Saturday, May 10th
Young Naturalist Spring Outing 2008 - Spring Treasure Hunt
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
For 7-12 year olds (siblings with parents welcome). No, we won’t be looking for gold, but we will seek out nature’s treasures at the Thorne Swift Nature Preserve! Leaves unfurling, flowers blossoming, insects emerging - life is renewing all around! Use a treasure map and written clues to help you locate some natural treasures. Seek out the scrolls to find out interesting facts about what you find and add stickers to your chart along the way to show what you’ve discovered! No charge, but registration is required by calling the Conservancy office: 231.347.0991.
Saturday, May 17 10 am
Geocaching at Goodhart Farms Preserve
A beginners how-to geocaching event. The Conservancy’s own Charles Dawley will briefly explain how the GPS system works and then help you find two newly-placed geocaches on the preserve. Approximately a two-mile, easy hike. Please bring your own GPS receiver units.
Saturday, May 31 7:30-9:30 am
Birding at the Birge Nature Preserve
Experience spring migration and its amazing bird diversity while exploring the Oliver and Edna Birge Nature Preserve in the Les Cheneaux area. Join LTC member and avid northern Michigan birder, Sally Stebbins, in a treasure hunt for the “jewels of spring.” Enjoy the sights and songs of warblers, vireos, flycatchers and other neotropical songbirds that use the preserve for nesting during the short summer season. At the same time, appreciate the many resident birds that depend on the preserve’s biologically complex habitat year-round. During this outing, we will carefully search cedar wetlands, hardwoods, a small lake, and the Lake Huron shoreline. Binoculars are essential, and the leader will have a spotting scope. Hiking boots or waterproof footwear recommended, and bring snacks and water if desired. Bring
sunscreen and insect repellent, and have rain gear available, as the birding will continue rain or shine. Also, be sure to bring your sense of wonder!
Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29
Sea Kayaking Les Cheneaux
Two trips, each from 10 am to 4 pm
Join Woods & Water Ecotours on a guided paddling excursion among the bluewaters and forested shoreline of Les Cheneaux. The 192-acre Seiberling Stewart Nature Preserve, on Marquette Island, is our first stop. Here, on the largest island in the chain, we will break for an Up-North picnic lunch. The journey will continue from Marquette Island to Birch Island, a protected gem among the archipelago. Meet a local historian and landowner for a guided tour of the island. No prior experience is needed, but participants must be in good physical condition. Total paddle distance is 4 miles. Trip is limited to 10-12 people. Cost is $60 per person including lunch, kayak and gear rental, instruction and guide service. To make your reservation, please contact Jessie Hadley at 906.484.4157 or visit www.woodswaterecotours.com.
