CNC Fall 2012

Fall

Program Guide September-November 2012

Kayaking Trips • BioBlitz • Cider Sunday • Nature at Night & more!

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Fall 2012 Contents Registered Programs (Sept-Nov).................5-7 Walk-in Programs........................................9-17 Affiliate Group Meetings................................18 Youth Walk-In Programs................................17 Directions to CNC..........................................18

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!

Visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org for: Program calendar, information on Nature Preschool & Nature Day Camp, Visitor Center hours and more!

Program Registration Form..........................20 Become a CNC Member................................20 Nature Day Camp,Nature Preschool............24

2012 Board of Directors Barb Anderson President

Marc Snyder Vice President

Adam Bruski Secretary

Kirk Fisher Treasurer

John Davis • Dr. Tracy Galarowicz Christopher Gaumer • Anne Haines Dale Laughner • Dr. Marianne McKelvy Lois Ann Reed • Colette St. Louis Mark Robertson • Michelle Wilkins Dick Touvell Executive Director

Members, Go Green!

To receive your guide via e-mail instead of hard copy, just send an e-mail request!

Join us on facebook! facebook.com/cncmidland

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CNC’s Visitor Center offers the convenience of wireless Internet access while enjoying nature’s ever-changing beauty!

cover photo by Karen Breternitz Chippewa Nature Center Program Guide • Published Quarterly • Fall 2012

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Associate Broker 989-839-9655 7007 Eastman Ave., Midland, MI 48642 • Cell: 989-205-1945 www.BarbRice.com • BarbaraJeanRice@aol.com PAGE 4

~ Classes for 3- & 4- year olds ~ 2,3 or 4 half-day classes ~ High quality early childhood education in the context of nature

Registered Programs If weather conditions are unfavorable, a trip may be canceled (determined at CNC’s discretion) and participants will receive refunds.

Local Kayak Trip Thurs, 9/6 • Register by 8/31 • Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult No. Time Fee / CNC Member F12-29 5-8 pm $22/$15 Join CNC staff on a leisurely kayak trip to down the river.

Interesting facts about the natural and cultural history found along the way will be pointed out.This trip is an easy way to relieve the pressures of the week, get a little exercise and get out and enjoy the outdoors! 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: Pigeon River Country Sat, 9/8 • Register by 8/30 • Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult No. Time Fee / CNC Member F12-30 8 am-7 pm $28/$35 For a taste of the “north woods,” Pigeon River Country north of Gaylord is a great place to hike. A sampling is found along its Shingle Mill Pathway, part of which follows the Pigeon River. Although it’s not a wilderness (loggers and 2-tracks can be found), elk and bear roam. Senior Naturalist, Phil Stephens will guide you through this rich area for 7 or 8 miles. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes or boots, and bring water and a lunch in your pack, along with appropriate hiking clothes and a raincoat. We will probably stop for something to eat on the way back, so bring some money.

Transportation is in a Nature Center vehicle.

Adventures for Women: Local Sunset Kayaking Trip Wed 9/19 • Register by 9/12 • Ages: 14+, under 18 w/adult No. Time Fee / CNC Member F12-31 5-8 pm $15/$22 Summer is very nearly over, so we have to get an earlier start on this kayak trip than usual, in order to get back before dark. This ladies-only trip will begin at our canoe launch site near Meridian Road and end at our main site at the confluence of the Pine and Chippewa Rivers. No experience with kayaks is needed, as the Chippewa River’s slow current and broad stretch is easy to navigate.

Fungi Workshop Fri, 9/28 & 9/29 • Register by 9/21 • Ages: 18+ No. Time Fee / CNC Member W12-10 9/28, 6-9 pm $60/$45 9/29, 9 am-5 pm Join us for this 1 1/2-day course and learn about identification, ecology and the importance of fungi in the ecosystem.

Participants will learn how to identify some edible fungi as

well as avoid poisonous look-alikes. This course is ideal for beginners, but challenging enough for advanced students.

Friday evening will be an introduction indoors from 6-9 pm.

On Saturday, part of the day will be spent in the woods, then we will return to the classroom to identify what we found.

Please bring your own lunch. Refrigerator and microwave available for use.

Marilynn Smith has traveled the world studying fungi. She earned her Masters degree from the University of Iowa and has done mycology research at the University of Vermont and the University of Michigan Biological Station, as well as several independent research projects.

All Day Trippin’ Down the Chippewa Sat, 10/6 • Register by 9/29 • Ages: 18+ No. Time Fee / CNC Member F12-32 9 am-5 pm $35/$28 Most of our paddle trips on the Chippewa River are just a couple of hours, but this time out, we’re going to make a whole day of it! We’ll put in at Magruder Road and paddle all the way to our main canoe launch (just past the Pine/ Chippewa confluence), with a lunch break at Midland County’s Manitou Park and another rest stop at CNC’s Chippewa River Access Site (near Meridian Road). (Facilities are not exciting at either place – both have pit toilets.) The Magruder Road site is not an easy put-in site – a steep bank with a healthy poison ivy population, but once you’re in, it’s a beautiful stretch of river! At Manitou Park, the trail up to the restrooms and picnic area is quite steep, so we’ll just tie our boats up at the bank. In the past, this trip was an “adventure for women only”, but this time we’re opening it up to all genders, so gentlemen, pack your lunches! Participants should dress for changing weather conditions through the day, and bring beverages/sack lunch/snacks.

Fall Color Kayak Trip Wed, 10/10 • Register by 10/5 • Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult No. Time Fee / CNC Member F12-33 5-7 pm $22/$15 Join Kyle Bagnall in an autumn kayak trip down the Chippewa River. As the sun sets early, we’ll paddle from CNC to Midland and ride back together in our van. 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.

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Where Am I and Where Am I Going?

A GPS, Compass & Map Primer Sat, 10/20 • Register by 10/11 • Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult No. Time Fee / CNC Member W12-11 9:30 am-12 pm $22/$15 Whether you are trying to find your way to a geocache or a mountain lake, this class will introduce you to tools and techniques to help you find your way. GPS, compass and map skills will be introduced, along with problems inherent in each. If you have your own GPS and/or compass, bring it with you (and your GPS’s manual). Otherwise, the Nature Center has a few loaners that are available during the class, which will have indoor and outdoor components. Instructor Phil Stephens has used a variety of navigational paraphernalia for his Isle Royale research, backcountry hiking, and service with Midland Country Search and Rescue.

Making & Understanding Stone Tools Wed 10/24 • Register by 10/15 • Ages: 18+ No. Time Fee / CNC Member W12-12 6-9 pm $65/$55 Join guest instructor, Tom Hahnenberg, for this hands-on workshop on the ageless process of systematically turning stone (flint), into functional tools. Also known as flintknapping, the prime focus of the workshop will be to teach students how to identify appropriate stone for flintknapping and the knowledge to work that stone into practical, useable tools that can perform a multitude of subsistence tasks. The ability to make long, thin spear points and arrowheads takes years of practice, but most individuals can learn how to make functional tools in the time span of this session. The session will lay the groundwork, however, for anyone wishing to pursue the long range acquisition of advanced flintknapping skills. Participants will take home a solid understanding of the materials and techniques required for crafting flint into tools, as well as your own flintknapping tool kit.This program will be held at our Nature Study Building.

Fire and Cordage Making Workshop Thurs, 11/1 • Register by 10/24 • Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult No. Time Fee / CNC Member W12-13 6-9 pm $28/$20 Join CNC’s Dennis Pilaske and Kyle Bagnall to learn the traditional skills of making cordage from plant fibers and creating fire in this hands-on workshop.

Use basswood bark, dogbane and swamp milkweed to create stringof any size and length. Learn the skill of “rubbing two sticks together” to create fire in minutes with a bow and drill or make a fire with flint and steel in seconds. Participants will receive a bow and drill kit and a flint and steel kit to take home.

Woodstove Cooking Workshop Sat, 11/10 • Register by 11/2 • Ages: 18+ No. Time Fee / CNC Member W12-14 9:30 am-6 pm $65/$50 Join volunteer Monika Pfannes in a workshop dedicated to woodstove cooking in the kitchen of the log cabin at CNC’s Homestead Farm. Participants will learn the art of starting and maintaining a woodstove cooking fire for food preparation, prepare food for 3 meals, cook on top of the woodstove and bake in the oven.

The first meal will be a quick breakfast, followed by a lunch item to be prepared quickly (in approximately 1-2 hours).

Then it’s time to prepare a full scale/supper consisting of meat, vegetable, bread and dessert. Serving of the main meal will take place between 4:30-5 pm, followed by final cleanup.

A spouse or guest of each participant is encouraged to come and share the evening meal (pre-registration of guests required). Class size is limited to 6 adults due to the size of the cabin’s kitchen. Join us for this all-day event filled with a lot of fun and good food!

Leonid Meteor Shower Workshop Sat, 11/17 • Register by 11/9 • Ages: 18+ No. Time Fee / CNC Member W12-15 9 pm-12 am $10/$7 The Leonid Meteor Shower is often called the “King of Meteor Showers.” Although this year is not forecast to be a major year for this particular shower, the first-quarter moon will cooperate by setting early enough to not compete with the main show. Now all we need are clear skies! The Leonids originate from the comet Tempel-Tuttle, but they earn their name “Leonid” because from our perspective, they seem to radiate out of the constellation Leo. Senior Naturalist Janea Little will host this astronomical workshop, using spotting scopes, binoculars, a 6-inch astronomy scope, and of course, our naked eyes, to enjoy the Leonids and other aspects of the night sky. If the weather forecast is just too dour for Saturday, the workshop might be moved to either Friday or Sunday night. (Participants who cannot attend alternate nights will have their registration fee refunded.) Participants should plan on bringing a lawn chair and blankets; CNC will provide hot chocolate and coffee to help keep us warm and awake until the midnight-hour.

Soapmaking Workshop Sat, 11/17 • Register by 11/9 • Ages: 15+ No. Time Fee / CNC Member W12-18 10 am-2 pm $35/$25 Would you like a new hobby for the long, cold winter?

Create unusual gifts for the holidays? Or just have fun with an old-time craft? Join soapmaker, Judy Packard to learn the basic techniques of soapmaking. We’ll make a batch of traditional tallow soap and progress to more modern techniques with vegetable oils and fragrances. Everyone will take home several bars of soap, plus lots of information about books, supplies, resources and techniques.

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Walk-In Programs September-November 2012 Fungi Hike Sat, 9/1 • 10 am-12 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult Thurs, 9/20 • 9:30-11:30 am • All ages, under 18 w/adult There is more to mushrooms than what meets the eye, or the fry pan. Join Naturalist Karen Breternitz to learn how fungi rule the world! We will also debunk or confirm some common wives’ tales about eating mushrooms, and try to find some choice edible mushrooms and learn how to identify them. Collecting is not allowed on CNC property but we can try to get other participants to tell us where they hunt! Meet at the Visitor Center.

Homestead Sunday Sun, 9/2 • 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.

Fungi: World Rulers Wed, 9/5 • 9:30-11:30 am • All ages, under 18 w/adult Fungi rule the world! If you don’t believe that, then come along on this hike to find out how this can be true. Meet Naturalist Karen Breternitz at our River Point parking lot located on Hubert Road. To get there, take Pine River road ¾ mile west of the CNC entrance, turn right on Hubert Road and drive to the end of the road.

BioBlitz

Fri, 9/14, 6-10 pm • Sat, 9/15, 6 am-8 pm • All ages BioBlitz is a fun-filled family event not to be missed! You will be able to work with other scientists from all over the region as they count the plants and animals at CNC in only 24 hours!

• See live birds of prey • Net butterflies • Prowl for plants • See live animals up close and personal • See live bats • Mist net for birds • Experience electrofishing in the Pine & Chippewa Rivers • Prowl for owls • Search for mussels in the river Join us the evening of Fri, Sept 14 for a live bat program, a variety of beginner hikes and nighttime insect collection.

Saturday will be filled with field programs, live animal programs, talks and presentations by participating scientists, and our makeshift lab where scientists will be identifying

FREE! unless n

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Birds & Bagels Hike Thurs, 9/6 • 7:30-10:30 am • Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult The birds won’t be joining us for bagels, but hopefully we will see a lot of them on our 2+ hour hike to discuss over refreshments when we get back! Early September should be a very fruitful hike, as year-round resident species will be joined by a host of migrating songbirds. Where we hike will be determined by recent sightings. Loaner binoculars are available. Generously sponsored by Big Apple Bagels.

Mushroom Hunt Tues, 9/11 • 6-7:30 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult There is more to mushrooms than what meets the eye, or the fry pan. Join Naturalist Karen Breternitz to learn how to identify some choice eatable mushrooms and how to avoid some deadly poisonous ones. We will also debunk or confirm some common wives’ tales about eating mushrooms.

Collecting is not allowed on nature center property but we can try to get other participants to tell us where they hunt!

Meet at the Visitor Center.

How Do Plants and Animals Get Ready for Winter Sun, 9/23 • 2-3:30 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult Bring the family to learn more about what plants and animals do to prepare for the cold, dark months of winter.

CNC Educator Jackie Kelly will lead a short walk through the woods looking for signs of change.

various critters and plants they collected throughout the day. Kids will enjoy seeing live birds of prey and mammals; going on an insect collection hike; exploring for snakes, frogs, and salamanders; and dipping for insects in the pondand don’t miss touching fish during the electrofishing program or a snake during the Herp Hike. Of course, adults are welcome to participate in these activities as well!

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Sat, 9/22 • 6-9 pm • Ages: 21+ Tickets: $35 Enjoy an evening of Michigan-only offerings, highlighting Michigan-produced wine, cider and beer, a tapas-style menu featuring dishes made using Michigan grown/produced products by local restaurants and live Michigan-based musical entertainment! Caterers will use ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, fish and wild game.

Guests will receive a stemless wine glass from which to enjoy their samples throughout the evening and to keep! Attendees will also have the opportunity to bid on Michigan-related items in Signature Sponsor a silent auction, take home a cash prize in a 50/50 drawing and enter into the “Experience Michigan” raffle.

Fungi Hike Wed, 9/26 • 6-7:30 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult The Chippewa River Road property typically supports some of the most unusual fungi. We’ll see if our timing is right to catch them in fruit. Meet at the Chippewa River Road property, about ¼ mile west of Meridian Road.

Full Moon Stroll Sat, 9/29 • 7-9 pm • Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult Join Senior Naturalist Janea Little for this guided walk by the light of the Harvest Moon! We’ll enjoy the view of the rising moon, then walk in the near-dark to listen for wildlife such as owls, deer and beaver. Please wear dark clothing so we won’t be as visible to wildlife, and bring a flashlight just in case we need them.

Mushroom Hike Wed, 10/3 • 9:30-11:30 am • All ages, under 18 w/adult There is more to mushrooms than what meets the eye, or the fry pan. Join Naturalist Karen Breternitz to learn how fungi rule the world! We will also debunk or confirm some common wives’ tales about eating mushrooms, and try to find some choice edible mushrooms and learn how to identify them. Collecting is not allowed on nature center property but we can try to get other participants to tell us where they hunt! Meet at the Visitor Center.

Big Trees at LFC Riverview Natural Area Thurs, 10/4 • 5:30-7 pm • Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult Join Phil Stephens from Chippewa Nature Center and Elan Lipschitz from the Little Forks Conservancy (LFC) to

search for big trees at LFC’s Riverview Natural Area along the Tittabawassee River. Once we identify a big tree, we will measure its diameter for use in LFC’s plant inventory. The hike will also acquaint you with this wonderful new outdoor Midland resource. Meet Phil at Riverview’s parking lot on Wheeler Road. The walk will be canceled in the event of significant rain or thunderstorm. If you have questions, call Phil at 631-0830.

Directions to Riverview Natural Area From Downtown Midland: Head west on M-20 for 4.2 miles. Turn right onto N. Homer Rd. Follow Homer Rd for 2 miles.Take the curve onto E.Wheeler Rd. Follow E.Wheeler Rd. for .25 miles.The parking lot is on the right.

Directions to Riverview Natural Area From Chippewa Nature Center: Head south on S. Badour Rd.Turn right onto E. Pine River Rd and follow for .9 miles. Stay straight to go onto E. Prairie Rd. Follow E. Prairie Rd. until you reach S. Homer Rd.Turn right. Follow Homer Rd until it curves into E. Wheeler Rd. Follow E. Wheeler Rd. for .25 miles.The parking lot is on the right.

Falling Leaves Walk Sat, 10/6 • 2-4 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult Autumn days will be changing the landscape from all green to multi-colored. Learn to identify a few native trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants by comparing leaf shapes, edges and vein patterns. Other clues like branching patterns and bark are also useful. Meet Educator Jeanne Henderson at the River Point trailhead at the end of Hubert Road. Wear comfortable shoes. All ages welcome, but most appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Cider Sunday at the Homestead

Sun, 9/30 • 1-4 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult Join us for an afternoon of cider-making the traditional way among heirloom apple trees at the Homestead Farm. Help crush and press apples by hand as we make pure apple cider.

You’ll learn how to make small batches of cider at home and pick up some tasty recipes.

Also watch (and smell!) as volunteers make apple treats on the cabin’s woodstove. While we can’t offer samples of what we make, cider and snack concessions will be available.

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Nature for Youth: Life on an 1870s Farm Sat, 10/6 • 1-2:30 pm • Ages: 5-9, w/adult Nature For Youth:Traditional Skills Sat, 11/3 • 1-2:30 pm • Ages: 5-9, w/adult These programs are designed to help kids develop a connection to the natural world through fun, hands-on activities including experiment stations, games, crafts, and more.

Walking in the Rain Tues, 10/9 • 6-7 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult If you have never walked in the woods when it’s raining you are missing out on total sensory overload. The smell is fantastically fresh and the colors pop with the mosses turning the greenest green and the tree trunks appearing stark black. Come out and enjoy the rain on this slow easy hike with Naturalist, Karen Breternitz. If it doesn’t rain we will still hike but we will not enjoy it as much. Meet at the pavilion at the end of the Homestead Road.

Birds & Bagels Hike Fri, 10/12 • 8-11 am • Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult This is an all-in-one experience -- late-migrant bird species, refreshments following the hike, AND beautiful fall colors!

Join Senior Naturalist Janea Little for over two hours of birdwatching, then enjoy refreshments in the Visitor Center while we go over a checklist of the birds we saw and heard.

Birders of all experience levels are welcome. Loaner binoculars are available. Generously sponsored by Big Apple Bagels.

Falling Leaves Walk Sat, 10/13 • 2-3:30 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult Join Naturalist Karen Breternitz for this exploration hike at the Nature Center. We will look for galls on fallen leaves, mushrooms, flowers on late blooming plants and anything else of interest along the way. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Ephraim Williams, Pioneer Fur Trader Tues, 10/16 • 6-7 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult Ephraim Williams arrived at “The Forks” of the Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers in 1828 to reopen a trading post as an agent of the American Fur Company. For the next twelve years, Ephraim and his brothers were leading traders in the Saginaw Valley at the very end of the fur trading era. Step back in time as Kyle Bagnall, Manager of Historical Programs, presents a costumed, first-person program based on the

life of Ephraim Williams. You’ll hear tales of this renowned pioneer family as they were caught up in the War of 1812, established a farm in an unbroken forest, traded with Native Americans and built the first sawmill in the Saginaw Valley.

Autumn at the Wigwam Sun, 10/21 • 1:30-4:30 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult Ojibwa Indians lived seasonally near the Pine River for hundreds of years. Join Kyle Bagnall, Manager of Historical Programs, for an afternoon at the wigwam (near the Visitor Center) to explore how these people used local plants and animals to thrive in this environment. During the program, visitors can try skills such as fire by friction and cordage making and learn about autumn wild edibles.

Mid-Michigan Rock Club’s Rock and Mineral Show Sat, 10/27, 10 am-6 pm • Sun, 10/28, 10 am-4 pm Midland Resort, 1500 W.Wackerly, Midland • All ages The Mid-Michigan Rock Club will be hosting their annual Rock and Mineral at the Midland Resort and Convention Center, A variety of dealers will be selling rocks, gems, glass beads and fossils; also included in this year’s event will be a coin, gold and silver dealer. In addition to vendors, there will be educational programs, a fluorescent display and rock displays. Representatives from CNC and the Rock Club will also be on hand to answer any questions you may have about programs and memberships.

Sixty Minute Migration Sun, 11/4 • 2-3 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult Join CNC Educator Jackie Kelly during this one-hour family program to get a feel for what it’s like to be a migrating animal.

Participants will become an animal and have to overcome the same challenges that animals face during migration.

Birds & Bagels Hike Wed, 11/7 • 8-11 am • Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult Fall migration is pretty much wrapped up, but we should still see plenty of year-round resident bird species, as well as winter specialists such as American Tree Sparrows and Northern Juncos. Beginner and experienced birders alike are invited to join Senior Naturalist Janea Little for this casual bird hike (over two hours) followed by refreshments in the Visitor Center. Loaner binoculars are available. Generously sponsored by Big Apple Bagels.

Nature at Night Sat, 10/27 • 6-8:30 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult Bring the whole family and explore Nature at Night. Games, activities, and crafts will help kids of all ages learn about nocturnal mammals and the night sky. A jack o’ lantern trail, storytelling by the light of the fire, face painting, night songs, and a puppet show make this evening fun for everyone. Kids who dress in a naturethemed costume will receive a treat (while supplies last). Dress in layers as activities will be both indoors and out. This free event is sure to be a fun evening for the kid in all of us!

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Preschool Story Hour Ages: 3-5 years w/adult • 9-10 am & 10:30-11:30 am Come spend an hour learning about nature!

The hour will include a story and an outdoor activity, and may include songs, art, rhymes and other age-appropriate activities.

The Sun is My Favorite Star • Thurs, 9/6 Mighty Oak • Thurs, 9/20 A Log’s Life • Thurs, 10/4 and Sat, 10/6 Discover the Seasons • Thurs, 10/18 Time to Sleep • Thurs, 11/1 and Sat, 11/3 Whooo Is It? • Thurs, 11/15

Creating a Bird-Friendly Yard Sat, 11/10 • 10-11:30 am • All ages, under 18 w/adult Are you looking forward to watching birds through your windows this winter, but aren’t sure what kind of feeders to hang or where to place them? You will get these questions answered and learn more about how to attract birds to your yard. Learn to identify wintering bird species and how birds are adapted for feeding and survival. Meet in the Wildlife Viewing Area in the Visitor Center.

Hiking and Biking Switzerland on a Budget Sun, 11/11 • 2-3 pm • Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult Every small town and city in Switzerland is connected to every other town by a complex network of hiking and biking trials. Join John Johnson for a tour of some of these trails.

Bike the local trails through the small towns and villages near Lake Zurich.Tour the hiking trails of Mt. Rigi, and Braunwald.

Hike the spectacular alpine trails of Grindelwald, and Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Alps of central Switzerland (the location of one of the James Bond films).

Fall Exploration Days Wed, 11/21 & Fri, 11/23, 8 am-5 pm Sat, 11/24, 9 am-5 pm • Sun, 11/25, 1-5 pm All ages, under 18 w/adult Enjoy your break from school while exploring the wonders of nature in Michigan! This indoor 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.

Wee Stroll

Ages: 6 mos.-2 yrs. w/adult 9-10 am & 10:30-11:30 am Fri, 9/14, 10/12 & 11/9 This program is designed for parents to take a staff guided walk with their child, learn about the outdoors and learn ways to introduce children to the natural world around them.

Full Moon Stroll Wed, 11/28 • 5:30-7:30 pm • Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult The moon will be rising as we begin our walk this evening, possibly lighting up a snowy landscape for us to enjoy. If there is enough snow (4 inches or more), we’ll use snowshoes call ahead to reserve a pair (631-0830) - or bring your own otherwise, we’ll “boot” it. Senior Naturalist Janea Little will lead this walk to look for animal tracks and other signs of CNC’s wildlife, and to enjoy the view of the nearly-full moon (technically not full until early tomorrow morning).

Nature Art Show and Sale - Member Preview Fri, 11/30 • 6-9 pm • All ages, under 18 w/adult Don’t miss out on the festivities at the Member’s Only event for the Nature Art show and Sale. Friday evening from 6pm to 9pm. Enjoy live music and festive snacks.Take part in the silent auction that will end that night for the members and guests.

Artists will feature their works, such as paintings, woodcarvings, photography, sculpture, baskets, pottery and more. Chat with artists, then purchase your favorite piece for yourself or for a Christmas gift. See back page for December’s Nature Art Show and Sale details.

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CNC Affiliate Group Meetings Homestead Quilters Wed, 9/26 • 9 am-2 pm • All ages Wed, 10/24 • 9 am-2 pm • All ages Wed, 11/28 • 9 am-2 pm • All ages Pick up a needle and learn this beautiful craft with the Quilters at their regular monthly meeting.

Mid-Michigan Rock Club (MMRC) Tues, 9/4 • All ages • Tyler Thompson presentation Tues, 10/2 • All ages • Kevin Dehne presentation Tues, 11/6 • All ages • TBD To learn more about this group and their upcoming programs, visit www.midlandrockclub.com.

Jolly Hammers & Strings Dulcimer Club Sat, 9/22 • 1-4 pm • Nature Study Building • All ages Sat, 10/27 • 1-4 pm • All ages Sat, 11/24 • 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!

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.

Midland Hike and Paddle Club Thurs, 10/4 • 7 pm • All ages • Sleeping Giant Provincial Park Join MHPC for their monthly meeting.

For program information, please contact Cathy Devendorf at 989.631.0830.

Valley Herb Society Thurs, 9/6 • 7 pm • All ages • How to Preserve Herbs Thurs, 10/4 • 7 pm • Herbal Breads and Spreads Thurs, 11/1 • 7 pm • Make It – Take It

Directions to Chippewa Nature Center 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!

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.

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.

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CNC Membership All CNC members receive in-home delivery of the bi-monthly newsletter and quarterly program guide, program discounts, members-only 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

o

Life Membership - $1,500+ (payable in 3 annual installments) All of the above benefits plus ...

• 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): $_________

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+ All of the above benefits plus ...

• Exclusive program with meal presented by a CNC naturalist

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.

FIELD TRIP AND WORKSHOP CANCELLATION POLICY: There is a $10 fee for each registration cancelled.

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. __________

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Midland Montessori School • Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten, Summer Programs and All Day Programs Available!

• Homemade Breakfasts, Hot Nutritious Lunches, Library Room, Gym, Music, Spanish and French Classes Weekly!

• Our TEACHERS are the Best With Over 60 Years of Cumulative Teaching Experience at Our School!

All Lead Teachers Have Their Montessori Certificate.

They are What Makes Our School Great!

Enroll Now!

We are currently enrolling for

the 2012-2013 School Year!

Stop in today!

Check out our new website and find us on Facebook Newly Installed Security Key Pad for extra security!

OF

MIDLAND

“Midland’s Premier Assisted Living.”

The Quality You Demand, The Luxury You Deserve.

CALL FOR YOUR PERSONAL TOUR 24/7

837.2936

5007 Universal Dr., Midland www.colonialvillaassistedliving.com fam i own ly oper ed & ated

������������� ������������ • hunting • fishing • sporting goods

• bird feeders • gardening supplies • and much more!

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Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

Program Guide

Permit No. 285 Midland, MI

400 S. Badour Rd. Midland, MI 48640-8661

Eco-friendly toys, gifts, books, apparel, jewelry and more available at the

Nature Center Store

Public Welcome

Sat, Dec 1 9 am-5 pm

Sun, Dec 2 9 am-4 pm

Member Preview Fri, Nov 30 6-9 pm cider • snacks • music

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FREE

Admission!

Shop for the Holidays!

Silent Auction!

M-F 8 am-5 pm • Sat 9 am-5 pm • Sun 1-5 pm www.chippewanaturecenter.org/store.htm