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

Choosing the Right Binoculars

Spring is a great time of year to grab your camera or a  pair of binoculars and head outdoors to enjoy the natural beauty that is appearing all around us every day.

When choosing binoculars consider how well they fit your hands, eyes and of course, pocketbook. Numbers such as “8X42,” refer to the magnification (first number) and field of view (second number), or how much area can be seen. To choose the best ones for you, "field-test” binoculars indoors first by looking at small type on distant signs, items of similar color, and poorly-lit areas. Ask yourself “field” questions, such as: Do they fit your hands? Are they light enough to hold up to your eyes for a while? Can you focus quickly, and on something nearby, or only on distant objects?

There are many great articles and reviews online with expert advice to help you choose the best pair for your needs. For more information, check out this review at Bird Watcher's Digest or feel free to call a Chippewa Nature Center Naturalist at (989) 631-0830.

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

The Test Tube with David Suzuki

What would you do if you had an extra minute to spare? Check out this playful look at the serious subject of global overpopulation and food shortages in this interactive film project The Test Tube with David Suzuki.

Brought to you by the National Film Board of Canada, they describe the experience as follows: "Lasting just a few minutes,The Test Tube with David Suzuki takes a playful look at global overpopulation and food shortages. The visitor is “placed” in a test tube as a bacterium. It starts with a simple question: 'We know you’re busy, but if you could find an extra minute right now, what would you do?' Those who answer are addressed by the Canadian scientist and environmental activist David Suzuki. Since 1971, Suzuki has been dedicating himself to combating the consequences of climate change – in both his scientific work and his activities as a radio and television personality. While Suzuki explains his analogy of a test tube slowly filling with bacteria for our increasingly overpopulated planet, we see the screen gradually fill with digital bacteria. Clicking on individual bacteria reveals messages from other people who answered the initial question. It turns out we are not as unique as we might like to think."

The short film is a blend of animation and live action like you've likely not experienced before. Take some time to check it out along with the cool interactive features of the site. If you had an extra minute, what would you choose to do?