Call or text: 989-551-8400
Trails open all year long, dawn to dusk
HURON COUNTY NATURE CENTER
THE NATURE CENTER AT A GLANCE
Established on a tract of untouched land in Hume Township, Michigan, the Huron County Nature Center and Wilderness Arboretum was, in 1941, put under the care of the Huron County Women's Clubs. In 1991 the Huron County Nature Center, Inc. was formed with the mission of preserving the 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.
ABOUT THE NATURE CENTER
Our trails are open year-round, dawn to dusk (closing at 10:00 PM), and admission is always free.
Our Visitor's Center building is open on weekends during the summer months.
Dogs are allowed on our walking trails. They must be on a six-foot or shorter leash, and please come prepared to clean up after your dog and take the waste with you.
Horseback riding is not allowed on our trails. Our boardwalks are not built to support the weight of a horse and our trails are not wide enough to accommodate horses and walkers.
Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome on our walking trails, especially on the paved loop. Otherwise all wheeled and motorized vehicles are prohibited on our walking trails.
UPCOMING 2021 EVENTS
2021 PROGRAMS AND FESTIVALS:
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July 24th – Reptiles and Amphibians – 10:30am - Nature Discoveries returns with their live animal program and their long experience and extensive knowledge of these animals. Generously sponsored by Schock McCoy Productions.
July 31st – Saving and Sharing Seeds – 10:30am - Ben Cohen of Small House Farms will give an energetic and informative presentation highlighting the importance of community seed sharing programs, and why planning, saving, and sharing seeds is essential to the cultivation of sustainable neighborhoods and healthy communities. Learn how to save heirloom seeds from your garden to enjoy a bountiful harvest for years to come!
August 7th – Milkweed and Monarchs – 10:30am – Join us as we explore monarchs, milkweed, and how our community helps monarchs migrate to Mexico. We will have activities, experiments and fun!
August 14th – Wetland Wonders – 10:30am - Naturalist Caitlin Stone-Webber will be talking about the importance of our local wetlands and the critters we can find there. Come to learn about these amazing ecosystems and meet some of the wonderful creatures!
August 21st – PaleoJoe – 10:30am - The Michigan Basin is rich in paleontological history. Award winning paleontologist, author and story-teller, PaleoJoe will be here to teach you about the incredible paleontological history Michigan has to offer. Hear stories about the varied creatures that once inhabited the ancient tropical seas that covered much of the Midwest.
October 9th – Fall Mushroom Workshop – Jennifer Turner will return in search of our fall favorites: the puffballs, chanterelles, and honey mushrooms, just to name a few. This workshop will go over identification and home preparation.
October 16th – Fall Color Highlight – A day dedicated to our fall colors. Come walk our trails to see the breathtaking change our trees undergo as they prepare for winter. Learn the basics of watercolor painting as you create an autumnal maple, aspen, or oak leaf under the guidance of artist Wanda Eichler. We will provide paper, brushes, and paint, and the Nature Center will provide inspiration!
Family Adventure Nights -
June 16th, June 30th, July 14th, July 28th Naturalist Caitlin Stone-Webber will once again welcome families to the nature center for stories, trail walks, and hands-on projects! Make some memories and learn about the natural world together! Suggested donation of $5 per family.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
DONATE TO THE NATURE CENTER
As a volunteer-run nonprofit, the Nature Center relies on donations and grants to fund our operations.
You can help by making a financial contribution today.
Thank you!
MEMORIALS,
COMMEMORATIVE BENCHES
& PLANNED GIVING
MEMORIALS
Huron County Nature Center may be designated to receive donations in lieu of flowers as part of a memorial service. All donors will receive a letter from HCNC acknowledging their gift and a list of donors will be mailed to the family notifying them of contributions made in memory of their loved one.
COMMEMORATIVE BENCHES
A commemorative bench at the Nature Center is a meaningful way to honor a special person or significant event. Commemorative benches allow visitors to sit and enjoy their surroundings. For additional details click on the 'More Information' button below.
PLANNED GIVING
Planned giving includes gifts through wills, charitable gift annuities and charitable trusts. Other types of planned giving include life income gifts, gifts of life insurance, charitable lead trusts, retirement plan gifts, and charitable remainder trusts. Please consult your estate and trust lawyer and/or financial professional if you are considering any of these options.
REACH OUT:
For any of these options please contact us:
Huron County Nature Center
PO Box 462
Port Austin, MI 48467
Call or text: (989) 551-8400
Email: hello@huronnaturecenter.org
CONTACT US
Mailing address:
Huron County Nature Center
PO Box 462
Port Austin, MI 48467
Call or text: 989-551-8400
