Community Field Trips, Volunteer Work Days, and Other Events
We hope you can help us finish building the great trail system at this preserve complex. We will be creating the new southern trail loop (without disturbing the nesting pair of Goshawks). Please bring work gloves, loppers, rakes, and lunch if you plan to stay the whole day. Call or email to register. The view at the top of the hill overlooking Lake Charlevoix is a sight to be seen. We are going to be clearing some trees to maintain the view for all to enjoy. Phase I will focus on a small section of the view clearing project. Volunteers will be moving brush, cutting small trees, and enjoying the scenery. Bring work gloves and any bow saws or loppers you may have on hand. Contact Mike Lynch to register, mike@landtrust.org. A NATURE PRESERVE SINCE 1981, THORNE SWIFT IS ONE OF THE MOST special destinations in the Harbor Springs area. But, is it really well enough protected? A survey in 2012 identified 12 species of invasive exotic plants in the 28 acre Preserve. Invasive exotic plants have the ability to take over native plant communities and form monocultures. They are one of the biggest threats to biodiversity and wildlife habitat, and can change the very appearance of a region. At this time, the invasive plant infestations at Thorne Swift are relatively minor, but control action is needed now to keep them in check. Little Traverse Conservancy and the Thorne Swift Nature Center are seeking to form a volunteer team to control invasive plants. If you love Thorne Swift, treasure it’s natural beauty, are interested in botany, and like being outdoors, please consider joining our team. The inaugural meeting will be held on Thursday June 20, 7 pm at the Thorne Swift Nature Center. Training sessions and scheduled work bees will follow. For more information, please contact Mike Lynch at Little Traverse Participants will be led through an exploration into the world of these fluttering insects and their amazing transformation from egg to adult. We will go on a fun excursion and then create a butterfly to take home. Butterfly Magic Participants will be led through an exploration into the world of these fluttering insects and their amazing transformation from egg to adult. We will go on a fun excursion and then create a butterfly to take home. To register contact Melissa Hansen (231) 344.1004 River Wildlife Come explore the new Boyne River Nature Area with Friends of the Boyne River and Little Traverse Conservancy. First, learn how acquisition of this project came about and then take a guided hike on the trails and new boardwalks through wetlands to the river’s edge. Find out what animals live in the river and nearby wetlands. Dip a net into the water – what will you find? Discover what animals inhabit this riparian zone and look for their tracks and homes. Registration required* Take a Hike! Good Hart Farms Nature Preserve Meet at parking lot on Robinson Rd. Take a Hike! Good Hart Farms Nature Preserve We will let the rest of the world buzz along as we focus on our five senses: hearing, seeing, smelling, touching and…tasting? Meet at parking lot on Robinson Rd.
June 2013
Presented by Molly Ames Baker, The Outfitter of Harbor Springs
This hands-on workshop is designed for educators, K-12 from all disciplines, who are interested in expanding methods, and resources to connect students to our local place. How can you use local resources – the lake, the land and the people in your community – to engage your students and reach deeper comprehension? Come ready to brainstorm, problem solve, and create real-world-sticky-learning for your students. In classroom and schoooyard. Light snacks provided – bring a lunch and stay. Contact Molly at (231) 838-7797 or mollyabaker@gmail.com.
Conservancy (231.347.0991), or John Riggs at Thorne Swift (231.526.6401).
Love the outdoors and taking pictures? Grab your camera for some photo fun with little Traverse Conservancy naturalist and photographer Sarah Mayhew! We will focus on helping you improve your nature photography skills, expand your creativity, and provide an opportunity to photograph unique and exciting subjects at the beautiful Birge Nature Preserve on Lake Michigan. This preserve offers a variety of habitats that are perfect for photographic exploration.
Butterfly Magic
We will let the rest of the world buzz along as we focus on our five senses: hearing, seeing, smelling, touching and…tasting?
Agenda
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