THE NEWSLETTER OF FENNER NATURE CENTER & FENNER...

FEBRUARY 2013

THE NEWSLETTER OF

FENNER NATURE CENTER &

FENNER CONSERVANCY

Frost-covered blackberry leaves.

STAFF

Jason Meyer, Executive Director [email protected]

Katie Woodhams, Program Manager [email protected]

Sid Dunnebacke, Bookkeeper

Gair Tourtellot, Explore Store Manager

Debra Swalya, AmeriCorps Youth Leadership Program Coordinator

Kirsten Johnson, AmeriCorps Stewardship Coordinator

Chiara Zuccarino-Crowe, Lead Naturalist

Adam Haviland, Staff Naturalist

MacKenzie Maxwell, Staff Naturalist

Dani Torcolacci, Staff Naturalist

INTERNS

Rae Ballantyne, Animal Care

Eric Blomberg, Events

Shaheen Kanthawala, Communications

Andrea Lazzari, Environmental Education

Sarah Ptasznik, Events

Samantha Stockwell, Events

EDITORS

Julie Feldpausch [email protected]

Jason Meyer [email protected]

Amy Moore [email protected]

PHOTOGRAPHY

Gennara Photography

David Marvin

Jason Meyer

Shawna Meyer

Catherine Popowich

Megan Segur

Aaron Snyder, The State News

Debra Swalya

Katie Woodhams

Courtney Woods

Paul Zerkle

NEWSLETTER TEMPLATE DESIGN

Redhead Design Studio virtualredhead.com [email protected]

PRINTING

Seasons is published four times per year and is received by all Fenner Conservancy members. It is printed by Jackson National via a sponsorship. Thank you Jackson!

In This I s sue01 LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

02 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

03 NATURE A-BOUNDS! INITIATIVE LAUNCHING ON EARTH DAY

04 MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL

05 EARTH DAY EXTRAVAGANZA

06 DONOR PROFILE: RON EGGLESTON

07 FENNER FIELD SCHOOL

ANNIE’S BIG NATURE LESSON

YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

08 STEWARDSHIP TEAM WINTER ACTIVITIES

EXPLORE STORE

09 VOLUNTEER LUNCHEON & AWARDS

10 KID SPACE

11 CREATURE FEATURE

SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES

12 PROGRAM AND EVENTS CALENDAR

16 DONORS & SUPPORTERS

ON THE COVER: FROST-COVERED BLACKBERRY LEAVES. | © DAVID MARVIN

OUR MISSION:

Fenner Conservancy connects people to nature in the heart of Lansing through conservation, education, and stewardship.

THE NEWSLETTER OF

FENNER NATURE CENTER &

FENNER CONSERVANCY

CONTACT US

Fenner Nature Center 2020 East Mount Hope Ave. Lansing, Michigan, 48910

Phone: (517) 483-4224

Web: mynaturecenter.org

Visitor Center Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 10am–4pm Saturday & Sunday, 12pm–4pm Closed Mondays & Holidays

Trails are open daily from 8am to dusk.

I OFTEN HAVE a hard time getting the process of writing this piece started—mainly because there are always so many exciting things happening at Fenner, and the editor only gives me so much space! But that isn’t an issue for this installment of “Seasons”—I know exactly what I want to say.

To our members, our supporters, our partners, and our community—thank you for your support in the past year. We are grateful for your continued enthusiasm about Fenner Nature Center and all of the positive steps we are taking to “shake things up” as we strive to better meet our mission. Specifically, thank you for:

• Supporting the launch of the Fenner Youth Leadership Program

• Helping us grow the Fenner Field School and summer camp programs

• Contributing to our endowment, annual campaign, and membership campaign

• Sponsoring, attending, or volunteering at our festivals and fundraisers

• Encouraging your friends and loved ones to experience Fenner for themselves

I could go on, but I want to talk about 2013, too! This year, your support will help us connect people to nature who might not otherwise have the opportunity to do so. It will also help us foster partnerships that create bridges between other local organizations that increase com-munity health and well-being or meet critical needs related to environmental education. You’ll also see some improvements at the nature center that make us more accessible, more fun than we already are, and that protect our biological island right here in the heart of Lansing. At the same time, you’ll see us make some bold moves away from some long-standing traditions that don’t effectively meet our mission so that we can devote the resources necessary to starting new traditions that do.

I hope that you understand that your contributions of time, talent, and money are making a HUGE difference here. We set the bar very high and are counting on you to help us reach our goals. Thank you again for loving Fenner Nature Center!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S LETTER

J a s o n M e y e r , e x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r

FENNER CONSERVANCY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jennifer Olson, President

Paul Beczkiewicz, Vice-President

Chong-Anna Canfora, Treasurer

Jack Schmitt, Secretary

Jennifer Battle, Member-at-Large

Ron Eggleston, Member-at-Large

Sara Frank-Hepfer, Member-at-Large

Amy McNamara, Member-at-Large

Amy Moore, Member-at-Large

Peggy Roberts, Member-at-Large

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Communications:

Amy Moore, Chair

Lori Lanspeary

Meghan Martin

Nancy Metzger

Suban Nur Cooley

Todd Ross

Development:

Paul Beczkiewicz, Chair

Chong-Anna Canfora

Ron Eggleston

Dr. Abdalmajid Katranji

Mark Ledebuhr

Amy McNamara

Peggy Roberts

Jack Schmitt

Facilities:

Jennifer Battle, Chair

Personnel:

Jennifer Olson, Chair

Lorie Bryce

Sara Frank-Hepfer

Jennifer Morris

Andrea Radel

Programming:

Sara Frank-Hepfer, Chair

Neilsen Hansen

Margaret Holtschlag

Virg Bernero, Mayor

“OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY KEEPS OUR DOORS OPEN. OUR SUPPORTERS HELP US ADVANCE OUR MISSION.”

~ JASON MEYER ~

Fenner nature center & Fenner conservancy February 2013 | SEASONS | 1

PHILANTHROPY (translated means “love of man”) is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to enhance the quality of life. The success of Fenner Nature Center depends upon the support of the commu-nity and region. As a member of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank everyone that provided in-kind and financial support to Fenner Conservancy in 2012. Our support-ers will be formally recognized in our annual report coming out this spring. If you would like to remain anonymous, please let us know.

Now that the calendar has flipped to 2013, we look forward to increas-ing our financial support from indi-viduals and organizations in order to fulfill our mission: “to connect people to nature in the heart of Lansing through conservation, education, and stewardship.” We will work on goals to create even more engaging programs, successful events, and an inviting facility and landscape. Your continued sup-port will help us continue to be successful at achieving our mission for current and future generations.

If you have any questions or want to discuss donor rights or opportuni-ties, please contact Jason Meyer (Executive Director) at 517-483-4224 or [email protected]. Or, contact me at [email protected].

In order to ensure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the nonprofit organizations and causes they are asked to support, Fenner Conservancy declares that all donors have these rights:

1. To be informed of the organization’s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.

2. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization’s governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.

3. To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements.

4. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.

5. To receive appropriate acknowledgment and recognition.

6. To be assured that information about their donations is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.

7. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.

8. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization, or hired solicitors.

9. To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.

10. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful, and forthright answers.

DONOR BILL OF RIGHTS

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

JenniFer olson, Fenner conservancy

BoarD PresiDent

Would you like to “go green” and receive the newsletter via e-mail? If so, please contact Julie Feldpausch at [email protected].

2 | SEASONS | February 2013 Fenner nature center & Fenner conservancy

IN THIS FAST-PACED WORLD full of gear, gadgets, and electronic tools that people have come to rely on, it’s easy to forget that we are each born with our own set of amazing tools—our five senses! Children naturally utilize these tools, along with their unbridled imaginations, to investigate their surroundings and learn about the world in which they live. Nature is saturated with sensory experiences; the sights, scents, sounds, textures, and even tastes of the outdoors offer an ever-changing classroom in which children can learn. Integrating play in nature and early childhood education is a holistic approach that nurtures growth cognitively, socially and emotionally, while creating healthier children through physical activity.

It is this intuitive relationship between nature and the development of the “whole self ” that brings the partners in this new project together. Fenner Conservancy, Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital (through AL!VE) in Charlotte, and Capi-tal Area Community Services (CACS) Head Start are thrilled to receive a three-year $69,000 grant through the PNC Foundation’s Grow Up Great initiative. Nature A-Bounds! is a fusion of early childhood education and nature play that increases qual-ity of life, and ultimately serves as preventative health maintenance. Through this initiative we are able to enhance school readiness and community services for low and moderate-income families. Additionally, it links together community resources in ways that have not been previously explored, providing fertile ground for today’s children to become not only school-ready, but LIFE-ready.

Nature A-Bounds! will provide this innovative approach to early childhood education to approximately 1,650 Head Start students and their families in Shiawassee, Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties over the next three years. Through lessons that utilize nature play at their core, these students will become school-ready as they develop cognitively, socially, and emotionally in a manner that also promotes physical activity. The program will also engage parents and caregivers by providing activities, lesson ideas, and materi-als that will encourage the learning to continue at home.

The impact and sustainability of Nature A-Bounds! will be further strengthened as each CACS Head Start location will be provided an on-site evaluation by Fenner Nature Center staff, complete with recommendations on how to utilize their own school yard to implement outdoor lessons and activities to their highest potential.

Whether in the school yard, at their local nature center, or in their own backyards, children that participate in Nature A-Bounds! will be actively learning about their world in a manner that fosters the development of their health and well-being. Please join us on Earth Day (April 20) to celebrate the launch of this exciting program!

NATURE A-BOUNDS! INITIATIVE LAUNCHING ON EARTH DAY

BY KATIE WOODHAMS AND JASON MEYER

LEFT: INSPECTING MINI ECOSYSTEM AT SPRING BREAK ADVENTURES RIGHT: PICKING OUT SNAILS TO PUT IN OUR MINI ECOSYSTEMS AT SPRING BREAK ADVENTURES

© KATIE WOODHAMS


AS OF THIS WRITING IN MID-JANUARY, it hasn’t really felt like we’ve had much of a winter. There is still cause for celebrating the first sign of spring, though—MAPLE SYRUP! A long-time tradition here at Fenner, the Maple Syrup Festival has been showcasing Michigan’s own “liquid gold” for almost four decades! Demonstrations in our very own sugar bush will take visitors on an interactive journey through the process of making syrup, from tapping the trees, to col-lecting the sap, to boiling it down to the sweet stuff !

Inside the visitor center, unique prod-ucts such as maple crème, maple sugar, and even maple cotton candy will be made on-site. We’re certain that you will want to take home more than a little bit of all of these products, in-cluding locally made maple syrup, so be sure to buy a Fenner tote bag in the Explore Store to carry your treasures. If you just can’t wait that long to try some of the real stuff (none of that imitation syrup here!), then head downstairs and order a short stack from the Fenner Griddle and warm up with some hot cocoa as well!

Because we are always evaluating ev-erything we do at the nature center to make sure that festivals showcase how magnificent a resource Fenner is to the community, we’ve made some significant changes to the structure of our events this year. For the Maple Syrup Festival, that means condens-ing it into a one-day special event on March 16th that draws more focus to

the environmental education piece that has always been at the heart of our pro-grams and special events. We have de-cided to save our great vendors for the fall at the Apple Butter Festival so that people can experience the visitor cen-ter, its interactive exhibits, and the resi-dent animals that we all love. Finally, we’ve decided to make our “Earth Day Extravaganza” celebration the signature event at Fenner, which means that our spring fundraiser will move to April 20th (more details to come soon!).

One thing that hasn’t changed though, is that we still need your help! There are great volunteer opportunities for individuals, families, and even cowork-ers to engage in that will make a sig-nificant difference to the breadth and quality of our festivals. Please visit our website to fill out our volunteer ap-plication or give us a call at the visitor center if you’d like to lend a hand.

MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 11AM–5PM

BY KATIE WOODHAMS, PROJECT MANAGER

© GENNARA PHOTOGRAPHY

The Maple Syrup Festival is only ONE DAY this year. Don’t miss your chance to sweeten your day with our famous maple cotton candy!


EARTH DAY EXTRAVAGANZA SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 7AM–3PM

EARTH DAY EVENT TO BE EVEN MORE EXTRAVAGANT!

Last year’s inaugural Earth Day Extravaganza really stood on the shoul-ders of some dedicated and passionate Michigan State University Fisheries and Wildlife students, who simply wanted to share their love of nature with the community. We worked with those students to expand their idea to include other student organizations as well as community partners to provide a day of scientific data collection, col-laborative teaching, and fun activities.

We never imagined that the small outreach event that we initially began planning would quickly grow into a robust festival that included seven uni-versity student organizations, educa-tional programs provided by Fenner’s affiliate groups and the Michigan DNR, and even a partnership with The Nature Conservancy! PNC Bank’s Mobile Learning Adventure rounded out the experience for children and

parents alike. Six hundred visitors of all ages participated in reptile and amphibian surveys, guided wildflower and bird-watching hikes, and pond dipping for tiny aquatic creatures, and got their hands dirty by working in our butterfly garden and even pulling over half a ton of invasive garlic mustard from the park!

We were so humbled and inspired by all of the support for this event that con-nected our community through con-servation, education, and stewardship, that we decided to do it again! This year’s Earth Day Extravaganza will be held on Saturday, April 20th from 7am–3pm. We’re looking forward to another successful day that will encour-age citizens to take pride in our city’s green spaces, get involved in the care and stewardship of those places, and be inspired to take the time to uncover the sometimes subtle but always amazing things that are happening outside, right under their noses!

If your business, club, family, or group of friends would like to join our “Garlic Mustard Pull Challenge” this year, please contact Kirsten at 517-483-4224 or [email protected]!

BY KATIE WOODHAMS, PROGRAM DIRECTOR

TOP & BOTTOM: BUTTERFLY GARDEN © AARON SNYDER, THE STATE NEWS TOP: SMOKEY BEAR | © KATIE WOODHAMS BOTTOM: JACKSON NATIONAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY VOLUNTEERS | © SHAWNA MEYER


RON EGGLESTON has supported Fenner for many years. For the past 15 years, he has served on the Board of Directors, including as President, and helped lead us through our transition from city management to nonprofit manage-ment. He was instrumental in working with the city to ensure a partnership that was mutually beneficial.

SEASONS: Ron, you have been deeply involved in Fenner Conservancy’s success for several years, both as a Board member and a community ambassador for Fenner. What do you think is the most important thing that the public should know about our organization and Fenner Nature Center?

Ron Eggleston (RE): What impresses me most is the interaction of a special place and many people who have loved the place and the experiences they have had here. Many have supported Fenner for years, and we are finding new people who love Fenner and want to support it all the time. We have also built a solid staff and engaged Board in the last few years.

SEASONS: Now that you are approaching a milestone, the end of your service as a Board member, what accomplishments do you see as you look back over the last 15 years?

RE: I don’t think those of us on the Friends of Fenner Board 15 years ago had any idea of what we would be required to do. A few years ago, major change was forced upon us by the City of Lansing’s need to reduce its support for operations at Fenner, and we had to find a way to continue sup-porting a nature education program. I am proud of my efforts to help Fenner survive this crisis and create a vital organization, renamed Fenner Conservancy, that is able to successfully manage the Nature Center and its programming.

SEASONS: Like many other long-time supporters, you have given generously with your time, talent, and “treasure.” Why is supporting Fenner important to you?

RE: First, I believe in the mission of Fenner because we need to continue to find ways to connect people to nature. I grew up on a farm, with woods and a stream running

through it, so my life was shaped by the natural world. Many people, especially children, in an urbanized setting do not have daily opportunities to experience nature. Fenner, the place, can provide connections and our splendid staff can provide the guidance to make those con-nections meaningful.

Second, my support is freely given out of respect for those who came before me and built the foundations for today’s Fenner. While the list of these people is too long to recite, it includes Carl Fenner, Scott Turner, Ted Black, Lee and Roger Laylin, Joe and Phyllis Bogle, Rayford Johnson, Leona Good, Joan and Rick Brigham, Clara Bratton, and Fern Featherly. I also want to mention the more recent contributions of Jennifer Olson, Carol Miller, Sue Davis, and Julie Feldpausch.

SEASONS: In addition to your annual membership, you and your wife Sue have contributed to our endowment fund to ensure the long-term sustainability of our programs. Recently, you and Sue made an important life decision to leave us a planned gift in the form of a charitable gift annuity that is managed by the Capital Region Community Foundation. What led you to make this type of gift?

RE: Sue and I wanted to make a mean-ingful contribution to Fenner’s future, as a vote of confidence for what is going on now at Fenner. We were not in a position to give an immediate major donation, since we are both retired and living on fixed income and assets. We were look-ing for ways to increase our own income stream, and there is no savings account, money market fund, or CD that produces the income that an annuity can. Moreover, there are tax advantages that go with the establishment of a charitable annuity. We saw a situation where we could help our-selves now with income and help Fenner in the future when we are gone, when the residual of our annuity will go into Fenner’s endowment fund. We hope our example is something many of our long-time sup-porters will consider as they look at their finances and seek ways to express their concern for Fenner’s future.

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you would like to consider Fenner Conservancy in your estate planning, please contact Jason Meyer, Executive Director at 517-483-6024 or [email protected].

DONOR PROFILERon Eggleston

PHOTO OF RON EGGLESTON | © JASON MEYER

© GENNARA PHOTOGRAPHY


THE YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM has gotten off to a great start! The weekly meetings have gotten participants excited and prepared for various stewardship activities, and we have a lot of new things planned for our upcoming meetings. The Youth Leadership Program’s next new member orientation session will be on March 3 from 1–3pm. Our other upcoming meetings, which are every Sunday from 1–3pm, will include a GPS workshop, Volunteer Skills Training, and multiple service project opportunities. Our Youth Leaders will also have the opportunity to volunteer at the Maple Syrup Festival, and will be helping plan volunteer projects and events for the Earth Day Extravaganza!

For more information or to apply for the Youth Leadership Program, e-mail Debra Swalya at [email protected] or apply online at mynaturecenter.org.

UPCOMING YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES

BY DEBRA SWALYA, AMERICORPS YLP COORDINATOR

THE FENNER FIELD SCHOOL takes traditional nature day camps to the next level! This two-week nature academy uses a rich blend of writing, art, math, technology, and history to examine the complex natural and human influences that have shaped our environment.

This multi-faceted approach to conservation education ignites critical thinking and problem solving to address both histori-cal and current environmental issues. Students will use scien-tific methods and tools to identify ecological problems that are

impacting their community, then develop their own steward-ship project to address those concerns. By recruiting and leading adult and peer volunteers to assist them in accomplishing their project goals, students will get a rewarding experience as they grow into the next generation of environmental stewards.

To see a great video of the Fenner Field School, go to http://vimeo.com/channels/lrn101/57628649.

BY KATIE WOODHAMS, PROGRAM MANAGER

UPCOMING FENNER FIELD SCHOOL (GRADES 3–8)

IF THERE IS ONE SCHOOL PROGRAM that best helps us meet our mission, it is without a doubt Annie’s BIG Nature Lesson (ABNL). For the past eleven years, Fenner Nature Center has occasionally been transformed into a “remote school” for thousands of students. For an entire week, stu-dents from local schools come to Fenner to connect with na-

ture in ways that are impossible with our regular 90-minute school programs.

This spring, our ABNL students are taking an even closer look at the environment than previous students have. Thanks to funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, grants have been made available to the

community. Fenner and ABNL were awarded a $5,000 grant from the Community Reinvestment Fund, which is part of the Mid-Michigan Program for Greater Sustainability. The Fund is administered through the Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council. This grant will engage ABNL students in working alongside land use and environmental planners and other ex-perts to identify and explore local environmental issues. Each ABNL class will explore a separate issue and then will come together for the ABNL Environmental Summit at Fenner later in the spring to share their findings and possibly even develop some solutions. Of course, we hope that some of these students stay with us here at Fenner in our Youth Leadership Program!

BY JASON MEYER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

a n n i e ’ s BiG n a t u r e l e s s o n D i G s D e e P e r


STEWARDSHIP TEAM WINTER ACTIVITIES

EXPLORE STORE Thank you for shopping at the Explore Store! We appreciate the many Fenner members and staff

who patronized the Store in December. You helped restore sales close to normal after a drop in

sales due to miserable weather in October and November. We are looking forward to many new and

restocked products coming soon in the Store—be sure to stop by and see our newest additions!

BY GAIR TOURTELLOT, EXPLORE STORE MANAGER

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PROGRAM MANAGER, KATIE WOODHAMS, FOR HER RECENT APPOINTMENT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MICHIGAN ALLIANCE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND OUTDOOR EDUCATION!

© Catherine Popowich

LILY OF THE VALLEY | © KATIE WOODHAMS

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE | © DEBRA SWALYA

The Fenner Nature Center Stewardship program has been bustling this winter. We’ve had a couple of very successful workdays, thanks in part to the mild winter weather. We’ve spent much of our time preparing the trails for winter by laying fresh woodchips. We were able to cover roughly 150 feet of trail. We also pulled about 20 pounds of garlic mustard from the wooded area near the visi-tor’s center and removed a good deal of oriental bittersweet from trails near the woodland pond. As part of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service, 85 volunteers removed invasive spe-cies and spread woodchips on trails. Watch for future announcements of bimonthly workdays for February and March.

In addition to our stewardship activities, we also offer a weekly walking program to engage visitors in enjoying the nature center while getting active and staying healthy. The idea behind this program is to provide Lansing nature lovers with an opportunity to maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying the crisp, cool air at Fenner. The nature center has miles of beautiful trails and endless opportunities to see and enjoy wildlife, all while walking for better health. The walks are currently taking place on Wednesday evenings from 5–6pm and Saturday mornings from 8–9am. Come meet us at the visitor center to join us as we hit the trails.

BY KIRSTEN JOHNSON, AMERICORPS STEWARDSHIP COORDINATOR


ON DECEMBER 8, Fenner Conservancy hosted the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. Volunteers who gave many hours of their time throughout the year along with those who were crucial to our events’ planning and success were invited to celebrate the year at Fenner. We would like to thank those who helped grill some delicious burgers and brats, and all who brought fabulous sides and desserts!

During the luncheon, we recognized outstanding volunteers who contribute to each of the “teams” that make up Fenner Conservancy’s volunteer corps. The Volunteers of the Year for the “Stewardship Team” were Gene Hengesbach and Kathy Prelesnik for their continued effort to help educate the public about the importance of native plants. Both have contributed many hours to helping install and maintain the new Wild Ones native plant gardens in front of the visitor center.

The “Visitor Center Team” Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Karin Eirosius, who lends us her smiling face and organiza-tional skills in the front office twice a week.

The Fenner Conservancy Board of Directors recognized Board President Jennifer Olson as this year’s “Outstanding Board Member.” Her tireless dedication and leadership has helped Fenner Conservancy continue to grow and better meet our mission.

The “Special Events Team” recognized Andy Eagle as well as the St. Casimir Knights of Columbus as Volunteers of the Year. Fenner is greatly appreciative to Andy for all the help coordinating and cooking the food at our past year’s festivals and fundraisers.

Franni Tourtellot was awarded the Volunteer of the Year for the “Explore Store Team” and has given countless hours to the Explore Store that include selling merchandise, performing inventory and stocking, on top of providing great customer service to our visitors!

The “Overall Volunteer of the Year” was awarded to Roger and Lee Laylin for their many years of dedication and continued support of Fenner Nature Center. Whether helping coordinate events or sprucing up the visitor center, we appreciate the enormous contribution of their time this past year!

In addition to the customary annual awards, a new award was introduced at the luncheon. The “Carl G. Fenner Outstanding Volunteer” award will be presented periodically to a volunteer that stands out from the crowd and demon-strates an extremely high level of passion, dedication, and commitment to Fenner.

The inaugural recipient was Nathan Martineau, a 16-year-old resident of Lansing. Last December Nathan decided that he wanted to compete in the American Birding Association’s Young Birder of the Year Award and chose Fenner Nature Center as the location for his research. During the months of his project Nathan went above and beyond by contributing many hours to helping with various activities at Fenner, includ-ing working with our summer camp participants and helping at special events.

We thank all of those who attended and who volunteer throughout the year at Fenner. You are all truly appreciated.

BY DANI TORCOLACCI, STAFF NATURALIST/VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

v o lu n t e e r l u n c h e o n & a wa r D s

© CATHERINE POPOWICH


To me there is nothing more calming then taking a walk in the woods listening to the wind blow and the birds chirp. Right away the stress just floats away with the clouds I am watching. For most of you, experiencing nature has the same positive effect and children in particular can benefit from just being outside. In nature, children instinctively use their imaginations to play with different possibilities and outcomes. Also, it has been well documented that children who are able to play in a natural landscape are better able to focus and communicate with their peers and adults (Maller 2010). So even while it is getting colder, make it a priority to get outside and play. Following are some ideas to get you started.

Become an Animal Forget about being a sophisticated adult and morph into an animal with your child. Ask your child where do we live? What do we eat? A child can easily turn this game into a narrative that could have you playing outside for hours.

Quiet Observation Go outside, have your child pick a spot and quietly listen with them for at least 5 minutes. What do you see and hear? Start writing a nature journal together.

Scavenger Hunt Print out pictures and/or descriptions of plants and ani-mals for your child to find while on a nature walk. This will have your child paying attention to detail and practicing their observation skills.

Sources: http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Outdoor-Activities.aspx

Maller, Cicley. 2010. Healthy Parks, Healthy People: The Health Benefits of Contact with Nature in a Park Context. http://www.georgewright.org/262maller.pdf

BY MARTHA HAGLUND, FORMER STAFF NATURALIST ABOVE: WALKING THE TRAILS BOTTOM: COLORING TREE BARK WITH CHALK AND WATER

(PROJECT FROM DECEMBER KIDSPACE)

© Katie Woodhams

PLAYING OUTSIDE MELTS STRESS


n o rt h e r n c a r D i n a l (Cardinalis cardinalis)With the leaves fallen from the trees and the ground covered with snow, Michigan in the winter has a subdued color palate that makes a perfect back-drop for the bright red Northern Cardinal. Northern Cardinals belong to the genus Cardinalis, which contains many diverse species around the world. Most people refer to the Northern Cardinal as simply “Cardinal” or “redbird.” The male Northern

Cardinal has red plumage with black markings around its face. The female has a brown body with some red wing, tail, and crest feathers. Both males and females have a unique crest of feathers on their heads and red beaks. They eat seeds (both wild and the ones left out by birdwatchers) small berries, and insects. At Fenner, you can often see Northern Cardinals feasting at the bird-feeding area.

Northern Cardinal males claim specific territories and mark those areas through elaborate songs to ward off other males. Males and females have different songs they sing to each other. Both also make a short, high-pitched single note chirp to warn of threats or to help locate other Northern Cardinals. Their chirps and a flash of red amongst the branches will let you know that a Northern Cardinal is nearby.

BY DAVID MARVIN, VOLUNTEER

NORTHERN CARDINAL | © DAVID MARVIN

KNEE HIGH NATURALISTS | © COURTNEY WOODS

We have been working hard to showcase everything you can experience here at Fenner through social media on Facebook, Twitter,

and YouTube. And, we’ve also had some help from people who just love coming to Fenner! Check out what some people are say-ing or posting, take a gander at our social media yourself, and maybe share your own story!

(in response to our post about Fenner’s Youth Leadership Program) “Man, that program fills me with confidence for the future. Level-headed youngsters outside and being productive. Muy bueno.”

RICHARD ZARRIA, DECEMBER 2, ON FACEBOOK

(in response to our post about how people spent their weekend in this unusually great weather) “Spent a lot of it outside. Almost got mugged by the crazy turkey at the entrance to Fenner :P”

JEREMY FOWLER, DECEMBER 3, ON FACEBOOK

(in response to our post about how turkeys seem to think their reflections are other turkeys) “Birds always make a nest near where I park my car—they attack their reflection all day. Silly birds”

EMILY STEVENS, DECEMBER 5, ON FACEBOOK

(in response to our post about providing shelter for wildlife in our garden this winter) “Winter? What’s that?”

KEVIN WERNET, DECEMBER 10, ON FACEBOOK

(in response to the River Trail in Lansing making it on the list of the Top 10 Nature Runs in the United States) “How cool that Lansing made the list and I think it’s a great idea to take your run right onto Fenner’s trails!”

CINDI MARTINEAU, DECEMBER 19, ON FACEBOOK


Nature Story Hour (Ages 4–6)

FIRST SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH | 1–2PM

Our resident librarian will be leading a nature story hour in the visitor center that is geared towards children between the ages of 4 and 6. After the story, children can participate in a craft and watch a family-friendly nature video.

Cost: FREE

Knee-High Naturalist (Ages 2–5)

JANUARY 3–MARCH 28 | 10–11AM, EVERY THURSDAY

Do you have a “Knee-High Naturalist?” If they are between the ages of 2 and 5, come on out and join us for a hike, some fun crafts, other activities, and maybe even a story! Each week we will get acquainted with the natural world through different themes such as turtles, bugs, flowers, and birds.

Cost: $5/Class

Maple Syrup Tours & Festival

FEBRUARY 25–MARCH 15 | TOURS MARCH 16 |11AM–5PM | FESTIVAL

March means Maple Syrup! As winter comes to a close and the sun’s rays become warmer, the trees begin to awaken for the coming growing season, causing the sap to rise in our sugar maple grove. Come help us celebrate this uniquely North American tradition. We will demonstrate how the sap has been collected and made into delightfully sweet syrup throughout the ages. Warm up in the Visitor Center with hot chocolate and sample some maple syrup and maple sugar. ATTENTION EDUCATORS: Remember to bring your classroom out for our famous Maple Syrup Tours during the 3 weeks prior to the festival. Our tours fill up quickly. Call today to reserve your spot!

Tour Cost: $3.00/Person, Minimum of $50 |Festival: FREE

Earth Day Extravaganza

APRIL 20 | 7AM–3PM

Honor the legacy of Earth Day by giving back to nature with Fenner Nature Center and our community partners! Explore the local flora and fauna alongside biologists, hobbyists, and students during our annual “Bioblitz.” Form a team among your friends or coworkers to compete in our “Garlic Mustard Pull Challenge” and help restore habitat for wildlife.

Cost: FREE

PROGRAM & EVENTS CALENDAR

NATURE EDUCATION TOURSGet your students out in nature and fulfill a variety of science, social studies, math, and language arts GLCEs while you’re at it! We offer programs for students in grades pre-K through 12, and general programs for home-schoolers and community groups, all of which can be viewed on our website: www.mynaturecenter.org. Please call to make a reservation.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESWe have opportunities for groups of young people and adults to volunteer indoors and outdoors—maintaining our trails, creating displays, helping with events, and clearing invasive species from our natural areas. This is a great way to get connected to your community parks, grow closer together through service, and learn about our ecosystem.

Also, we have opportunities for people of all ages to help with the Maple Syrup Festival and Earth Day Extravaganza.

Please visit our website at www.mynaturecenter.org or call 517-483-4224 for more information.

CALL 517-483-4224 TO REGISTER!12 | SEASONS | February 2013 Fenner nature center & Fenner conservancy

Animal Adaptations

MARCH 26 | 9AM–4PM

Animals have all sorts of weird, awesome, funny, and creepy adaptations for surviving in their environment. Learn all about these adaptations and have a chance to practice many of them for yourself through plenty of outdoor exploration, games, and crafts!

Cost: $25.00 Lansing Residents/$30.00 Non-Residents

Decomposition Day


Discover all about the different ways the earth recycles important resources like food, air, and water, as well as ways we can help the earth recycle. Participants will then create their own personal sustainable ecosystems!


Pollinator Pals


Springtime is here and plants are coming back to life! Learn about the role that many animals play in helping plants grow, as well as how important pollination is for people through games, crafts, and outdoor activities.


The Art of Nature


Nature is full of art! Use your creativity to paint, draw, and sculpt using natural materials. Participants are sure to return home with plenty of their own masterpieces that are inspired by nature.


Project Wild, Project Wild Aquatic and Flying Wild Workshop for Educators

APRIL 13 | 9AM–5PM

Whether you are a formal educator looking to earn 6 SCECHS (formerly SBCEUs), an environmental educator looking to expand your knowledge, or a parent or caregiver who wants to learn more about using nature as a teaching tool for your children, this workshop is for you! Perfect for children K-8, including high school extensions, these 3 books provide fun and easy lessons that cover environmental topics ranging from forests to wildlife, and watersheds to migrating birds with lessons that are aligned with GLCEs!

Cost: $95.00 includes lunch, curriculum books, and more!

SPRING BREAK ADVENTURES (AGES 5+)

CALL 517-483-4224 TO REGISTER!Fenner nature center & Fenner conservancy February 2013 | SEASONS | 13

Flying Wild!

JUNE 18–21 | TUESDAY–FRIDAY | 9AM–4PM

Let your imagination soar to new heights in this expedition into the realm of birds, bats, and bugs! Find out how these animals fly, and how they have fascinated and inspired engineers and scientists to take to the skies!


NSI - Nature Scene Investigators

JUNE 25–28 | TUESDAY–FRIDAY | 9AM–4PM

Hone in your observation skills and sharpen your senses! There’s a ton of action happening outside, you just have to know how to find it. Use the tools and techniques of real scientists to gather clues and solve nature’s mysteries!


Ooey, Gooey, Slimy and Sticky

JULY 9–12 | TUESDAY–FRIDAY | 9AM–4PM

Being a part of nature is dirty business! These animals might not be the cleanest in the neighborhood, but they are definitely some of the coolest! From fish to frogs and salamanders to snails, follow the slime trail to learn about some of nature’s messiest residents!


Down in the Dirt


Nature ROCKS—literally! Dig into the world of archeology, geology, and paleontology this week and unearth the stories of our planet that lie just beneath the surface.


Branching Out


Let your sense of adventure climb to new heights as we go out on a limb and discover the important role of trees in the ecosystem. Learn who uses trees for shelter, food, and fun as we delve into the depths of the forest.


Livin’ on the Edge

JULY 30–AUGUST 2 | TUESDAY–FRIDAY | 9AM–4PM

It’s a wild world out there, so animals must have what it takes in order to stay alive! Uncover some astonishing animal adaptations, then test your own abilities in navigation, foraging, and other essential skills for survival.


PROGRAM & EVENTS CALENDARSUMMER NATURE DAY CAMPSAnother exciting summer is upon us at Fenner Nature Center! Our nature day camps are better than ever, with brand new weekly themes that blend exciting games, nifty crafts, and lots of scientific inquiry that will inspire even the youngest naturalists!

Extended care is available from 7:30–9am for $15 per week and 4–5:30pm for $15 per week. Fenner Conservancy Members receive a 10% discount. Camps are divided into groups of children that have completed grades K-1 and completed grades 2–3.

CALL 517-483-4224 TO REGISTER!14 | SEASONS | February 2013 Fenner nature center & Fenner conservancy

Inspired By Nature

AUGUST 6–9 | TUESDAY–FRIDAY | 9AM–4PM

Travel back in time and across the globe to reveal how nature has inspired artists, poets, and even inventors through the ages! Make paints and sculptures from natural materials like prehistoric artists, create your own nature-inspired inventions like Leonardo daVinci, and write poems like Robert Frost that all celebrate the great outdoors!


Animal Architects

AUGUST 13–16 | TUESDAY–FRIDAY | 9AM–4PM

The natural world is constantly “under construction.” Busy builders like termites, spiders, beavers, and bees are masters when it comes to building homes, catching a meal, or even redesigning the whole neighborhood! Put on your hard hat and see if you can measure up to these incredible, industrious creatures!


AFFILIATE GROUP MEETINGSCapital Area Audubon Society: March 7, April 4, May 2

Cedarsong Grove: March 24, May 5

Michigan Society of Herpetologists: March 24

Wild Ones Red Cedar Chapter: March 20, April 17, May 15

All meetings are open to the public and interested persons are invited to attend.

CALL 517-483-4224 TO REGISTER!

Fenner Field School (Grades 3–8)

SESSION 1: WETLANDS AND NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE JULY 15–26 | MONDAY–FRIDAY | 9AM–4PM

SESSION 2: TBD AFTER ABNL ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMIT AUGUST 5–16 | MONDAY–FRIDAY | 9AM–4PM

Explore! Inquire! Develop! The Fenner Field School is a 2-week long nature academy for students who have completed grades 3 through 8. Unlike other nature camps, this multidisciplinary approach to learning about the environment integrates math, science, reading, writing, social studies, art, and critical thinking skills with teamwork and leadership development. Through this approach to conservation education, we can address serious environmental topics in fun, exciting, and personally-rewarding ways. Our goal is to help our participants avoid “Nature Deficit Disorder” and get outside!

Cost: $400/session

SUMMER NATURE DAY CAMPS


F e n n e r c o n s e r va n c y D o n o r s & s u P P o rt e r s n o v e M B e r 1–D e c e M B e r 31, 2012

Thank you donors and supporters for your generosity!

Endowment

Heath, Frederick (in loving memory of JoAnne Lynn Heath)

$5,000+

Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council

$2,000–$4,999

Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC

Henning Farms (Paul Henning & Barbara Toman)

$1,000–$1,999

Roberts, Jack & Peggy

$500–$999

Miller, Carol

Moore, Amy

$100–$499

Eastern Booster PTSA

Adams, Glenna

Anonymous Donor

Battle, Jennifer

Bauer, Doris H.

Beckon, Larry & Jean

Beckwith, Gladys

Bogle, Joe & Phyllis

Brigham, Dave & Jan

Brigham, Rick

Cheney, Bruce & Peggy

Couretas, Martha

Dunnebacke, Sid & Sandra

Eggleston, Ron & Sue

Featherly, Fern & Charles

Gaukel, George

Hewitt, Jim

Holtschlag, Margaret

Huddy, Catherine & Andrew

Lewis, Gordon & Marie

Meyer, Jason & Shawna

Millar, Charles & Susan

Monaghan, Mary

O’Brien, Patrick & Amy

Olson, Jennifer & Ledebuhr, Mark

Peebles, Charles & Elizabeth

Pfizer Foundation

Priest, Ronald & Helen

Rawsthorne, Carolyn & Larry

Reader, Kris

Williams, Jeff & Whitten, Joy

Up Through $99

Aldenbrand, Martha

Anonymous Donor

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Bernsten, Jan & Rick

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French, B.

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Moore, Betty

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Northrup, Guilford

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Spink, Gordon & Jane

Stout, Lawrence

Stowe, David W.

Tomboulian, Jeff

Tourtellot, Gair

Trosko, Philip

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Woodcraft Kits Wasserman, Gene

Weaver, Harold & Betty

Wilkerson Johnson, Veronica

Wolf, Roger & Debra

Woodhams, Katherine

Young, Kathryn

Zack, Rose & Everett



MEMBERSHIP FORM

Fenner Conservancy connects people to nature in the heart of Lansing through conservation, education, and stewardship.

Your membership helps us meet that mission. Thank you for your support.

President’s Club $1,000+

Naturalist $500–999

Adventurer $250–499

Explorer $100–249

The Grand Family $60

Family $45

Individual $30

Student/Senior $25

Name(s): Phone:

Address:

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Please contact me about additional giving options (endowment, planned gifts, etc.)

Membership Amount Enclosed: Level:

Donation to Annual Fund: TOTAL ENCLOSED:

Please make check payable to “Fenner Conservancy” and return form to:

Mail: Fenner Conservancy, ATTN: Membership, 2020 E. Mt. Hope, Lansing, MI 48910 Fax: 517-377-0012 E-mail: [email protected]

M e M B e r s h i P l e v e l sMemberships are one year in length.

Please cut off the following section and return along with your contribution to the address below.

FENNER NATURE CENTER

FENNER CONSERVANCY

2020 EAST MOUNT HOPE AVE.

LANSING, MICHIGAN, 48910

Newsletter printing generously provided by:

MARCH PHOTO CONTEST WINNER | © Paul Zerkle

DECEMBER PHOTO CONTEST WINNER | © Megan Segur

Enter your Fenner photos into our monthly photo contest

for a chance to share your work and win great prizes!

Find out more at mynaturecenter.org

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