Winter 2014-2015
Nature
Discover Michigan
Michigan Nature Association
Snowshoe Hikes Winter Volunteer Days Cross-Country Skiing
MNA’s Events & Activities Guide www.michigannature.org
Enjoy Michigan’s Winter Beauty With MNA © Charles Eshbach
Dear Friend, Winter doesn’t slow us down at MNA! As we close out 2014 and move into a new year, MNA will be busy in the field with invasive species removal projects for habitat restoration. We invite you to join us for a volunteer workday in your area - our volunteers are essential in helping us make a difference. With the snowfall comes the opportunity to explore some of Michigan’s most interesting places by snowshoe or cross-country ski. Take part in one of these guided explorations. It’s a great way to get outside in the winter! As always, we thank you for your continued support and hope to see at a field trip or volunteer workday this winter!
Garret Johnson Executive Director
Michigan Nature Association 2310 Science Parkway, Suite 100 Okemos, MI 48864 (866) 223-2231 www.michigannature.org
About MNA Established in 1952, the Michigan Nature Association is a nonprofit conservation organization committed to the protection and maintenance of special natural areas throughout the state. For more than 60 years, MNA has worked to acquire and protect more than 170 nature sanctuaries from the northern tip of the Upper Peninsula to the Indiana/Ohio border.
© 2014. Except where used with permission, entire contents copyright 2014 Michigan Nature Association. On the cover: Snowshoeing at the Schafer Family Nature Sanctuary at Roach Point by Natalie Kent-Norkowski.
Š John Behnke
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Echo Lake Nature Sanctuary (Marquette County) December 13 and January 10 Twin Waterfalls Memorial Plant Preserve (Alger County) December 14 and January 7 Harry and Hattie Handford Memorial Plant Preserve (Alger County) December 17 and January 21 Gratiot Lake Overlook Nature Sanctuary (Keweenaw County) January 3
MNA Merchandise Show your support in style! Discover Michigan Nature t-shirts are comfortable, practical, and stylish. Available in two colors for both men and women!
Black Creek Nature Sanctuary (Keweenaw County) January 17 Redwyn’s Dunes Nature Sanctuary (Keweenaw County) February 28 Keweenaw Shores Nature Sanctuary (Keweenaw County) March 22 More information about these winter excursions can be found on the following page >
$30
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Discover Michigan
Michigan Nature Association
Nominations for Board of Trustees MNA is now accepting nominations for the 2015 Board of Trustees election. Nominations are due by December 1, 2014 and can be mailed or emailed to: Karen Weingarden 659 Heritage Dr. Milford, MI 48381 karen.weingarden@michigannature.org (248) 546-5429
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Visit www.michigannature.org/merchandise or use the enclosed envelope.
Guided Nature Hikes & Tours © MNA Archives
Get out and explore MIchigan this winter by foot, snowshoe, or ski! The weather may be chilly, but it’s worth it to see some of Michigan’s most beautiful places covered in a blanket of snow. For more information about any of these events, contact MNA at (866) 223-2231 or visit MNA’s online events calendar at www.michigannature.org/events.
Eastern Upper Peninsula November 15: Hike at Echo Lake 10 a.m. - Marquette County, near Marquette Enjoy spectacular views of Lake Superior and Echo Lake as we hike a short, moderate trail to the top of a granite dome to enjoy winter’s scenery. Please RSVP, as weather conditions may impact this event. Contact: Adrienne Bozic, 517-331-6381 or abozic@michigannature.org December 13 and January 10: Snowshoe Hikes at Echo Lake 10 a.m. - Marquette County, near Marquette Bring your snowshoes and enjoy incredible views of Lake Superior and Echo Lake! This hike will take us on a short, moderate trail to the top of a granite dome to enjoy winter’s scenery. Please RSVP to sign up, as weather may impact this event. Contact: Adrienne Bozic, 517-331-6381 or abozic@michigannature.org December 11: Sanctuary Exploration at Braastad Memorial Nature Sanctuary 11 a.m. - Marquette County, near Ishpeming This historic farmstead was the family home of Frederick Braastad , a Norwegian immigrant who became a major figure in Ishpeming’s early history as a successful businessperson and politician. Contact: Adrienne Bozic, 517-331-6381 or abozic@michigannature.org December 14, January 7: Snowshoe Hike at Twin Waterfalls 11 a.m. - Alger county, near Munising The frozen waterfalls at this nature sanctuary are spectacular in the winter, while towering sandstone cliffs highlight the geology of the area. We will take a leisurely 1-2 mile snowshoe hike along the trails in this property. Please RSVP – weather may impact this event. Contact: Adrienne Bozic, 517-331-6381 or abozic@michigannature.org
December 17 and January 21: Snowshoe or Ski at Harry and Hattie Handford Memorial Nature Sanctuary 11 a.m. - Alger County, near Deerton Hike through an old-growth forest to the rocky shores of Lake Superior and the mouth of the Laughing Whitefish River. Snow depths will determine whether we snowshoe or ski. Contact: Adrienne Bozic, 517-331-6381 or abozic@michigannature.org
Western Upper Peninsula January 3: Snowshoe Hike at Gratiot Lake Overlook 1:00 p.m. - Keweenaw County, near Calumet Join stewards Jill Burkland and Randy Freisinger for a challenging snowshoe hike in the woods up to the scenic Gratiot Lake overlook. The trail is steep in sections and a short side spur leads to falls of Eister Creek. Contact: Nancy Leonard, nancy@einerlei.com January 17: Snowshoe at Black Creek Nature Sanctuary 1:00 p.m. - Keweenaw County, near Calumet Snowshoe through the forest landscape to a lagoon and dramatic sandy opening into Lake Superior! Stewards Peter and Jill Pietila will lead the hike and invite participants to their home nearby for refreshments afterward. Contact: Nancy Leonard, nancy@einerlei.com February 28: Back Country Ski at Redwyn’s Dunes 1:00 p.m. - Keweenaw County, near Calumet Bring along snacks and water and skiis, and enjoy a backcountry ski to and around the picturesque dunes, led by steward Phil Quenzi. Contact: Nancy Leonard, nancy@einerlei.com March 22: Snowshoe Hike at Keweenaw Shores 1:00 p.m. - Keweenaw County, near Calumet Meet at Esrey Park, about 6 miles east of Eagle Harbor on M-26. Karena Schmidt will lead the hike through a winter wonderland on an intimate trail leading through several forest communities to Brockway Mountain Drive. Contact: Nancy Leonard, nancy@einerlei.com
© Glenn Kujansuu
Help MNA protect sensitive habitats every day MNA Protectors are a special group of individuals who provide MNA with steady support throughout the year. MNA’s monthly giving program is a convenient way to help MNA protect special natural areas and spread your gift out over a period of time.
Become an MNA Protector
A fast, easy way to protect Michigan’s natural heritage
Each month, your contribution will be charged to your credit card or bank account. You can increase, decrease or cancel your monthly gift any time. The minimum monthly gift is $10. For details, visit www.michigannature.org or call (866) 223-2231.
Michigan Nature Association www.michigannature.org
MNA relies on the help of volunteers to continue to protect Michigan’s natural heritage. Make a difference in your area by joining MNA for a volunteer day at a sanctuary near you! Please call (866) 223-2231 if you’d like more information about any of these volunteer opportunities.
Central Michigan
Southwest Michigan
November 19: Red Cedar River Plant Preserve 10 a.m.-3 p.m. - Ingham County, near Williamston Help us fix the boardwalk! Park at the dead end on Cedar Ridge Dr. Contact: Rachel Maranto, 517-525-2627 or rmaranto@michigannature.org
December 3: Riley Shurte Woods Nature Sanctuary 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Cass County, near Cassopolis Help us remove woody invasives that are beginning to spread in this very nice forested sanctuary. Contact: John Bagley, 517-643-6864 or jbagley@michigannature.org
Newaygo Prairie Nature Sanctuary Dec. 14, Dec. 27, Jan. 18, Feb 4 Newyago County, near Newaygo Help us in recovering dry sand prairie by thinning trees that are shading out and degrading this beautiful sanctuary Contact: John Bagley, 517-643-6864 or jbagley@michigannature.org
December 10: Wade Memorial Nature Sanctuary 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Allegan County, near Saugtuck Woody shrubs are at the very early stage of becoming established in the wonderful woods. Help us eliminate them before they get a foothold here. Contact: John Bagley, 517-643-6864 or jbagley@michigannature.org
Karner Blue Nature Sanctuary Nov. 12, Dec. 20, Dec. 30, Jan. 14, Feb. 14, Feb. 28 Newaygo County, near Newaygo Take a role in helping preserve important habitat for rare species by working with us to restore the globally rare oak savanna ecosystem. Contact: John Bagley, 517-643-6864 or jbagley@michigannature.org
December 17: Trillium Ravine Plant Preserve 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Berrien County, near Niles We will be knocking back some invasive woody shrubs that are threatening this very healthy forest community and the dazzling display of spring ephemeral wildflowers that exist here. Contact: John Bagley, 517-643-6864 or jbagley@michigannature.org
January 20: Saginaw Wetlands Nature Sanctuary 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. - Huron County, near Sebewaing Help us manage the lakeplain prairie of autumn olive and other encroaching shrubs at this high quality sanctuary tucked away in the thumb;. Contact: Rachel Maranto, 517-525-2627 or rmaranto@michigannature.org
Butternut Creek Nature Sanctuary Jan. 3, Jan. 10, Feb. 11, Feb. 21 Van Buren County, near Watervliet Help in recovering habitat for the immense diversity that lives in this beautiful sanctuary that protects a prairie fen. Contact: John Bagley, 517-643-6864 or jbagley@michigannature.org January 17: White Pigeon River Nature Sanctuary 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. - St. Joseph County, near White Pigeon Help with work to keep invasive woody shrubs from overcoming this beautiful nature sanctuary. Contact: John Bagley, 517-643-6864 or jbagley@michigannature.org
© MNA Archives
Get Involved: Volunteer!
© MNA Archives
© Ted Soldan
Southeast Michigan November 11: Wilcox-Warnes Nature Sanctuary 10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Macomb County, near Shelby Twp Join us to continue removing invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle at this popular sanctuary. Contact: Rachel Maranto, 517-525-2627 or rmaranto@michigannature.org November 12: Dauner Martin Nature Sanctuary 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Genesee County, near Fenton Help follow up on invasive shrub work from previous years and expand our management area. Learn about a variety of invasives at one of MNA’s most visited sanctuaries. Meet at the Dauner Rd entrance. Contact: Rachel Maranto, 517-525-2627 or rmaranto@michigannature.org
January 7 and February 7: Sarah Jane’s Nature Sanctuary 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. - HIlldale County, near Hillsdale Help us ensure that the rare plants and animals that live at the beautiful wooded sanctuary can continue to thrive. Contact: John Bagley, 517-643-6864 or jbagley@michigannature.org January 31: Sand Creek Prairie Plant Preserve 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Hillsdale County, near Hillsdale Help us restore this dry sand prairie remnant that is the home of the rare Hill’s thistle. Contact: John Bagley, 517-643-6864 or jbagley@michigannature.org © MNA Archives
Goose Creek Grasslands Nature Sanctuary Nov. 20, Dec. 5, Dec. 11, Dec. 19, Jan. 9, Jan. 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Lenawee County County, near Cement City Join us to further our efforts in removing glossy buckthorn from the fen - waterproof boots are recommended! Contact: Rachel Maranto, 517-525-2627 or rmaranto@michigannature.org
December 30 and January 16: Big Valley Nature Sanctuary 10 a.m.-3 p.m. - Oakland County, near Holly Wrap up your year and start 2015 the right way - in a breathtaking prairie fen! We will be tackling a patch of glossy buckthorn near the northern border. Contact: Rachel Maranto, 517-525-2627 or rmaranto@michigannature.org
Lefglen Nature Sanctuary Nov. 23, Jan. 22, Jan. 29 10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Jackson County County, near Napoleon Join us to remove glossy buckthorn from the sanctuary. Contact: Rachel Maranto, 517-525-2627 or rmaranto@michigannature.org December 4: Lamb-Fairbanks Nature Haven 10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Oakland County, near Holly Help us free this wooded upland from encroaching invasive shrubs. Meet at Rattalee Lake Road near the railroad tracks. Contact: Rachel Maranto, 517-525-2627 or rmaranto@michigannature.org
Visit www.michigannature.org/events for a complete list of upcoming volunteer opportunities (and for more details about each of these volunteer days)!
Michigan Nature Association 2310 Science Parkway, Suite 100 Okemos, MI 48864 www.michigannature.org
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Connecting Kids with Nature MNA’s Environmental Education Action Fund
Donate Today Use the enclosed envelope or call (866) 223-2231 to make a contribution to MNA’s Environmental Education Action Fund.
© Angie Adamec
Help us educate Michigan’s next generation of conservation leaders with a gift to the Environmental Education Action Fund. All donations will support MNA’s education programs, including outreach efforts like our new mini-grants to teachers for nature field trips. Other education programs include opportunities for the whole family, like guided hikes and tours, youth volunteer projects, educational publications, and more.