Spring - Chippewa Nature Center

From the film 'Seasons: Winter' 

Inspiring people and institutions to protect the natural world 

Spring 

Program Guide 

March-May 2012 

Issue 02-12 

and 

so much 

more!

400. S. Badour Rd., Midland, MI 48640 

989.631.0830 

Visitor Center Hours: 

8 am–5 pm Monday through Friday 

9 am–5 pm Saturday • 1–5 pm Sunday & holidays 

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day 

Trail Hours: 

Open year-round, dawn-to-dark daily! 

Free 

Wi Fi 

spot 

CNC has free WiFi! 

CNC’s Visitor Center offers the 

convenience of wireless Internet 

access while enjoying nature’s 

ever-changing beauty! 

Table of Contents 

Registered Programs (March-May).......5-7 

Walk-in Programs..................................9-17 

Affiliate Group Meetings..........................17 

Youth Walk-In Programs..........................17 

Directions to CNC...................................18 

Program Registration Form....................20 

Become a CNC Member..........................20 

Nature Day Camp,Nature Preschool.....24 

2011-12 

Board of Directors 

Barb Anderson 

President 

Adam Bruski 

Secretary 

John Davis • Dr. Tracy Galarowicz 

Christopher Gaumer • Anne Haines 

Bill Lauderbach • Dale Laughner • Janet Martineau 

Dr. Marianne McKelvy • Lois Ann Reed 

Mark Robertson • Michelle Wilkins 

Dick Touvell 

Executive Director 

Marc Snyder 

Vice President 

Kirk Fisher 

Treasurer 

Chippewa Nature Center Program Guide • Published Quarterly • Spring 2012 / Issue 02-12 

Registered Programs 

If weather conditions are unfavorable, a trip may 

be canceled (determined at CNC’s discretion) and 

participants will receive refunds. 

Introduction to Fly Tying and 

Aquatic Biology for Fly Fishing 

Wed, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28 • Register by 2/27 

Ages: 15+ 

No. Time Fee / CNC Member 

W12-04 7-9 pm $45/$40 

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. 

Sweet Supper: Music and More 

Tues, 3/20 • Register by 3/14 • Ages: 18+ 


F12-05 6-9 pm $20/$15 

Celebrate the first day of spring with music and stories 

of Midland’s past, plus a delicious meal with Kyle Bagnall 

and Dennis Pilaske. Everyone will receive a booklet of 

delicious maple recipes to tempt your taste buds at 

home. After dessert, sit back and enjoy tales and original 

songs by Dennis about this sweet time of the year. 

Swans on the Saginaw Bay 

Sat, 3/31 • Register by 3/23 • Ages: 18+ 


F12-06 7 am-5 pm $35/$28 

Late March is usually the peak of the Tundra 

Swan migration through the Saginaw Bay, and the 

beginning of migration for tens of thousands of other 

Walk 100 Miles at CNC! 

Jan. 1–Dec. 31, 2012 • Ages: 9 & up 

Non-member: $10 • CNC Member: $7 

Register now to walk 100 miles at CNC in 2012 

and explore the outdoors all year long! 

Call 989.631.0830 or visit us online for details. 

waterfowl. Many of them will spend two or more 

weeks feeding in the shallow waters of the Saginaw 

Bay, especially in the well-named Wildfowl Bay, and 

Fish Point State Game Area, our destinations for the 

day. Join Janea Little and Jeanne Henderson for this 

birding field trip to the east side of the bay. Participants 

should dress for the cold March winds and bring a sack 

lunch. Transportation will be provided via CNC’s van. 

Spring Break Mini-Day Camp 

Tues, 4/3-Thurs 4/5 • Register by 3/27 • Ages: 5-12 


Y12-01 9:30 am-3:30 pm $90/$60 

Join us on this three day adventure filled with fun, 

exploration, and discovery. Each day we will hike, play 

games, be creative, sing songs, and have a great time 

at camp. Campers will be divided into smaller camp 

groups according to age. You won’t want to miss this 

year’s Spring Break Mini Camp! 

New this year: Campers 8 years old and up are 

invited to camp out at the Visitor Center on 

Thursday night. After spending the night exploring 

the outdoors, playing games, and sleeping in the 

Visitor Center,campers will be ready for pick up at 

9 am on Friday. The cost for the overnight experience is 

an additional $10 to the regular mini-camp fee. 

Nature’s Eggs Extravaganza 

Sat, 4/7 • Register by 3/30 • Ages: 3-12 w/adult 


Y12-02 10 am-12 pm $7/$5 

Venture out for a special egg hunt event! Each child 

will make his/her own egg hunt bag, then venture into 

the woods to search high and low for hidden eggs. 

Prizes will be awarded to all participants. Before or 

after the hunt, be sure to spend time in the Visitor 

Center discovering the wonders of Michigan’s egglaying 

animals through various games and activities. 

This event will appeal to the whole family. For 

everyone’s enjoyment, group sizes for the hunts will 

be kept small and children will be divided according 

to age. When you call to register, be sure to specify 

your child’s age and hunt time. Hunt times are 

10:00 am, 10:30 am, 11:00 am or 11:30 am. 

2 3

Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 

Sat, 4/14 • Ages: 12+• Tickets available online! 

Bullock Creek Auditorium, 

1420 S. Badour Rd., Midland 


IP12-02 7-10 pm $12/$10 

Each year in November, The Banff Centre hosts 

the Banff Mountain Film Festival, celebrating 

the spirit of adventure and mountains! The top 

films from that festival go on tour, and Chippewa 

Nature Center is proud to host one of the stops 

on the World Tour. See some of the best mountain 

films of 2011 featuring the people who live, play 

and enjoy those 

area through high 

adventure, humor 

and a love for the 

out-of-doors! 

Generously sponsored 

by Little Forks 

Outfitters and 

Midland Community 

Center. 

Towhees & Tombstones 

Sat, 4/21 • Register by 4/13 • Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult 


F12-07 3-9 pm $35/$28 

With its mixture of trees, shrubs and open spaces, a 

cemetery offers excellent habitat for many migrating 

bird species. And for centuries, people have been 

inspired by nature in the quiet, reflective setting of the 

final resting place. Join Senior Naturalist Janea Little 

and Manager of Historical Programs Kyle Bagnall 

on the most unusual birding trip of the year! We’ll 

visit several local cemeteries in search of migrating 

birds and other wildlife. We’ll also investigate nature 

symbolism carved on many historic headstones to 

better understand our ancestors’ relationship with 

the Earth. Participants should dress for the weather 

and bring binoculars and a sack dinner. Transportation 

will be provided via CNC’s van. 

Bird and Wildlife Road Surveys 

Midland County: Thurs, 4/26 • Register by 4/20 • Ages: 15+ 

Isabella County: Tues, 5/15 • Register by 5/9 • Ages: 15+ 


F12-08 (Midland) 6:30-10 am $25/$18 

F12-12 (Isabella) 6-10:30 am $25/$18 

Join Tom Lenon, CNC’s Director of Land and 

Facilities, as we do road surveys looking for a variety 

of birds and other wildlife in Isabella and Midland 

Counties. Road surveys are a way to monitor species 

in an area from year to year. As we slowly drive back 

roads early in the morning, we hope will often spot 

a variety of species that can be recorded and then 

compared to other years. Habitat changes over the 

years can also be documented. We will meet at the 

Visitor Center, do a survey for approx. 2 hrs, then 

stop for breakfast before heading back. Please note: 

the program fee does not include the cost of breakfast. 

Adventures for Women: 

Geocaching Workshop 

Sat, 4/28 • Register by 4/20 • Ages: 18+ 


W12-05 9 am-12 pm $22 / $15 

What do you get when you mix space age 

technology and a scavenger hunt? Geocaching! 

Louise Wilkins, an avid outdoors woman and 

frequent participant in the Adventures for Women 

programs, along with CNC Senior Naturalist Janea 

Little, will lead this program and take you through 

the basics of geocaching - an outdoor activity that’s 

been sweeping the world for the last few years. 

Geocachers use a hand- held GPS (Global 

Positioning System) and the Internet to get 

coordinates that will lead them to caches hidden 

all over the world. The caches usually contain a log 

book, recyclable camera and other treasures. The 

program will focus on GPS basics, how to get cache 

coordinates and responsible geocaching behavior. 

Explore the outdoors in a new way by trying out 

this popular activity. CNC will provide the GPS 

units. If participants bring their own, they must already 

know the basics of using their specific model, including 

how to enter latitude and longitude coordinates. 

Voyageur Canoe Trip 

Wed, 5/2 • Register by 4/27 

Ages: 12+, under 18 w/adult 


F12-10 6-8:30 pm $22/$15 

Join Dennis Pilaske and Tom Lenon for an exciting 

adventure as we explore the river in a 29-foot 

voyageur canoe. The canoe is a fiberglass reproduction 

of the birchbark canoes used by voyageurs to haul 

loads of trade goods and valuable animal pelts in 

the 18th and 19th centuries. During the trip we’ll 

explore the natural and cultural resources of the area 

and share stories of the past all while having a truly 

unique outdoor experience. We expect this program 

to fill up quickly, so sign up right away! 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. 

Michigan’s Wild Pathways Series: 

Ludington State Park 



F12-09 8 am-6:30 pm $35/$28 

With over 20 miles of trails winding through 5300 acres 

of dunes, shoreline, woods and wetlands, Ludington 

State Park offers some wonderful hiking. Trip leader 

and Senior Naturalist Phil Stephens, has hiked and 

backpacked many miles in Michigan, and will help you 

understand the environmental and geologic features of 

this intriguing area. For our 5-7 mile hike, wear sturdy 

shoes and put rain gear, water and a lunch in your day 

pack. The spring weather by Lake Michigan will be cooler 

than inland, so bring warm clothes. The 2.5-3-hour trip 

to the park is in a Nature Center vehicle. 

Birding Ohio: Crane Creek Region 

Fri, 5/11-Sun, 5/13 • Register by 5/2 

Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult 


F12-11 Depart 6 am $275/$245 

Return 6 pm 

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. 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, Sheldon 

Marsh State Nature Preserve and Oak Openings 

Metropark. 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 2010, we saw 144 species on the trip, including 

White Pelicans, a Kirtland’s Warbler, Lark Sparrows and 

Summer Tanagers! 

We’ll travel to Ohio in two Nature Center van. 

Lodging is included in the registration fee and will 

be in Port Clinton at the Fairfield Inn. 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). 

Adventures for Women: 

Kayaking the Chippewa River 

Thurs, 5/17 • Register by 5/11 • Ages: Women 14+ 


F12-13 6-9 pm $22/$15 

Enjoy a quiet paddling trip down the Chippewa River, 

a wide, slow-moving river perfect for either beginners 

or experts who want to relax. We’ll drive to CNC’s 

Chippewa River Access site (about 7 river miles upstream), 

put the kayaks in the river and float down to our main 

canoe launch just downstream of the Pine/Chippewa River 

confluence. Along the way, we’ll watch for herons, eagles, 

map turtles, orioles, flycatchers, muskrat, mink, fish and 

other wildlife who call the river “home.” 

Practical Outdoor Skills 



W12-06 9 am-12 pm $22/$15 

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. 

Teen Trex: Ride the River in a Kayak 

Sat, 5/19 • Register by 5/11 • Ages: 13-17 


Y12-03 2-5 pm $12/$15 

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 hundreth, this 

will be a fun-filled trip. With any luck we’ll see a herons, 

hawks, turtles and fish. Pack your water bottle and some 

dry clothes (just in case), and we’ll provide a snack to 

share. We will paddle from the canoe landing at CNC 

down to the Tridge. 

Kayaking the Kawkawlin Flooding 

Wed, 5/23 • Register by 5/18 • Ages: 15+ 


F12-14 5:30-9 pm $22/$15 

Explore the Kawkawlin River Flooding in northern 

Midland County in a kayak! Participants will join Kyle 

Bagnall and Jackie Kelly to look for birds, muskrats, 

deer and other wildlife in this biologically diverse 

part of the Au Sable State Forest - a hidden treasure 

in our own backyard. The group will meet at the 

Visitor Center at 5:30 pm and will be transported 

to Kawkawlin by van. All gear is provided. Participants 

may want to bring a snack and water bottle for the trip. 

4 5

Nature For Youth: Animal Architects 

Sat, 3/3 • 1--2:30 pm • Ages: 5-9 w/adult 

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. 

Quiet Water Symposium 

Sat, 3/3 • 9 am-6 pm • All ages 

Join CNC at the 17th Annual Quiet Water 

Symposium. Held at Michigan State University, this 

event showcases outdoor, non-motorized recreation 

opportunities around the Great Lakes. Watch 

presentations by renowned authors and adventurers 

Cliff Jacobson and Gary and Joanie McGuffin and meet 

them after their programs. See exhibits highlighting 

recreation opportunities, outdoor programs and 

clean water efforts around the State. You can also get 

information from boat dealers and outfitters to help 

you plan your next adventure - and much more! For 

more information, including admission prices, visit 

www.quietwatersymposium.org. (CNC will not be 

providing transportation to this event.) 

Oxbow Archaeologists Excavation Update 

Wed, 3/7 • 7-8 pm • Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult 

The Oxbow Archaeologists are continuing their 

excavations and are uncovering new and exciting 

information that helps us understand the human 

inhabitants of this area. Dr. Scott Beld will be speaking on 

the 2011 Oxbow Archaeologists excavations at the Sias 

East site. This program will be held in the Visitor Center. 

Walk-in Programs at Chippewa Nature Center 

March-May 2012 

FREE unless noted. Full program details at www.chippewanaturecenter.org 

Sat, 3/17 • 10 am-4 pm • All ages 

Members & under 17: FREE • Non-Members: $4 

Pancake Meal 

Members Only Meal • 9 am-10 am (no reservation req.) 

Ages:13+: $6, 3-12: $4 

Public Meal, 10 am-2 pm 

Ages: 13+: $7, 3-12: $5. Under 3: Free 

Beginning at 10 am, crafts, activities and 

demonstrations will take place at the Visitor 

Center, Homestead Farm, Log Schoolhouse, 

Sugarhouse and Sugarbush. In the Visitor Center, 

kids will love playing maple tree games, making 

a paper mokuk and a “sappy” craft to take 

Full Moon Stroll 

Thurs, 3/8 • 7-9 pm • Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult 

March in Michigan – that means we could enjoy 

tonight’s full moon from atop snowshoes, or sunk in 

six inches of mud! We’ll hope for the former, so come 

out for a guided walk, with or without snowshoes, 

with Senior Naturalist Janea Little. If there are at 

least four inches of snow on the ground, we’ll use 

snowshoes (call 989.631-0830 to reserve a pair or 

bring your own) and enjoy the snowscape! If there 

isn’t much snow, we’ll just walk. Either way, be sure 

to dress in layers so you can stay warm and yet not 

get overheated if we snowshoe. We’ll look for animal 

tracks, listen for owls, and check for other sights and 

sounds of CNC’s wildlife. 

Birds & Bagels Series 

Thurs, 3/15 • 8-11 am • Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult 

Fri, 4/20 • 7-10 am 

Thurs, 5/3 • 7-10 am 

Join Senior Naturalist Janea Little for a 

wonderful spring bird hike, followed by 

snacks in the Visitor Center as we look 

over a bird checklist to see how we did. 

Early spring migrants such as phoebes 

and White-throated Sparrows should be easy 

enough to find, and perhaps some early migrating 

warblers, such as Pine and Yellow-rumped. All levels 

of experience are welcome; loaner binoculars are 

available. Generously sponsored by Big Apple Bagels. 

home. The woodcarvers and quilters will also 

be demonstrating their amazing talents. Nearby 

at the wigwam learn about Native American life 

along the Pine River through traditional skills 

using all-natural materials. 

After that, take a haywagon ride to the 

Sugarhouse to see how we boil sap into pure 

maple syrup at CNC. You’ll also find an 1870s 

sap boiling demonstration, Sugarbush tours and 

a tree-tapping activity. To get the feel for settler 

life, visit the Log Cabin and chat with the cabin 

hostess, where you can see a woodstove cooking 

demonstration. In the Log Schoolhouse everyone 

can sing along to original songs in the “Maple 

Music Matinee” with Dennis Pilaske and watch a 

special puppet play about this sweet time of year! 

Generously sponsored by Carey Plumbing & Heating, 

Retrofoam and Veterans Alarm. 

Twilight at the Sugarhouse 

Tues, 3/27 • 6-8 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult 

Thurs, 3/29 • 6-8 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult 

We’re in heart of maple syrup season and you won’t 

want to miss the chance of visiting the sugarhouse 

at night. An interpreter will be on hand to explain the 

whole process and guide you through the sugarbush 

Spring Exploration Days 

3/31-4/8 • Mon-Fri, 8 am-5 pm • Sat, 9 am-5 pm 

Sun & Holiday 1 pm-5 pm • All Ages 

Enjoy your break from school while exploring 

the wonders of nature in Michigan! This program 

includes a variety of self-guided, hands-on 

exploration stations. Experiments, fun facts, crafts 

and scavenger hunts are just a few of the activities 

you’ll find. Each day is the same, but feel free to 

come back again and again. 

Animal Skull Investigator 

Wed 4/4 • 7-8 pm • Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult 

You don’t have to be a crime scene investigator 

to identify a skull you find while out on a walk or 

digging a hole in your backyard. Each animal species 

has a unique skull, and using clues from the size, 

number and type of teeth, eye holes, brain cavity 

and other characteristics, you can determine which 

you have found. 

This program will be held at Green Point Environmental 

Learning Center located at 3010 Maple Street in 

Saginaw. It is co-sponsored by the Friends of Shiawassee 

National Wildlife Refuge and Chippewa Nature Center. 

Admission is $2 per person, and free for members of 

the Friends of Shiawassee NWR or CNC (show your 

membership card). 


Fri, 4/6 • 8:30-10:30 pm • Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult 

Spring is just getting started, but the night air is likely 

to be filled with the calls, peeps, whistles and songs 

of a variety of spring wildlife, including American 

Woodcocks, Spring Peepers, Chorus Frogs and 

Wood Frogs. In addition to the nightime symphony, 

we’ll enjoy the view of April’s full moon, known as 

the “Grass” moon, as it rises over the trees. CNC 

Afternoons at the Sugarhouse 

Saturdays & Sundays in March 

March 3, 4, 10, 11, 18, 24, 25 & 31 

1:30-4:30 pm • All Ages 

Visit the Beech-Maple woods, where buckets “decorate” trees and where, 

on warm days, you can hear the sap dripping into buckets. Watch the steam 

rise off the evaporator pan in the sugarhouse as the sap is boiled down to make 

sweet maple syrup. An interpreter will be on hand to explain the whole process. 

Senior Naturalist Janea Little will also help you learn 

to use your eyes, ears and feet at night so you can 

enjoy a moonlit night without using a flashlight. 

Paddling Midland County 

Thurs, 4/12 • 7-8 pm • Ages: 15+ 

Join Kyle Bagnall, Manager of Historical Programs, on 

a visual exploration of places to paddle throughout 

Midland County. Using maps, satellite images and 

photography, Kyle will share his extensive experience 

of the best access sites and river conditions you’ll 

find on local lakes and rivers. You’ll discover hidden 

gems such as the Kawkawlin Flooding and learn 

some human history and wildlife watching tips along 

the way. 

Discovering Vernal Pools 

Sat, 4/14 • 2-3:30 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult 

Vernal pools appear each Spring as the snow melts and 

rains fall. These special wetlands are home to many 

aquatic invertebrates such as fairy shrimp, cyclops, 

sideswimmers and many more. They become parts of 

food chains that include frogs, toads and some birds. 

Come explore vernal pools using dippers, nets, pans, 

and identification guides and learn why we should 

protect these vanishing wooded wetlands. Meet 

Educator Jeanne Henderson at the Visitor Center. 

Fishing Fun for Kids Series 

Sun, 4/15 • 2-4 pm • Ages: 5+ w/adult 

Sun, 4/22 • 2-4 pm • Ages: 5+ w/adult 

Sat, 5/5 • 9:30 am-11:30 am • Ages: 5+ w/adult 

Learn the basic skills of fishing. We will learn to tie a 

simple knot, practice casting, rigging the pole, placing 

a worm on a hook, and have time to fish. Limited space 

available; please call ahead to reserve your spot. 

Woodcock and Snipe Hike 

Tues, 4/17 • 7-9 pm • Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult 

Go on a hour hike with naturalist Tom Lenon to 

look for Woodcock and Snipe. Tom will not only 

show you the different habitats these birds use and 

discuss their mating behaviors, but will also attempt 

to find some of the birds as they go through their 

spectacular mating displays. Wear dark clothing to aid 

in getting us up close to the birds at night. 

6 7

Mustard Pull 

Wed, 4/18 • 6-7:30 pm • Ages: 12+, under 18 w/adult 

Thurs, 5/3 • 6-7:30 pm • Ages: 12+, under 18 w/adult 

Help control invasive exotic plants at the Nature 

Center. We will focus on pulling garlic mustard, a very 

aggressive plant invading our woodland understory 

that can crowd out spring beauty, Dutchman’s 

breeches and trillium. Our objective is to remove 

garlic mustard from especially sensitive areas before 

it completely takes over. Meet at the Visitor Center. 

Gloves will be provided. If weather conditions are 

unfavorable the cleanup will be canceled. Please call 

Phil Stephens at 631-0830 if you plan to come. 

Green Fire! Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic 

For Our Time 

Sat, 4/21 • 6:30 pm • Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult 

Join Chippewa Nature Center and the Mid-Mitten 

Chapter of Wild Ones for a free screening of 

Green Fire! See the first full-length, high-definition 

documentary film ever made about legendary 

conservationist Aldo Leopold and his environmental 

legacy. Green Fire shares highlights from his 

extraordinary career, explaining how he shaped 

conservation and the modern environmental 

movement. It also illustrates how Leopold’s vision of 

a community that cares about both people and land 

continues to inform and inspire people across the 

country and around the world, highlighting modern 

projects that put Leopold’s land ethic in action in a 

multitude of ways. 

Bird Banding Summary 

Tues 4/24 • 7-8 pm • Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult 

Since 2004, Alma College’s Mike Bishop has done bird 

banding research at CNC’s Wetlands Area. Join Mike as 

he provides a summary of the research that has been 

accomplished as it relates to the resident birds banded 

at CNC. This program will help you understand 

the diversity of birds living at the wetlands and the 

information that can be gathered by banding them. 

Singing the Stories of the Saginaw Valley 

Sun, 4/29 • 2-3 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult 

Dennis Pilaske will bring the history of the Saginaw 

Valley alive through the use of traditional and 

original songs that embody the spirit of the past. 

This program will give you a chance to sing along, 

get up and move, or just sit back and listen to songs 

dedicated to the fur trade, lumbering, pioneer life 

and farming. 

Trails at Twilight 

Tues, 5/1 • 7:30-9:30 pm • Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult 

Evening is one of the best times of day to explore 

nature along our trails: predators prowl while other 

critters creep cautiously. Join Phil Stephens for a 

leisurely stroll. Shhh.... besides looking, we’ll listen 

for owls and other creatures. You may borrow our 

binoculars. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy, 

comfortable shoes. The program will be canceled in 

the event of rain. 

Ephraim Williams, Pioneer Fur Trader 

Wed, 5/2 • 7-8 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, firstperson 

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. This program is co-sponsored by 

the Friends of Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge 

and Chippewa Nature Center. 

This program will be held at Green Point Environmental 

Learning Center located at 3010 Maple Street in 

Saginaw. It is co-sponsored by the Friends of Shiawassee 

National Wildlife Refuge and Chippewa Nature Center. 

Admission is $2 per person, and free for members of 

the Friends of Shiawassee NWR or CNC (show your 

membership card). 

Nature for Youth: Birds, Birds and More Birds 

Sat, 5/5 • 1-2:30 pm • Ages: 5-9 w/adult 

This program is designed to help kids develop a 

connection to the natural world through fun, handson 

activities including experiment stations, games, 

crafts and more. 


Sat, 5/5 • 8:30-10:30 pm • Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult 

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 and 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. 

Woodland Flowers and Ferns 

Sun, 5/6 • 2-3:30 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult 

Enjoy a leisurely walk to discover woodland 

wildflowers, ferns and flowering trees along the 

Arbury and Meadow Mouse trails this afternoon. 

Bring your field guide or camera. Meet Educator 

Jeanne Henderson at the Visitor Center. All ages 

welcome, but most appropriate for ages 10+. 

Woodland Wildflowers Series 

Tues, 5/8 • 9:30-11:30 am • Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult 

Thurs, 5/10 • 10 am-12 pm • All ages 

Wed, 5/16 • 10 am-12 pm • All ages 

Woodland wildflowers have a short window of 

opportunity to get their blooming done before the 

forest canopy leafs out and stops the sun from reaching 

the forest floor where these guys live. Come on out 

and take a hike to find out if they are getting the job 

done and if the early spring pollinators are doing their 

job. Meet at the Visitor Center.. 

Birding by Habitat Hike 

Wed, 5/9 • 6:30-8:30 am • Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult 

Join CNC’s Director of Land and Facilities, Tom 

Lenon for a Birding by Habitat Hike during a prime 

birding time. During the hike several habitats will be 

visited and Tom will discuss where certain birds can 

be found and why. Many times the bird you are trying 

to identify can be narrowed down by just observing 

what habitat or location within the habitat they are 

found in. 

Mammal Hike 

Tues, 5/22 • 7-9 pm • Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult 

During this hike, Director of Land and Facilities, 

Tom Lenon, will especially focus on looking for 

and discussing the mammals that can be found at 

the Chippewa Nature Center. Tracks, burrows, and 

other signs left behind by mammals will be explored. 

CNC Affiliate Group Meetings 

Homestead Quilters 




Pick up a needle and learn this beautiful craft with 

the Quilters at their regular monthly meeting. 

Jolly Hammers and Strings Dulcimer Club 

Sat, 3/24 • 1-4 pm • All ages 



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! 

Midland Hike and Paddle Club 

Thurs, 4/5 • 7 pm • All ages 

Thurs, 2/2 • 7 pm • All ages 

Join MHPC for their monthly meeting. 

Members only • Thurs, 5/24 • 1-8 pm 

Public Welcome • Fri, 5/25 & Sat, 5/26 • 9 am-8 pm 

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! Generously sponsored 

by Arbury Insurance, Bluemer Contracting, Place 

Studios and Randi’s Green Thumb. 

Homestead Sunday 

Sun, 5/27 • 1:30-5 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult 

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. 

Mid-Michigan Rock Club (MMRC) 

Tues, 3/6 • 7 pm • All ages 



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. 

Oxbow Archaeologists 

This group meets every Wednesday evening and 

Saturday morning at CNC. For more details, call 

989.631.0830 or visit 

www.chippewanaturecenter.org/oxbow. 

Valley Herb Society 

Thurs, 3/1 • 7 pm • All ages • Rose History & Cultivation 

Thurs, 4/12 • 7 pm • All ages • Rain Barrels 

Thurs, 5/3 • 7 pm • All ages • Tea Blending 

For program information, please contact 

Cathy Devendorf at 989.631.0830. 

8 9

Preschool Story Hour 

NEW 

start times 

for 2012! 

2 sessions each 

morning! 

Where Do Birds Live? 

Thurs, 3/1 • Sat, 3/3 

The Snail’s Spell • Thurs, 3/15 

Sneaky Salamanders • Thurs, 4/5 

When Spring Comes • Thurs, 4/19 

Are You an Ant? • Thurs, 5/3 • Sat, 5/5 

Raccoons • Thurs, 5/17 

Chippewa Nature 

Center is just three short 

miles from downtown 

Midland. This haven 

of fields, woodlands, 

wetlands and rivers is 

easy to get to and well 

worth the trip. See you 

soon! 

Ages: 3-5 years w/adult 

9-10 am and 

10:30-11:30 am 

Directions to Chippewa Nature Center 

From Mt. Pleasant: Take M-20 east. Turn right on 

Homer Road, left on Prairie Road and left into CNC 

entrance at Badour Road. 

From Bay City: Take US-10 to Business 10 

exit. Follow Business 10 to Cronkright. Turn left 

on Cronkright and go over bridge (road becomes 

Poseyville). Continue with directions From Midland. 

From Clare: Take US-10 to Eastman Ave. exit. Travel 

south on Eastman (becomes Buttles St.). Turn right on 

Cronkright. Go over bridge (road becomes Poseyville). 

Continue with directions From Midland. 

Wee Stroll 

Ages: 6 mos.-2 yrs. w/adult 

9-10 am & 10:30-11:30 am 

Fri, 3/9, 4/13 & 5/11 

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. 

NEW 

start times 

for 2012! 

2 sessions each 

morning! 

From Midland: Take Poseyville Road south. Turn right 

on St. Charles. Take an immediate left onto Whitman, 

following sign for CNC. Turn right into the CNC 

entrance at Badour Road. 

From Saginaw: Take M-47 through Freeland to 

Midland Road (follow sign for Tittabawassee Township 

Park). Turn left at stoplight at Gordonville Road, right on 

Poseyville Road, left at stoplight on Ashby Road (at Ted’s 

Lawn Equipment), right on Badour Road and follow to 

the CNC entrance straight ahead. 

CNC Membership 

All CNC members receive in-home delivery 

of the bi-monthly newsletter and quarterly 

program guide, program discounts, membersonly 

events, a 10% store discount and more! 

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP: 

o Individual – $28 

o Senior Individual (60+) – $23 

o Family/Grandparent – $45 

(Children/grandchildren under 18) 

o Senior Couple (60+) – $31 

SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS: 

o Meadow Society – $100-249 

• Recognition in Annual Report and newsletter 

• Eligible for Grandparent benefits 

o Woodland Society – $250-499 

All of the above benefits plus ... 

• Exclusive program presented by a CNC 

naturalist 

o River Society – $500+ 


• Exclusive program with meal presented by a 

CNC naturalist 

o Life Membership - $1,500+ 

(payable in 3 annual installments) 


• 20% Nature Center Store discount 

• Confidence in knowing that your gift supports 

CNC’s mission to inspire future generations of 

people and institutions to protect the natural 

world through our endowment fund. 

Payment Information 

CNC Membership (optional): $_________ 

Total Registration Fees: $_________ 

Additional Contribution: $_________ 

Total Payment: $_________ 

(Please make checks payable to Chippewa Nature 

Center or include credit card information below.) 

Name on credit card:__________________________________ 

Credit card number: _________________________________ 

Signature: __________________________________________ 

Expiration Date: ___________ 

Memberships and gifts to CNC are tax deductible as allowed by law. Charitable Solicitation License MICS 2710 

Registration Form 

Name________________________________________________ Day Phone_______________________ 

Address_______________________________________ City ____________________ Zip____________ 

E-mail (optional)_________________________________________________________________________ 

Would you like to receive CNC’s weekly e-mail update? Yes____ No____ 

Are you a CNC Member? Yes____ No____ 

If yes, would you prefer to receive your CNC member newsletter via e-mail, instead of hard copy? Yes____ No____ 

Program # Course/Trip Name Date(s) Fee 

__________ ______________________________________ ___________ ________ 

__________ ______________________________________ ___________ ________ 

__________ ______________________________________ ___________ ________ 

Notes (Equipment loan, food allergies, etc.): ____________________________________________________ 

REGISTRATION: Send payment & completed form to: Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd., Midland, MI 48640. Phone 

registrations by credit card only (989.631.0830). Become a member at the time of registration to receive the member discount. 

CANCELLED PROGRAMS: While Chippewa Nature Center makes every effort to carry out programs, it reserves the right to 

cancel programs at its discretion, based on conditions beyond its control. In the event of a cancellation, participants will be notified 

prior to the program and have the option of receiving a refund or registering for a rescheduled program, if available. 

FOR OFFICE USE ONLY 

Received from: _______________________________________________________________ 

Received by :____________________ Reg. _________ Conf. _________ Val. _________ 

10 11

Program Guide 

400 S. Badour Rd. 

Midland, MI 48640-8661 

Registration packets available online! 

989.631.0830 | chippewanaturecenter.org | facebook.com/cncmidland

Spring - Chippewa Nature Center

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