2011’s line-up of Outreach Events is sure to please. Please consider joining us when you can — and bring a guest or two!
Wildflower Road Show Saturday, May 7 It’s spring and time to get outside and find the wildflowers! And in our area, early May is the perfect time to do just that. Choosing one spot is too difficult — so we’re going to pick a few of them. We’ll meet the naturalist at the COL office at 9:45 a.m. and caravan to 2-3 places where the wildflowers are just right. [NOTE: Photos of the Wildflower Road Show are now posted in the COL Photo Gallery!]
Voyageur Canoe Moonlight Marsh Excursion Wednesday evening, June 15 The ever-popular canoe trip in a whole new light! The moon will be full on Wednesday and if conditions are right, you’ll be able to see what the Louis J. Sima Marsh looks like by moonlight. Join Love Creek naturalists Kip Miller and Pat Underwood as we launch two Voyageur Canoes into the soft, dark waters of the marsh. (Members qualify for complimentary tickets based on membership level. This event has limited seating – you must reserve early to ensure participation.)
Live Bat Encounter Saturday, July 23, 11 a.m. They say bats are as cute as puppies and now you’ll be able to determine that for yourself. The Organization for Bat Conservation (OBC) is coming to the New Buffalo Performing Arts Center to present this exciting program which takes an up-close-and-personal view of these amazing animals. You’ll meet a Big Brown bat from North America and hear its high-pitched echolocation with a bat detector, meet fruit bats from Africa and Asia, and come face-to-face with the largest bat in the world, the Gigantic Flying Fox Bat from Malaysia. This beautiful bat has a nearly 6-foot wingspan! OBC’s entertaining founder and director, Rob Mies, has appeared on many television shows with his furry, winged friends including The Tonight Show and Late Night with Conan O’Brien. (Members qualify for complimentary admission for 1-4 persons based on membership level. Non-members of the community are welcome to participate as well. Call the office to reserve a spot and visit our website for updates!)
Nature of the Beach Saturday, August 20 Pat Underwood from Love Creek will lead us on a walk of Bridgman’s Weko Beach. COL hasn’t offered a walk at the beach for some time – this is a great opportunity to ask those pent-up questions about the dunes, the beach, and all its life forms! We will meet at the large parking lot (at the beach) at Weko Beach in Bridgman a few minutes before 10:00 a.m Michigan (the program will start promptly at 10:00). Look for the white Love Creek van where we'll have an overview and then we'll head to the beach. Unless you live in Bridgman, there is a $7 entrance fee to Weko. If you're interested in sharing a ride from COL's office, please call us.
2nd Annual Barn Benefit Saturday, September 24 Save the date for this year’s annual fundraiser which will take place at Middlebrook Farm near Three Oaks, MI. Last year’s party was wonderful with amazing raffle prizes, great music and food, along with the great feeling of supporting a cause that benefits us all! Click here to learn more details.
Fall Color Hiking Saturday, October 22 We’ll round out the season by viewing the beautiful fall foliage in the area. Check the website for exact time and meeting place.
Select Saturdays in January & February Just because summer and fall are mere memories, doesn’t mean we need to stop getting together! Depending on snow conditions in January and February, we’ll hit the trails at Love Creek for some hiking and cross-country skiing. We’ll bring the crock pot, you bring the smiles.
