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Regional Map

1991 Master Plan

Lady's Slipper Festival

A Guide for Educators to the Nature Center

Educational Lesson Plans now available
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IN THE WOODS

The Bird Watcher

Walking with Nature

Education in the Nature Center

Other Huron County Nature Trails

IN THE GIFT SHOP

NOT JUST FOR THE KIDS

A Day With Hawks And Owls

LINKS TO OUR FRIENDS

A Photographic Tour Of Huron County
By Bill Diller

Other Michigan Nature Centers

The Huron County Nature Center was founded in 1990 when the Huron County Board of Commissioners established a 280 acre nature center in Hume Township on property owned by the County since 1941. This tract, which includes the 120 acre wilderness arboretum, has been under the care of the Huron County Women's Clubs for more than 50 years.

In the past few years we have added handicap accessible trails, built a beautiful pavilion, added restrooms, and maintained the many walking trails which run through the wilderness.  Our Visitor's Center is undergoing renovations right now - a new roof, siding, windows, added insulation, and the complete renovation of our classroom space.

2012 Saturday Programs

Nature Photography

NOTE: The date for this workshop has changed to June 23, 2012 

2:00 PM to Sunset with a break at 4:00 PM.  Dale Vroch, a well-respected photographerand teacher from Lapeer, will present an intermediate level photography workshop. Limited to 10 people, the workshop will cost $35.00 per person.  Contact the Nature Center at (989) 551-8400.

Birds of Prey

July 7, 2012 - 10:30 AM -11:30 AM. Birds of Prey, with Joe Rogers. See live hawks, owls and other birds of prey. Joe is a fascinating wildlife rescuer and presents a very popular program.

All About Bats 

July 14, 2012 - 10:30 AM -11:30 AM. Organization for Bat Conservation. With live bats and a great presentation of the story of bats. You will learn why these little mammals are so important.

Michigan Snakes

July 28, 2012 - 10:30 AM -11:30 AM.  Nature Discoveries, with Jim and Carol McGrath - Michigan Snakes Alive. The kids will love this program and so will you. A great family program by these talented Michigan Naturalists.

Michigan Amphibians & Reptiles

August 11, 2012 - 10:30 AM -11:30 AM. Nature Discoveries, with Jim and Carol McGrath - Michigan Amphibians and Reptiles. Another "Hands On Program" - A great family program by these talented Michigan Naturalists.

Mushroom Identification

September 8, 2012 - 10:30 AM - ?  Mushroom Identification, with Dr. Ralph Czerepinski.  A guided tour of the art of mushroom identification and safety. A truly entertaining and educational excursion in the Nature Center.

Annual Fall Dinner

September 15, 2012 - Dinner at 6 PM /Program at 7 PM. Annual Fall Dinner, with a very special Program by to be announced. The Gift Shop will open from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM with end-of-season specials. There is a small charge for this dinner and program.

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Wilderness Arboretum

A Wilderness Arboretum is a place where plants, birds, insects, mammals, fungi - all things living or dead - are protected for scientific and educational purposes and for preservation of natural conditions. This tract of alternating sand ridges and shallow swales is a haven for nature lovers and environmentalists. Enjoy a refreshing walk along one of the well kept trails in the Nature Center.

<--- Click on the "Trail Starts Here" picture to the left for a printable trail map from the Michigan Trail Maps web site!

Renovation of the Visitor Center building is under way!

Our Visitor's Center is getting a much needed makeover!  The new roof is nearly complete and the old faux-brick siding is coming down.  Water damage was found behind some of the siding, so boards are being replaced before the new siding goes up.  New windows will be installed soon, and the ceiling insulated.  And we hope to have it all done in time for the Lady's Slipper Festival on May 26th and 27th!  

As always, we welcome community participation at the Nature Center.  Please contact us at 989-551-8400 to learn how you or your organization can help.  

Donations are always welcome and much appreciated, whether they be cash, materials, or your sweat equity!  

Update: The siding is now complete!

  A Short Drive To Wilderness

Located in Michigan's Thumb, 9 miles East of Caseville or 9 miles West of Port Austin just off of M-25, turn South on Oak Beach Rd. to Loosemore Rd. East to the Nature Center entrance. 14 miles Northwest of Bad Axe.

Our GPS coordinates:  Latitude 43.993405, Longitude -83.119925

For a regional map follow this link: REGIONAL MAP

Because we want The Huron County Nature Center to be available to ALL of the Citizens of Huron County and Michigan we have established a handicapped accessible trail. This paved trail through the beautiful wooded acres is dotted by bridges and observation decks. No matter what your physical condition, this trail is an enjoyable adventure in nature.

Video of Richard Louv on Last Child in the Woods

Help us bring our children to The Nature Center!

The Huron County Nature Center lesson plans are now available as a download. These are great for classes wanting to use the center for learning.

Follow this link

The Nature Center needs YOU!

The Huron County Nature Center Wilderness Arboretum is a non-profit organization run and staffed by volunteers who love nature and Huron County. If you would like to participate as a volunteer, we welcome you. To become a volunteer please print out the Volunteer Form and Mail to: Duane Wurst
7234 Berne Rd., Pigeon, MI 48755

VOLUNTEER FORM

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION