Come discover your natural world at the Eddy Discovery Center

Winter walkers at the Eddy Discovery Center in December 2022

submitted by Kathy Claflin, Waterloo Natural History Association Coordinator

The Eddy Discovery Center, located in the Waterloo Recreation Area west of Chelsea, announces its public programs for February 2024, sponsored by the Waterloo Natural History Association.

Advanced reservations are requested for all programs unless noted. To make reservations, call the Discovery Center at 734-475-3170. 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.

All Waterloo Natural History Association sponsored programs are $2.00 per person or $5.00 per family with State Recreation Passport unless otherwise noted. WNHA members are admitted free.

WINTER ORIENTEERING: 2 – 4pm, Sunday, February 4. Bring the family and challenge yourselves to an afternoon adventure in the forest with outdoor enthusiast Meg Gower. Winter is a great time of year for learning how to use a compass to find your way in the woods. This program is suitable for all ages and skill levels. Compasses will be
provided or bring your own. Cost: $2/person or $5/family. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd. in the Waterloo Recreation Area near Chelsea. No registration required.

VERNAL POOL PATROL: 2 – 3pm, Sunday, February 18. From frozen frogs to floating fairies and fragile fingernail clams, Master Naturalist Doug Jackson will share the wonders of our enchanted woodland pools. Learn about the fascinating creatures that inhabit these pools and find out how you can participate in a statewide program collecting data about them. Your data will help to protect these often overlooked, yet delicate and important, ecosystems often referred to as the coral reefs of the Midwest. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd. in the Waterloo Recreation Area near Chelsea. Register for this program at 734-475-3170. Free admission

NATURE IN WINTER: 2 – 3:30pm, Sunday, February 25. Naturalist Robert Ayotte will lead a walk along the Discovery Center trails to find out about life in the forest in winter. Learn how to recognize some of our native plants and how they are adapted to survive the frigid temperatures. We will search for signs of animals, including their tracks if there is snow on the ground. Dress for the weather, and be prepared for icy trails. Cost: $2/person or $5/family. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Rd. in the Waterloo Recreation Area near Chelsea. No registration required.

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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.