Come discover your natural world at the Eddy Discovery Center

Eddy Discovery Center is located at 17030 Bush Rd. near Chelsea.

submitted by Kathy Claflin, Waterloo Natural History Association Program Coordinator

Public programs for October 2023 at the Waterloo Recreation Area are sponsored by the Waterloo Natural History Association. Programs are presented at the Eddy Discovery Center, located at 17030 Bush Rd, in the Waterloo Recreation Area, 10 minutes north of Sharon Township. To reach the Discovery Center, take M-52 north through Chelsea, turn left on Sibley Road, and follow the signs. Advanced registration is required for all programs. To register, call the Discovery Center at (734) 475-3170. Spaces are limited. Programs are $2 per person or $5 per family with State Recreation Passport. WNHA members are admitted free.

SEVEN OUTDOOR SKILLS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW! 2–3:30pm, Sunday, October 1. In this hands-on workshop, Meg Gower will show you traditional ways to navigate, as well as basic survival skills. Learn how to make fire without matches, build a shelter, locate water, signal, and more. Program geared to ages 10 to adult. Program limited to 30 people.

MICHIGAN BIRDS OF PREY: 2—3pm, Sunday, October 8. Survival at its finest! Francie Krawcke of Michigan Avian Experience will bring live raptors to demonstrate their remarkable survival adaptations and behaviors. Enjoy a close-up look at these magnificent birds.

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, free maps showing the best fall color routes and crane viewing areas around the Waterloo Recreation Area will be available at the Eddy Discovery Center or at www.wnha.org. The Discovery Center is located at 17030 Bush Rd., west of Chelsea.

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP: 2—3:30pm, Sunday, October 15. Here is an opportunity to learn how to capture great images, whether you are using your cell phone or a DSLR camera. Photographer Thomas Nighswander, who specializes in State and National Parks photography, will begin this workshop indoors followed by a walk on the trails for hands-on practice with your camera. The focus will be on what creates a great photograph, how to see with a creative eye, and how your camera can best capture those special moments. Bring your own camera or cell phone. Program limited to 25 people.

FALL FORAGING: 2—3:30pm, Sunday October 22. Join Rachel Mifsud from Will Forage for Food on a walk through the woods to discover what Mother Nature has to offer this fall. You will learn about edible, medicinal, and otherwise useful plants and mushrooms that can be found in the Waterloo area.

SANDHILL CRANE TOUR: 2pm, Sunday, October 29. Local crane enthusiast Bill Wells will begin this program at the Discovery Center with a short discussion of Sandhill Cranes and 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.

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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.