Artistic pumpkin carving at last year`s Apple Butter Festival.

THE NEWSLETTER OF
FENNER NATURE CENTER &
FENNER CONSERVANCY
AUTUMN 2013
Artistic pumpkin carving
at last year’s
Apple Butter Festival.
OUR MISSION:
Fenner Conservancy connects people
to nature in the heart of Lansing
through conservation, education,
and stewardship.
THE NEWSLETTER OF
FENNER NATURE CENTER &
FENNER CONSERVANCY
CONTACT US
Fenner Nature Center
2020 East Mount Hope Ave.
Lansing, Michigan, 48910
Phone: (517) 483-4224
Web: mynaturecenter.org
Visitor Center Hours:Tuesday–Friday, 10am–4pm
Saturday & Sunday, 12pm–4pm
Closed Mondays & Holidays
November–March:Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, & Holidays
Trails are open daily from 8am to dusk.
STAFF
INTERNS
Jason Meyer,
Executive Director
jason@mynaturecenter.org
J.P. Bappert, Development
Katie Woodhams,
Program Manager
katie@mynaturecenter.org
Robert Phillips, Bookkeeper
Gair Tourtellot,
Explore Store Manager
Brendon Fegan, AmeriCorps
Stewardship Coordinator
Adam Haviland, Naturalist
Catelyn Jones,
Environmental Education
Kayla Pohl,
Animal Care
Samantha Stockwell,
Special Events
Lila Wakeman,
Environmental Education
EDITORS
Stephanie Lamb, Naturalist
Julie Feldpausch
editor@mynaturecenter.org
Andrea Lazzari, Naturalist/
Camp Counselor
Jason Meyer
jason@mynaturecenter.org
MacKenzie Maxwell,
Naturalist/Camp Counselor
Amy Moore
amy@virtualredhead.com
Liz Roxberry, Outreach
Naturalist /Youth Leadership
Program Coordinator
PHOTOGRAPHY
Dani Torcolacci,
Naturalist/Volunteer
Coordinator
Stephanie Lamb
Sydney Haag, Camp
Counselor
LETTER FROM THE LEADERSHIP
40TH ANNUAL APPLE BUTTER FESTIVAL
ABF VOLUNTEER FORM
NEW IN THE EXPLORE STORE
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON ANNOUNCEMENT
06
07
08
FENNER FIELD SCHOOL: YEAR THREE
SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES
09
10
12
STEWARDSHIP ACCOMPLISHMENTS
NATURE DAY CAMPS
CREATURE FEATURE
DONORS & SUPPORTERS PROGRAM AND EVENTS CALENDAR
Andrea Lazzari
Elijah Martineau
David Marvin
MacKenzie Maxwell
Redhead Design Studio
virtualredhead.com
info@virtualredhead.com
Greg Smith
Seasons is published four
times per year and is received
by all Fenner Conservancy
members. It is printed by
Jackson National via a
sponsorship. Thank
you Jackson!
01
02
04
05
Erin Bartels
NEWSLETTER TEMPLATE
DESIGN
PRINTING
I n T hi s I s s u e
Bryan Renaud
Katie Woodhams
Rich Wyllis
ON THE COVER: FENNER LOGO ON PUMPKIN | © KATIE WOODHAMS
LETTER FROM THE LEADERSHIP
FENNER CONSERVANCY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Peggy Roberts, President
Sara Frank-Hepfer, Vice-President
Amy McNamara, Treasurer
Paul Beczkiewicz, Secretary
Chong-Anna Canfora,
Member-at-Large
Raymond Harris,
Member-at-Large
Amy Moore,
Member-at-Large
Jennifer Olson,
Member-at-Large
Phil Rutkowski,
Member-at-Large
P e g g y R o b e rt s ,
President of the Board
Jason Me yer,
Executive Director
Jack Schmitt,
Member-at-Large
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Communications:
FALL IN LOVE WITH FENNER! We just love this time of year at Fenner. The transition from summer to
Amy Moore, Chair
fall allows us to say goodbye to the hundreds of kids we had at Nature Day Camps and the Fenner Field School,
and hello to the school groups that come out to explore nature right here in the middle of Lansing. The Apple
Butter Festival is quickly approaching—can you believe this is the 40th annual Apple Butter Festival?
Lori Lanspeary
We have heard from several of our supporters and visitors that they had no idea we were doing so much at Fenner.
Our Youth Leadership Program is blossoming, our 19-acre prairie restoration project is underway, and our local
partnerships continue to help us meet our mission. Many people have asked us if there was ever an opportunity
to just come out and learn about all that is happening, rather than simply reading about it in our newsletter.
Suban Nur Cooley
Yes, there is! We have developed a one-hour free tour that will be conducted several times in the coming months.
It’s called “Fall in Love with Fenner!” (as if you aren’t already) and includes a short presentation about who we are,
what we do, and what our vision for the future looks like. Our Program Manager, Katie Woodhams, will then lead
you on a short tour of our building and grounds, allowing you a broad view of all the types of things we are doing.
Paul Beczkiewicz, Chair
We’d like to invite you to come—we’ll provide the snacks. All we ask in return is that you give us permission to call
you about a week after the tour for your feedback on how we’re doing as a community resource. If you’d like to
attend, check the upcoming dates and times and RSVP to Katie at 517-483-4224 or Katie@MyNatureCenter.org.
Spots in each tour are limited to ten people so that you really get a chance to experience this tour without being
overwhelmed by a large group of people. Whether you are a new supporter or visitor, or have been with Fenner
every year since the Apple Butter Festival started, we think you’ll really enjoy hearing about the direction Fenner
Nature Center is going!
Amy McNamara
October 1, 12–1pm (Tuesday)
October 17, 6:30–7:30pm (Thursday)
November 20, 12–1pm (Wednesday)
November 29, 8:30–9:30am (Friday)
December 5, 6:30–7:30pm (Thursday)
December 10, 12–1pm (Tuesday)
Meghan Martin
Nancy Metzger
Todd Ross
Development:
Chong-Anna Canfora
Ron Eggleston
Sara Frank-Hepfer
Peggy Roberts
Phil Rutkowski
Jack Schmitt
Personnel:
Jennifer Olson, Chair
Lorie Bryce
Sara Frank-Hepfer
Andrea Radel
Michelle Rutkowski
Programming:
Sara Frank-Hepfer, Chair
Neilsen Hansen
Margaret Holtschlag
Phil Rutkowski
Stewardship:
Virg Bernero, Mayor
Mark Ledebuhr, Chair
Julie Cassidy
“THANKS TO OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY OF LANSING, WE ARE ABLE TO
LEVERAGE PUBLIC DOLLARS WITH PRIVATE SUPPORT TO MAKE FENNER NATURE
CENTER MORE THAN IT COULD EVER BE WITHOUT THIS ARRANGEMENT.”
~ JASON MEYER ~
Fenner Nature Center & Fenner Conservancy
Ron Eggleston
Mike Parker
Phil Rutkowski
Autumn 2013 | S E A S O NS | 1
“Up through the middle, around to the right,
up through the middle, around to the left, up
through the middle, stir it up quick, all around
the outside, don’t let it stick!”
I
F YOU HAVE VISITED FENNER NATURE CENTER
in early October, chances are that you have heard this
mysterious chant echoing through the woods. For 40
years, thousands of school children have made the trip
out to Fenner to participate in our Apple Butter Tours and
help us stir this savory treat as it cooks over the fire in a traditional copper kettle. They voyage out onto the trails and visit
our apple orchard, where they learn about plant life cycles
and the essential components that animals need to survive.
They search for animal homes and discuss food, water, and
space—things that animals (and people) must get from nature. Then it’s back to the visitor center to see how apples
are peeled, cored, and sliced into “apple smiles” before being
cooked down into delicious apple butter.
Many of the teachers have come back year after year, and
the memories that they share with us about the joys that
their experiences at Fenner have brought their students are
priceless. It’s not just the teachers and their students who
have memorable experiences though. Ron Eggleston, retired
board member and past president of Fenner Conservancy,
reminisced about his favorite memories of Apple Butter from
the last 15 years of his service. Ron recalled the “sweet and
hypnotic sound of Dan Haviland’s flute playing all weekend
long in the observation room,” and “the calm, smiling face
of Leona Good as she sat at the table for peeling apples, the
coffee already on, some delicious baked goods she made using
apple butter waiting to be consumed by the volunteers who
had devoted many hours peeling and stirring apples throughout the week prior to the festival.”
What memories will you create at this year’s festival? Whether
you visit our heritage artisans, cider-pressing demonstrations,
pumpkin-carving contest, or just soak up the beautiful autumn sights, sounds, and smells; the possibilities are endless!
Be sure to mark your calendars for October 12th and 13th
from 11am–5pm!
BY KATIE WOODHAMS, PROGRAM MANAGER
© RICH WYLLIS
2 | S E AS ONS | Autumn 2013
© GREG SMITH
© GREG SMITH
Fenner Nature Center & Fenner Conservancy
APPLE BUTTER FESTIVAL SPONSORS
(COMMITTED AS OF AUGUST 6, 2013)
TITLE SPONSOR
Dart Foundation
AIS Construction Equipment, Inc.
Susan and Jack Davis
Virg Bernero, Mayor
Jackson National Life Insurance
Katranji Hand Center
City of Lansing—Virg Bernero, Mayor
Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau
Susan and Jack Davis
Redhead Design Studio
© RICH WYLLIS
Fenner Nature Center & Fenner Conservancy
© BRYAN RENAUD
Autumn 2013 | S E A S O NS | 3
VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP
201 3 A p p l e B u t t e r S c h o o l T o u r s & F e s t i va l
October 7th through October 13th
Name:
Phone:
Email:
I would like to volunteer for the Apple Butter Festival and can work the following shifts:
FRIDAY (10/11)
SATURDAY (10/12)
1–4pm (setup)
SUNDAY (10/13)
10:30am–1pm
10:30am–1pm
12:45–2pm
12:45–2pm
1:45–5pm
1:45–5pm
5–7:30pm (teardown)
My preference would be to volunteer for the following activities:
School Tours* (Oct. 7–11)
General Festival Operations
Sales
Apple Peelers, Stirrers (Oct. 7-11)
Interpretive, Apple Butter Stations
Logistics: Setup/Teardown
Wherever You Need Me!
*Additional training provided by Fenner staff on September 29, 1–3pm.
VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION
I will attend the volunteer orientation session on Saturday, October 5, 10am–12noon.
I cannot attend the orientation session.
DONATION
I cannot attend as a volunteer, but would like to support the Festival with a $________ donation.
Please make checks out to “Fenner Conservancy” and mail to the address below.
THANKS FOR VOLUNTEERING—WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!
Please send this form to the Volunteer Coordinator by October 1, 2013.
Save a stamp by emailing to volunteer@mynaturecenter.org.
Or, mail to Fenner Nature Center, 2020 E. Mt. Hope Ave., Lansing, MI 48910.
4 | S E AS ONS | Autumn 2013
Fenner Nature Center & Fenner Conservancy
NEW IN THE EXPLORE STORE
HAVE YOU TRIED ONE OF OUR NEW BIG HITS? After surprising success with the Bear Claw Back Scratchers and Lucky Turtle Charms, we have two more additions: Maple Popcorn with Peanuts and Maple Root Beer. If
you like maple syrup, popcorn, root beer, or any combination of them, these are perfect for you. We are also trying
new “candies:” Laffy Taffy and Peanuts.
Serious birders will like Tim Birkhead’s “Bird Sense: What It’s Like to Be a Bird.” We are displaying two new lines
of jewelry: necklaces made in Michigan with pottery pendants featuring a variety of animals, a diversity of small earrings (in the shapes of birds, frogs, dragonflies, leaves), and a turtle pin. Come on in!
BY GAIR TOURTELLOT, EXPLORE STORE MANAGER
© David Marvin
© David Marvin
T h e A n n u a l V o lu n t e e r A pp r e c i a t i o n L u n c h e o n
w i l l b e h e l d o n S a t u r d a y , D e c e m b e r 7, a t n o o n .
P l e a s e RSV P
t o v o lu n t e e r @ m y n a t u r e c e n t e r . o r g o r
Fenner Nature Center & Fenner Conservancy
517-483-4224
Autumn 2013 | S E A S O NS | 5
FENNER FIELD SCHOOL: YEAR THREE
UPPER LEFT: BASKING PLACE . | © Katie Woodhams | UPPER RIGHT: SIGN ABOUT WETLAND FRIENDS. | © Katie Woodhams
BOTTOM LEFT: NATURAL RESOURCES. | © Katie Woodhams | BOTTOM RIGHT: FISHING NETS. | © MacKenzie Maxwell
L
AST YEAR THE FENNER FIELD SCHOOL WAS
SO SUCCESSFUL THAT WE DECIDED TO RUN
TWO SESSIONS THIS SUMMER! We had returning
students as well as some new faces, and all were eager
to learn. The first session was entitled “Wetlands and Native
American Culture.” The students used scientific tools and
methods to define wetlands, inventory the species that inhabit
them, and determine ecosystem health. In addition to using
math and science to study nature, they used their field journals
to draw and write their observations and even had a landscape
painting class! The two-week session culminated with the students developing their own stewardship project where they used
natural materials to create floating basking spots for the reptiles
and amphibians who live in all three of Fenner’s ponds.
The second session of Field School was “Nature Conservation:
Designing Our Future.” The students examined past and present topics in wildlife management and conservation biology,
then used that knowledge to spark ideas on how they could
plan for the future to ensure ecosystem health. Our very own
6 | S E AS ONS | Autumn 2013
in-house forester, Jason Meyer, demonstrated how to determine the age of trees without cutting them down and discussed
sustainable forestry.
Many thanks to all of our guest presenters who volunteered their
time to make this program an exceptional learning experience!
Ray Drysdale (first-person interpretation of Native Americans)
Adam Haviland (Native American food storage and art)
Shirley Hazlett (landscape watercolor painting)
Kirsten Johnson (invasive species lesson)
Jason Meyer (sustainable forestry)
Catherine Popowich (painting patterns in nature)
BY KATIE WOODHAMS, PROGRAM MANAGER
Fenner Nature Center & Fenner Conservancy
NATURE DAY CAMPS
T
© Andrea Lazzari
HIS SUMMER’S NATURE DAY CAMPS had brand
new themes and exciting special guests, and took campers on adventures that they will never forget! From birds
and bats, to slugs and soil, campers explored the natural
world from the viewpoint of animals that fly high and those
that are under our feet. Our counselors did an amazing job integrating history, math, art, and even cultural studies into each
week’s theme.
In addition to fostering a sense of wonder in the camp kids, our
counselors had the honor of teaching university students studying animal behavior about how to communicate their research
to the general public. Our counselors mentored undergraduate
© Andrea Lazzari
interns from around the world–who were participating in a program at Michigan State University–on developing lesson plans, active games, and hands-on activities around a central theme. Our
campers loved having the guest presenters, and one of their favorite activities was led by a pair of students who were studying bats.
Campers had to use their senses other than sight to navigate an obstacle course in the dark!
During “Livin’ on the Edge” camp, the kids learned all about extreme animal adaptations and
skills that people would need to survive in the wild! The week culminated in a special field trip
to Potter Park Zoo that was sponsored by Capital Arbor of the Gleaner Life Insurance Society!
Capital Arbor members joined the campers at the zoo for a special live animal program. Many
who attended were surprised at how soft and full the chinchilla and arctic fox fur was, how colorful the American Kestrel was, and finally that they were allowed to touch a boa constrictor that
was “firmly” handled by a docent. Arbor members were also impressed that our campers were
able to immediately identify a Blue-Tongued Skink that was presented by the zoo docent.
The children and adults enjoyed hotdogs, homemade cookies fresh from the oven, chips, and drinks at a picnic following the presentation. Food was supplied and served by Capital Arbor members Jim and Marlene Walker, Karen and Steve Lowder, and Joan
and Bill Dailey.
Thanks to all of the enthusiastic counselors, volunteers, and interns who made this year’s camps unforgettable!
(Bill Dailey, Reporter, Capital Arbor of the Gleaner Life Insurance Society, provided the information about the field trip to the zoo.)
BY KATIE WOODHAMS, PROGRAM MANAGER
Fenner Nature Center & Fenner Conservancy
Autumn 2013 | S E A S O NS | 7
M o n a r c h B u t t e r f ly
(Danaus plexippus)
If you have spent any time on the trails recently, you
will have noticed our prairie restoration project that
is underway in the field south of the Visitor Center.
Despite the turmoil, however, the milkweed plant has
remained rooted throughout the changes and continues to be abundant and thriving. Any place you
find milkweed you will almost always find Monarch
butterflies, and Fenner Nature Center is no exception!
MONARCH BUTTERFLY ON MILKWEED
© BIGBLOGOFGARDENING.COM
This large, black-veined, orange-winged butterfly can be observed throughout the year in various stages of life, all of which revolve
around the milkweed plant. In early spring, eggs are laid on the plants and in just a few days caterpillars (larvae) emerge. These
tiny insects can only eat milkweed and will consume more than 20,000 times their body weight over their lifetime! They also have
an unusual relationship with their aforementioned host. They can absorb a toxin called cardenolid from the plant and retain it in their
bodies, effectively using this compound to make them unpalatable to predators such as birds.
In the fall between September and October following metamorphosis, the last of three generations of Monarchs that are born at
Fenner this summer will take to the sky for one very long migration to their winter grounds in Mexico and Central America. This small
and beautiful insect will fly thousands of miles, navigating without error to reach a place it has never before seen. For example, some
monarchs fly from Nova Scotia, Canada, to the mountains west of Mexico City, some 3,000 miles in all. They don’t just return to the
very same place to which their forefathers migrated but often they make their way to the very same tree!
BY LIZ ROXBERRY, OUTREACH NATURALIST
Check out what some people are saying or posting,
take a gander at our social
media yourself, and maybe
share your own story!
In response to the question “Who can guess what this
is? (And what animal it belongs to?)” (see picture below)
“Klingon forehead. Totally. You guys are in big trouble now.”
KEN D. ORLICH, MAY 2, ON FACEBOOK
Another response to the “Fennerd” Question of the Day:
“How did woodchucks get their name?” Courtney did well
in her google search stating that it is of “Algonquian or
Narragansett origin, ‘wuchak.’”
COURTNEY, JUNE 13, ON FACEBOOK
MID-MICHIGAN ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION COUNCIL
announcing that Team Fennerds won the “Super Social
Team” award at the 2013 Smart Commute Challenge:
“We love, LOVE, love our friends at Fenner Nature Center!”
JULY 19, ON FACEBOOK
TURKEY PELVIS | © STEPHANIE LAMB
In response to the “Fennerd” Question of the Day: “How did
woodchucks get their name?” “Well, which name would you
like defined? Whistle-pig? Land-beaver? Groundhog? Or
Marmota monax?”
MID-MEAC AWARD| © KATIE WOODHAMS
GRETCHEN GREGORY WELL, JUNE 13, ON FACEBOOK
8 | S E AS ONS | Autumn 2013
Fenner Nature Center & Fenner Conservancy
S T EWA RD S H I P ACCO M P LI S H M EN T S
We have accomplished quite a lot with our stewardship activities
so far this year! Since April, we have had about 400 volunteers
participating in stewardship activities, mostly from church groups
and school groups. We were also one of the host sites for the
AmeriCorps Signature Service Project in May, with over 75 volunteers for two days. The Signature Service Project was likely the last
of its kind for AmeriCorps in Michigan and we helped make it a
smashing success. Over the past few months, we wood-chipped
about a half mile of trails, planted numerous native plants in previously cleared areas, and pulled over 13,000 pounds (6.5 tons!)
of garlic mustard and Dame’s rocket plants! We nearly doubled
our garlic mustard total from last year and collectively pulled half
of all the garlic mustard recorded by the Stewardship Network
for Mid-Michigan, contributing to our cluster (the Mid-Michigan
cluster) and winning the middleweight division in the Stewardship
Network’s Garlic Mustard Challenge. Over the last two years, we
have pulled about 20,500 pounds of garlic mustard and Dame’s
rocket out of the park. That’s a lot of invasive plants!
Although the effort is far from over, there are encouraging signs
of success in the areas of the park that have been the target of
the most invasive species removal. Around the visitor center, we
now have giant waterleaf growing around the pond, which is a native plant that wasn’t present last year. In the more wooded areas
there are more hickory and hop-tree seedlings, as well as bee balm
plants. Additionally, the area by the butterfly garden was completely
dominated by honeysuckle bushes and garlic mustard last year.
Now, the honeysuckle is gone and the area is dominated by jumpseed, beggar’s ticks, fleabane, wild geranium, white snakeroot,
raspberries, yellow giant hyssop, and stickweed, which are all native plants. I’m really proud of our accomplishments at Fenner!
EDITOR’S NOTE: Brendon’s service as an AmeriCorps member
ended in early September. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Seattle, WA,
to pursue a Master’s degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. We
will not have another AmeriCorps Stewardship Coordinator next year,
so we have formed a Stewardship Committee. Watch for announcements from this group describing upcoming opportunities to volunteer!
BY BRENDON FEGAN, AMERICORPS STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR
ABOVE: WILD SENNA.
UPPER LEFT: MASTER GARDENER MARY QUINLIN.
BOTTOM LEFT: TOOLS OF THE TRADE.
© Katie Woodhams
Fenner Nature Center & Fenner Conservancy
Autumn 2013 | S E A S O NS | 9
F e n n e r C o n s e r va n c y D o n o r s & S u pp o rt e r s
A p r i l 1–J u ly 31, 2013
Thank you donors and supporters for your generosity!
In-Kind
$1,000–$4,999
Chudy, Karin
Davis, Susan
Clara’s of Lansing
Davis Charitable Fund, Susan and Jack
Cosgrove, Kate
Miller, Carol
Foods For Living
The Nature Conservancy
Frank-Hepfer, Sara & Hepfer, Patrick
Pheasants Forever
Ingham County Chapter #467
Gordon Counseling & Case Management
Grace Boutique
Haviland, Dan
Hazlett, Shirley
Hengesbach, Gene & Prelesnik, Kathy
Hennessey, Larry & Mary
Inner Vision Marketing
Katranji Reconstructive Surgery Inst.
Keane, Anne
Master Gardener Association
Capital Area Chapter
McWhorter, Wendy
Mitchell’s Fish Market
MAEOE
Martineau, Cindi
Meyer, Jason & Shawna
$500–$999
Ibrahim, Khalid
McShane, Jena
Luchenbill, Jamie
McGrain, Brian
Frank-Hepfer, Sara & Hepfer, Patrick
McLean, Cortney
Lowes, Ross & Barbara
Marvin, David & Valerie
How Sweet it Is
Lynch, Mike
Jones, Alan & Cara
Woodhams, Scott & Katherine
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
Leodler, Chris
Jankovic, Sherie
Redhead Design Studio, Inc.
Hospice of Lansing
Lanspeary, Lori
Holtschlag, Margaret
Milanowski, Stan & Mary
Millar, Charles & Susan
Moersch, Michael
MSU Pre-Vet Medical Association
O’Brien, Patrick & Amy
Pfiester, Carolyn
Plotkin, Jacob & Schuur, Susan
Monaghan, Mary
Popowich, Andrew
Olson, Jennifer & Ledebuhr, Mark
Priest, Ronald & Helen
PNC Bank
Rall, Carol & Steve
Preuss Pets
Rashid, Tom
Redhead Design Studio, Inc.
$100–$499
Schriner, Macie
Simon, Ronald & Mary
Moore, Amy
AL!VE
Morcom, Sandy
Amacher, Arthur
MPC Cashway Lumber
Baur, David
Olson, Jennifer & Ledebuhr, Mark
Beckwith, Gladys
Perry, Carri & John
Bogle, Joe & Phyllis
Prestige Pines, Prestige Way
Butler, Nathan
Roberts, Jack & Peggy
Canfora, Chong-Anna & Luke
Skipper, Kathy
Cheney, Bruce & Peggy
Sutton Advisors, PLC
Clark, Kaitlin
Sweetielicious
Claypool, Allan & Cathy
TechSmith Corporation
Comerica Bank
That’s How We Brew
Coyne, David & Linda
Thornbury, Barbara
Davis, Catherine
Two Men and A Truck
Fenner, Doris
Williams Volkswagen
Fenner, Jim & Carolee
Woodhams, Katherine
Garden Club of Greater Lansing
Anderson, Julia
Woven Art
Gaukel, George
Andrews, Richard & Doris
Giddings, Thomas & Kathy
Andrus, Arlee & Joan
GM Warranty Operations Team Fricker
Austin, Mary Ann
Hanes, Bill & Irene
Avery Eye Care Center
Heilman, Tim & Christine
Balkon, John
Hengesbach, Gene & Prelesnik, Kathy
Balkon, Johan
Higman, Phyllis
Baltzer, Betty
$10,000+
Capital Region Community Foundation
$5,000–$9,999
Roberts, Jack & Peggy
10 | S E AS ONS | Autumn 2013
Sternberg, Louise
Tableman, Betty
Thompson, Mary & Patrick
Toman, Frederick & Kimberly
Tomaszek, Terri & Schmidt, John
Tonning-Popowich, Catherine
Votapek, Ralph
Wales, John & Carrie
Walker, Bruce
Woodhams, Jack & Sharon
Yeakel, Amy
Yelon, Stephen
Up Through $99
Fenner Nature Center & Fenner Conservancy
F e n n e r C o n s e r va n c y D o n o r s & S u pp o rt e r s
A p r i l 1–J u ly 31, 2013
Thank you donors and supporters for your generosity!
Up Through $99 (cont.)
Barron, Tim
Bartlett, Dale
Bialek, Patricia
Bonning, Beverly & Lapinski, Jeffrey
Bramble, Doug
Broyles, Mary
Brundage, Susan
Bullard, Sister Marie LaVerne
Cannon, Sharlene & Tom
Cantlon, Bryan
Carey, Mark
Carlisle, Lon & Pat
Cassidy, Julie
Chamberlain, Philip
Cheeney, Ed & Janice
Chudy, Karin
Climer, Richard
Colando, James
Conner, Tom & Page, Connie
Courtney, John & Kristen
Coyne, Melva
Crispin, Jennifer
Crittenden, Richard
Dailey, Roseann
Dart, Lana
Decker, John
Doneth, Dawn
Dunbar, Kathie
Dunnebacke, Frances
Edmunds, Daniel
Featherly, Fern & Charles
Feldpausch, Julie & Rayn, Henry
Fenner, Dave & Shirley
Fenner, Jack & Mary
Flory, Jack & Linda
Fowler, Jeremy
Foy, Joanne
Frisch, Erin
Gamble, Anita
Garcia, Cecilia
General Motors LLC
Gerber, Peggy
Giancola, Carol
Gillis, Andy & Marlene
Gillis, Lauren & Erin
Fenner Nature Center & Fenner Conservancy
Goodwin, Kevin & Derosier, Amy
Peterson, Richard
Gordon, Laurie
Platt, Alan
Gray, Bill
Poe, David
Greater Lansing Convention & Visitors Bureau
Popowich, Sister Joelyce Marie
Green Gillis, Laura
Popowich, Stanley & Janice
Green, Joanne
Poston, Fred
Griffin, Phoebe & Donald
Reagan, Jane
Hall, Ingrid & Lindsey
Richards, Keith & Jaci
Hanes, Bill & Irene
Ridgway, C. David
Higgins, Steven & Cindy
Rigas, James
Hodges, Neil
Ritter, Brian & Linda
Hoffman Jr., Max
Rizzi, Rochelle
Hornbeck, Ruth
Rowan, William & Juanita
Hudson, William
Sanborn, Gene & Karol
Hughes, Susan
Sancya, Diana
Izzo, Mario
Schmitt, Jack
Jeeter, Richard
Schuler Books, Inc.
Johnson, Pat & Marie
Schut, Lois
Julier, Laura
Sharp, Mary
Kasanic, Virginia
Snow, Loudell
Koenigsknecht, David & Janice
Snyder, Heidi
Kornoelje, Mary
Stanaway, Loretta
Kowalk, Barbara
Stewart, Gordon & Jacqueline
Lamb, Stephanie
Stork, Guenter & Margo
Lamond, Robert & Vivian
Stout, Lawrence
Lawrence, Deborah
Suszek-Gay, Janis
Lenneman, Connie
Tabuteau, Emily
Levandowski, Mark & Lisa
Thalison, Marc & Kim
Lininger, Sharon
Thelen, Kevin & Laura
List, Monica
Tomlinson, Tom & Deborah
Littleton, Ronald
Tourtellot, Frances
Lubkin, Janice
Vigor, David
Lunsted, Kevin & Diane
Villarreal, Thomas & Teresa
Masterson, Madeline
Wharff, Norma
Mayhew, Duane & Maureen
Wheaton, Christine
McArthur, Steven & Barbara
White, Jane
Metzger, Nancy & Bob
Williams, James
Miller, Doug
Willson, Anthony
Monod, Sharon
Wolf, Roger & Debra
Moore, Betty
Zapata, Jami
Nauta, Mike
Zigler, Michael & Nancy
O’Brien, Gerleen
Zollner, Karl
O’Bryant, Michael & Dolores
Zuccarino-Crowe, Chiara
Orban, Susan
Zuker, James & Sheila
Parks, Leanne
Patton, James & Tracy
Peplinski, Daniel & Jennifer
Autumn 2013 | S E A S O NS | 11
PROGRAM & EVENTS CALENDAR
40th Annual Apple Butter Festival
OCTOBER 12 & 13 | SAT & SUN |11AM–5PM
Join us as we celebrate the fall harvest with our 40th Annual Apple
Butter Festival. This event gives visitors a chance to reconnect with
nature through an exploration of heritage arts, crafts, and games,
and of course, to help cook authentic apple butter over an open
fire. This year’s festival promises to be fun for the whole family and
includes live music, great food, and will feature “celebrity stirrers”
on site to help stir the apple butter.
ATTENTION EDUCATORS: Remember to bring your classroom
out for our famous Apple Butter Tours during the week prior to the
festival. Tours fill up quickly. Call today to reserve your spot!
Tour Cost: $3.00/Person, Minimum $50 |Festival: FREE/Donation
Great Lakes Photo Tour:
Eco/Photo Excursion (Adults)
SEPTEMBER 15 | SUNDAY | 10AM–3PM
For beginners and advanced amateurs alike, this special one-day
excursion combines informative group instruction with tutored
photography sessions. From fascinating close-ups to dramatic
landscapes, every budding nature photographer is offered an
opportunity to learn more about their own camera (any type) while
taking their photography to the next level. All participants can
improve their photography and naturalist skills by learning from the
professional team of Mark S. Carlson and Bob Grzesiak, during
this very educational, one-day Eco-Photo Excursion.
REGISTER at http://greatlakesphototours.com
Cost: $89.00. Pre-registration is required.
Nature Story Hour (Ages 4–6)
FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH | 1–2PM
Our favorite librarian will be leading a nature story hour in the
visitor center that is geared towards children between the ages
of 4 and 6. After the story, children can participate in a craft and
watch a family-friendly nature video.
Cost: FREE/Donation
Knee-High Naturalists (Ages 2–5)
SEP 5–DEC 19 | THURSDAYS | 10–11AM
Do you have a “Knee-High Naturalist?” If they are between the ages
of 2 and 5, come on out and join us for a hike, some fun crafts,
other activities, and maybe even a story! Each week we will get
acquainted with the natural world through different themes such as
turtles, bugs, flowers, and birds.
Cost: $5.00. Pre-registration is required.
Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?
Dispelling Myths about Wolves in
the Great Lakes Region
OCTOBER 20 | SUNDAY | 1–2PM
Celebrate Wolf Awareness Week with Timber Wolf Alliance as they
present this enthralling program about wolf history, biology, and
the cultural beliefs surrounding them that is sure to bring light to
this complex and mysterious predator.
© David Marvin
Cost: $5.00 | Members: FREE
CALL 517-483-4224 FOR MORE INFORMATION!
12 | S E AS ONS | Autumn 2013
Fenner Nature Center & Fenner Conservancy
Haunted Hikes (All Ages)
OCTOBER 30 | WEDNESDAY | 6–8PM
Investigate the spooky side of Fenner with a family-friendly,
naturalist-led hike that will focus on the animals that go bump
in the night. Learn about owls, bats, and other night life. The
evening culminates with ghost stories around the campfire.
NATURE EDUCATION TOURS
Get your students out in nature and fulfill a variety of science,
social studies, math, and language arts GLCEs while you’re at it!
We offer programs for students in grades pre-K through 12, and
general programs for home-schoolers and community groups, all
of which can be viewed on our website: www.mynaturecenter.org.
Please call to make a reservation.
Cost: $5.00 | Members: FREE. Pre-registration is required.
Dia de los Muertos Cemetery Stroll
(All Ages)
NOVEMBER 1 | FRIDAY | 6–8PM
Fenner Nature Center and the Friends of Lansing’s Historic
Cemeteries are teaming up for a guided tour through Mount
Hope Cemetery to investigate the signs and symbols of nature
that surround life and death. We will delve into the folklore
of ravens, owls, and other animals that can be found on the
tombstones before heading back to Fenner for a bonfire
and marshmallow roast. Register early as this program will
fill quickly.
Cost: $5.00 | Members: FREE. Pre-registration is required.
Art of Nature (All Ages)
NOVEMBER 16 | SATURDAY | 10AM–12NOON
Be inspired by nature! This workshop introduces artists of all
ages and abilities to a myriad of techniques and tools to create
nature-inspired art projects. Begin by learning how artists long
ago looked to nature for inspiration, as well as how they used
natural materials to create art. Materials are provided and
families are encouraged to participate together.
SCOUT HONORS
We offer workshops for boys and girls in the Scouting programs
to earn any of several outdoor patches, badges, loops, and pins.
We are a great destination for these activities since we have
knowledgeable and qualified staff, a great learning environment,
and the equipment needed to fully engage Scouts in learning
about the outdoors. Minimum enrollment levels apply to badge
workshops.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We have opportunities for groups of young people and adults to
volunteer indoors and outdoors—maintaining our trails, creating
displays, helping with events, and clearing invasive species from
our natural areas. This is a great way to get connected to your
community parks, grow closer together through service, and learn
about our ecosystem.
Please visit our website at www.mynaturecenter.org or call
517-483-4224 for more information.
NOTE: This program is held at AL!VE, an experience-based
destination health park that provides inspiration and support
for the greater Charlotte and mid-Michigan communities to
transform, empower, and enhance their personal well-being.
REGISTER at http://www.myalive.com/
Cost: $10.00 per person/ $25.00 per family
PLEASE CALL 517-483-4224 TO REGISTER!
Fenner Nature Center & Fenner Conservancy
Autumn 2013 | S E A S O NS | 13
FENNER NATURE CENTER
FENNER CONSERVANCY
2020 EAST MOUNT HOPE AVE.
LANSING, MICHIGAN, 48910
Would you like to “go green” and receive the newsletter via e-mail? If so, please contact editor@mynaturecenter.org.
JUNE CONTEST WINNER | SPIDERWORT | © Elijah Martineau
Enter your Fenner photos into our
monthly photo contest for a chance
to share your work and win great prizes!
MARCH CONTEST WINNER | CATTAILS | © Erin Bartels
Find out more at mynaturecenter.org
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