Frankenlust Township in Bay County has a nature park of 23 acres complete with walking trails, ponds for fishing, and nature for viewing.  However, invasive shrubs were taking over many areas of the park, and bank erosion was diminishing water quality in the main pond.  Learn about our efforts to remove invasives, plant natives, stabilize eroding banks, and increase the recreational potential and accessibility of the park.   Martin Arford, professor of Geography at SVSU, along with his students, local volunteers, and the township board forged a partnership to improve this park. He shows the steps involved in the on-going transformation. CNC’s Land and Facilities staff assisted in invasive species removal and reseeding some fields. This program will be held at CNC’s Visitor Center.

Meet at the Tomlinson Barn Education Center located at 814 E. Olson Rd. Midland, MI., for a tour with Midland Conservation District administrator Karen Thurlow.  Learn about the MCD’s history and programs. She will show a powerpoint presentation on where they've been and share the vision and future goals for the center. We’ll also enjoy a walk through the interpretive trails and new pollinator gardens. Midland Conservation District works with local and state partners to help landowners with education and implementation of best management practices to protect our natural resources.

Meet at the Thomas Township Nature Center at 6660 Gratiot Road, Saginaw, MI. Once a former golf course, the new nature center sits over a canal connecting to an island in the Tittabawassee River. Coordinator Lynda Thayer will share the space that they created, a brief history of the property and the development of the Nature Center and Preserve. Then she leads us on a tour outside to view the on-going restoration of the 67 acre preserve.

Meet in the Chippewa Nature Center parking lot at 5:30 pm to carpool to Mt.Pleasant, or meet us at the Ziibiwing Center at 6:30pm, 6655 E. Broadway.  Staff of the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture and Lifeways will lead us on an outdoor tour of their native plants. Learn the importance of these species to the Saginaw Chippewa tribe, why they were chosen for this garden, and how they are used by indigenous people. RSVP to 989-225-0059 by July 6. In case of inclement weather we will contact you about alternate plans or cancelling.

Meet at the Stratford Woods parking lot, 3922 E. Ashman St., Midland to start our walk of the new Eagle Ridge Nature Area. Lisa Williams of the US Fish & Wildlife Service leads us on a guided tour of the trails, woods, and wetlands on this new preserve, which opened in June 2022. Meet by the Eagle Ridge interpretive sign. Restoration of the native plants was coordinated with Dow Chemical, DNR, EGLE, the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, Attorney General, and Chippewa Nature Center.