The 2024 Nature Know How programming series was generously sponsored by ITC Holdings.
Saturday, February 3, 2024 at 9AM (rain date - Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 9AM)
SBLC Office & Field Trip (Tuscola County) - 706 S. Euclid Avenue, Bay City, MI 48706
Snowy Owl Snowfari
Join Conservancy staff for a fun outing to find Snowy Owls in mid-Michigan’s winter landscape! Participants will meet at the SBLC office (706 S. Euclid Avenue, Bay City, MI 48706) for a brief program on the owls before caravaning out to the Fish Point State Wildlife Area in Tuscola County in search of Snowys. Although we cannot guarantee an owl sighting, something interesting is always bound to turn up on a Snowfari!
House Plant Propagation
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 6PM
SBLC office - 706 S. Euclid Avenue, Bay City, MI 48706
Did you know that some house plants can be propagated with readily available materials? Learn the basics of house plant propagation in this fun hands-on program hosted by Conservancy staff. Participants will meet at the SBLC office and leave with a better understanding of how to propagate more specimens from existing plants.
Spring Birding
Thursday, May 16, 2024 at 9AM (rain date -Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 6PM)
Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area - East end of East Kitchen Road, Pinconning, MI 48650
Spring migration is one of the most exciting times to get outside and look for birds in Michigan. Join Conservancy staff for a morning birding hike at one of the area’s top birding spots! The habitat at Nayanquing is excellent for waterfowl, shorebirds, passerines, and many others that nest or stop there during migration. Participants will get a chance to observe a variety of species and learn basic identification techniques.
More Spring Birding
Monday, May 20, 2024 at 6PM (rain date - Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 6PM)
Joseph Soehnel Nature Trail - North end of Knight Road, Essexville, MI 48732
Join Conservancy staff for an evening birding hike at one of the best birding spots in Hampton Township! This hike will take participants through forested, shoreline, and wetland areas on an easily traversable gravel trail, providing opportunities to see a variety of wading birds, raptors, warblers, and other passerine species throughout. Participants will learn basic identification techniques and get a chance to observe a variety of species.
Join Trevor Edmonds, the Conservancy’s program director and ISA certified arborist, for a crash course in tree identification. Participants will learn the basics of identification and what to look for when determining what species of tree you’re looking at. Participants will meet at Carroll Park’s main parking area at the end of Carroll Boulevard north of Groveland Road.
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 6PM (rain date - Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 6PM)
Carroll Park - 2201 Groveland Road, Bay City, MI 48708
Tree Identification
Fun with Nature Cyanotypes
Did you know you can make art with the power of the sun’s rays? Learn how in this family-friendly program focused on making cyanotype prints with found natural materials at Discovery Preserve! The cyanotype process, developed in 1842, is an economical photographic printing technique that uses the ultraviolet and blue light spectrum and requires only water to develop and fix the prints. Participants will leave with a series of prints of their own creation and the skills to make more in the future!
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 10AM (rain date - Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 10AM)
Discovery Preserve - 1701 S. Euclid Avenue, Bay City, MI 48706
Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 6PM (rain date - Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 6PM)
Discovery Preserve - 1701 S. Euclid Avenue, Bay City, MI 48706
Pollinator Plantings at Home
Have you ever wanted to turn a portion of your yard into a patch of pollinator-friendly flowers and plants? Conservancy staff will teach you the basics of establishing your own planting plot. Site preparation, planting techniques, resources for seeds, plants, and everything else you might need will be discussed to make your yard a more welcoming space for a wide variety of pollinator species!
Mead Making
Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 6PM
SBLC office - 706 S. Euclid Avenue, Bay City, MI 48706
Mead is thought to be one of the oldest alcoholic beverages still in existence around the world. Learn how to make your own and continue the tradition at this hands-on program hosted by Conservancy staff! Learn about the basic techniques and equipment necessary to successfully create your first batch and imbibe a drink enjoyed for centuries! Participants will meet at the SBLC office and will need to be at least 21 years of age to participate in this program.