environmental film series

If you are interested in films with an environmental message, and happen to be "up north" this summer, check out the University of Michigan's film and lecture series! (Free admission) The films range from "A Bug's Life" to more serious subjects such as "Gasland" (the environmental impact of natural gas fracking) and "The City Dark" (environmental and cultural impact of night sky pollution).  They will be shown at the U of M's Biological Station at Pellston. Be sure to call in advance, because sometimes there is a "hiccup" in the scheduling and titles/dates might be changed. For a listing of films and directions to the biological station, check out this website: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/umbs/events/environmentalfilmseries

The lecture series offers an equally diverse list of topics, including "Why do Smart People do Dumb Things", "Secret Singing Lives of Chickadees", and "Insect-Plant Interactions."  Here is the website for the lecture series: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/umbs/events/summerlectureseries

Enjoy the shows! 

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.