Ecosystem Preserve News and Events
Snowshoe Hike
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Two Class Times: 10:00 am to 12:00 pm & 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Jeanette Henderson, Program Manager and Nancy McIntyre, Volunteer Naturalist
3rd to 8th graders accompanied by a parent/guardian
Registration Required by Jan 24, 2012
Got cabin fever? The only cure is to get out and enjoy nature! Join us for a morning or afternoon of snowshoeing! Never done it? Don’t sweat it, Nancy McIntyre will teach you the basics of snowshoeing. Then Nancy and Jeanette will lead you on a guided winter hike through sections Calvin’s cross country course. We will search for animal tracks and signs, learn more about how plants and animals in the winter and enjoy the snow. At the end the program, we will enjoy cookies and hot chocolate by the fireplace. Snowshoes will be provided free of charge, thanks to the generosity of Wittenbach Wege Agri-science & Environmental Education Center. Space is limited to 25 participants each time period. To registration visit http://snowshoehike.eventbrite.com/.
***In case of insufficient snow cover the program will be cancelled.***
Winter Discovery Hike
Saturday, February 4, 2012
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Jeanette Henderson, Program Manager
Join Miss Jeanette as she takes a winter walk through the preserve. We will learn about a variety of topics possibly including snow (if we have any), insects and birds in the winter, winter weeds & twigs, and animal tracking. This hike is recommended for families with children ages six years old and older. (Note: This hike will be similar to the snowshoe hike but without the snowshoes.) Come dressed for the weather. No registration required.
Creating and Maintaining Amphibian & Reptile Habitat Workshop
Saturday, February 18, 2012 9:00 am to 12:00 noon
Cost: $25 for Stewardship Network members or $30 for non-members. Register by Wednesday, February 15 online at or by calling the Stewardship Network office at (734) 996-3190
How to Help Injured & Orphaned Wildlife
Only DNR- licensed wildlife rehabilitator are able to care for injured and orphaned wildlife. In the Grand Rapids area, Wildlife Rehab Center Ltd is a good place to start. Before you call please make sure that the animal is truly orphaned or injured. Many young birds leave the nest before they can fully fly and with observation over time you will notice the parents are around. These young birds should be left alone. Other animals such as rabbits and deer will leave their young in secluded places for long periods of time and only returning to feed them. In general, watch the animal at a safe distance over a period of time first before you determined it is truly orphaned or injured. While you are doing this make sure all pets and young children are kept indoors away from the animal.
If you determine your animal needs help, gently capture it and place it in a shoe box lined with a soft towel/paper towel. The container needs to be kept in a quiet, warm place until you can transport it to a licensed rehabilitator. Do not feed or give water to the animal unless the rehabilitator tells you too. Please know that most rehabilitator are volunteers and have full time jobs during the day. It is important that you leave a message when you call so that they can return you call promptly.
Past Newsletters
The following newsletters are downloadable as pdfs.
