrow snowshoes, please call 631-0830 to
reserve a pair. Meet at the Visitor Center. If snow
conditions are unfavorable the hike will be canceled
(based on the discretion of CNC). |
|
2/25/12 Sat
8 am-6 pm
Register by: 2/17/11
Members: $28
Non-members: $35
Ages: 15+, under 18
w/adult |
F12-04 Au
Sable River Snowshoeing - FULL
Join Tom Lenon and Dennis Pilaske for an exciting one
day adventure that is fairly close to home, but
spectacular in both natural and cultural history as we
snowshoe along the Au Sable River’s high banks in the
Huron National Forest. Participants will meet at CNC’s
Visitor Center at 8 am. During the day, expect to hike
3-5 miles on snowshoes. We’ll casually hike and take
plenty of breaks, including a warm lunch prepared
beforehand, while learning about the area we’re
traveling through. We’ll talk about the historic
importance of this area from a lumbering standpoint,
visit Largo Springs and spend time on the River Road
Scenic Byway. We’ll return to CNC around 6 pm. To borrow
snowshoes and poles at no extra charge, please indicate
at time of registration. |
|
2/25/12 Sat
1-4 pm
Free Admission
All
Ages |
Jolly
Hammers and Strings Dulcimer Club
Stop in to enjoy the toe-tapping music of the Jolly
Hammers & Strings Dulcimer Club. Or, if you play a folk
instrument (guitar, banjo, fiddle, dulcimer, etc.),
bring it along and join in! |
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2/27/12 Mon
7-9 pm
Free Admission
All
Ages |
Annual Meeting
Save the date! Speaker to be announced.
Funding for this special program is made possible by the
Dale Dean Natural History Speaker Series. |
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2012:
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August
September |
October |
November |
December
|
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