July/Aug 2011 - Chippewa Nature Center

Nature Olympics
Sat, 8/6 • 1-2 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult
Jump, crawl and limbo your way to understand the athletic
feats of animals. Join Educator Jackie Kelly to explore
the natural world while trying your hand at a number of
interactive trail activities.
Insect Investigation
Sun, 8/7 • 2-4 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult
Insects of all kinds can be found in many habitats during
summer. Come and try different methods of collecting insects
for observation, while learning about their life cycles. Often,
fears of insects especially bees and wasps, can be diminished
after watching quietly while they go about searching for
pollen and nectar. Join Educator Jeanne Henderson at the
Visitor Center entrance to begin our walk through forests,
fields and ponds
Early Bird Walk
Wed, 8/10 • 7-9 am • Ages: 12+, under 18 w/adult
Birding gets challenging in mid-summer, when many of
the birds we see are juveniles, or adults in post-breeding
plumage. Join Naturalist Janea Little for this guided walk
along CNC trails to look and listen for these challenging
birds - even sparrows! Loaners binoculars are available.
Full Moon Stroll
Sat, 8/13 • 8:30-10:30 pm • Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult
If the weather cooperates and grants us clear skies, the full
moon will light up the trails enough to walk without using
flashlights! Join Senior Naturalist Janea Little for this casual
walk by the light of the full moon. In these evening hours,
we’ll also watch for wildlife, such as deer, beaver and maybe
Walk 100 Miles at CNC!
Register at the Visitor Center to walk 100 miles on
Chippewa Nature Center trails in 2011 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 2011 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.
10 Chippewa Nature Center www.chippewanaturecenter.org
even a skunk, and listen to the symphony of tree crickets,
lacewings and katydids. Please wear dark clothing, and bring
a flashlight in case our night eyes aren’t perfected.
Picking at the Pavillion: Nature Song Sing-Along
Sun, 8/14 • 2-3 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult
Join CNC’s Dennis Pilaske for an up-tempo program filled
with fun and informative songs all about animals and plants.
We’ll explore a variety of nature topics with music and
lyrics, including several of Dennis’ original nature songs.
Come prepared to sing along, dance or just tap your toes.
Introducing Ephraim Williams,
Pioneer Fur Trader
Sat, 8/20 • 1-2 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult
Ephraim Williams arrived at “The Forks” of the
Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers in 1828 to
reopen a trading post as an agent of the American Fur
Company. For the next twelve years, Ephraim and his
brothers were leading traders in the Saginaw Valley at
the very end of the fur trading era. Step back in time as
Kyle Bagnall, Manager of Historical Programs, presents
a costumed, first-person program based on the life of
Ephraim Williams. You’ll hear tales of this renowned
pioneer family as they were caught up in the War of
1812, established a farm in an unbroken forest, traded
with Native Americans and built the first sawmill in the
Saginaw Valley.
Exploring Little Forks Conservancy’s Riverview Property
Wed, 8/24 • 9:30 am-1 pm
All ages, under 18 w/adult
We’ve teamed up with Little Forks Conservancy to offer a
hike on their beautiful Riverview Natural Area property. Karen
Breternitz will be the guide as we explore Riverview’s north
trails. You can meet Elan at the Little Forks Conservancy’s
office at 105 Post Street or Karen at the Chippewa Nature
Center Visitor Center (whichever is more convenient for
you) and we will caravan to the property.
CNC Affiliate Group Meetings
Homestead Quilters
Wed, 7/27 • 9 am-2 pm • All ages
Wed, 8/24 • 9 am-2 pm • All ages
Pick up a needle and learn this beautiful craft with the
Quilters at their regular monthly meeting.
Midland Hiking Club
Thurs, 8/4 • 7 pm meeting • 6 pm Hike • All ages
This month’s meeting topic is Nepal & Tibet. Join the
Midland Hiking Club for their monthly meeting to hike,
meet new friends and learn about great places to go for
your next outdoor adventure. For more information, visit
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/midlandhikingclub/