Saving Birds Thru Habitat
Calendar of Events for 2010
For all events (except Nature North) please meet at the Habitat Discovery Center, 5020 North Putnam Road. For additional information/directions, call 231-271-3738. Loaner binoculars are available.
May 14-16, 2010
West Michigan Birding Festival, Ludington, MI
Our Executive Director presents "Breakfast for Birds" on Friday at 4PM.
Check out this great new event.
May 26, 2010 | 10:00am - Noon
SBTH/Leelanau Conservancy bird hike on Charter Sanctuary
More than 60 species of birds have nested on the sanctuary since the Charters purchased it seventeen years ago. Leaders: Conservancy docent Bobbie Poor and SBTH Executive Director Kay Charter.
May 29, 2010 | 10:00am - 4:00pm
Plant Native/Plant Michigan
SBTH will participate in this native plant sale at Four Season Nursery.
Check website for more details.
June 5, 2010 | 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Charter Sanctuary bird hike with Kay Charter
This hike will focus on the many species nesting on the sanctuary, including rarities like the mourning warbler as well as more common species like Baltimore oriole, common yellowthroat, indigo bunting and many others.
June 12, 2010 | 10:00am - 4:00pm
Nature North
Saving Birds Thru Habitat is a participant in Nature North at Boardman River Nature Center in Traverse City. This year's event promises to be the best to date. Bring your kids and grandkids to take part in hands-on nature based activities. Find event info at www.natureiscalling.org.
June 24, 2010 | 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Butterfly Hike with Duke Elsner
The Grand Traverse area has a rich diversity of butterfly species, thanks to the many plant species and landforms of the region. Some species are likely to be encountered almost anywhere, but there are many species that can only be seen by venturing into their unique habitats. This hike will take you through several different habitat areas at SBTH in an effort to see both common and some very special species of Michigan butterflies.
June 28, 2010 thru July 2, 2010 | 9:00am - Noon each day
SBTH Day Camp at Discovery Center
New to the summer calendar this year, Wonders of the Wild Day Camp has some answers for kids who wonder, "What's going on out there?" Curious campers, age 7 to 11, can join the fun at the Saving Birds thru Habitat Discovery Center near Omena where they will explore plant power, investigate the insect world, search for salamanders and slithery snakes, go on a songbird safari and discover some amazing mammals.
Artist Susan Fawcett will spend a morning teaching the kids how to draw birds, we will learn how to use a birding field guide; each child will receive his or her own copy to keep, and we will dissect barn owl pellets to learn what the birds had for a meal.
Five adventure-filled mornings from 9 - 12, begin on June 28 and culminate on July 1 when the WoW campers will share what they have learned by planting a Wildlife Magnet - a garden of native plants - at the Old Art Building in Leland.
The camp fee is one hundred dollars per child. Deadline to register is Monday, June 14th. For information and registration please call 231-3738.
July 17, 2010 | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Walking in a Good Way
People of all ages will appreciate our presentation by Hank Bailey, Grand Traverse Band Natural Resources Department of Fish and Wildlife Technician. Hank will discuss and demonstrate native philosophies and traditions as they relate to the Anishnaabek's relationship with the environment. How do these ancient philosophies and traditions relate to present day treatment of our environment? Join us for this program, where you and your family will learn to walk in a good way.
July 24, 2010 | 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Native Plants with Landscape Designer Brian Zimmerman
Join Landscape Designer Brian Zimmerman of Four Season Nursery who demonstrates how to incorporate native trees and shrubs in an a way that is attractive to us as well as birds. Brian will have a substantial selection of native trees and shrubs for sale following his presentation. His motto is: Plant Michigan/Plant Native
August 25, 2010 | 9:00pm - Midnight
"Sugaring" for Moths with Duke Elsner
Warm August nights bring out a group of beautiful moths called "underwings" because of their boldly patterned hind wings. At rest on tree trunks during the day, their bark-colored front wings cover the bright hind wings, making them almost impossible to notice. This night-time walk will take you along a woodland path to see these moths as they come to feed on a bait made of sugar and several "secret" ingredients.
August 28, 2010 | 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Vern Stephens presents North American Prairies
Vern will present a PowerPoint program on the importance of this unique ecosystem. Native prairie plants will be available for purchase.
September 18, 2010 | 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Lakescaping
Sarah U'Ren, Program Director for the Watershed Center, will demonstrate how to landscape your property with an eye toward protecting your watershed. Lakescaping is a set of landscaping practices done along a lake's shoreline that are beneficial to water quality and the environment, minimizing traditional grass lawns and maximizing natural plantings of native flowers, grasses, trees and shrubs. Incorporating a greenbelt garden (or buffer strip) along your shore is one of the best things you can do on your waterfront property to protect water quality. Learn how these greenbelt gardens protect water quality, prevent erosion, increase property values, and attract wildlife to your shoreline.
This presentation will be particularly helpful to riparian owners.
September 25, 2010 | 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Introduction to Prairies
Powerpoint program by Kay Charter followed by a prairie hike on Charter Sanctuary. This program represents a partnership between Saving Birds and Plant It Wild, an organization dedicated to fostering greater awareness and appreciation of the fragile natural environment of our region.