Winter 2014 - Woldumar Nature Center

Winter 2014 Volume 44 Issue 1
500 and counting
Explore this Issue
Scouts ....2
Conservation ....3
Woldumar Events
Calendar ....4 & 5
with
Volunteer
Opportunities ....6
Trees Indoors ....7
lori’s article
“Chili” Winter
Evening ....8
If you have met Dave Stierley you’ve probably heard him tell you about his goals for
the 6th annual Run-A-Munk race we held in November. “We’re going get 500
people,” is the mantra David repeated over and over again during the months of
preparation leading up to the event. David is a volunteer of the super-star variety,
spending countless amounts of time at Woldumar preparing for the race. Along with
the help of Larry Martin, Corey Baker, Mike VanOss and numerous volunteers
including students from Central Michigan University’s Masters of Sports
Administration class, the race came alive! As the days grew nearer to the race, our
registrations and anticipation began to climb. When the horn went off for the final
racelittle
to begin, thehelp
count wasfrom
in. We hadour
533 runners
at our 6th annual Run-A-Munk!
a
friends
That’s not including all the children we had participate in the one mile fun run!
Before the final runners had even crossed the finish line for the 6th annual Run-AMunk, Dave had his chosen goal for the 2014 race, “We’re going to have 750 people.”
Will you be a part of the seventh annual Run-A-Munk and help us reach our goal of
750 participants?
Save the date of November 8, 2014 for this 5k, 10k and Half Marathon.
Even if you are not a runner, keep in mind there are many ways to assist and participate
in this spectacular event!
5739 Old Lansing Road • Lansing, MI 48917
) 322-0030
( 517
Environmental Education & Preservation
www.woldumar.org
Scouts with Larry
Welcome New
Members!
welcome
Thanks To
Renewing
Members!
Woldumar is open for girl scouts and boy scouts to obtain badges and complete
projects even through winter! We have had multiple scouts volunteering with
Woldumar over the past year. We would like to give a special thanks to Katie
Pierpont for planting in the Wildlife Observation area right outside Woldumar’s
Visitor Center windows, and Jessica Jacobs for leading an update on the Indian
Village by weaving period accurate mats for the wigwams. Finally, we would
like to thank Josh Sterling for building mobile benches for the nature center to
use in programs.
Thank you for your support!
Your membership ensures
Woldumar will
continue
educating people about the
natural environment for years
to come!
As new members of Woldumar,
we invite you to enjoy many
benefits including reduced
admission to events, theater
performances and concerts,
free trail fees and a subscription
to this newsletter. You also
receive a membership card
that can be used at various
nature centers across the
country for free or reduced
admissions or other benefits.
Please see our website for
more details on this reciprocal
membership program through
ANCA.
The Visitor Center and
WolduMarket Gift Shop is
open Tuesday through Saturday
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and
Sunday from 12 noon to 4 p.m.
The administrative office is
open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m. If you would like to
support the effort and volunteer
please contact us at (517) 3220030.
Along with scouting projects we also offer programs in all sorts of areas. A hot
topic for this time of year is birding. With all the migrating and with few
leaves on the trees the our feathered friends are readily available to be
spotted!
Science Festival
Have you heard about Woldumar’s participation in the spring Science Festival at
Michigan State Univesity? Check out www.scifest.msu.edu!
Sponsorship Superstars
We would like to thank our sponsors for
their continuing support of Woldumar’s
events so we may provide the outstanding
environmental education programs we are
known for.
BLT’s, Carl’s Supermarket of Dimondale,
Celebration Cinema, Central Michigan
University, Connxtions Comedy Club,
Delta Township Fire Department, Delta
Township Parks and Recreation, Eldorado
Golf Course, Eaton County Sheriff
Department, Goodwinter Balms, Holiday Inn Express in Diamondale, Kroger, Kohl’s
of Okemos, Lake Trust Credit Union, Lansing Board of Water and Light, Mancino’sDewitt, MacKellar Screen Printing, Meijer of Grand Ledge, Paramount Coffee,
Playmakers, Sparrow MAC, Spartan Barricade, Sun Theater of Grand Ledge, UPS
Foundation, VanAttas Greenhouse, Waverly Road Biggby Coffee, and WILXChannel 10.
Special Thanks to Chuck Block, Michigan Running Foundation.
www.woldumar.org
Future Conservationists
Why we support Woldumar
Through our various programs,
Woldumar has met youngsters
who have never had the
opportunity to breathe the
refreshing air offered by our pine
forest. We have met children who
have never seen a living turtle, let
alone had the opportunity to
stroke the rough and bumpy shell
of a Blandings Turtle. Children who have never had the opportunity to use
branches as building blocks or to explore the habitat of frogs in a creek first
hand.
Woldumar offers boundless opportunities for children to disconnect with
technology and reconnect with the natural world. The only way Woldumar can
continue to be available for children, and adults too, is for individuals like you
to continue their membership and to continue their volunteer work for the
organization.
Woldumar Nature Center has been providing these opportunities for the Lansing
area for 50 years. Throughout the years we have had a changed logo, changes
in facilities and many staffing changes. Throughout these years we have had
many loyal volunteers, staff and members. Woldumar exists today because of
the work each individual involved with Woldumar does.
Woldumar means a riverfront, a pine forest, a hardwood forest, and a prairie for
the Lansing area community. Just as our landscape changes, so do the people
who work with Woldumar. Be a seed in the growing forest of individuals who
care about Woldumar, the children and visitors we influence, and the mission to
educate people about the natural environment.
Silent Auction
Call for Items
There is a silent auction
fundraiser as a part of our
“Chili” Winter
Evening
event.
We are looking for one-of-akind art, gift certificates,
collectibles or gift baskets to
be a part of the silent auction.
We have already received
donations from MacKeller
Screen Printing, The Coffee
Barrel,
and
numerous
individuals who have donated
beautiful pieces of one of a
kind art.
Let us advertise your business
to the myriad of attendees
who will be at our January 25,
2014 event.
If you are wondering about a
donation item for the silent
auction please contact Amiee
at 517 322 0030.
Holiday Party
Join the Woldumar Board, staff, members, and friends for a fun evening on
Saturday, December 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. We ask that you bring a fancy hors
d’oeuvre or dessert to pass. Warm drinks will be served, but you may bring your
own drinks if you wish. A short member meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. Help
us celebrate the past year’s accomplishments and vote for new board members
to help shape Woldumar’s future.
Don’t forget to wear your dancing shoes, Mighty Medicine will be performing
for our auditory entertainment!
www.woldumar.org
Woldumar for the
Holidays
How is your holiday shopping
going? Have you done any
shopping at a local small
business?
Woldumar offers a variety of
opportunities to share the love
of nature with your loved ones
throughout the season.
You can fit a jar of local
Woldumar honey in a stocking,
then place it in some tea while
warming up on a chilly night!
You can soothe chapped lips
with natural locally made
body, lip and perfume balms
made with beeswax from
Woldumar bees.
Woldumar gift certificates for
camps are a great opportunity
for the children in your life to
get outdoors and explore the
wonders of Woldumar.
Tickets to Woldumar events
can be purchased and you can
enjoy the event with your
family!
Stop in and let us show you
the ways we can share our
love of nature during this
giving season.
Calendar of Events
Call (517) 322-0030 to Register for a Program. Pre-registration required.
The Visitor Center and offices will be closed December 23 - December 25 &
January 1. Trails are open everyday from dawn to dusk.
December Events
Holiday in the Log Cabin
Saturday, December 7, 3 - 5 p.m.
Experience the holidays in the pioneer times. Visit the 1860s log cabin & make a
holiday craft. FREE for Woldumar members; $3 non-members
Members Holiday Party
Saturday, December 7, 5 - 9 p.m.
Bring an hors d’oeuvre or dessert to pass and join fellow members for a celebration
of the past year’s accomplishments. Enjoy music from Mighty Medicine.
Bird Seed Pick Up
Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Tuesday, December 17, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Pick up your birdseed for your flying friends! Keep a look out for our next sales
online!
Mid-Michigan Bluegrass
Sunday, December 15, 2 - 6 p.m.
Monthly concerts. Musicians & public welcome. $4/person
Budding Naturalists - A Snowy Day
Tuesday, December 17, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Bi-weekly sessions include a story, hike and craft. Preregister: $5/first child, $3/
additional children.
Winter Break Camp
December 26&27, 30&31 and January 2&3, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sledding, animal tracking, and visiting an 1860s log cabin are only a few of the fun
activities for campers during Winter Break Camp. Join us for one or more days of fun
winter exploration. See page 6 for more details. Visit our website for online
registration
January Events
Budding Naturalists - Nocturnal Animals
Tuesday, January 14, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Bi-weekly sessions include a story, hike and craft. Preregister: $5/
first child, $3/additional children
www.woldumar.org
January Events cont’d
Mid-Michigan Bluegrass
Sunday, January 19, 2 - 6 p.m.; Workshop: 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Monthly concerts. Musicians & public welcome. $4/person
“Chili” Winter Evening
Saturday, January 25, 3 - 10 p.m.
Sleigh rides, chili dinner, barn dance, log cabin tours, and more! Please see article
on page 8 for more details.
Budding Naturalists- Hibernation
Tuesday, January 28, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Bi-weekly sessions include a story, hike and craft. Preregister: $5/first child, $3/
additional children.
February Events
Budding Naturalists-Flying Friends
Tuesday, February 11, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Bi-weekly sessions include a story, hike and craft. Preregister: $5/first child, $3/
additional children
Photo Class
Monday, February 3, 10, 17 6:30 - 9 p.m.
Saturday, February 8, 10 a.m. -1 p.m.
Ron St.Germain can teach anyone how to use a camera! Enroll in this photo class
and capture the beauty of the world around you!
Owl Prowl
Saturday, February 15, 5 - 9 p.m.
Join Wildside Rehabilitation and Education Center and a selection of their birds of
prey to find out, up close and personal, about the lives of these fascinating creatures.
Admission is $5/person for Woldumar members, $8/person for non-members, plus
one item from Wildside’s wish list. Pre-Registration is required.
50 YEARS!
What do you predict for
Woldumar in the next 50
years? An avaiary? Cows have
retaken the Rotary Barn?
Email woodrow@woldumar.
org and we’ll share the best
posts on our Facebook page.
Birding By Ear
Woldumar has partnered with
with Opportunities Unlimited
for the Blind to offer “Birding
By Ear” classes beginning
January 11, 2014. Classes
meet the second Saturday of
each month from 10am- noon.
Instruction is geared toward
blind individuals, but all are
welcome to join and learn to
recognize birds by their song.
Dress for the weather, as time
will be spent outdoors. This is
a free event, but donations are
graciously accepted.
We’re Social!
Like us on Facebook and
follow us on Twitter for the
latest updates!
Mid-Michigan Bluegrass
Sunday, February 16, 2 - 6 p.m.; Workshop: 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Monthly concerts. Musicians & public welcome. $4/person
Budding Naturalists- Camouflage
Tuesday, February 25, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Bi-weekly sessions include a story, hike and craft. Preregister: $5/first child, $3/
additional children.
Please visit our website for additional scheduled programs and
classes.
www.woldumar.org
Woldumar Board
Josh Tudor, Chair
Cathy Cole, Vice Chair
Steve Kutas, Treasurer
Debi Cole, Secretary
Frank Tegge, Member-at-Large
Sylvia Colles
Michelle Crook
Andria Ditschman
Dawn Fleming
Jeff Friedle
Anne Hokanson
Tim Frisosky, Director Emeritus
Karl Hausler, Director Emeritus
Richard Wright, Director Emeritus
Woldumar Endowment
Winter Break Camp
Explore the winter wonderland while
discovering all about nature in this snowy
season. Each day will feature different
activities including animal tracking, snow
shelter building, visiting with Woldumar’s
resident animals, and exploring the Moon Log
Cabin. For children in grades K - 7.
Winter Session dates and topics are:
Session I: December, 26 & 27
Winter Homes and Habitats
Session II: December, 30 & 31
Cold Weather Survival
Session III: January, 2 & 3
Party Like A Snow Star
Dick Beers, Trustee
Steve Cessna, Trustee
JB McCombs, Trustee
Woldumar Staff
Lena Swehla, Interim Executive Director
Kevin Wernet, Educator & Facilities Use Coordinator
Amiee Woodrow, Volunteer & Event Coordinator
Stephaney Guild, Bookkeeper & Educator
Larry Martin, Educator
Jerry Moran, Technology Specialist
Cheri Plyler, Accountant
V o l u n t e e r
Opportunities
An organization such as Woldumar is run through the kindness and
generosity of the individuals and groups who volunteer their time to
conservation. With such a small staff we would not be able to accomplish
everything that we do without volunteers. Upcoming volunteer opportunities
include a Texas Hold Em’ Fundraiser which runs January 9-11 and “Chili”
Winter Evening on January 25. “Chili” volunteers can include set-up,
serving, bonfire attendant and cabin tours amongst other opportunities.
Woldumar is a 501(c)3 non-profit.
All contributions to Woldumar are Along with these special events Woldumar is in need of daily volunteers.
tax-deductible.
Tell us your interests and we can set up a project! Contact woodrow@woldumar.org for more volunteering opportunities and
for more information.
Thank you to all of our current volunteers!
www.woldumar.org
Holiday Ready in the Visitor Center
Woldumar has rediscovered a hidden gem. During a volunteer day with the Delta Waverly Rotary Club, which
was doing preparation for the Run-A-Munk race, Patricia took a very large and beautiful artificial pine tree and
decided to spruce it up. With the support of Steve, the two strung 5,000 lights on our tree and it is now “Brilliant
in the warmth of the season.” Thanks to Patricia and Steve for their hard work and hours spent wrapping lights
and fluffing branches. The tree now greets all visitors who come to the Visitor Center.
What do we do with this tree now? We decorate it of course! Come by
Holiday in the Log Cabin on Saturday, December 7 to create an ornament
for the tree. If you are interested in including Woldumar during your holiday
shopping our winter wishes include:
Adult snowshoe pairs, sponsorships for “Chili” Winter Evening, silent
auction items donated to “Chili” Winter Evening, construction paper,
tempura paint, pony beads, band aids, disposable gloves, dry erase markers,
and new markers. If you would like a complete list, please visit our
website.
Thank you to Patricia
and Steve!
Meet Wally!
If you were one of the many participants in this year’s Run-A-Munk race there
was a new chipmunk in town! Wally, created by designs and illustrations by
Kerry Hidlay graced the front of our shirts, and will soon appear in his own
coloring book to be available in the Visitor Center.
Did you know North America is home to 21 chipmunk species?
www.woldumar.org
Nonprofit Rate
U.S. Postage
Change Service Requested
Environmental
Education
&
Preservation
5739 Old Lansing Rd • Lansing, MI 48917
PAID
Lansing, MI
Permit No. 824
Please pass
it on or
recycle when
through!
“Chili” Winter Evening
Saturday, January 25 3 - 10 p.m.
Celebrate the season with this winter festival at Woldumar.
Join us for our annual ‘Chili’ Winter Evening on Saturday, January 25th and
let us remind you why winter is wonderful! Outside activities include horsedrawn sleigh rides around the trails, a bonfire with treats to help you get cozy
after your ride, snowshoe rentals and tours of the Moon Family Cabin with
live historical demonstrations! Inside we will be hosting a silent auction
fundraiser throughout the evening featuring great items from local crafters.
The Rotary Barn will be full of great smells and sounds. You will enjoy a
delicious chili dinner with dessert and a chili competition! Enjoy local
microbrews with your dinner and take your picture in the photo booth. We are
happy to have the local Lansing band Soultown performing, so bring your dancing shoes
to enjoy the motown tunes! We hope to see you and your family out for this winter
wonderland celebration!
Tickets are limited; please register early to guarantee admission to this event. Register
on our website: www.woldumar.org.
Below is a full list of activities and times.
• 3 - 8 pm: Sleigh Rides, Chili Dinner, Moon Log Cabin Tours, Snowshoe Rentals,
Silent Auction Fundraiser, Chili Competition
• 3- 10 pm: Bonfire, Photo Booth
• 6:30 - 9:30 pm: Soultown performing - Live Music and Dancing
Visitor Center & Gift Shop Winter Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 12 noon - 4 p.m.
Administrative Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9am - 5pm. Trails open from dawn to dusk daily. Other hours determined by programs & events.
Woods, Water, Wonder is a periodical published by Woldumar Nature Center. Woldumar Nature Center is owned and operated by Woldumar Nature Association.