Learn about and handle Michigan snakes at the Eddy Discovery Center

Ribbon snake. Photo courtesy of Patrick Muldoon.

submitted by Patrick Muldoon, Waterloo Natural History Association Program Coordinator

Discover the outdoor world at the Eddy Discovery Center in the Waterloo Recreation Area! The Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center is located at 17030 Bush Rd, Chelsea, Mich., just 10 minutes north of Sharon Township, in the Waterloo Recreation Area.

This month they will be offering the presentation “Michigan Snakes Alive” sponsored by the Waterloo Natural History Association from 2pm to 3:30 pm on Sunday, June 14. Organizers explain, “Due to a lack of mainstream education, too many citizens are misinformed and unnecessarily fearful of wild snakes in the environment. Nature Discovery will present live specimens of up to eight species of Michigan native snakes while disseminating facts that serve to quell misunderstanding and ambivalence. Audience members are given up close encounters amid discussion that includes identification tips, habitats, preferred prey and issues related to the survival of species found in your neighborhood and around the state. Audience members will be invited to handle and photograph these ultra-gentle specimens. They will then be led in reciting a pledge to never harm a wild snake. A sticker will be distributed stating that they took the pledge.” 

The event costs $2/person or $5/family (free for Waterloo Natural History Association members). Please register for this program by emailing waterloonha@gmail.com with your name, phone number and number of people attending. A State Recreation Passport is required for parking.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.