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Frequently Asked Questions
If
you have a question regarding Chippewa Nature Center, please
email us or call 989.631.0830.
There is a naturalist on duty weekdays 8am-5pm, Saturdays 9am-5pm, and Sundays
1-5pm.
Do
you take injured or orphaned animals?
Chippewa Nature Center is not licensed to rehabilitate wild
animals. If you have an animal in need of care, visit the DNR
web site for a list of Michigan Licensed
Rehabilitators near you or
check with the local DNR Office – 989-684-9141 (Mon-Fri).
I
caught a raccoon in a live trap. Can I release it at the nature center?
No, CNC does not allow raccoons to be released here. There is too much potential for the spreading of disease, especially with a wild animal that habituates so quickly to people. Raccoons are also heavily over-populated, causing great destruction to many other animal species, especially songbirds and turtles. [top]
Can
I bring my dog to walk on the trails?
No, CNC does not allow pets. As a nature center, our primary goal is to help people enjoy and learn about nature. Dogs are a distraction to their owner, a potential threat to wildlife, and a disturbance to other visitors. However, there are many, many local options for walking your dog in a natural setting
- all of the Midland City and County parks are open to pets.
Is
the turtle in the indoor pond real?
Well, it's real
- PLASTIC. Our live turtles all live outdoors.
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Are
there bathrooms I can use after the visitor's center
closes?
Yes, the nearby Resource Building has restrooms and a water fountain that are open until dark (and Sunday mornings). As you approach the Visitor Center from the parking lot, turn right on the sidewalk (as though you were heading for the River Trail). It will lead you past the split rail fence of the wigwam area to the Resource Building.
Are
the trails groomed for cross country skiing?
Most of the nature center's trails are open for cross-country skiing (the paved Arbury Trail is the exception). One of the trails, usually the River Trail (2.7 miles), is groomed when there is enough snow for the grooming equipment (at least four inches).
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Where
is the best mushroom picking at CNC?
There is no "best" place, because picking and collecting anything, including mushrooms, is not allowed at the
Nature Center. Please leave the mushrooms, berries, flowers, dropped antlers and other natural items left for other visitors to enjoy.
Do
you rent canoes?
No, CNC does not rent canoes (or kayaks). We have canoes and kayaks that are used in our programs, but they are not available for rent.
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Can
I go canoeing at CNC?
We have one access point to the Chippewa River, and one to the Pine River -- both may be used by the public to either launch or land non-motorized boats. The Pine River site is located at the end of Hubert Road, near the confluence of the two rivers. The Chippewa River site is located just downstream of the confluence, along the Homestead Road. The ponds at CNC are not open to canoeing.
Can
I fish at CNC?
Fishing is allowed at CNC only in specific, staff-led programs. However, you may access the rivers (Pine and Chippewa) at our canoe landings and fish in the river, which is public property.
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Where
can I access the nature center trails?
There are
parking areas and trail heads at the Visitor's Center, River
Point, Ridge, Wetlands and Homestead areas. See the map to locate these areas. We do ask that you do not
access the trails from non-designated areas--like parking
along the roads.
Are
there wheelchairs available for use at the nature center?
There are
two wheelchairs you may borrow from the visitor's center.
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Can I
have my wedding at CNC?
No, CNC does not rent (outdoor) space for weddings.
Do you
rent space to the public?
Our only rental area is limited classroom availability in the Visitor Center. Our three classrooms are heavily used for our own programming, but they can be rented when available. For rental information, contact our Office Manager at 631-0830.
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