Come discover your natural world at the Eddy Discovery Center

Eddy Discovery Center is located at 17030 Bush Rd, just west of Chelsea.

submitted by Kathy Claflin, Waterloo Natural History Association

The Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center has announced its public programs for March 2023, sponsored by the Waterloo Natural History Association.

On Sunday, March 5, discover HERPS! MICHIGAN’S AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES from 2pm to 3pm. Nature Discovery will bring live snakes and turtles that can be found in Michigan. Observe these intriguing creatures up close as you learn about their diverse lifestyles and how they survive in our state. Following the program, you will have the opportunity to handle some of them and watch them eat. Cost: $2/person or $5/family. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd in the Waterloo Recreation Area near Chelsea. Please register in advance at (734) 475-3170.

An OLD-TIME MAPLE SUGAR FESTIVAL will be held from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, March 11. It’s time for that traditional rite of spring — tapping maple trees. Take a guided walk to see various methods of collecting sap, and learn how to boil it down to make syrup. Antique equipment for making syrup from the Waterloo Farm Museum will be on display, and maple products will be available for purchase. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd in the Waterloo Recreation Area near Chelsea. Contact the Center at (734) 475-3170 for more information. Free admission.

EYES ON THE FOREST: HOW YOU CAN HELP PREVENT NEW FOREST PEST INVASIONS is set for 2pm–3pm, Sunday, March 19. Exotic invasive pests continue to put pressure on Michigan’s forest health, and early detection of new invaders is critical for minimizing damage. Dr. Georgia Peterson will introduce you to some of these pests that are threatening Michigan’s forests. Learn how you can become a citizen scientist and adopt a “sentinel tree“ to help spot these invaders before they become widespread. At the Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd in the Waterloo Recreation Area near Chelsea. Register for this program by calling (734) 475-3170. Free admission.

Explore the world of SPIDERS AND THEIR KIN, from 2pm to 3pm, Sunday, March 26. Dr. Cara Shillington will introduce you to live spiders, tarantulas, scorpions, and other intriguing invertebrates. Learn about poisonous spiders in Michigan, where they hang out, and how to avoid them. Cost: $2/person or $5/family. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd in the Waterloo Recreation Area near Chelsea. Please register in advance at (734) 475-3170.

Advanced reservations are requested for all indoor programs. To make reservations call the Discovery Center at (734) 475-3170. Programs are presented at the Eddy Discovery Center at 17030 Bush Rd in the Waterloo Recreation Area. To reach the Discovery Center take I-94 to exit 157, go north and follow the signs. All Waterloo Natural History Association sponsored programs are $2 per person or $5 per family with State Recreation Passport unless otherwise noted. WNHA members are admitted free.

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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.