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January 2023

Jan
9

Progress Towards Limiting Climate Change and Its Impacts

This event has ended
Monday, January 9th, 2023
to (Eastern Time)
Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S Badour Rd, Midland, MI, 48640 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Chapter Meeting Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Drinking Fountains

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed by Congress in 2022 includes provisions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  What will the projected impacts of these changes be? Will these actions be enough to limit climate change to less than 2 degrees Celsius?

Mike Colucci will lead participants in the use of the En-ROADS climate simulation model to test the climate change provisions in the IRA, as well as other policies and solutions suggested by participants. You will learn how much impact the IRA provisions are expected to have and what else will be needed to limit global warming to below 2°C. The simulator is a transparent policy simulation model that provides participants with the ability to explore the likely consequences of different policies on climate change. Mike is currently serving as one of the group leaders for the Saginaw Bay Chapter of Citizen’s Climate Lobby  (CCL).

February 2023

Feb
13

Seed Packaging and Labeling

This event has ended
Monday, February 13th, 2023
to (Eastern Time)
Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S Badour Rd, Midland, MI, 48640 Map

Public Welcome Family Friendly Free Event Chapter Meeting Hands-On/How-To Workshop Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

Join us in a hands-on session in creating seed packets with labels to be given out at the Central Michigan Seed Swap on February 25 at Chippewa Nature Center. If you have saved seeds that you are willing to give away, please bring them to this meeting. We will print labels and place seeds in envelopes. This is a great way to learn about our native plants, see what the seeds look like, and learn about their growing conditions.

March 2023

Mar
13

Native Plants vs. The Green Industry Business Model: Overcoming Socio-Economic Influences

This event has ended
Monday, March 13th, 2023
to (Eastern Time)
Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S Badour Rd, Midland, MI, 48640 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Chapter Meeting Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

Tim Bugenske of Better Finds LLC, a native plant propagator in Saginaw, presents information and stimulates questions. Is the Green Industry business model outdated, even detrimental to the native plant movement? Are ‘nativars’ a disservice to consumers’ ever increasing embrace of native plants? After clarifying the groundbreaking work of Annie S. White and sharing his fears for the future, Tim opens a discussion about whether the native plant community can affect Green Industry change, and if our “message” is now also outdated.

April 2023

Apr
10

Going Native in Frankenlust Township

This event has ended
Monday, April 10th, 2023
to (Eastern Time)
Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd, Midland, MI, 48640 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Chapter Meeting Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

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.

May 2023

May
8

Tomlinson Barn Education Center tour, Midland County

This event has ended
Monday, May 8th, 2023
to (Eastern Time)
Tomlinson Barn Education Center

Public Welcome Family Friendly Free Event Chapter Meeting Program/Speaker Presentation Group Tour Free Public Parking

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.

June 2023

Jun
12

Thomas Township Nature Center tour, Saginaw

This event has ended
Monday, June 12th, 2023
to (Eastern Time)
Thomas Township Nature Center & Preserve, 6660 Gratiot Rd, Saginaw, MI, 48609 Map

Public Welcome Family Friendly Free Event Chapter Meeting Program/Speaker Presentation Group Tour Nature Walk/Hike Public Restroom Free Public Parking Lots of Physical Activity Drinking Fountains

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.

July 2023

Jul
10

Ziibiwing Center native plant tour, Mt. Pleasant

This event has ended
Monday, July 10th, 2023
to (Eastern Time)
Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture and Lifeways, 6655 E Broadway Rd, Mt Pleasant, MI, 48858 Map

Public Welcome Paid Event Chapter Meeting Program/Speaker Presentation Group Tour Public Restroom Free Public Parking

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 9. In case of inclement weather we will contact you about alternate plans or cancelling. There is a charge of $8/person for non-Wild Ones members.

August 2023

Aug
14

Eagle Ridge Nature Area walk

This event has ended
Monday, August 14th, 2023
to (Eastern Time)
Eagle Ridge Nature Area, 3922 E Ashman St, Midland, MI, 48642 Map

Public Welcome Family Friendly Free Event Chapter Meeting Group Tour Nature Walk/Hike Public Restroom Free Public Parking Lots of Physical Activity

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.

September 2023

Sep
11

Seed Collecting & Plant Exchange

This event has ended
Monday, September 11th, 2023
to (Eastern Time)
Karol Walker's home

Public Welcome Hands-On/How-To Workshop Home Garden Tour Seed/Plant Swap

Join us in collecting seeds of native wildflowers, trees, and shrubs. Bring your own dry containers or brown bags. Also you can bring plants potted from your yard to exchange with others; please label your plants. 

October 2023

Oct
9

Revitalization along the Tittabawassee Riverfront in Midland

This event has ended
Monday, October 9th, 2023
to (Eastern Time)
Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd, Midland, MI, 48640 Map

Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

Karen Murphy, Director of Public Services, City of Midland shows us what has been done and what the future holds for this project. During the past seven years the city of Midland has been working with the Michigan Baseball Foundation to revitalize the Tittabawassee River front under the Poseyville Road Bridge into wetlands, walking trails, and more. The old 4D concrete block plant was removed through a FEMA floodplain mitigation grant to expand the floodplain capacity. About 12 feet of concrete rubble in the soil was removed to make the ground more porous.  The plan will add wetlands, a storm water detention area, a river overlook platform on the old Benson Street bridge abutment, and fishing spots. Native plant species will be grown in the open ground. Also a new pedestrian bridge will be built that will link the East End Building to the restoration area. Additional funds to be used for plants and seeds will come from the US Fish & Wildlife Service's Tittabawassee River Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan. The city hopes to complete the project in 2024. 

Oct
12

"Creating and Managing Landscapes for Native Bees" with Heather Holm

Hosted by Wild Ones National
This event has ended
Thursday, October 12th, 2023
to (Central Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Join Wild Ones Honorary Director Heather Holm as she explores the nesting habitats, life cycles, pollen collection, brood rearing, and general characteristics of some of the most common native bees in eastern North America, while highlighting the pollination of native plants and the mutualism between native plants and native bees.

When creating and managing thriving habitats for native bees, many factors such as seasonal phenology, nesting strategies, and flower preferences must be considered—and with approximately 3,600 species in North America (north of Mexico), there are many unique aspects to keep in mind when managing successful landscapes for bees. 

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November 2023

Nov
13

Mid-Mitten Chapter annual meeting and potluck Members Only

This event has ended
Monday, November 13th, 2023
to (Eastern Time)
Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Rd, Midland, MI, 48640 Map

Members Only Free Event Wheelchair Accessible Public Restroom Free Public Parking Drinking Fountains

Enjoy a hearty potluck meal with fellow Mid-Mitten members, in the Visitor Center at Chippewa Nature Center; bring a dish to pass. Afterwards, we'll show our Annual Review of 2023 activities, election of 2024 officers; and generate new ideas for programs and activities.

Nov
16

"The Gardener's Guide to Prairie Plants" with Neil Diboll and Hilary Cox

Hosted by Wild Ones National
This event has ended
Thursday, November 16th, 2023
to (Central Time)
Online/Virtual

Public Welcome Will be Recorded Free Event Program/Speaker Presentation

Join us for an enlightening webinar featuring authors, Neil Diboll and Hilary Cox, as they present their latest book, "The Gardener’s Guide to Prairie Plants." This comprehensive compendium is a treasure trove of knowledge for gardeners looking to incorporate native prairie plants into their landscapes. Neil and Hilary will delve into the making and application of this essential guide, sharing rich historical and ecological insights about prairie ecosystems, all while showcasing stunning images of prairie flora. 

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Mid-Mitten 2022 Calendar

Second Monday of the month 6:30-8:00 PM at Chippewa Nature Center, 400 S. Badour Road, Midland – unless noted

Jan. 10  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!

Feb. 14  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.

Mar. 14  Saving Seeds and the Michigan Seed Library Network

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.

Apr. 11  How to Prune Trees and Shrubs the Right Way

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.

May 9  Native American Uses of Native Plants

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 be held inside the Visitor Center if inclement weather.