Fall Newsletter Sept-Nov 2018

Field Trips • Workshops • Free Events & more! Inspiring people to be stewards of the natural world 1 Celebrating FREE Admission! Staff Milestones 400 S Badour Rd, Midland, MI 48640 Dennis Pilaske Executive Director

Visitor Center In July 2018, I had the pleasure of talking with one of Located near the confl uence of the Chippewa Nature Center’s earliest naturalists, Doug Moore Pine and Chippewa rivers, Visitor – what a joy it was to hear his stories from the time when Center features include: the Nature Center was just starting out. As we talked, I was Ecosystem Gallery with hands-on exhibits of CNC reminded that an incredible staff dedicated to CNC’s mission ecosystems and a live reptile and amphibian exhibit and vision has always been at the heart of building positive River Overlook with spectacular views of the Pine River nature connections for people of all ages and abilities. Wildlife Viewing Area to observe animals through Each year, we recognize those staff members who are one-way glass celebrating anniversary milestones. In 2018, the following staff reached the 5-year milestone in their tenure. Please join Nature Discovery Area with nature-themed activities, books and crafts me in congratulating Marcus, Ashley, Carri and Isaac for their dedication and commitment to CNC’s mission! Bur Oak Theater with short nature and history interpretive videos Nature Center Store offering nature-themed books, toys, gifts, eco-friendly items and more

Table of Contents Nature Fest ...... 2 Marcus Collins Ashley David Nature at Night ...... 2 Preschool Teacher Marketing Manager Nature Notes: Autumn Stars ...... 3 Calendar of Events September ...... 4-6 October ...... 6-7, 9 November ...... 11-13 Turkey Time ...... 8 Leaf Litter ...... 10 Carri McGuire Isaac Wolfgang Preschool Teacher Land and Facilities Donors & New Members ...... 14 Celebrating 5 Years! Operations Manager

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Chippewa Nature Center Newsletter | Published Quarterly • Fall 2018 1 www.chippewanaturecenter.org | Sept 14 -15

FREE for members and children under 18 $5/non-member adult (good for both days)

enture out and celebrate nature! This two-day event highlights CNC’s “best of” nature programing. See live birds of prey, Vmammals, amphibians, reptiles and fish up close. Join naturalists and scientists to investigate the plants and animals in CNC’s rivers, ponds, forests and fields. Activities include hikes, live animal programs, kids’ crafts and games, nature yoga, an indoor nature lab and more. Food concessions provided by Studley Grange will be available for purchse. Fri, Sept 14 • 6-9 pm Live Animal Presentation 6:30-7:30 pm The Secret Lives of Skunks by Nature on the Go Outdoor Activities 7:30-9 pm Guided Nocturnal Animal Stations Bat Walk (ages 9+) Owl Prowl (ages 9+) Fri and Sat, Oct 26 and 27 Sat, Sept 15 • 10 am-4 pm 6-8:30 pm On-Going Activities Michigan Amphibians and Reptiles – Live animal exhibit by Nature’s Come fi nd out who wakes Discovery up when you go to bed! Kids Discovery Stations – Games, crafts and face painting at The Visitors to Nature at Night, Woods Nature Play Area a free family-friendly event, Exploration Stations – Pond dipping, forest investigations and insect will learn about Michigan’s collecting along Arbury Trail nocturnal mammals and Nature Preschool Open House – Learn about the program, explore astronomy. Children are the building or spend time playing indoors and outside encouraged to dress up Explore the Homestead Farm – Visit the farm to do plant pounding as their favorite animal and other activities as they explore the night Nature Lab – Visit indoor stations to learn more about plants, animals through crafts, games, and fungi activities, a jack o’ lantern trail, outdoor obstacle Live Animal Presentations course, stories in the 10-11 am & 1-2 pm Live Birds of Prey by Wildlife Recovery Association wigwam, and a puppet 11:30 am-12:30 pm Mammals of Michigan by Howell Nature Center show. Food will be available & 2:30-3:30 pm for purchase by Studley Grange during both nights Hikes, Exploration, Yoga and more! of the event. You won’t 10-11 am & 1-2 pm Small Mammal Collecting want to miss this free 11 am-12 pm Salamander Search family-friendly event! 11 am-12 pm & 2-3 pm Nature Yoga with Well Bean 12-1 pm Searching for Aquatic Invertebrates 12:30-1:30 pm & 3-4 pm Drone Demonstration 1-4 pm Monarch Butterfl y Tagging 2-3:30 pm Flowers and Fungi Walk Time TBD Electrofi shing Chippewa Nature Center Newsletter | Published Quarterly • Fall 2018 3 2 Nature Notes: Autumn Stars

Jeanne Henderson Interpretive Naturalist

New England Aster

s a prelude to autumn’s main event of trees changing push up and open to form a ring of yellow pollen from the Ainto their multiple colors, we encounter stars scattered stamens. Each pistil also grows up to form a “y” at its tip, across gardens, fields and woods – the asters. With multiple ready to receive pollen; at this stage, the outer disk appears flower heads on reclining or upright stems, asters extend fuzzy. The rays project outward from the center disk, and the blooming season through the next two months. have only a female pistil at the base. An insect such as a Pollinators benefit from the available nectar and pollen, bumblebee lands on the rays and outer disk, depositing helping to finish their lifecycles before cold weather returns. pollen from a previous fl ower. As the bee moves towards the center, it picks up new pollen from the ring. When it reaches Besides growing the center where no tubes are open, it fl ies off to visit in sunny fi elds, another fl ower. Sequential rings of yellow move towards the you will fi nd center of the disk as new tubes open. Once pollinated, the asters in shady aster’s yellow disks change color to brown, rose, or purple, woods or along telling the insects that no more pollen is available there. roads and trails. Certain clues Look for these common asters. With leaves clasping the help to familiarize hairy stem, New England aster’s purple fl owers grow in ourselves with fi elds. Big Leaf them. Asters have aster’s wide leaves fl owers with grow on the forest Small White Aster yellow center fl oor, then sprout disks and rays that lavender fl owers may be white, blue, purple or pink. Asters growing in the above. In shady open have narrow linear alternate leaves, spaced closely. woods, you’ll fi nd Asters in the woods typically have larger, heart-shaped the delicate blue leaves, widely spaced. Smooth asters. Small White aster’s How does pollination occur on these fl owers? Disks abundant fl owers contain closed tubes with both male (stamens) and female cascade into an (pistils) fl ower parts. Starting at the outer edge, the tubes airy mound. Smooth Aster

3 www.chippewanaturecenter.orgwww.chippewanaturecenter.org | | Calendar of Events September sun mon tues wed thurs fri sat 9:30-10:30 am 1 FREE Programs Affiliate Programs Registered Trips & Workshops Story Hour • *If weather• conditions are unfavorable,• a program 8 am-5 pm may be canceled (determined at CNC’s discretion). Summer Exploration Days 12-5 pm 2 8 am-5 pm 3 4 6:30-8 pm 5 9:30 & 11 am 6 7 10 am-2 pm 8 Summer Summer Mid-Mitten Story Hour Buttefl y Tagging Exploration Days Exploration Days Chapter of Wild 7-9 pm 2-3 pm Valley Herb 1-5 pm Ones Families in Nature Society: Herbal Discover the Weaving Homestead Farm 2-3 pm 9 10 7-9 pm 11 12 13 9:30-10:30 am 14 15 Venture Outside Mid-Michigan Wee Stroll on Grandparent’s Rock Club 6-9 pm 10 am-4 pm Day

16 17 18 3-4:30 pm 19 9:30 & 11 am 20 21 8 am-5 pm 22 Chippewa Trail Story Hour Fur Trade Fun by Golf Cart 6:30-7:30 pm Falling Leaves & Seeds at DP 8-9 pm Black Light Hike 12-5 pm 23 24 25 5:30-7:30 pm 26 5:30-7 pm 27 28 9 am-4 pm 29 Fur Trade Fun Sunset Kayaking CNC Stewards: Geocaching Sleepy 7-8:30 pm Wildfl ower Seed Hollow Park Full Moon Stroll Collecting 10-11:30 am Lumberjack- in-Training 30

Story Hour: Track that Scat Valley Herb Society: Herbal Weaving Sat, Sept 1 • 9:30-10:30 am Thurs, Sept 6 • 7-9 pm Thurs, Sept 6 • 9:30 & 11 am Join Valley Herb Society (VHS) for Ages: 3-5 w/adult their monthly meeting. VHS furthers Come spend an hour learning about the knowledge, propagation and use of nature! The hour will include a story, herbs among its members. For more crafts, time outdoors and other age appropriate activities. information, contact Cathy Devendorf at cdevendorf@ chippewanaturecenter.org or 989-631-0830. Discover the Homestead Farm Sun, Sept 2 • 1-5 pm Mingling with the Monarchs: All Ages, under 18 w/adult Butterfl y Tagging Step back in time at CNC’s log cabin, Sat, Sept 8 • 10 am-2 pm timber frame barn and one-room All Ages, under 18 w/adult schoolhouse to try your hand at grinding Be a part of citizen science and learn corn, pumping water, writing on a slate board, working in the about the amazing Monarch Butterfl y, garden and watering the animals. the only true migratory butterfl y. With the cooperation of the monarchs and the weather, we will net the butterfl ies, Mid-Mitten Chapter of Wild Ones: give them a checkup, apply a tiny tag and then send them Safeguarding Bees, Our True on their 2,000-plus mile journey to Mexico for their winter Pollination Powerhouses vacation. Tagged butterfl ies are reported to the University Wed, Sept 5 • 6:30-8 pm of Kansas, and their data helps us understand butterfl y Learn about native bee and honeybee migration. Join Denny Brooks at the Lanigan Pavilion at the ecology and why they need healthy native Homestead Road turnaround. Butterfl y nets will be available. Smooth Aster plants to support pollinating fruits, vegetables, trees and crops. Join Christina Schall, CNC Educator and beekeeper for this interactive indoor program. 4 Families in Nature: Falling Leaves and Seeds at Migration Challenges Discovery Preserve Sat, Sept 8 • 2-3 pm Thurs, Sept 20 • 6:30-7:30 pm All Ages, under 18 w/adult All Ages, under 18 w/adult Choose a migratory animal and learn As summer gives way to fall, the colors and what it’s like to overcome some of the textures around us change. Join Interpretive challenges it faces during migration. Naturalist Jeanne Henderson as we Everyone can get involved in the migratory journey! discover the diversity of leaves and seeds that can be found at Discovery Preserve, located at 1701 S Euclid Ave in Bay City. Venture Outside on Grandparents’ Day Black Light Hike Sun, Sept 9 • 2-3 pm Thurs, Sept 20 • 8-9 pm All Ages, under 18 w/adult Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult Celebrate Grandparents Day by bringing Join Interpretive Naturalist Michelle your grandkids to connect with nature! Fournier for a night hike using black Activities will be stationed around the lights. Also known as UV lights, these Arbury and Meadow Mouse trails, helping you make new special lights allow us to discover a luminescent world with memories together. glowing insects, algae, fl owers and fungi. Some UV fl ashlights will be available; please bring one if you have your own. Mid-Michigan Rock Club Tues, Sept 11 • 7-9 pm Fur Trade Fun Join the Mid-Michigan Rock Club Sat, Sept 22 • 8 am-5 pm (MMRC) for their monthly meeting. Sun, Sept 23 • 12-5 pm MMRC is a group of rockhounds, artisans, Ages: 5+, under 18 w/adult collectors and scientists that meet to Kids will explore a unique historical time discuss our avocation and educate the public about geology- when beaver pelts were the currency of related topics. Learn more at www.midmichrockclub.com. the Great Lakes region. For each self-guided, hands-on indoor activity completed, you will collect a trading card. Head to the Nature Fest Naturalist Station to trade your cards for a small prize! Fri, Sept 14 • 6-9 pm Sat, Sept 15 • 10 am-4 pm Full Moon Stroll All Ages, under 18 w/adult Sun, Sept 23 • 7-8:30pm FREE for members and children under 18 Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult $5/non-member adult (good for both days) Celebrate the fi rst day of autumn and See pg 2 for details. the harvest moon! Under clear skies, we Wee Stroll should get a nice look at the moon as we Fri, Sept 14 • 9:30-10:30 am look and listen for crespuscular and nocturnal wildlife and Ages: 6 mos-2 yrs w/adult migrating birds. Wear dark clothing and bring a fl ashlight. This program is designed for parents to take Sunset Kayaking a guided walk with their child, learn about Wed, Sept 26 • 5:30-7:30 pm the outdoors and learn ways to introduce Register by Sept 24 children to the natural world around them. Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult Chippewa Trail by Golf Cart Fee: $25 | 20/CNC member Wed, Sept 19 • 3-4:30 pm Join a CNC naturalist for a relaxing fall Register by Sept 16 • Ages: 18+ Fee: paddle from CNC’s launch down the Chippewa River to $15 | 12/CNC member the Tridge. We’ll look for eagles, herons, muskrats and the Enjoy a leisurely ride along the paved beginning of the fall color change as twilight approaches. Chippewa Trail from the Nature Center CNC will provide a kayak, paddle and life jacket for each to the Tridge. We’ll stop along the way to talk about the participant. If weather or water conditions are unfavorable, the history of the land and native plants and animals. This trip will be cancelled at CNC’s discretion and participants will program is designed especially for those with limited mobility. receive a refund. Story Hour: The Apple Pie Tree CNC Stewards: Thurs, Sept 20 • 9:30 & 11 am Wildfl ower Seed Collecting Ages: 3-5 w/adult Thurs, Sept 27 • 5:30-7 pm Come spend an hour learning about Register by Sept 25 nature! The hour will include a story, All Ages, under 18 w/adult crafts, time outdoors and other age- Help CNC expand healthy ecosystems by collecting appropriate activities. wildfl ower seeds to plant in new areas. Join Tom Lenon, 5 Director of Land and Facilities, to learn about the wildfl owers, Lumberjack-in-Training then explore the fi eld collecting these important seeds. Sat, Sept 29 • 10-11:30 am Pre-registration is required, and participants will receive Ages: 5+, under 18 w/adult recognition for an hour and a half of volunteer service. In the late 1800s, pine was king in the Geocaching Sleepy Hollow Park Saginaw Valley and lumbering was big Sat, Sept 29 • 9 am-4 pm business! Discover how Michigan’s vast Register by Sept 23 pine forests were forever changed by Ages: 8+, under 18 w/adult the lumberman’s axe and saw. Kids will assume the roles of Fee: Adults- $25 | $20/CNC member; lumbermen as they perform jobs including sawing and rafting Youth: $12 | $10.60/CNC member logs, using marking hammers and loading a logging sled. Kids This 2,600 acre park includes hiking trails will have the chance to draw their own logging mark and read that give access to geocaches of all shapes, sizes, diffi culties the Tales of Paul Bunyan. and types. CNC staff and geocaching enthusiasts Victoria Zablocki and Jennifer DuBey will lead the way as you partake in the world’s largest scavenger hunt! We will provide GPS units for use during the trip. Please bring a sack lunch. October sun mon tues wed thurs fri sat 1 7-9 pm 2 6:30-8 pm 3 9:30 & 11 am 4 5 9:30-10:30 am 6 Mid-Michigan Mid-Mitten Story Hour Story Hour Rock Club Chapter of Wild 7-9 pm 1-4 pm Ones Valley Herb Society Fall Color Tour by Kayak

2-3:30 pm 7 8 9 10 6-8 pm 11 9:30-10:30 am 12 9 am-12 pm 13 Finding Fungi Teacher’s Night in Wee Stroll Decorative Hike Nature: Animals Gourd Workshop of the Night 1-2 pm 1-5 pm Native American Cider Sunday Uses of Natural Resources at DP 2-3 pm Families in Nature 14 15 16 3-4:30 pm 17 9:30 & 11 am 18 19 10-11:30 am 20 Fall Color Tour Story Hour Buidling a Home: by Golf Cart 7-8:30 pm Shelter Making Night Lighting for 2-4 pm Wildlife Fall Color Tour by Voyageur Canoe 21 22 23 6:30-8 pm 24 25 26 1-4 pm 27 Full Moon Stroll Jolly Hammers & Strings Dulcimer Club 6-8:30 pm 6-8:30 pm

28 29 30 31 FREE Programs Affiliate Programs • Registered Trips• & Workshops • *If weather conditions are unfavorable, a program may be canceled (determined at CNC’s discretion).

Mid-Michigan Rock Club Mid-Mitten Chapter of Wild Ones: Tues, Oct 2 • 7-9 pm Land Preserves, Easements and Join the Mid-Michigan Rock Club (MMRC) Conservation at Home for their monthly meeting. MMRC is a Wed, Oct 3 • 6:30-8 pm group of rockhounds, artisans, collectors Join Andrea Foster of The Little Forks Conservancy as and scientists that meet to discuss our she discusses the ways that homeowners, landowners and avocation and educate the public about geology-related businesses can make a difference! The Mid-Mitten Wild Ones topics. Learn more at www.midmichrockclub.com. group helps preserve biodiversity through the preservation, 6 restoration and establishment of native plant communities. Teacher’s Night in Nature: For more information, contact Jeanne Henderson at Animals of the Night [email protected] or 989.631.0830. Thurs, Oct 11 • 6-8 pm Register by Oct 10 • Ages: 18+ Story Hour: The Mushroom Hunt All teachers are invited to join CNC staff Thurs, Oct 4 • 9:30 & 11 am to discover nocturnal animal adaptations, Sat, Oct 6 • 9:30 am sound waves with echolocation and more Ages: 3-5 year olds w/adult as we walk the trails in search of these night-loving creatures. Come spend an hour learning about We’ll head outside for our main activity (so dress for the nature! The hour will include a story, weather!), then conclude with light refreshments. crafts, time outdoors and other age-appropriate activities. Wee Stroll Valley Herb Society: Foraging – Fri, Oct 12 • 9:30-10:30 am Using What You Find Ages: 6 mos-2 yrs w/adult Thurs, Oct 4 • 7-9 pm This program is designed for parents to Join Valley Herb Society (VHS) for their take a guided walk with their child, learn monthly meeting with guest speaker about the outdoors and learn ways to Ben Cohen of Small House Farm. VHS introduce children to the natural world furthers the knowledge, propagation and use of herbs around them. among its members. For program information, contact Cathy Devendorf at [email protected] or Decorative Gourd Workshop 989-631-0830. Sat, Oct 13 • 9 am-12 pm Register by Oct 9 Fall Color Tour by Kayak Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult Sat, Oct 6 • 1-4 pm Fee: $30 | 24/CNC member Register by Oct 2 Choose from a variety of dried and Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult cleaned gourds to decorate with water-based dyes and use Fee: $30 | 24/CNC member special tools for details and fi nishing. Complete your project Enjoy a leisurely trip down the Chippewa with embellishments if desired (bring acorns, antlers, pine River when fall color will (hopefully) be at its peak! We will cones, twine, etc.). Bring an apron or wear old clothes that travel by CNC van to the Universal Access Site, ending our can get dirty. paddle back at CNC. CNC will provide a kayak, paddle and life jacket for each participant. If weather or water conditions Native American Uses of Natural are unfavorable, this trip will be canceled at the discretion of CNC Resources at Discovery Preserve and participants will be refunded. Sat, Oct 13 • 1-2 pm All Ages, under 18 w/adult Finding Fungi Hike For thousands of years, local Native Sun, Oct 7 • 2-3:30 pm Americans got everything they needed for Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult their sustenance by using rich plant and animal resources, During late summer and early fall, Boletes, many of which still surround us every day. Join CNC staff at Russelas, Amanitas and other colorful Discovery Preserve at Euclid Park, located at 1701 S Euclid mushroom fruits cover the forest fl oor. Ave in Bay City, for an overview of traditional skills used by Join Interpretive Naturalist Michelle Fournier on this fungi this region’s Native Americans to make fi re by friction and foray to learn about mushrooms’ crucial role in the forest cordage from plant materials, tan deer hides and more. ecosystem and to fi nd out which are deadly poisonous. Cider Sunday Families in Nature: Life of a Log Sun, Oct 7 • 1-5 pm Sat, Oct 13 • 2-3 pm All Ages, under 18 w/adult All Ages, under 18 w/adult Join us for an afternoon of cider-making Logs are an essential part of every forest. the traditional way! Among heirloom Explore the creatures that live in, under apple trees at the Homestead Farm, help and around these unique micro-habitats crush and press apples by hand to make while getting an up-close look at the plants and fungi that call pure apple cider, and learn how to make small batches of logs home. cider at home. Watch volunteers make apple treats on the cabin’s woodstove, pick up some tasty recipes and enjoy samples of local cider and snacks at this free, family-friendly event, rain or shine!

7 October events continued on page 9 Turkey Time

Michelle Fournier Interpretive Naturalist

Turkey roosting

hanksgiving is around the corner and it’s time to celebrate beards, along with the size of sharp spurs on the feet, are Teverything turkey. These prized poultry have had their helpful measurements to estimate age. role at the dinner table for over a thousand years. The Despite being mainly ground dwelling and nesting, turkeys domestic turkeys of today are descendants of an extinct sub- are able to fl y. They species of wild turkey found in Mexico. European explorers may not be the most brought turkeys back with them to Europe where the breed agile fl iers, much eventually made it back to the North America with English like fl ying bowling colonists. balls, but have been Prized for not only their culinary uses, Wild turkeys are one clocked at speeds of North America’s largest and most intriguing birds. Adult up to 55 mph. Wild male turkeys are known as “toms” or “gobblers.” During turkeys roost in trees the spring breeding season, it’s easy to tell the fl uffed up each night to protect displaying males apart from the more drab colored females themselves against or hens. Males also tend to have brightly colored heads predation while Turkey feather of pink, blue and white with fewer feathers. These colors sleeping. extend to the fl eshy protuberances on their head known as Wild turkeys have not always been a common sight, as caruncles. Turkey habitat destruction and unregulated hunting practices beards, hair-like almost exterminated these birds from North America. By feathers grown 1900, the wild turkey was almost absent from Michigan. on their chests, Reintroduction efforts of pen reared turkeys failed as the can be another birds lost their survival instincts and were quickly eaten by distinguishing predators. Success fi nally came with the reintroduction of male feature, wild turkeys trapped and relocated from other areas. although a small percentage of Today we are thankful for turkeys. They not only pair well females may also with stuffi ng and cranberry sauce, but are a joy to see have them. These wandering Michigan’s fi elds and woodlands. Gobble, gobble! Male turkey

www.chippewanaturecenter.org | 8 Fall Color Tour by Golf Cart Interpretive Naturalist Jeanne Henderson as hunt with our Wed, Oct 17 • 3-4:30 pm eyes and ears and walk amidst the falling leaves. Wear dark Register by Oct 15 • Ages: 18+ clothing and bring a fl ashlight. Fee: $15 | 12/CNC member Nature at Night Join CNC staff for a leisurely ride along Fri, Oct 26 & Sat, Oct 27 the rivers, forests, ponds and fi elds 6-8:30 pm of CNC property, stopping along the way to get a better All Ages, under 18 w/adult look at the trees and their colors. This program is designed See pg 2 for details. especially for those with limited mobility. Jolly Hammers and Strings Story Hour: Pumpkin Circle Dulcimer Club Thurs, Oct 18 • 9:30 & 11 am Sat, Oct 27 • 1-4 pm Ages: 3-5 year olds w/adult All Ages, under 18 w/adult Come spend an hour learning about Stop in to enjoy the toe-tapping music nature! The hour will include a story, of the Jolly Hammers & Strings Dulcimer crafts, time outdoors and other age- Club. Or, if you play a folk instrument appropriate activities (guitar, banjo, fi ddle, dulcimer, etc.), bring it along and join in! Night Lighting for Wildlife Thurs, Oct 18 • 7-8:30 pm Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult What animals will you see when the sun goes down? Bring your fl ashlight Nature Center Store or headlamp (the brighter the better!) and join CNC Interpretive Naturalist Michelle Fournier on a hike to look for the glittery eyes of nocturnal creatures both big and small. Building a Home: Shelter Making Sat, Oct 20 • 10-11:30 am All Ages, under 18 w/adult Stop by the Homestead and learn all about historic homes and structures. We’ll examine the European and Native home construction through various hands-on stations. Build a miniature section of a timber frame barn and gather wigwam materials. Then, use what you learned to build your Nature-themed toys, gifts, books and more! own shelter in the Homestead woods. Fall Color Tour by Voyageur Canoe Sat, Oct 20 • 2-4 pm Host a Birthday Party at CNC! Register by Oct 14 Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult Members can book a birthday party for children 4-12 Fee: $20 | 16/CNC member years old and up to 19 of their friends! A CNC Educator Enjoy a colorful autumn afternoon on will coordinate a 2-hr themed experience that includes: the Chippewa River in a 29-foot Voyageur canoe, a fi berglass • Personalized invitations reproduction of the birch bark canoes used by fur traders • Decorations to haul loads of goods and valuable animal pelts in the 18th and 19th centuries. We’ll explore the natural and cultural • Outdoor exploration and games resources of the area and share stories of the past while • Indoor crafts and party games having a truly unique outdoor experience. Meet at Golfside • Gift for the birthday child and Drive Park Boat Launch off Currie Parkway. goodie bags for each party guest Full Moon Stroll Party Themes Wed, Oct 24 • 6:30-8 pm Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult • Scales and Slime • Mammal Mania The full Hunter’s Moon meant that it • Bird Bonanza! • Outdoor Survival was time to hunt animals and store • Insect Safari • Nature Detectives provisions for the long winter ahead. Join Visit CNC’s website for more details and to request a party! 109 www.chippewanaturecenter.org | Leaf Litter

Victoria Zablocki Educator

t’s that time of year again when the leaves change color to the soil providing plants another opportunity to fulfi ll Iand fall to the forest floor. Fallen leaves are more than their water needs. just a beautiful sight and welcome sign of autumn, they are an important element of the forest. The collection of years The leaf litter also helps the animals of the forest by of fallen leaves, twigs, bark and other plant matter create providing shelter. Some insects such as a the Isabella Tiger the leaf litter which is critical in maintaining a healthy forest moth (woolly bear caterpillar) and the Giant Leopard moth ecosystem. survive in their larval form under leaf litter all winter. While Leaf litter helps the plants of the forest by returning seeking shelter below the leaves, these caterpillars can nutrients back to the soil. Invertebrates such as snails, slugs withstand temperatures well below freezing. Wood frogs and earthworms eat the leaves, breaking them down into also survive blanketed by leaf litter during the winter due smaller parts. Decomposers such as bacteria and fungi to their ability to camoufl age, as well as their capacity to process the dead plant matter and deposit the nutrients chemically withstand freezing. back into the soil. In As you are walking trails this fall and hearing the crunch addition to of the leaves beneath your feet, take a moment to refl ect those benefi ts, on their importance. No longer are they just a pretty sight the leaf litter – these hides the early leaves help growth of maintain the young plants balance and as animals productivity graze for food. of the forest This allows and you are Giant Leopard moth caterpillar the plants a in on their crawling through leaves better chance secret. of survival to adulthood and helps to maintain the balance of Wood frogs use leaf litter for the forest ecosystem. Fallen leaves also trap moisture close camoufl age and shelter

www.chippewanaturecenter.orgwww.chippewanaturecenter.org | | 1110 Calendar of Events November sun mon tues wed thurs fri sat 9:30 & 11 am 1 2 3 FREE Programs Affiliate Programs Story Hour 10 am-5 pm • Registered Trips• & Workshops 7-9 pm Mid-Michigan * Rock Club • If weather conditions are unfavorable, Valley Herb a program may be canceled (determined at CNC’s discretion). Society Rock Show

4 5 7-9 pm 6 6-8 pm 7 8 9:30-10:30 am 9 10 am-12 pm 10 10 am-5 pm Mid-Michigan Mid-Mitten Wee Stroll Painting the River Mid-Michigan Rock Club Chapter of Wild 2-3 pm Rock Club Ones Families in Nature Rock Show 3:30-4:30 pm Snakes Alive! 11 12 13 14 9:30 & 11 am 15 16 10 am-2 pm 17 Story Hour Great Nature Race: Going Geocaching 1-4 pm Pine Cone Wreath Making Wksp

1-2 pm 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Turkey Walk & Thanksgiving - 8 am-5 pm 8 am-5 pm Talk Fall Exploration Fall Exploration Visitor Center Days Days Closed ------6-7:30 pm 1-4 pm Trails Open Full Moon Stroll Jolly Hammers & Dawn to Dark Strings Dulcimer Club 25 26 27 28 29 30 December 1 12-5 pm 6-9 pm 8 am-5 pm Fall Exploration Member Public Days Presale Welcome

Story Hour: Squirrel’s Fall Search MMRC Rock Show Thurs, Nov 1 • 9:30 & 11 am Sat-Sun, Nov 3-4 • 10 am-5 pm Ages: 3-5 year olds w/adult All Ages, under 18 w/adult Come spend an hour learning about The Mid-Michigan Rock Club’s 25th nature! The hour will include a story, Annual Rock Show will include crafts, time outdoors and other age- presentations on topics such as appropriate activities. metal detecting, beach and rock fossil identifi cation and rock collecting, educational displays and activities Valley Herb Society: for all ages. There will be special children’s events and Anise Hyssop children’s rock collection displays. Dealers will have Thurs, Nov 1 • 7-9 pm Join Valley Herb Society (VHS) rocks, minerals, fossils and jewelry for sale. Door prizes for their monthly meeting with will be awarded each day. Admission is free! For more guest speaker Donna Frawley of Frawley’s Fine information, visit www.midmichrockclub.com. Herbery. VHS furthers the knowledge, propagation Mid-Michigan Rock Club and use of herbs among its members. For program Tues, Nov 6 • 7-9 pm information, contact Cathy Devendorf at cdevendorf@ Join the Mid-Michigan Rock Club chippewanaturecenter.org or 989-631-0830. (MMRC) for their monthly meeting. MMRC is a group of rockhounds, artisans, collectors and scientists that

11 www.chippewanaturecenter.org | meet to discuss our avocation and educate the public Story Hour: I’m a Turkey about geology-related topics. Learn more at www. Thurs, Nov 15 • 9:30 & 11 am midmichrockclub.com. Ages: 3-5 year olds w/adult Come spend an hour learning about Mid-Mitten Chapter of Wild Ones: nature! The hour will include a story, Member Potluck and Annual Meeting crafts, time outdoors and other age- Wed, Nov 7 • 6-8pm Gather with Mid-Mitten members appropriate activities. for socializing during a tasty potluck Great Nature Race: at 6 pm. Bring a dish to pass. The Wild Ones annual Going Geocaching meeting at 7 pm includes a photo review of the past Sat, Nov 17 • 10 am-2 pm year’s programs and activities, election of offi cers for All Ages, under 18 w/adult 2019 and suggestions for new programs. Beginners and experts alike are invited to stop by the Visitor Center this Wee Stroll National Trail’s Day anytime between 10 am-2 pm to Fri, Nov 9 • 9:30-10:30 am begin your adventure! Geocaches are small containers Ages: 6 mos-2 yrs w/adult This program is designed for parents to hidden in nature that can be found using GPS units and take a guided walk with their child, learn the coordinates that we provide you. Join the world’s about the outdoors and learn ways to largest scavenger hunt as you work at your own pace introduce children to the natural world around them. to conquer as many of the geocache series as you desire! Painting the River Sat, Nov 10 • 10 am-12 pm Pine Cone Wreath Register by Nov 7 • Ages: 18+ Making Workshop Fee: $40 | 32/CNC member Sat, Nov 17 • 1-4 pm Capture the beauty of the fall river Register by Nov 13 • Ages: 18+ on canvas with Captured Community Fee: $30 | 24/CNC member Artist, Ashley David, as she provides the materials and Start preparing for the holidays by instruction for you to create your own painting. No creating your own pine cone wreath using cones from artistic talent is necessary! pines, spruces and fi rs, seed pods and nuts. Interpretive Naturalist Jeanne Henderson will teach you about the Families in Nature: materials and lead you through the process. Winter is Coming! Sat, Nov 10 • 2-3 pm Turkey Talk and Walk All Ages, under 18 w/adult Sun, Nov 18 • 1-2 pm Come experience and explore the All Ages, under 18 w/adult behavioral adaptations of animals as Thanksgiving is just around the they get ready for winter! In addition, we will build corner, so we’ll be talking everything your family’s excitement for the change of seasons by turkey! Join CNC staff to look for having a pretend snowball fi ght – aka Snockball Battle! wild turkeys, make turkey sounds and learn about these unique birds. Snakes Alive! Discovering the Wonders of Snakes Fall Exploration Days Sat, Nov 10 • 3:30-4:30 pm Fri, Nov 23-Sun, Nov 25 All Ages, under 18 w/adult Open during regular Visitor Snakes may be one of the most Center Hours feared and misunderstood animals, All Ages, under 18 w/adult but after attending this program, you’ll see how Enjoy your break from school while exploring the fascinating and benefi cial these beautiful reptiles can be. wonders of nature in Michigan! This indoor program Join CNC Interpretive Naturalist and snake enthusiast includes a variety of self-guided, hands-on exploration Michelle Fournier for this live snake program. All are stations such as experiments, fun facts, crafts and welcome to get as close a look at the snakes as you scavenger hunts. feel comfortable! www.chippewanaturecenter.org | 12 Full Moon Stroll Fri, Nov 23 • 6-7:30 pm Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult Nature Take a leisurely stroll under the full Beaver Moon. These busy rodents Preschool gnaw on aspen and birch trees, then Where learning comes naturally! carry the branches to stick under water near their lodge for a winter food cache. We’ll look and listen • Half-day classes for for nocturnal wildlife. Wear dark clothing and bring a 3- & 4-year olds fl ashlight. • 2, 3 or 4 days per week Jolly Hammers and Strings • Scholarships available Dulcimer Club Sat, Nov 24 • 1-4 pm All Ages, under 18 w/adult Stop in to enjoy the toe-tapping music of the Jolly Hammers & Strings Dulcimer Club. Or, if you play a folk instrument (guitar, banjo, fi ddle, dulcimer, etc.), bring it along and join in! Nature Art Show & Sale All Ages, under 18 w/adult Registration packets for the 2019-20 school year Member Presale – will be available Fri, Dec 7! Fri, Nov 30 • 6-9 pm Mon, Jan 7 Placement for current and Public Welcome – alumni families begins Sat, Dec 1 • 8 am-5 pm Thurs, Jan 10 Open House Nature photography, painting and woodcarving are just 5:30-7pm a few of the many types of art that will be available Fri, Feb 1 Placement for new for purchase from talented artists. Light refreshments families begins will be served at the Member Preview, and a silent Nature Preschool Open House auction closing at 7:30 pm will be held during the Nov Sat, Sept 15 • 10 am-4 pm 30 event. Memberships will be available at the door. A silent auction closing at 3 pm will be held during the Dec 1 event. Host your event at CNC! Save the Date! Meetings • Conferences FREE Retreats • Memorials • Showers Admission!

Winter Exploration Days Unique and versatile Wed, Dec 19, 2018 - Wed, Jan 3, 2019 spaces that can be Mon-Sat 8 am-5 pm used separately or in combination for Sun & holidays 12-5 pm larger gatherings Celebrating the Winter Solstice • Handicap accessibility Sat, Dec 22 • 6-8 pm • Free Wi-Fi • Free parking Nature’s New Year’s Eve 989.631.0830 • Smoke- and pet-free Mon, Dec 31 • 6:30-8 pm [email protected] 13 Thank you for including CNC in your Donors giving. It is your generosity that makes the Nature difference in the programs and services April-June 2018 we are able to offer to the community. Preschool Arboretum Alden and Vada Dow Family Pat & Dave Waite Mary and John Gorte Howard L. and Kathleen E. Foundations Joe and Cindy Weir Diane Griswold Garrett Donor-advised Judith Smith and Michelle Anctil Greg and Cheryl Widenmier Richard and Donna Gross Endowment Fund Anonymous Janet Wittbrodt Patricia Gruber Allen Barlow Greg Yankee Carlo Guarino *We regret any error in our In memory of Monica Barlow In memory of Sue Anderson Gabriele Guiducci recognition, and ask that you Deborah Boots Steve and Noreen Anderson Debra and Michael Hayes contact us so that we may Denise Brabant James and Judith Blanchard Jean and David Heying correct it. Shasta Breitkopf Michelle Brewer Wayne Fraser and Eleanor Donna Brewbaker Jerry Butler Johnston Mary Brown Ronald and Wilma Carter Mica Jones Welcome John Bunch Daniel and Linda Cline Patricia and David Kepler In memory of Frances Bunch and Jeff Bond and Anna Davis Gail and Glenn Korfhage New Members! Jean Selby Patricia and Kevan Marsh Marcia and Wendell Dilling Darin Adams Alan and Sandra Burmester James and Nancy Heffel Patricia Martin Bush Daycare Janet and Martin McGuire Sally Allan Marv and Barb Henry Brian and Monica Bissett Gary and Angela Buskein Mary Lou Hibbard Debra Miller In honor of Wendell and Marcia Dennis and Barbara Hurley Thomas and Elsie Misner Sarah Bryan-Carroll Dilling Erin O’Driscoll and Mark Jones Kelly and Ryan Neil Doug and Tara Draves Dave and Marilyn Camp Bob and Marcella Lachance David and Daria Potts Beth Emmons Margie and Ted Church Wallace and Lindsay Mayton III Donna and Andy Rapp Molly Fullerton Adora Crook John and Janice McClure Christine Redman Dan and Terri Jurn Dow Chemical Dr. Marianne and Frederick Lynn and Maureen Schefsky Judy and Mark Kuehl Dow Corning Foundation Kathy and Farhad Shokoohi McKelvy Richard Lebsack In honor of Barb Anderson Janet and Gavin Stuart Marcia McNulty Steven and Susan Low Gordonville United Methodist Mary Neely Duncan and Kathryn Stuart Church Jeanne and Dick Touvell Catherine and Chris Mitzel Mark and Julianne Parrott Anna Maria and David Morgan In memory of Jennifer Hufnagel Doug and Sherry Robins Tina Van Dam Pauline Graham Cheryle and Ed Saunders Jeff and Peggy Welker Linda and Tom Myers Grape Beginnings Winery, LLC Kevin and Mary Shaughnessy Carol and David Williams Donna Ostrowski Don and Yvonne Hall Sandy Smith Kathy and Marc Peretz Nature Day Camp Richard Jellum Janeen Smith Jenna Rostek Scholarship Donation Marie Johansen Kristine and Roger Szeszulski James and Sally Rudy Chemical City Garden Club Steve Kin Beth and John VanVolkinburg Donna Scanlan Delta College Employees Patrick Kinnicutt Bruce and Joan Vaydik Kevin and Lyn Frazier Cheryl Schaefer Bonnie and Steve Krasnuik Karen & DJ Willard In memory of Sarah Frazier Katy Schriber Karen Krause Cynthia Woodward Mark & Judy Kuehl Kiwassee Kiwanis Candida Simmons Jim and Sue LaBean In memory of Raymond Dost Marianne and Fred McKelvy Becky and Paul Tiret Carol and Scotty Locker Amber and Jennifer Donze Marty and Marge Merz Alisha and Brandon Toyzan James Looker Cheri Hitchcock In memory of Sue Anderson Justin and Lisa Wade In memory of Leo and Bernadine Ann Horowitz Midland Garden Club Jim Volant and Mary Wroth Loar Sue Noble Midland Kiwanis Club George Yost Kenneth Louks Justin Schnettler Margaret Williams Michigan Baseball Foundation Jean and Scott Thiele In memory of Sue Anderson Anja Mueller In memory of Graham Nature Day Camp Snacks CNC LEGACY Network for Good Edward Taylor Meijer Store #108 Lolita Pfeiffer Jovan Zimzovski and Amy Au SOCIETY Nature Preschool Scholarship Carl and Patricia Price Norma and Charlie The Dow Chemical Company Mildred P. Putnam Charitable Bawtinheimer Foundation Express your love and Lead Trust #2 R. Keith and Karin Beamer appreciation of nature! Mike and Dione Rush Lynette and Michael Braun Friends of CNC Native Plant Dr. and Mrs Richard Bertie and Susan Butts Sale Sponsor Please consider making Skochdopole Judy and Gerry Byrne Terry and Deb Temperly a commitment to give to Maria Smith Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Charlton Snowy Owl Fund CNC through your estate In memory of Anna Lincoln Janet Darby plan. Contact Dennis Pilaske, Tri-County Horse Association Kimberly Birch Maureen Donker Executive Director, In honor of Whiting Forest Roberta Johnson and Lisa Devos Duane and Patti Draves Patricia and Bradley Martin at dpilaske@ Presentation - Kyle Bagnall Judith and Steven Ferguson Elissa and Howard Ungerleider Megan and Bruce McCulloch chippewanaturecenter.org to Debbie and Rick Finney Barry and Ann Schihl Family Wendy Fischer further explore the Donor-advised Fund Duncan and Kathryn Stuart Legacy Society. Kathleen and William Fothergill Anita and Kurt Whitney Kenneth and Michael and Robin Glenn Christine Van Heel Amy and John Wilson 14 400 S. Badour Rd. Midland, MI 48640-8661

Member Presale Universal Paddling Access Fri, Nov 30, 2018 6-9 pm in Public Welcome Midland County Sat, Dec 1, 2018 8 am-5 pm

photography • wood carvings jewelry • pottery • books baskets and more! FREE Chippewa Nature Center 989.631.0830 City of Midland Sanford Lake Park Admission! www.chippewanaturecenter.org 989.837.6930 989.832.6874 www.midland-mi.org www.co.midland.mi.us • Hours: May – Open ti ll 9 pm • Hours: 6 am-11 pm • Hours: Dawn to dusk daily June-July – Open ti ll 10 pm • Directi ons: Located in • Directi ons: From Saginaw Aug-Oct 15 – Open ti ll 9 pm downtown Midland Rd, turn north on Smith • Directi ons: Located on next to the Tridge and St at the traffi c light in Chippewa River Rd, Farmer’s Market. Sanford. .3 miles west of Meridian Rd (M-30).

Generously sponsored by: 46th Labor Day Run & Potluck Mon, Sept 3, 2018 5K Run & Walk, 10K Run & Kids Fun Run Both runs are held on the paved Chippewa Volunteer Opportunities Trail (out and back). After the race, enjoy To learn more about volunteering, the company of friends and family with the contact Cathy Devendorf, Director annual potluck. Bring a dish to pass – hot dogs, chips and pop will be of Volunteers and Outreach, at provided. To volunteer, contact Cathy at 989-631-0830 or cdevendorf@ [email protected] chippewanaturecenter.org or 989.631.0830. Register at www.barcmi.com

Visitor Center Hours: Trail Hours: FREE Mon-Sat • 8 am-5 pm 19 miles of trails open year-round, Admission! Sun & select holidays • 12-5 pm dawn-to-dark daily!

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