Upcoming Events
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Vernal Pool Patrol Field Day
March 28th from 1-5 PM at Chippewa Nature Center Join us for a day in the field collecting information for the community science project, Vernal Pool Patrol. This field day will provide hands-on practice identifying traits of vernal pools and the organisms that use them. By the end of the day, participants will have a deeper understanding of how to collect and submit data for the project. To attend this opportunity, you must complete the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) online training. Information will be provided upon registration. Please dress for the weather. Waterproof shoes are ideal. Register here! This event is brought to you by Little Forks Conservancy, Chippewa Nature Center and Chippewa Watershed Conservancy. |
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Vernal Pool Exploration
April 1st from 1-2:30 PM at Forestview Natural Area Discover more about the "coral reefs" of Michigan's forests during this vernal pool exploration at Forestview Natural Area. Attendees will get to learn more about these ephemeral wetlands and the critters that rely on them, including macroinvertebrates, frogs and salamanders. Attendees should dress for hiking in wet and muddy trail conditions, and if available, should wear ankle or knee-high boots. This event is free and open to all ages. ** This event is subject to cancellation due to weather or vernal pool conditions. Please visit our Facebook for updates.** |
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Preserve Stewards: Spring Trail Clearing
April 11th from 9-12 PM at Nelson Woods Help to maintain and clear hiking trails at Nelson Woods! Volunteers will walk the trails to remove debris, using tools like loppers and handsaws to clear vegetation and branches. Nelson Woods is currently closed as we continue development to open the preserve later this year, but volunteers will have access during this event. Please dress accordingly for working outdoors. Sign-up today to lend a hand! Register here! |
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Vernal Pool Exploration
April 28th from 1-2:30 PM at Riverview Natural Area Discover more about the "coral reefs" of Michigan's forests during this vernal pool exploration at Riverview Natural Area. Attendees will get to learn more about these ephemeral wetlands and the critters that rely on them, including macroinvertebrates, frogs and salamanders. Attendees should dress for hiking in wet and muddy trail conditions, and if available, should wear ankle or knee-high boots. This event is free and open to all ages. ** This event is subject to cancellation due to weather or vernal pool conditions. Please visit our Facebook for updates.** |
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Spring Ephemeral Hike
May 8th at 11 AM at the Albert & Virginia Szok Preserve Learn more about native Michigan spring ephemerals and see them firsthand on this guided hike at the Albert & Virginia Szok Preserve. Attendees will discover more about these hardy and short-lived plants within this preserve on the Salt River, in Sanford. The hike will be at a slower pace, with time for stopping to observe species along the way. In total, the hike will be around 1 mile on rustic dirt and grass trails. Register here! |
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Spring Cedar River Stream Sampling
May 16th at 10 AM at Gladwin Conservation District's Community Garden Help us monitor the water quality of the Cedar River by collecting macroinvertebrates! During this citizen-science volunteer event, participants will split into teams to sample sites along the river in Gladwin, before reconvening for lunch provided by Little Forks Conservancy. Spots are limited, so please register to reserve your spot. Register here! If you have any questions about the event, please reach out to Shelby at [email protected] or call 989.835.4886 ext 103. |
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Macros & Flies
May 18th from 5:30-7:30 PM at Grace A. Dow Memorial Library's Community Room Learn to identify macroinvertebrates from our rivers and try fly tying with local experts at this fun, hands-on event! Attendees will discover more about the important role of these aquatic insects in our ecosystems and how to identify them. Participants will also help to identify specimens collected during our Spring Stream Sampling event and use these specimens as models to create their own fly ties for fishing! This event is free and recommended for ages 12+. Register here! |
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Preserve Stewards: Trails and Trees
May 21st from 9-12 PM at the Averill Preserve Join Little Forks Conservancy to help clear the trails and maintain tree plantings at the Averill Preserve! Participants will walk the trails and use tools like loppers and handsaws to clear vegetation and branches. Additionally, volunteers will help to protect existing tree plantings along Averill Creek by maintaining and re-assembling tree protection tubing. Please register to help out on May 21st. Register here! |
