Summer Photo Feature

Summer is here! Walk the woods, fields or wetlands at Chippewa Nature Center and you'll discover abundant life whichever way you turn. Be sure to watch your step, as slow-moving critters such as snails might be using the path. Bees are buzzing, flowers are blooming and green leaves are coming into their prime. Be sure to check our program calendar for our next guided hike or paddling trip, and also enjoy our trails on your own from dawn to dark every day of the year. Check us out on Facebook to let us know what you find and post your own favorite pictures from your adventures at CNC!

Snail Eyes

Young American Basswood leaves

Spiderwort

Widow Skimmer Dragonfly (immature male)

Green Frog (female)

Michigan Lily

Bird Banding at CNC

A Common Yellowthroat warbler gets banded
at the CNC Wetlands Area. 

This year marks the 8th season of bird banding research at the Chippewa Nature Center Wetlands Area. The project is headed by Mike Bishop, professor of biology and ornithology at Alma College in Alma, Michigan. From year-to-year, the data he gathers gives us clues to the overall health of different species that live at CNC. Mike’s research follows the protocol of the national “MAPS” program (Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship). A Nature Center staff member will also be on hand to help answer your questions and identify birds and other animals that are swimming in the ponds or flying by.

Mike Bishop demonstrates banding a
Downy Woodpecker to CNC Day Campers.

Visitors are welcome to observe banding from 8am-Noon on days which Mike is here banding birds. During this time, you'll hear facts such as the species, sex and age of the birds and have the opportunity to ask questions. Bring your camera, as you'll have excellent opportunities for photography!

For a full list of banding dates this year, check out our webpage calender here. If rain or windy weather is threating, please check the website, our Facebook page or give us a call for updated schedule information.

The Merry Month of May

May is a special time of year at Chippewa Nature Center. It is a month of rain showers and blooming flowers, young rabbits and new fawns, paddling trips and birding trips galore. We hope you enjoy these pictures of the season, all taken in the month of May at CNC. Remember, you don't have to travel to the depths of wilderness or to exotic mountain locations to be immersed in the beauty of our natural world. All you have to do is open your door and step outside! For a full list of upcoming programs at Chippewa Nature Center, visit our website calendar.

American Robin

Painted Turtles can be found on many Nature Center ponds.

This stylized photo is a Rusty Blackbird along the Chippewa River. 

Eastern Chipmunk with a full cheek!

Serviceberry Blossoms

White-tailed Deer resting in the woods

May Apple leaves in the Beech-Maple Woods

A young Great-horned Owl perched near the Homestead

April Photo Sampler

Enjoy these pictures all taken in the month of April at Chippewa Nature Center. You can post your favorite photos taken at CNC on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cncmidland.

Canada Goose swimming in the Chippewa River

Wild Turkey Feather in the Arbury Woods

Flowers on a Basswood Tree

Red Maple Tree flowers

Opossum Hiding in the Brush

White-Tailed Deer Jumping in the Snow

White-Tailed Deer Peeking Through the Trees

Naturally...

We've nearly run out of our first order of Blurb Books in the Chippewa Nature Center Store, but more are on the way! Get your autographed copy today for only $24.95 (members receive a 10% discount). Live far away? You can also pick it up in our Blurb Bookstore. For every copy sold online, Blurb donates and extra dollar to CNC! For an article about our book, including an interview with the author, check out Janet's Journals.

N A T U R A L L Y by Kyle W. Bagnall | Make Your Own Book

Visions of Winter

As we close out the first month of the New Year, enjoy these scenes of winter, all taken at Chippewa Nature Center. Better yet, check out our program calendar and join us for a snowshoe hike, bird walk or other adventure on and off the trails at CNC!

Our "famous" Red Oak near the Maple Sugarhouse.

If you can't come see a view in person, check out our webcam,
which hangs directly below the River Overlook.

White Pine cone



Snowy Fungi

A Black-capped Chickadee searches for seeds in the snow



A Gray Squirrel (black phase) trying to keep warm under its tail

Sunshine through snowy branches

Welcome Winter

Enjoy these scenes of early winter taken at Chippewa Nature Center. Better yet, grab your boots and a camera and make some special memories of your own on our trails, open every day, all year long. For more information about CNC trails, click the CNC Trail Map on our blog and check out our website for program updates and more.


An American Crow looks for something to eat (or some mischief to get in to).

 

Mouse tracks lead to the base of a Sugar Maple tree in the Beech-Maple Woods



A Mourning Dove searches for seeds in the snow



Icicles form along the roof of the Nature Study Building





Fall Color Show

Tulip Tree leaves in the Arboretum.

Fall comes to the banks of the Chippewa River

Maples turn to gold in the Beech-Maple Woods

Aspen leaves on a bed of moss

Green, Orange, Red and Gold against a cloudy sky

Red Oak leaf  (literally!)

Spotlight of sun on a maple leaf 

September Photo Show



Sunrise at Chippewa Nature Center's Log Cabin

Big Maple Tree along Arbury Trail

 

Lily Pads change color too!



Amazing Fungi!

Canada Geese in Flight





August Photo Sampler

Room with a view

Tiny feet leave no footprints

Yin & Yang

A young grove marches into the field

A Carrot for Queen Anne