Events

Nature Journaling A journal is a wonderful way to interact with your world. Journaling allows you to capture the essence of your days and to revisit them in the future. But you don't have to love to write to journal. We will explore ways to capture your experiences in nature in unique and fun ways. Laura J. Volsejpka, scientist, artist and director of Creative 360 in Midland will provide the books and the tools - you provide the experience and imagination!

City Versus Invasives Stephanie Richardson, City of Midland Horticulturist, will describe what the city has been doing regarding invasive species management on city lands and the reestablishment of natives in various areas, along with future plans. Since 2007  Stephanie has enjoyed helping people connect with nature in an urban environment, and enhancing the quality of life for Midland residents and visitors.

Learn how you can find a variety of heirloom and modern seeds for planting this spring at local seed libraries. Bevin Cohen of Small House Farm explains how he facilitated the establishment of seed libraries throughout Michigan, and shares some stories about the seeds and the people who grow them. He will also have books for sale.  This program will be at Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Road, Midland, MI. 48640.    

Learn from Chuck Martin, grounds manager and senior horticulturist at Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens, how to properly prune branches without negatively impacting the health of trees and shrubs. This meeting will take place on Chuck's property and feature pruning demonstrations.  Register by emailing [email protected] to receive the address.

Native Americans living in this region prior to European settlement depended on a variety of plants to meet their needs for food, medicine and shelter. Join CNC's Historical Interpreter Corrine Bloomfield for a casual trail walk to learn more about these valuable resources. This program will take place at Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Road, Midland, MI. and will be held inside the Visitor Center if inclement weather.    

June 13 Mid-Mitten monthly meeting - location change Due to Manitou Park's gate closing at 7:00pm, we have switched the June 13 evening walk to Riverview Natural Area, 6:30-8:00pm, a Little Forks Conservancy Preserve. From the city of Midland take M-20 west to N. Homer Rd, turn north for 2 miles and follow the curve to the left onto W. Wheeler Road. The parking lot is 1/4 mile on the right. Meet in the parking lot. Wear closed toe shoes, appropriate clothes for the weather, and bring a water bottle; field guides or binoculars (optional). You are welcome to bring a friend or children. We'll walk to see what plants are growing and flowering, along with any wildlife sightings.   On another day, you may want to visit Manitou Park, before its closing time of 7:00pm. Manitou Park is located at 1995 W. Chippewa River Road, Midland. Manitou Park sits astride the Chippewa River, two miles south of M20 and four miles west of M30. Trails provide access to the river's edge and the wooded areas have a variety of wildflowers and trees. Wear good quality walking shoes; mosquito spray is suggested. Porta-johns are available in parking lot.

Learn about the Conservation@Home program from Shelby Cain of the Little Forks Conservancy while visiting two or more Midland homeowners. Learn how this certification program recommends practices that restore and maintain a healthy environment.  When we plant with native species, create wildlife habitats, or manage rainwater, we're protecting nature and promoting sustainability. Conservation@Home helps assess our yards, makes suggestions, and recognizes our work. Meet at a Mid-Mitten member home, 513 Stillmeadow Lane, Midland.  After a brief tour of this early-stage yard, we will carpool to 2 homes in Midland, visiting for 30 minutes at each, then return to the start to retrieve cars. For more information contact:  [email protected].

Meet at 8:45 am to carpool at Chippewa Nature Center's parking lot. It is about a 54 minute drive to the Hall's Lake Nature Area, where we will meet Mike LeValley, executive director of the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy, who will lead our hike, from 10 am to 12 noon. Three CWC preserves adjacent to the lake offer 2 miles of trails through wetlands, lake shore, forests, and meadows. Bring a picnic lunch, comfortable shoes, and optional camera, binoculars, and field guides. We will return to CNC at approximately 2:00pm.  Please rsvp to [email protected] or 989-225-0059.   https://www.chippewawatershedconservancy.org/halls-lake-natural-area-2/

Tour the yard of Mid-Mitten president Jeanne Henderson. She describes why she chose the various plants in her front and east side yard in the shade, and sun-loving plants for the south and west gardens in the back. More than 75% of her plants are Michigan natives. She describes the challenges in maintaining the gardens and the new things she learned along the way.

Nature Journaling is a wonderful way to capture your unique outdoor experiences in creative ways and to revisit them in the future. If you attended Laura Volsejpka's program in January, this extends the activities on an outdoor walk. If you did not attend previously, you will easily learn the techniques from Laura.  Please bring your own journal or a clipboard with paper, and your pencils or crayons. Meet at the Chippewa Nature Center's Visitor Center entrance; dress for the weather. Snacks will be offered afterwards. Public is welcome; children ages 7 and up with an adult.

Native Woody Plants Providing Fruit for Native Wildlife Birds fatten up on the nutrients in fruits to fuel their fall migration journey and survive winter weather when other resources decline.  Woody plants also provide cover from predators, roosting shelter, and year-round landscape benefits for you!  Fall is a good time to plant new trees and shrubs, since the roots gain a few weeks of growth before cold weather sets in. Learn about these native plants from Martha Holzheuer, Nature Niche owner, certified landscape ecologist, and Jeanne Henderson, interpretive naturalist, Mid-Mitten Chapter President.

Bring a dish to pass. Table service & drinks provided. After the potluck we'll have a Photo Review of 2022, officer reports, election of 2023 officers, and suggest ideas for next year.  If you would like to run for an office (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, or membership director) please contact the Nominating committee before Nov 9: Dick Touvell or Randy Kursinsky  All household members will be allowed one vote per office. If you are a new Wild Ones member and haven't been to meetings this year, we encourage you to attend, to see all the great things we have been doing and get acquainted with other members. For further information contact Jeanne Henderson .