Eddy Discovery Center programs schedule revised for September and October

Editors’ note: Due to some technical glitches and errors in the schedule submitted for the article we published last week, we are publishing the corrected schedule of fall programs offered by the Waterloo Natural History Association at the Eddy Discovery Center in Waterloo Recreation Area. Some programs may be different from how they were listed in the previous article.

DRAWING CLASS WITH LIVE RAPTORS: 2–2:30pm — Introduction to Drawing; 2:30–4pm — Drawing Raptors: Sunday, September 25. Jen Koppin, artist and educator, and Francie Krawcke, raptor educator, team up to offer you an opportunity to develop your drawing skills using live raptors. Francie will have magnificent birds from Michigan Avian Experience for you to draw during the second portion of the program. Limited drawing supplies will be available, so bring your own paper and sketching tools. Program is limited to 25 people.

FALL MUSHROOM HUNT: 2–3:30pm, Sunday, October 2. Come search the woods to find and collect fall mushrooms! Afterward, mushroom expert Phil Tedeschi will talk about what you have collected and identify those that are edible. Bring a basket or paper bag and waxed paper for collecting. Limited to 30 people.

SELF-GUIDED FALL COLOR AND SANDHILL CRANE TOUR: Large numbers of sandhill cranes can be seen in parts of the Waterloo Recreation Area through late November. Beginning October 10, visitors may pick up free maps to the best fall color routes and crane viewing areas around the Waterloo Recreation Area.

BATS, HIBERNATION, AND WHITE-NOSE SYNDROME: 2–3pm, Sunday, October 16. In this informational program, you will learn about hibernation, why bats do it, and where in the state hibernating bats are found. Dr. Allen Kurta, an expert in bat behavior, will discuss how Michigan’s nine species of bats spend their winters, especially those that hibernate underground in mines and caves. The presentation will conclude with an introduction to white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that has decimated our bat population. Cost: $2/person or $5/family. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd in the Waterloo Recreation Area near Chelsea. Program limited to 50 people. Advance registration required at 734-475-3170.

WHO NEEDS ADAPTATIONS? 2–3pm, Sunday, October 23. Whether they have fur, feathers, or scales, all animals need special features that allow them to find food, avoid predators, and survive in their environment. Learn about some of these amazing adaptations in this hands-on program with live animals brought to you by Science Alive. Cost: $2/person or $5/family. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd in the Waterloo Recreation Area near Chelsea. Program limited to 50 people. Advance registration required at 734-475-3170.

SANDHILL CRANE TOUR: 2pm, Sunday, October 30. Local expert Bill Wells will talk about sandhill cranes and answer some of your questions about their fascinating behaviors. Afterward, he will lead a driving tour to view cranes in the fields around the Waterloo Recreation Area. Visitors can expect to see some of these magnificent birds at close range. Bring binoculars and cameras. Cost: $2/person or $5/family with State Recreation Passport. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd in the Waterloo Recreation Area near Chelsea.

ALLIGATORS AND THEIR REPTILE RELATIVES: 2–3pm, Sunday, November 13. Join us for an exciting, hands-on presentation of live reptiles from the Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary. You will have the opportunity to see large and small alligators up close along with other intriguing reptiles. Learn about the fascinating characteristics of these creatures and how they survive in the wild. Cost: $2/person or $5/family. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd in the Waterloo Recreation Area near Chelsea. Program limited to 50 people. Advance registration required at 734-475-3170.

Advanced reservations are required for all programs. These programs are presented at the Eddy Discovery Center at 17030 Bush Rd, Chelsea, Mich., in the Waterloo Recreation Area and are sponsored by the Waterloo Natural History Association The cost is $2/person or $5/family unless otherwise noted, but members are admitted free. Everyone is welcome to join WNHA. A State Recreation Passport is required for entry to the park.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.