Benefit dinner for Nature Center Board Member, Bill Goretski
Sunday, May 19th from Noon to 3:00 PM at the North Huron School Cafeteria, Kinde, MI
Sponsored by North Huron Schools
Sponsored by North Huron Schools
A 280 acre Nature Center...
established on a tract of untouched land in Hume Township, Michigan, the Huron County Nature Center and Wilderness Arboretum has been under the tender care of the Huron County Women's Clubs since 1941. In 1990 the Huron County Board of Commissioners formed this center for the enjoyment and education of the public. The Nature Center is open all year round, and admission is always free.
What is a Wilderness Arboretum? It is a place where plants, animals, insects, fungi - all things living or dead - are protected for scientific and educational purposes and for the preservation of the natural environment. The Nature Center's geography of alternating sand ridges and shallow swales is a haven not only for native Michigan species, but for Michigan nature lovers and environmentalists. Enjoy a refreshing walk along one of the well kept trails of the Nature Center. |
Lady's Slipper Festival
Our annual Lady's Slipper Festival will take place May 25th and 26th, 2013, Memorial Day weekend. See the rare Pink Lady's Slipper Orchid, along with live music, fantastic food, and local arts vendors.
This year we will have another birdhouse building workshop for the kids on Saturday morning, free with a food item for the local food pantry. Come early for this workshop - the birdhouses go fast! The Nature Centre is a wonder in any season, but springtime is an especially lovely time to visit. Take a look at our blog, Walking in Nature, to see photos of the 2012 festival. |
A letter from a donor...
"...I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the work you do in protecting this irreplaceable gift that I have always called since childhood, "The Woods" ... you all are giving the whole world a priceless gift."
"...I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the work you do in protecting this irreplaceable gift that I have always called since childhood, "The Woods" ... you all are giving the whole world a priceless gift."
Visitors Center Renovations
The HCNC Visitors Center
Our Visitors Center, which includes the gift shop and classroom, is currently undergoing extensive renovations. The roof has been replaced, new siding and energy-efficient windows have been installed, and the classroom has a new insulated ceiling as well as new drywall and a fresh coat of paint.
This building has been a work in progress. A former modular classroom, it was generously donated to the Nature Center by the Huron County Intermediate School District in 2008. We provided the foundation and had the 2,500 square foot building moved to the site. The building was dedicated that same year during the annual Fall Dinner on September 20th. Through a donation by the late Lorraine Kanaga of Harbor Beach, the water and septic systems were completed in 2010.
After the current renovations the building will be nearly 'finished'. Future plans include a solar panel system for electricity, and heating that will make the building available in the winter months. If you or your organization can help the Nature Center reach these goals, please contact us! Your interest is welcomed and appreciated!
This building has been a work in progress. A former modular classroom, it was generously donated to the Nature Center by the Huron County Intermediate School District in 2008. We provided the foundation and had the 2,500 square foot building moved to the site. The building was dedicated that same year during the annual Fall Dinner on September 20th. Through a donation by the late Lorraine Kanaga of Harbor Beach, the water and septic systems were completed in 2010.
After the current renovations the building will be nearly 'finished'. Future plans include a solar panel system for electricity, and heating that will make the building available in the winter months. If you or your organization can help the Nature Center reach these goals, please contact us! Your interest is welcomed and appreciated!
A short drive to wilderness...
The Nature Center is located in Michigan's Thumb, in between the shoreline towns of Caseville and Port Austin. Take M-25 to Oak Beach and turn south on Oak Beach Road. Loosemore Road will be on your left, turn down Loosemore and the Nature Center will be on the left about 1/4 mile down.
Our GPS coordinates are:
Latitude: 43.993405
Longitude: -83.119925
No matter where you are in southeastern Michigan, you are just a short drive away from one of the Thumb's most beautiful spots!
Huron County is proud of it's extensive and varied shoreline, as well as its productive farmland. The Nature Center sits between these two environments; to the north is Lake Huron, and just a few miles south are open fields. This wooded area, once covering the entirety of the Thumb, is being preserved for the enjoyment of all.
Click here to go to the Michigan Trail Maps website and download/print an excellent map of the Nature Center trails!
Our GPS coordinates are:
Latitude: 43.993405
Longitude: -83.119925
No matter where you are in southeastern Michigan, you are just a short drive away from one of the Thumb's most beautiful spots!
Huron County is proud of it's extensive and varied shoreline, as well as its productive farmland. The Nature Center sits between these two environments; to the north is Lake Huron, and just a few miles south are open fields. This wooded area, once covering the entirety of the Thumb, is being preserved for the enjoyment of all.
Click here to go to the Michigan Trail Maps website and download/print an excellent map of the Nature Center trails!
The Nature Center through the seasons...
Friends of the Nature Center
Thumb Cellular www.thumbcellular.com
Bill Diller, Photographer www.dillerphoto.com
D&D Construction, Caseville, MI
Mia Smith, Artist, Port Austin, MI
Wildlife Recovery Association www.wildliferecovery.org
Nature Discovery http://naturediscovery.net
Organization for Bat Conservation www.batconservation.org
Dr. Ralph Czerepinski, resident mushroom expert
The Pasta House Restaurant, Kinde, MI
Lee's Landscaping, Bay Port, MI
Scheurer Hospital, Pigeon, MI
Bill Diller, Photographer www.dillerphoto.com
D&D Construction, Caseville, MI
Mia Smith, Artist, Port Austin, MI
Wildlife Recovery Association www.wildliferecovery.org
Nature Discovery http://naturediscovery.net
Organization for Bat Conservation www.batconservation.org
Dr. Ralph Czerepinski, resident mushroom expert
The Pasta House Restaurant, Kinde, MI
Lee's Landscaping, Bay Port, MI
Scheurer Hospital, Pigeon, MI