July/Aug 2016 Newsletter

July/August 2016
Venturing Out since 1966!
Members Only
4th of July Celebration
Paddle with CNC!
Since 2004, Chippewa Nature
Center has provided members the
opportunity to enjoy the 4th of
July fireworks from the “comfort”
of their lawn chair or blanket
without the hassle of large crowds
during this special Member’s Only
event. For many, it has become
a family tradition to watch the
fireworks from the Homestead
area where the noise is not as loud
and there are crafts, games and
snacks to keep the children busy
while waiting for the opportunity
to see the fireworks display! If you
pick just
the right
spot, you
can see
both the
City of
Midland
fireworks
and the display done by the
Midland Country Club! While
some people might miss the
band music, the chorus of frogs
and crickets singing provides
relaxing background ‘music’ with
a “possible” lightshow put on by
the fireflies. Check out page 8
for exact details about this year’s
Member’s Only opportunity.
CNC offers a wide variety of paddling
opportunities from evening to all day
trips to field trips around the state. All
equipment is provided, and beginners
and experienced paddlers are welcome.
Choose an adventure that’s right for you!
Evening Kayak on the Chippewa River
This leisurely trip with CNC staff is an
easy way to relieve the pressures of the
week, get a little exercise while enjoying
the outdoors and learn about the natural
and cultural history found along the
way! Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult; Fee/CNC
member: $25/20
Thurs, July 7 (Register by July 3)
Tues, July 12 (Register by July 10)
Tues, July 26 (Register by July 24)
Tues, Aug 23 (Register by Aug 19)
Saginaw Bay by Voyageur Canoe
Thurs, July 28 | 6-10 pm
Join Tom Lenon for an exciting adventure
in a 29-foot Voyageur canoe, a fiberglass
reproduction of the birchbark canoes
used by voyageurs to haul loads of trade
goods and valuable animal pelts in the
18th and 19th centuries. We’ll explore
the natural and cultural resources of
the area and share stories of the past on
this unique outdoor experience. Ages: 15+,
under 18 w/adult; Fee/CNC member: $30/24
Family Canoe Trip
Sat, July 30 | 1-4 pm
Enjoy a trip down the Chippewa River
with Interpretive Naturalist Michelle
Fournier as she teaches basic paddling
skills, then helps everyone navigate down
the river. Discover some of the rarely seen
critters of this aquatic environment and
learn how to safely avoid common hazards
on a river. Ages: 5+, under 18 w/adult; Fee/
CNC member: $20/16
Feeling a little more adventurous?
Voyageur Canoeing at Grand Island
and Pictured Rocks (Aug 11-14) or
Kayaking Moose Country: Paddling
the Tahquamenon River (Sept 30Oct 2) might be the trip for you! See full
program descriptions online.
Have your own canoe or kayak? Be sure
to check out the universally accessible
launches in Midland County, located at CNC
property on Chippewa River Rd (.3 miles
west of M30), at the Tridge in Downtown
Midland and at Sanford Lake Park.
Inside...
Congratulations, thanks and
best wishes to Rachel Larimore................................2
Nature Notes: 29th Butterfly Count....................3-4
DNR Grant Funds Land Management Projects....4
Bats on the Brink..........................................................5
Field Trips and Workshops......................................6-7
Walk-in/Affiliate Programs.................................. 8-11
Volunteer Spotlight....................................................12
Donors..........................................................................13
CNC Happenings......................................................15
Inspiring people to be stewards of the natural world
Director’s
Take
Dick Touvell
Executive Director
Congratulations,
thanks and best wishes
to Rachel Larimore
Rachel Larimore’s legacy will be one of enduring contributions, having had a major impact on present
and future programming. As Director of Education for 15 years, she achieved a great deal – from
correlating school programs to state curriculum standards, to adding “on the road” programs and
travelling trunks for schools, to creating programs for homeschooled children. She guided the
development of tailored themes for birthday parties, initiated school break Exploration Days
and implemented group interviews to the Nature Day Camp hiring process. Banff Mountain
Film Festival World Tour and BioBlitz were also brought to CNC by Rachel.
Rachel’s most visible contribution is Nature Preschool, which would not have happened
without her vision and passion for early childhood education. Her tenacity to plan and
create the preschool will stand out as one of the milestones in CNC’s history. It has
grown from 27 children in 2007 to 140 this coming fall. The preschool led to a partnership
with Bullock Creek Schools to create Nature Kindergarten and Nature First Grade, and
integration of nature into the daily school curriculum of other grades in the District.
Rachel shares that she “will continue to support the mission of connecting people to the natural
world by pursuing a doctoral degree in community sustainability at MSU in the Department of Curriculum, Instruction,
and Teacher Education. My focus in my academic work and private consulting will focus on nature-based early childhood
education.” On behalf of all the individuals and families that your contributions have touched, thank you!
Paying Tribute to staff commitment & passion!
Each year, CNC recognizes staff members who are celebrating anniversary milestones. In their own words, I thought
you might enjoy hearing perspectives and highlights of their CNC careers. It’s a pleasure to salute their unselfish desire to
share with others.
Tom Lenon (20 years) shares, “As Director
of Land and Facilities, it’s been a fascinating
journey to experience first-hand the growth
of CNC facilities, including the acquisition
of key parcels of land. I’m particularly
impressed, however, by the growth in the
number of people using the center and the
increase in their knowledge and appreciation
of the natural world. Examples are many, including the
Chippewa Trail, creating an important connection to the
City of Midland and increasing the number and diversity of
visitors. The introduction of kayaks, canoes, fly fishing and
the universal access sites have had a dramatic increase in
people’s enjoyment and exploration of the local rivers. The
results of these types of projects and programming has
made individuals enthusiastic about venturing out and often,
becoming better stewards. Equally rewarding for me is that
through CNC’s stewardship efforts, our rivers are cleaner,
and we have had growth in the diversity and number of
sensitive species, such as river otter, black bear, bobcats and
successfully nesting bald eagles that were all non-existent
here prior to 20 years ago.”
2
Chippewa Nature Center
Bruce Vaydik (15 years) and Joan Vaydik
10 years) both play key roles in maintaining
CNC’s facilities – Bruce as Caretaker and
Joan as Housekeeping Supervisor. If you
are a frequent trail walker in the evenings
and weekends, you no doubt have seen
CNC’s caretaker in action – opening or
closing gates, feeding the Homestead animals,
mowing grass, greeting rental groups, monitoring the
kayak and canoe launches and helping visitors. Joan began
volunteering at special events, working in the store and
helping out in the front office prior to becoming an Office
Professional and Housekeeper. She now is the supervisor of
a six member housekeeping team. Joan shares that “… all of
this has made me a more confident, well rounded self-assured
individual, and living on CNC property
has been a great place to live and enjoy
nature.” Bruce shares that “. . . all my
various jobs have been enjoyable, as I
have the opportunity to meet a diversity
of visitors and experience them enjoying
CNC’s facilities.”
www.chippewanaturecenter.org
Jamie Hockstra (10 years) is the Director
of Marketing and Communications and
provides the following perspective: “When
I came to CNC from the Midland Center
for the Arts 10 years ago, the first thing
I thought of when I heard the word ‘scat’
went from ‘jazz singing with nonsense
syllables’ to, well, you know. Being on the staff of
CNC has certainly inspired me ‘to connect all people with
nature,’ a role I am proud to hold. I even find myself further
immersed in nature, and my now 7-year old son has grown
up here, attending Nature Preschool for two years, Nature
Day Camp for the past four summers, Nature Kindergarten
and Nature First Grade. I welcome the challenges and great
responsibility that come with my position, and am thankful
for having had the opportunity to be a part of this team for
10 years and counting.”
Curt Holsinger (10 years), Natural
Resources Manager, notes, “My experience
at CNC started out as a C.I.T. (Counselorin-Training) in 2001. I was then a
counselor for the next five summers,
followed by an educator for a season. In
2007, I moved into a full time position in
the department of Land and Facilities. One of
my favorite memories is of a trip to Grand Island, and taking
Cindy Newman, who admittedly couldn’t swim well, and
who had never been camping before! So what does she do?
Signs up for a camping trip on an island in the middle of Lake
Superior! Watching people come alive with new experiences
in nature is extremely satisfying!
Being a part of the barn raising in 2015 was something that
I’ll never forget! That barn is something that my children’s
children’s children may be able to come see and know that
their great grandpa was a part of such a great project!
Nature
Notes
Jeanne Henderson
Interpretive Naturalist
29th Butterfly Count
Butterflies fly all spring and summer
long, but mid-July is when we do
an official butterfly count! Saturday
July 9 is our day for identifying all
the butterflies and skippers we can
find here while roving through fields,
woods and trails. Coordinated by the
North American Butterfly Association
American Copper
(NABA), this annual event provides a
snapshot of species and population numbers in a given area.
If you’d like be a citizen scientist, meet at 9 am in the Visitor
Center where we will divide into teams, pairing beginners
with experienced “lepidopterists” to learn about individual
characteristics and how to catch butterflies. Most species are
netted for close-up identification while others we know by
sight, and unknown specimens are brought back to compare
to our collections.
During 2015, we counted 508 of 22 species.This included
30 Cabbage White, 5 Clouded Sulphur, 6 American Copper,
and 2 Bronze Copper.The 44 Great Spangled Fritillaries
were flying so fast over fields that we caught only a few, but
became good at recognizing their color pattern.We also
found 2 Northern Crescent, 1 Question Mark, 3 Eastern
Comma, 1 Mourning Cloak, 11 Red Admiral and 4 Viceroy. In
the woods, we caught 3 Northern Pearly Eye, 1 Eyed Brown
and 5 Appalachian Brown. Most numerous were the 42 Little
Wood Satyr and 296 Common Wood Nymph, both flying
low over grasses,
their host plants.
Only 9 Monarchs
were seen; hopefully
this year, we’ll notice
an increase.The
national attention
on Monarchs
promotes planting
Great Spangled Fritillary
more milkweed
Nature Notes continued on pg. 4
/cncmidland
July/August 2016
3
Tom Lenon
Director of Land & Facilities
Whether attending Nature Preschool, Nature Day Camp
or a school program, relaxing in the Visitor Center,
participating in a program like a nature hike or just
enjoying the CNC trails on your own, you are certain
to enjoy the natural features and diversity of plants and
wildlife that CNC’s land has to offer.
To enhance the many unique benefits CNC visitors
enjoy today and into the future, there are many activities
taking place on CNC land during 2016. Funding from a
Michigan DNR Habitat Grant is providing CNC $24,000
to help with the following management practices.
Control of invasive exotic
species and the deer
population has become
extremely important as
many of the native trees,
shrubs and wildflowers
are being threatened out
of their existence. Beyond
the normal summer crew’s
work of removing invasive
Buckthorn,
plants, funding to clear
a (non-native invasive) shrub
heavily infested areas using a brush hog and a forestry
mower will enhance native species. In some cases, native
forested floodplain trees, such as sycamore, hackberry,
basswood, oak and hickory have been planted and caged
within these clearings to encourage their regeneration.
Trees are being caged to prevent deer from eating them.
In other openings that have been cleared mechanically,
further mowing and spot spraying on an every 2-3 year
DNR Grant Funds Land
Management Projects
rotation will help
maintain native
grasses, sedges and
wildflowers.
Trees and shrubs
are also being
planted and
caged to provide
thermal cover,
food, corridors
and buffers. Look
for these plantings
Homestead Area prescribed burn
at the River Point,
Meadow Mouse Area, between the Resource Building
and Arboretum and along the River Trail.
Larger open fields at CNC are being maintained by using
prescribed burns. Portions of the large fields east of the
Homestead and a small area at the Wetlands area were
burned in early May. This sets succession back, helping
keep these areas from being crowded out by trees and
shrubs, and can also help stimulate native seed banks
that have been crowded out for years. In some cases,
the burns also help set-back invasive exotics.
Other areas are being replanted with a variety of
wildflower mixes. The point of the River Point, several
portions of the Arboretum and the end of the Homestead
Road are all being reseeded this summer to add additional
diversity. Wildflowers will include shade, pollinator,
butterfly, wetland and warm season grass mixes.
Nature Notes continued from pg. 3
to help the population rebound from its
low point two years ago. Loss of habitat
to farming and urban development is the
main cause of decline of Monarchs and
other butterflies, along with pesticides.
Butterflies we normally do not see in
mid-July include the Spring Azure which is
active April to June with one generation
per year.Tiger Swallowtails fly in May-June,
Viceroy Butterfly
laying eggs on several host tree leaves, so in July, they are in
the caterpillar stage and will become adults in late August.
Skippers have thick bodies, hook-like ends on the antennae,
4
Chippewa Nature Center
and hold their wings at an angle, compared to butterflies
which have thin clubbed antennae and fold their wings up
when resting. Our 2015 count
included 2 Least Skipper, 27
Northern Broken Dash, 2 Dion
Skipper and 1 Dun Skipper.
Please contact Jeanne
Henderson at jhenderson@
chippewanaturecenter.org or 989631-0830 before July 6 if you plan
to attend this count.
American Painted Lady
www.chippewanaturecenter.org
Michelle Fournier
Interpretive Naturalist
Bats on the Brink
Summertime means evenings spent bat watching. Gazing at
the aerial acrobatics of these furry and flighted mammals
just after sunset is mesmerizing. Of course not everyone
shares this enthusiasm as bats are often portrayed as scary
creatures of the night. Beyond the spooky stereotype,
bats have intriguing abilities, are important to healthy
ecosystems and are valuable assets in our economy.
What makes bats unique? Bats are the only group of flying
mammals with powered flight. A bat’s wing is made from
very long finger bones and living skin forming the wing
membrane. Additional membrane between the legs and
tail is used for lift and steering in flight. This membrane is
also an important “spoon”
for bats; bats don’t capture
insects with their mouths,
but use their wing or tail
membranes to scoop prey
from the air, transferring it
to their mouth mid-flight.
No worries about vampire
bats here; all nine species
of Michigan bats are
strictly insect eaters. In
fact, female bats that are
Big Brown Bat
producing milk for young
may consume their body weight in insects each night.
Even though mosquitos are just a minor part of a bat’s
diet, bats like the Big Brown bat feed on green stinkbugs, a
major pest on soybean crops. The Evening bat commonly
eats the spotted cucumber beetle, an insect that damages
cucumbers and melons crops and causes corn rootworm.
How do bats find their food at night? Bats have eyes, but
echolocation, a type of high frequency sonar emitted by
bats, allows these animals to fly and find food at night.
Despite these amazing adaptations, a new threat faces
North American bats. In 2006, White-nose Syndrome
(WNS) was discovered in New York bats. WNS is an
invasive fungus from Europe that kills more than a million
bats each year. A cold-tolerant fungus, it thrives on the
skin of hibernating bats in caves and mines (sometimes
growing on the face, hence the name) and causes the
bats to wake up more frequently. Infected bats use up
fat stores too quickly during the winter and usually die
from starvation. WNS continues to spread each year, and
has been found in five
provinces and 29 states,
including Michigan in 2014.
Research is underway to
stop this disease from
decimating bat populations,
but a practical solution has
yet to be found.
With WNS estimated
to kill 90% of Michigan’s
bats, bats need all the help
they can get! If a group of
bats is discovered using a
building during the spring
or summer, it’s probably a
maternity colony of Little
Brown or Big Brown bats.
As beneficial as bats can
Bat houses on CNC property
be, bats can cause damage
and shouldn’t take up residence with people, however
bat exclusions from houses should be carefully timed.
Bat entry holes should not be blocked between April
and September to prevent stressing pregnant females
and trapping young flightless bats inside the house. Most
bat mothers only care for one pup a year, making these
young crucial to the survival of bat populations. Consider
building or buying a bat house (plans and houses can be
found at batconservation.org) to provide appropriate
habitat for bats in the neighborhood. In the meantime,
enjoy the twilight dance of bats across the sky and
appreciate a summer that still has bats.
Register Now for
Building a Bat House Workshop
Thurs, Aug 4 | 6:30-8:30 pm | Ages: 18+
Register by July 31 | Fee/CNC Member: $60/48
Installing a bat house can help save
bats by providing them a place to
live in your neighborhood. Join
CNC’s Michelle Fournier and
Dennis Pilaske for this handson workshop to assemble a bat
house that can be installed in your
backyard. We’ll spend time learning about the types of bats
likely to use your bat house, take a short walk looking for
bats and learn helpful tips to attract bats.
/cncmidland
July/August 2016
5
Field Trips and Workshops
*If weather or water conditions are not favorable, a trip will be canceled
(determined the afternoon of the trip at CNC’s discretion) and participants will be refunded.
Evening Kayak on the Chippewa River
6-9 pm | Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult | Fee/CNC Member: $25/20
Thurs, July 7 | Register by July 3
Tues, July 12 | Register by July 10
Tues, July 26 | Register by July 24
Join Chippewa Nature Center staff for
a leisurely kayak trip down the river.
This trip is an easy way to relieve
the pressures of the week, get a little
exercise while enjoying the outdoors and learn about the
natural and cultural history found along the way!
Nature Tour by Golf Cart
Thurs, July 21 | 3-4:30 pm | Ages: 18+
Register by July 17 | Fee/CNC Member: $15/12
Join Interpretive Naturalist Michelle Fournier as we explore
the Nature Center’s natural features by golf cart. This program
includes a leisurely ride along the rivers, forests, ponds and
fields of CNC property.We’ll stop along the way to get better
looks at the plants and animals that call CNC home. This
program is especially designed for those with limited mobility.
Saginaw Bay by Voyageur Canoe
Thurs, July 28 | 6-10 pm | Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult
Register by July 24 | Fee/CNC Member: $30/24
Join Tom Lenon for an exciting adventure as we paddle in
the Saginaw Bay in a 29-foot Voyageur Canoe! The canoe is
a fiberglass reproduction of the birchbark canoes used by
voyageurs to haul loads of trade goods and valuable animal
pelts in the 18th and 19th centuries. During the trip, we’ll
explore the natural and cultural
resources of the area and share stories
of the past, all while having a truly unique
outdoor experience. We expect this
program to fill up quickly, so sign up
right away!
Family Canoe Trip
Sat, July 30 | 1-4 pm | Ages: 5+, under 18 w/adult
Register by July 24 | Fee/CNC Member: $20/16
Here’s an opportunity to get your kids or grandkids out to
enjoy a trip canoeing down the Chippewa River. Interpretive
Naturalist Michelle Fournier will spend time teaching the basic
skills of paddling canoes, then help everyone navigate down the
river. Paddling a canoe gives you a totally different perspective
on the landscape and the rivers around you. Throughout the
trip, you’ll have a chance to discover some of the rarely seen
critters of this aquatic environment and learn how to safely
avoid common hazards on a river. Group size is kept small so
that each paddler will receive quality attention and instruction.
6
Chippewa Nature Center
Building a Bat House Workshop
Thurs, Aug 4 | 6:30-8:30 pm | Ages: 18+
Register by July 31 | Fee/CNC Member: $60/48
Installing a bat house can help save bats by providing them a
place to live in your neighborhood. Join CNC’s Michelle Fournier
and Dennis Pilaske for this hands-on workshop to assemble a
bat house that can be installed in your backyard. We’ll spend
time learning about the types of bats likely to use your bat
house, take a short walk looking for bats, as well as learn helpful
tips to attract bats.
Kayaking the AuSable River Rollways
Sat, Aug 6 | 8 am-5 pm | Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult
Register by July 31 | Fee/CNC Member: $40/32
Kayak the mighty AuSable River into the
heart of the Huron National Forest with
experienced trip leader Kyle Bagnall.
We’ll travel by 15-passenger van to Loud
Dam where we’ll launch our kayaks,
paddling westward up the pond. We’ll
paddle along the high, sandy banks about three miles to explore
numerous small islands and eat lunch at a primitive campsite
on the main branch. Along the way, we’ll watch for Bald Eagles,
Beaver, Osprey and other wildlife. Before we leave, we’ll also
stop for a short visit at Lumbermen’s Monument. Participants
should bring a sack lunch, water bottles and appropriate clothing for
the weather. Kayaks, paddles, PFDs and dry bags are provided.
Adventures for Women:
Evening Kayak on the Chippewa River
Wed,Aug 10 | 6-9 pm | Register by Aug 7
Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult | Fee/CNC Member: $25/20
Enjoy a quiet paddling trip down the Chippewa River, a wide, slowmoving river perfect for either beginners or experts who want
to relax.We’ll put the kayaks in the river near Meridian Road and
float down to our main canoe launch just
downstream of the Pine/Chippewa River
confluence. Along the way, we’ll watch
for herons, eagles, map turtles, orioles,
flycatchers, muskrat, mink, fish and other
wildlife who call the river “home.”
Voyageur Canoeing at Grand Island and Pictured Rocks
Thurs-Sun, Aug 11-14 | Register by July 22 | Ages: 18+
Fee/CNC Member: $580/464
Venture out with Tom Lenon and Curt Holsinger to one of
Michigan’s most picturesque areas, the Grand Island and Pictured
Rocks National Lakeshore, and do it in a Voyageur Canoe much
like early fur traders and explorers.This trip includes paddling
our 29-foot Voyageur Canoe in the crystal clear waters of Lake
Superior and traveling along the high limestone cliffs of the area.
www.chippewanaturecenter.org
We will explore breathtaking coves
and caves and observe a variety
of plant and animal life.We’ll also
have a chance to see the remains
of a shipwreck, exploring waterfalls,
visit local interpretive centers and
other areas of natural and cultural
history.All of these activities will provide amazing opportunities
to photograph Michigan’s wild and scenic Upper Peninsula.This
year, base camp will be in a hotel in Munising, and we’ll enjoy day
trips from there.There will also be time for hiking, swimming and
relaxing.
Nature
Preschool
Where learning comes naturally!
Participants are required to attend a
pre-trip meeting (July 26 at CNC at 6 pm)
to go over trip supplies, expectations,
food and questions. Participants will be
an active part of the group paddling the
Voyageur Canoe in open water and
must be able to walk 2-3 miles per day on moderate terrain.Trip fees
include lodging, some meals, Grand Island permits, use of equipment,
etc. If you have questions, please contact Tom Lenon at tlenon@
chippewanaturecenter.org or (989) 631-0830.
•High quality early childhood
education in the context of
nature
•Half-day classes for
3- & 4-year olds
•2, 3 or 4 days per week
•Full and partial scholarships
available
Evening Kayak on the Chippewa River
Tues, Aug 23 | 6-9 pm | Ages: 15+, under 18 w/adult
Register by Aug 19 | Fee/CNC Member: $25/20
Join Chippewa Nature Center staff
for a leisurely kayak trip down the
river. This trip is an easy way to
relieve the pressures of the week,
get a little exercise while enjoying
the outdoors and learn about the
natural and cultural history found
along the way!
Become a CNC Member!
All CNC members receive in-home delivery of the bi-monthly newsletter and bi-annual program guide,
20% discount off registered programs, members-only events, a 10% store discount and more!
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP
Member Category
Individual (18+)
60+ Individual
Couple (new category)
Price
$30
$25
$40
Two adults in the same household
60+ Couple
$35
Two 60+ adults in the same household
Family/Grandparent
Up to two adults and children/grandchildren under 18
$45
SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS
LIFE MEMBERSHIPS
Meadow Society $100-249
• Recognition in Annual Report and newsletter
• Eligible for Grandparent benefits
Woodland Society $250-499
All of the above benefits plus…
• 10% discount on one CNC rental, per
membership, per year
$1,800 (May be paid in three annual installments)
River Society $500 +
All of the above benefits plus…
• Exclusive program presented by a CNC
naturalist
CNC LEGACY SOCIETY
Express your love and appreciation of nature
Please consider making a commitment to give to Chippewa Nature Center through your
estate plan. Please contact Dick Touvell, Executive Director, at
dtouvell@chippewanaturecenter.org to further explore the CNC Legacy Program.
/cncmidland
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
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July/August 2016
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FREE Walk-in Programs
*If weather or water conditions are not favorable, a trip will be canceled
(determined the afternoon of the trip at CNC’s discretion) and participants will be refunded.
Mon-Sat 8 am-5 pm
Sun & holidays 12-5 pm
All Ages, under 18 w/adult
Add a special element to your visit
this summer by exploring Summer
Exploration Days! 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 types of
activities you’ll find. The activities change bi-weekly, so feel free
to come back again and again!
June 22-July 4 Forest Fun
July 6-18
Space & the Night Sky
July 20-Aug 1 Taking Care of Planet Earth
Aug 3-15
Wildflowers
Aug 17-29
Nature of Weather
Members Only 4th of July Celebration
Mon, July 4 | 8-11 pm | All Ages, under 18 w/adult
End a long 4th of July weekend at this special members-only
campfire and fireworks watching event! CNC members are
invited to join Cathy Devendorf at the Log Schoolhouse to
play games, explore the schoolhouse, make a simple craft and
best of all, enjoy s’mores around the campfire! Around 9:45
pm, settle in to listen to the crickets
(and frogs) and maybe see a firefly or
two as the City of Midland fireworks
start. Members are welcome to bring
guests. Please note: Fireworks and
sparklers are not permitted at CNC.
Tunnels,Tracks and Trails: Signs of Animals in Summer
Wed, July 6 | 2-3:30 pm | All Ages, under 18 w/adult
What made that hole in the tree? What animal left these
tracks? Who’s been here? Join Interpretive Naturalist Michelle
Fournier during this outdoor program to find out! We’ll be
hiking the trails and learning how to read the signs animals,
both big and small, leave behind.
Butterfly Walk
Thurs, July 7 | 2-3:30 pm | All Ages, under 18 w/adult
Have you ever wanted to catch a
butterfly? Interpretive Naturalist Jeanne
Henderson will show you how to use an
aerial net today! Any butterflies we catch,
we’ll look at and identify, then release.
Butterfly Count
Sat, July 9 | 9 am-5 pm | Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult
CNC has hosted a Butterfly Count each July since 1988.
Over the years, we have found as many as 38 species in one
day, adding a new species almost every year. Beginner and
8
Chippewa Nature Center
FREE!
experienced lepidopterists are invited to spend a few hours
or the whole day walking CNC’s property to record as many
butterflies as we can find. We’ll head out in small groups to
cover as much area as possible. Much of the count is done
off-trail, so plan on wearing long pants, and maybe even long
sleeves. Please contact Jeanne Henderson at or (989) 631-0830
by July 7 to be put on the list of participants.
Families in Nature: River Ramble
Sat, July 9 | 1-2 pm | All Ages, under 18 w/adult
Spend your summer afternoon IN the river! Meet Interpretive
Naturalist Michelle Fournier at CNC’s Canoe/Kayak Launch
to explore what lives in the river. We’ll be turning over stones
and using nets to get an up close view of the rivers inhabitants,
including clams, crayfish and caddisflies. Bring sturdy water
shoes (old tennis shoes work great) and clothes that can get
wet. Life jackets will be provided.
Wednesday Wanderings: Over to the Oxbow
Wed, July 13 | 2-3:30 pm | All Ages, under 18 w/adult
In the early 1900s, the Chippewa River changed its course
to create our Oxbow, a former river channel now cut off by
piled-up sediments. This natural feature is home to a variety
of wildlife including Spiny Softshell and Painted turtles, Green
Herons, Wood ducks, Green frogs and many others. Come see
what you can find today! Meet Interpretive Naturalist Jeanne
Henderson at the Homestead farm’s stump fence to begin our
walk on the green trail as we venture over to the Oxbow.
Churn & Treadle: Simple Machines on the Farm
Sun, July 17 | 2-4 pm | All Ages, under 18 w/adult
Wherever you look, simple machines are everywhere at the
Homestead Farm. Join Kyle Bagnall, Manager of Historical
Story Hour | Ages: 3-5 w/adult
Come spend an hour learning about nature! The hour will
include a story and may include songs, art, rhymes and
other age-appropriate activities.
Thursdays: 9:30 am & 11 am
July 21 In the Small, Small Pond
Aug 4 Noisy Bug Sing Along
Aug 18 Where Once There was a Wood
Saturdays: 9:30 am
Aug 6
Noisy Bug Sing Along
Wee Stroll
9:30 am | Ages: 6 mos-2 yrs w/adult
August 12
This program is designed for parents to take a guided walk
with their child, learn about the outdoors and learn ways
to introduce children to the natural world around them.
www.chippewanaturecenter.org
Programs, and Homestead Volunteers at the log cabin as you
learn about life in the Homestead Kitchen.Try your hand at
churning butter, washing clothes the old fashioned way and
using an apple coring machine.You’ll
also learn about working with wool
and see how a treadle spinning
wheel works. Join us throughout
the summer as we learn how simple
machines make life easier on the farm.
Insect Safari at Discovery Preserve
Fri, July 29 | 2-3 pm | All Ages, under 18 w/adult
Summertime is insect time! Butterflies and other insects
can be found everywhere – in the air, on plants and on the
ground. Join CNC Interpretive Naturalist Jeanne Henderson
at Discovery Preserve at Euclid Park to see if you can observe
a bee up-close on a flower, a beetle resting on a plant or a
caterpillar munching a leaf. Discovery Preserve is located at 1701
S. Euclid in Bay City.
Full Moon Stroll
Tues, July 19 | 8:30-10:30 pm | Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult
Join Interpretive Naturalist Jeanne Henderson for this guided
walk by the light of the full moon. July is called the Buck Moon
as deer begin growing soft velvet on their antlers. The walk
starts before dark to increase our chances of seeing wildlife
that become active at dusk, such as deer, beaver, owls and
maybe even a fox. Please wear dark clothing and bring a flashlight.
In Search of Snakes
Sat, July 23 | 9-11 am | Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult
Intrigued by nature’s legless and scaly reptiles? Join
Interpretive Naturalist and snake enthusiast Michelle Fournier
in search of snakes. Wear your comfortable hiking shoes for
this 2 mile trek on CNC trails looking and listening for these
amazing reptiles.
Turtle Time
Sat, July 23 | 1-2 pm | All Ages, under 18 w/adult
Stop by anytime between 1-2 pm to
visit CNC’s Eastern Box Turtle and
learn about other Michigan turtles.
If the weather is nice, we’ll get some
fresh air and greet visitors outside the
Visitor Center.
Wednesday Wanderings: Frogs and Pollywogs
Wed, July 27 | 2-3:30 pm | All Ages, under 18 w/adult
Whether you’re young or just young at heart, grab your
mud boots and join Interpretive Naturalist and frogger
extraordinaire Michelle Fournier for an afternoon at the
pond! We’ll meet at the Visitor Center to learn about CNC’s
common frogs and handling techniques before heading out to
the ponds and wet woodlands to experience these charming
and slimy amphibians first hand.
Looking Under Logs at Forestview Natural Area
Thurs, July 28 | 4-5 pm | All Ages, under 18 w/adult
Worms, slugs, pill bugs and salamanders are just a few
examples of life under a rotting log. Come flip logs with
Interpretive Naturalist Michelle Fournier to discover what
other treasures can be found in this unique microhabitat. This
program is held at Forestview Natural
Area. To visit the preserve from Midland,
take N Saginaw Rd west toward Sanford.
Turn left onto N Tittabawassee River Rd.
The Forestview Natural Area parking lot is
the first driveway on the right.
Butterfly Walk
Sun, July 31 | 2-3:30 pm | All Ages, under 18 w/adult
Butterflies are beautiful to observe and
fun to catch.You can learn how to use
an aerial net today to catch butterflies
breezing by or stopping on flowers.
After identifying them, we will set them
free. Meet at the Visitor Center to
venture out with Interpretive Naturalist
Jeanne Henderson. Nets and bug boxes will be available to use
or bring your own.
Hanging Out with Hummingbirds
Sat, Aug 6 | 8:30-11:30 am | Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds live in
Michigan spring through summer. Many
people enjoy watching them come to
red feeders filled with sugar water. Have
you wondered what their nest looks
like, how many young they raise or what
flowers attract hummingbirds? Allen
Chartier, Michigan’s hummingbird expert, will answer these
questions and more during a 1-hour indoor program beginning
at 8:30 am, followed by a banding program outdoors for
approximately 1.5 hours. Mr. Chartier will discuss his research
compiled from banding hummingbirds for over 15 years.
Cradle & Flail: Simple Machines on the Farm
Sun, Aug 7 | 2-4 pm | All Ages, under 18 w/adult
Wherever you look, simple machines are everywhere at the
Homestead Farm. Join Kyle Bagnall, Manager of Historical
Programs, at the timber frame barn as you learn how scythes
and grain cradles were used to harvest wheat and rye by
hand. Kids of all ages will enjoy swinging a flail, trying a
winnowing basket, and grinding wheat into flour by hand. Join
us throughout the summer as we learn how simple machines
make life easier on the farm.
Wednesday Wanderings: Looking for Lichens
Wed, Aug 10 | 2-3:30 pm | All Ages, under 18 w/adult
Join Educator Victoria Zablocki at the Visitor Center to look
for lichens! Using hand lenses, field guides and a keen sense
of awareness, we will track down these colorful and unique
examples of symbiosis between algae and fungi.
/cncmidland
July/August 2016
9
Bird Banding
Thursdays | 8 am-12 pm
July 7 & 28 and Aug 4
Ages: 5+, under 18 w/adult
You won’t want to miss this opportunity to
see resident and migratory birds up close, as
birds are caught in mist nets and banded for the purpose of research. Join Mike Bishop,
researcher and president of the Michigan Bird Banding Association, and CNC staff at the
east wetlands parking lot off Grey Road (the gate will be open during banding hours). *If it is
raining or windy, banding will not take place. If the weather is questionable, please call the front office after 8 am on the day of
the scheduled banding.
Families in Nature: Slithering Snakes
Sat, Aug 13 | 1-2 pm | All Ages, under 18 w/adult
Intrigued by nature’s legless and scaly
reptiles? Join Interpretive Naturalist and
snake enthusiast Michelle Fournier as
we head out on the trails and search for
snakes. Along the way, we’ll explore what
makes snakes special in the animal world.
Perhaps we’ll even get some up close looks at live snakes!
Full Moon Stroll
Thurs, Aug 18 | 7:30-9:30 pm | Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult
If the weather cooperates and grants us clear skies, the full
moon will light up the trails enough to walk without using
flashlights! Join us for this casual walk by the light of the
Sturgeon Moon, so named by Native Americans who found
this large fish easier to catch in our rivers this month. We’ll
also watch for wildlife such as deer, beaver and bats, and listen
to the symphony of tree crickets, lacewings and katydids.
Please wear dark clothing and bring a flashlight.
Seasonal Sightings: Summer Suprises
Sat, Aug 20 | 1-2:30 pm | Ages: 12+, under 18 w/adult
Each season is marked by changing
wildlife and plant sightings.Venture out
with Educator Victoria Zablocki for this
drop-in, seasonal sightings workshop
to learn some of the common summer
residents that call CNC home. Come
prepared to look for the distinct markings of common
summer inhabitants including Downy woodpeckers, Painted
turtles, Garter snakes and Muskrats.
Drying and Preserving Wildflowers
Sun, Aug 21 | 2-3 pm | Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult
Drying and pressing are two of the traditional ways of
preserving wildflowers for decorations or collections. Learn
how to do these techniques using our abundant summer
wildflowers. Interpretive Naturalist Jeanne Henderson will
offer suggestions for how to use them, giving you lots of ideas
for your own home creations.
10
Chippewa Nature Center
Wednesday Wanderings: Summer at the Wigwam
Wed, Aug 24 | 2-3:30 pm | All Ages, under 18 w/adult
Ojibwa Indians lived seasonally near the Pine River for
hundreds of years. Join Kyle Bagnall for an afternoon at the
wigwam (near the Visitor Center) to
explore how Native Americans used
local plants and animals to thrive
in this environment. During the
program, visitors can try a variety
of traditional skills such as fire by
friction and cordage making.
Night Lighting for Wildlife
Thurs, Aug 25 | 8:30-10 pm | Ages: 9+, under 18 w/adult
What animals will you see when the sun goes down? Bring your
flashlight or headlamp (the brighter the better!) and join CNC
Interpretive Naturalist Michelle Fournier to find out. We’ll be
using flashlights along our hike to look for the glittery eyes
of nocturnal creatures both big and small. Animals we might
encounter include deer, raccoon, frogs, bats, owls and more!
Salamander Meander
Sat, Aug 27 | 2-3:30 pm | All Ages, under 18 w/adult
Silent and secretive, salamanders
are often a creature of mystery. Join
CNC Interpretive Naturalist Michelle
Fournier as we hike and turn over
logs to look for these shy amphibians.
Meet Michelle at the Visitor Center.We’ll
caravan over to the River Point property at the end of Hubert Road.
Turtle Time
Sat, Aug 27 | 10-11 am | All Ages, under 18 w/adult
Stop by anytime between 10-11 am to visit CNC’s Eastern
Box Turtle and learn about other Michigan turtles. If the
weather is nice, we’ll get some fresh air and greet visitors
outside the Visitor Center.
Meet the Chickens
Sun, Aug 28 | 2-3 pm | All Ages, under 18 w/adult
The young chicks that arrived in April are now egg-laying
hens! Join Kyle Bagnall, Manager of Historical Programs, at the
chicken coop to learn all about chickens. Providing eggs, meat,
www.chippewanaturecenter.org
feathers and more, chickens have
been an important part of farm life
for centuries. We’ll check for fresh
eggs as you learn about different
breeds and the basics of poultry care.
In the cabin, volunteers will be busy
using eggs to make tasty dishes on the woodstove. Traditional
recipes will be available for you try at home.
Lumbering History at Averill Preserve
Tues, Aug 30 | 6-8 pm | Ages: 12+, under 18 w/adult
In the 1880s, the small town of Averill, just west of Midland
City, boasted the “largest banking grounds in the world” on
the banks of the Tittabawassee River. Join Kyle Bagnall, CNC’s
Manager of Historical Programs, for a stroll into Averill’s
past at the famous banking grounds. Here, you’ll hear local
lumbering tales, view historic photos of the site and appreciate
recent efforts the Little Forks Conservancy has made to
preserve its rich history and natural resources. Wear walking
shoes and meet in Averill at the Tittabawassee River overlook
of the Pere Marquette Rail Trail, at the pavilion, where we’ll
begin our hike. This program is held at Averill Preserve: From
Midland, take North Saginaw Road towards Sanford. Follow North
Saginaw Road for approximately 5 miles.The Averill Preserve is
on the left, across from Hope Road. Parking is located in a small
parking lot, near the pavilion.
The Nature of Harry Potter
Wed, Aug 31 | 6-8 pm | All Ages, under 18 w/adult
Many have been entranced by the
magical world of Harry Potter. Join
us to learn about the nature found in
these books that can also be found
in your backyard. Come take a class
on transfiguration, serpentology or
herbology, enjoy looking at owls in the
owlery and experience other enchanting
activities and crafts as you experience
the nature of Harry Potter.
Host a Birthday Party at
Chippewa Nature Center!
Members can have a full birthday experience for children
4-12 years old and up to 19 of their friends. A CNC
Educator will coordinate a 2-hour themed experience that
includes personalized invitations to send to your guests,
outdoor exploration and games, an indoor craft, indoor
party games, a gift for the birthday child and a goodie bag
for each party guest. The room will be decorated to match
your child’s party theme before you arrive!
To schedule a party, call 989-631-0830 or email
scheduler@chippewanaturecenter.org
Visit our website or more details!
Party Themes
•
•
•
•
•
Scales and Slime
Bird Bonanza!
Insect Safari
Mammal Mania
Hurray for the
Homestead
• Outdoor Survival
• Nature Detectives
Voted
ourmidland.com
‘Best Place
to Celebrate
a Birthday’
CNC Affiliate Group Meetings
Nature Center Store
Mid-Mitten Chapter of Wild Ones Wednesdays 6:30-8 pm
Wild Ones helps preserve biodiversity through learning about native
plant communities. For more information, please contact Jeanne
Henderson at 989.631.0830.
July 6 | Hiking at Pine River Park
Join Randy Kursinsky to hike Pine River Park, a little
known park owned by the City of Midland. The site has
several shallow ponds and a one mile loop trail built in
the woods. We will look for native wildflowers, plants
and wildlife in the woods, meadows and wetlands of this
wetland mitigation property. Few, if any, invasive species
are present. This park also includes a Great Blue Heron
rookery. Meet at CNC at 6:15 pm to carpool, as parking is
limited at the park.
Aug 3 | Shrubs and Vines
Native shrubs and vines comprise an important element
of many ecosystems, providing shelter and food for
wildlife. Learn identification tips and how to use these
plants in your landscape with Interpretive Naturalist
Jeanne Henderson on this outdoor walk through CNC
property. Meet at the front entrance of the Visitor Center.
Members
receive 10% off,
Life Members
receive 20% off!
Oxbow Archaeologists
This group meets every Wednesday evening and Saturday
morning at CNC. For more details, call 989.631.0830.
Nature-themed toys, gifts, books and more!
Valley Herb Society Thurs, Aug 4 | 7 pm
Join the VHS for their monthly meeting. For program
information, call Cathy at 989.631.0830.
/cncmidland
July/August 2016
11
Volunteer Spotlight
Cathy Devendorf
Director of Volunteers and Outreach
Hope you are enjoying our Michigan summer! While we
were waiting for the weather to finally warm up this past
spring, volunteers kept busy helping with several CNC
projects and events!
A special thank you to Bill Pike, Kathy Pike and John
Ditzler. Together, they volunteered a total of 34 hours canning
the maple syrup made at the Sugarhouse earlier in the spring.
Thank you to the following teens who volunteered during their
spring break to help with the campers attending Spring Break
Mini Day Camp: Egan Anthony, Julia Draves, Evelyn Jobe,
Kara Jobe and Christi LeCaptain.
Thank you to John Davis, Patrick Kirts and Michelle
Pilaske for helping with refreshments, ushering, tickets
and the membership table during the Banff Mountain Film
Festival World Tour.
Experiencing Earth Day had a dedicated team of volunteers
that helped with nesting boxes, seed planting, tree planting
and invasive plant pulling, all in an ongoing effort to make
a positive impact on the environment. Thank you to: Dale
Anderson, Kyle Ayotte, Julie Babcock, Amanda
Baning, Matt Benedict, Tony Beeck, Sara Bober,
Dakota Comarena, Alex Cornell, Justin Dalke, Kelsey
Doud, Bill Ferris, Neal Fetner, Roy Gardner, Alison
Goldsmith, Sheila Gombar-Fetner, Ashley Harvey,
Jerry Henderson,
Miranda Hengy,
April Jones,
Jacki Lee, Cathie
Leibrand, Stephen
MacDonald,
Tammy
MacDonald,
MacKenzie Line,
Rob Maxwell,
Diane McKimmy,
Delany McKimmy,
Kiesa McKimmy,
Tony Beeck assisting Sienna
Liam McKimmy,
Roberts with the building of a bird house
during Experience Earth Day
Westin McKimmy,
Misty Medeiros, Lyndsay Morrison, Emily Osborne,
Evan Pence, Ethan Pence, Farrah Pence, David Ralph,
Stacy Ralph, Ramya, Lauren Ricken, Steven Skibinski,
Taylor Skover, Chrissy Smith, Christopher Smith,
Matthew Smith, Michael Smith, Kayla Starkey, Tony
Starkey, Brett Swieciski, Matt Szperski, Lindsay Walls,
12
Chippewa Nature Center
Alicia Weeks
and Amanda
Yager.
Thank you to the
following groups
that had a team
of volunteers or
provided a booth
at the event:
CMU Chapter
of the Wildlife
Society, DaVita
Mid-Michigan
Dr. Marianne McKelvy volunteering
during Native Plant Sale
Acutes, Little
Forks Conservancy, Midland Recyclers, MidMichigan
Community College, Saginaw Valley State University,
Square Roots (Composting Service Company) and Wild
Ones – Mid-Mitten Chapter.
A special thank you to the volunteers who helped with
the Native Plant Sale fundraiser May 26-28. The following
volunteers assisted with placing plant stakes or helped with
the check-out station or the membership table: Justine
Arvizu, Julie Babcock,Tony Beeck,Tom Bingham,
Jenni Bush, Darrell Eagle,Tricia Eidsmoe, Judy Firenze,
Marijean Fitzgerald, Melissa Haswell,Tina Hawley,
Kathy Kinkema, Katie Kole, Judy Ann Layfield, Lexy
Lachcik,Ying Liu, Jim Malek, Janet Martineau, Marianne
McKelvy, Nina Neuschuetz, Sally Roberson, Jamie
Ross, Mariah Scott, Sandra Simmons, Karol Walker, Ed
Walmsley, Doug White, Louise Wilkins and Deb Young.
Thank you as well to area Master Gardeners and our
plant specialists who helped answered questions: Dale
Anderson, Lucy Daykin, Bill Ferris, Sheila GombarFetner, Karen Gruber, Linda Hall, Martha Holzeuer,
Mary Johnson, Ginny Jossi, Kathy Lewis, Mark
Lewis,Rob Maxwell, Gina Pederson, Ernie Perry and
Amy Tolton. Thanks to Wild Ones – Mid-Mitten Chapter
volunteers Mary Brown, Adora Crook, Jennifer Dear,
Rob Maxwell and Karol Walker for being available to
answer questions about native plants.
Look for the names of the volunteers that helped with the 50th
Anniversary in the next newsletter!
www.chippewanaturecenter.org
Donors
Thank you for including CNC in your giving.
It is your generosity that makes the
difference in the programs and services
we are able to offer to the community.
April –
May 2016
David and Dale Anderson
Marsha Anger
Anonymous
Linda Divo and David Aumann
Anastasia and Michael Behr
Donald and Vicki Berry
Wayne Beyersdorf
Patsy J. Buerkel
Robert and Mary Cavanaugh
Ken and Marilyn Craven
Sandy and Lynn Dumbrille
Machele Faith
Linda and Michael Fecteau
Lou and Judy Firenze
Arthur Frock
In honor of Judy Frock
Barbara Glines
Kathryn Gray
Don and Yvonne Hall
Amy and Jan Hlavacek
Richard and Sandra Ivan
Marilyn Jensen
Erica Jimenez
Charles and Della Keyworth
Jim and Sue LaBean
Leonard and Mary Lawry
Hermila Gouvea Machado
and Luiz Gustavo
Leite de Oliveira
Jerry and Amy Lusk
Joe and Carrie Lykowski
Jennifer and Jerry Mayer
Ralph and Barbra McGivern
Deirdre Crean and
John McKelvey
John and Yoshie Metcalf
Ellen Meyer
David and Marcelle Molzahn
Phyllis and John Prior
Roxana Selene Lopez Ruiz
Kim Steinke
Nelson and Jesslyn Terburgh
Bruce and Rosemarie Thill
John G. Uhlmann
Craig and Holly Walker
Christine Weber
Jennifer and Jonathan Wendt
Edward E.York
In Memory of Bill Carmody
Art and Karla Beagle
Karen and Ron Graunke
Jim and Marla Hughes
Clarence and Gloria Moore
Lois Peters
Gary Reisig
Marge Rouech
Dennis and Mary Williams
In Memory of
Janet Dennett
Dave Alsgaard and
Carolyn Busse
Susan Campbell
David and Carol Cheek
Carolyn Crawford
Tom and Wanita; Gayle
and Dave; Karen and
Gene; Kay Elder; Bob and
Aline Frybarger
Stanley and Gayle Greer
and Family
Michelle Quisenberry
Naval Air Station Whidbey
Island CVWP; RMT and
Travel Stephanie; Melody,
Jose, Damrius &
Chaps Uvila
Dr. Marianne and
Fred McKelvy
Earth Day Celebration
Gleaner Alma Arbor, No. 10
Natural and Cultural
History Program
expansion grant
Dow Corning Donor Advised
Funds at Bay Area
Community Foundation,
Saginaw Community
Foundation and Midland
Area Community
Foundation
Peeper’s Pond floating
dock extension
Michigan Baseball Foundation
Banff Mountain Film
Festival World Tour
Meier Camera Shop, Inc
BioBlitz
In Memory of
M. Joyce Williamson
Irene J. Beshgetoor
Deborah Hepinstall
Letitia C. Scribner
In Memory of Bruce Reed
Anna J. Badour
Mildred Barnum
Kerry L. and Robert L. Bishop
Joseph France
Edward and Cathy Johnson
Amy J. and Fred A. McNett
Cheryl A. and
Robert L. Meyette
Bruce and Joan Vaydik
Joanne G. Wallace
Karen Wolfe
Christine Wood
/cncmidland
Maple Syrup Day
Carey Plumbing &
Heating, Inc.
Colonial Villa
Omni Tech - Lee Rouse
Native Plant Sale
Teds Home and Lawn
Randi’s Green Thumb
Service Inc
Nature Day Camp
Scholarship Donation
Great Lakes Gardeners
Midland Lions Club
*We regret any error in our
recognition and ask that you
contact us so that we may
correct it.
Host your event at CNC!
We offer a diverse range of venues,
ideal for: Meetings • Conferences
Retreats • Memorials
Unique and versatile indoor spaces
that can be used separately or in
combination for larger gatherings
Handicap accessibility • Free Wi-Fi
Smoke- and pet-free facilities
989.631.0830 | rentals@chippewanaturecenter.org
July/August 2016
13
Welcome, New Members!
Terry Armstrong
and Ashley E Schonfeld
Chuck and Andrea Bartley
Winnifred P. Boylan
Elizabeth and Brian Brown
Samantha Cass
Ruth Chapman
Jamie Conant
Adora Crook
Cindy and David Davenport
Hermila Gouvea Machado
and Luiz Gustavo
Leite de Oliveira
Gareth D’Haillecourt
Gigi D’Haillecourt
Jamie and Ryan Ellis
Marcelo Flores
and David A Sovereen
Mike Ford and
Libby Sanders-Ford
Annette and Dorothy Ganske
Kristine Goodwin
Karen and Daniel Grohol
Laura Harrigan
Jessica and Josh Harris
Elizabeth Henderson
Timothy Henderson
Jacqueline Henninger
Patricia Huddy
Julia Jackson and
Ibrahem Abdalla
Marilyn and Jary Jensen
Marie Johansen
Kristi and Josh Jones
Craig and Janis Kendziorski
Renee and Bryan Kern
Melissa Kesterson
Yeonhyang Kim
and Matthew Petro
Amy Kundinger
Richard and Ann Laudeman
Goetz Marggraff and
Nina Neuschuetz
Crystal Mann
Catherine Marra
Virginia McKane
Ellen Meyer
Devin G Millions
Tinna Mills
Emily Parenteau
Claudia Pastorelli
Florence Petrella
Cyndi and Tony Ramos
Bryan Rayo
and Sarah Pounders
Ron and Allison Rex
Clint Rogers
and Jennifer Tardif
Dana Draper-Rosin
and Steven Rosin
Zach Kidder and Arra Ross
John and Shawna Ruple
Glen and Elizabeth Schmeisl
David Sommer
Mike and Andrea Stickel
W.D. Swan
William and Elissa Thomson
Amy M. Town
Allison Tribfelner
Anne VanZwoll
Colleen and Dan Vasher
Stephanie Villarreal
Edith Wacksman
Shawna and Brett Walraven
Elaine M. Warakomski
Nancy and Chris Ware
Brian and Carolyn White
Valerie and Clinton Whiteley
Hallie Wilson
Haiyan Xu
CNC LEGACY SOCIETY
Express your love and appreciation of nature!
Please consider making a commitment to give to Chippewa Nature
Center through your estate plan. Please contact Dick Touvell, Executive
Director, at dtouvell@chippewanaturecenter.org to further explore the
CNC Legacy Program.
CNC Board
of Directors
Adam Bruski, President
Rob Maxwell, Vice President
Kirk Fisher, Treasurer
Mark Robertson, Secretary
Nancy Carney
John Davis
Christopher Gaumer
Brian Holmes
Dr. Marianne McKelvy
Kimberly Reinhardt
Jamie Ross, M.D.
Christopher Sineway
Colette St. Louis
Michelle Wilkins
Dr. Michael Witt
Dick Touvell, Executive Director
14
CNC Staff
Susan Avery, Educator
Kyle Bagnall, Manager of Historical
Programs
Sue Burtch, Educator
Pat Campbell, Educator
Beth Christiansen, Educator
Sherry Clarkson, Preschool Teacher
Marcus Collins, Preschool Teacher
Jessica Dankert, Preschool Teacher
Ashley David, Marketing Manager
Jill Derry, Preschool Office Manager
Rob Deschaine, Director of
Finance and Operations
Cathy Devendorf, Director of
Volunteers & Outreach
Jennifer DuBey, Educator
Linda Durfee, Educator
Tyler Evans, Housekeeper
Shannon Fort, Preschool Teacher
Michelle Fournier, Interpretive
Naturalist
Chippewa Nature Center
Steve Frisbee, Preschool Teacher
& Nature Day Camp Program
Coordinator
Kathy Gallaher, Educator
Katie Gilstad, Preschool Teacher
Cheri Grasman, Educator
Laura Gregg, Housekeeper
Jeanne Henderson, Interpretive Naturalist
Angela Hillabrand, Housekeeper and
Office Professional
Jamie Hockstra, Director of
Marketing & Communications
Curt Holsinger, Natural Resources Manager
Cindy Kacel, Administrative Assistant
Jenn Kirts, School Program Coordinator/
Nature Day Camp Director
Laura Kruse, Office Professional
Susie Kruse, Program Scheduler
Rachel Larimore, Director of
Education
Amanda LaVier, Office Professional
Tom Lenon, Director of Land & Facilities
Carri McGuire, Preschool Teacher
www.chippewanaturecenter.org
Nicole McLaughlin, Office Professional
Dave Miller, Manager of
Facilities & Equipment
Lynette Miller, Housekeeper
Autumn Mitchell, Educator
Sue Noble, Preschool Teacher
Belinda Olivastri, Office Professional
Ernie Perry, Seasonal Maintenance
Dennis Pilaske, Director of
Interpretation
Madison Powell, Nature Preschool
Director
Kelly Robinson, Educator
Kelsey Stark, Educator
Thosha Thomas, Housekeeper
Melody Tincknell, Educator
Dick Touvell, Executive Director
Shelby Tucker, Housekeeper
Bruce Vaydik, Caretaker
Joan Vaydik, Housekeeper
Isaac Wolfgang, Maintenance Assistant
Mandy Wood, Preschool Teacher
Victoria Pendred-Zablocki, Educator
CNC Happenings
Nominees Sought for 2017 CNC Board
In accordance with the bylaws of Chippewa
Nature Center, members are invited to submit
names, including their own, of persons they
wish to be considered for a position on CNC’s
Board of Directors. Nominations are due by
August 12 , 2016. The three-year term would
begin at the Annual Meeting in February 2017.
In choosing a nominee, please consider the
responsibilities of the Board of Directors.
CNC board members, like those of any nonprofit
organization, play a crucial role in creating and carrying out
policies to ensure sound strategic direction and business
practices. Essential responsibilities include supporting our
mission and ensuring legal, ethical and financial integrity
and maintaining accountability. Since its inception, CNC
has been fortunate to have had business professionals
and experts serving the role of board members. From the
first Board of Directors to the current Board team, their
input helps shape the future of this organization.
2016-17 Board of Directors
Standing: Dr. Michael Witt; Michelle Wilkins;
Dr. Geoff Bartlett; Kimberly Reinhardt;
Kirk Fisher – Treasurer; Rob Maxwell – Vice President;
Nancy Carney; Jamie Ross, M.D. and Brian Holmes
Sitting: Marc Robertson – Secretary, Colette St. Louis,
Dr. Marianne McKelvy and John Davis
Not pictured: Adam Bruski – President,
Christopher Gaumer and Christopher Sineway
WALK MIDLAND is a community walking program that emphasizes
the importance of walking and wellness in our community. Drawings for
prizes will be held at each two-mile walk. In addition, participants will be
registered at each walk for the grand prize trip for two to Mackinac Island
over Labor Day weekend to walk the Mackinac Bridge. This drawing will be
held on Thursday, July 28. This one of a kind trip includes stay at the Grand
Hotel, world-renown meals and activities in conjunction with the Hotel’s
“Jazzy Weekend.”
All weekly walks begin at 6 pm. Everyone is welcome, so bring a child, friend or neighbor and come get fit! For
more information and maps of the walking paths, visit www.cityofmidlandmi.gov/walk.
Monday City Forest
Meet at: trailhead
JULY
11, 18, 25
Tuesday
Stratford Woods
Wednesday Thursday
Sunday
CNC
MidMichigan Health
Farmer’s Market
volleyball courts
pavilion
McCandless and Sugnet
Rail trail trailhead
5, 12, 19, 26
6, 13, 20, 27
7, 14, 21, 28*
10, 17, 24
Brought to you by: City of Midland, MidMichigan Health and Chippewa Nature Center
*Drawing for Mackinac trip, walkers need not be present to win
/cncmidland
July/August 2016
15
400 S. Badour Rd.
Midland, MI 48640-8661
Explore nature through hikes, hands-on
activities and live animal presentations!
Sponsored by
Signature Sponsor
44th Labor Day
Run & Potluck
Mon, Sept 5, 2016
5K Run & Walk, 10K Run and Kids
Fun Run
Both runs are held on the paved
Chippewa Trail (out and back). After the race, enjoy the company
of friends and family with the annual
potluck. Bring a dish to pass – hot
dogs, chips and pop will be provided.
To volunteer, contact Cathy at
989-631-0830 or
cdevendorf@chippewanaturecenter.org
www.barcmi.com
The newsletter is published bi-monthly by Chippewa Nature
Center, 400 South Badour Road, Midland, MI 48640. Articles may
be reprinted with prior written permission and proper credit.
Fri & Sat,
Sept 16-17, 2016
Arbury Insurance
Agency, Pizza Sams
and Retrofoam
Nature
at Night
Fri & Sat, Oct 28-29, 2016 • 6-8:30 pm
Sponsored by AHP CPAs & Advisors, Bierlein, Blasy Electric,
Davenport University and Rick Ford Sales
Printed on 30% recycled paper with 10% post consumer
waste. Thank you for recycling your newsletter or passing it
on to someone who shares a passion for the natural world.
989.631.0830 | chippewanaturecenter.org |
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