Science funding has been on the chopping block lately, most recently during the federal government’s sequester when it proposed a reduction of funding for early-career researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Over the years, NIH-funded scientists have won 140 Nobel prizes, an excellent return-on-investment. With traditional funding for scientific research on the decline, it is vitally important for communities to nurture local talent and provide bright minds with the experiences they need to feed their curiosity. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute has funded over 100 undergraduate researchers in nine years and has experienced acclaimed success. On September 14, join in supporting the Institute’s efforts to promote environmental education and research by attending a special event, “A Latesummer Night’s Green.”

Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders

Improving Habitat for Grassland Birds

A Latesummer Night’s Green

Jessica Gilginas (left) and Megan Harvey (right) with mentor Joe Jacquot (far left) listening for radio-collared raccoons. The Harvey and Gilginas study is “Spatial Ecology of Raccoons at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, in Relation to Raccoon Latrine Sites Known Foci for the Spread of Baylisascaris procyonis, Raccoon Roundworm.”

Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm Weekends - Open for programs only

Closed Closed Labor Day

Monday, September 2 Closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday

Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29

Open Daily Dawn - Dusk

To promote environmental education, research, preservation, and appreciation.

Carl Schoessel, President Jeff Garrison, Vice President

Jim Toburen, Treasurer Joe Pierce

Hilary Snell Todd Geerlings Shaily Menon

Naturally Speaking is published quarterly by

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute 701 West Cloverdale Road

Hastings, MI 49058 Tel (269) 721-4190 Fax (269) 721-4474

cedarcreekinstitute.org

Copyright 2013 Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

All rights reserved

September - November 2013

Many scientists, artists, and philosophers have credited the ability to ask questions as the single most important characteristic of Homo sapiens. The study of life and the ability to innovate have fundamentally changed the human race. The nurturing of human curiosity, in relationship to the natural world, is the primary objective of Pierce Cedar Creek Institute whose mission is “to promote environmental education, research, preservation, and appreciation.” Scientific research has far-reaching implications, even if the application of the research is not realized until much later. Each small discovery is a building block upon which life-changing innovation is made possible. Simple questions and observations of the garden pea led the priest/scientist Gregor Mendel to develop the basis for the booming genetics industry. Mathematical inquisitiveness and a handful of Albert Einstein’s equations have contributed to many innovations over the years, not the least of which is a device many people take for granted – the Global Positioning System. Yet, according to a March article in the Baltimore Sun, the federal government’s recent sequester proposed to “Abruptly eliminate about 80 percent of funding for early-career investigators in their most creative years.” National Institutes of Health funding of young researchers, in their formative years, has led to 140 Nobel prizes according to the article – a good investment by any account. In the same article, author Michael Milken wrote, “Our commitment to the future starts with STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education…Funding newly-trained scientists is not an entitlement… It is not too late to reaffirm America's strategic investment in our future health and prosperity.” The competitiveness of our nation in today’s economy and global market depends on the advances made by the scientific workforce. The STEM initiative is a major focus of the non-profit group Teach for America. By the group’s recent account, the United States ranks 25th in math and 17th in science among developed nations. To address this concern, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute this year funded students from

Calvin College, Central Michigan University, Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University, Olivet College, Valparaiso University, and Western Michigan University. Research students will formally document 13 studies and make presentations to state, national, and possibly international audiences. Through URGE (Undergraduate Research Grants for the Environment) grants, the Gordon Art Fellowship, and a Nature in Words grant, the Institute provided support for 20 students this year to pursue science, art, and writing projects. By connecting students with scholars and researchers from different disciplines, the Institute

Jessica Gilginas with a sedated baby raccoon at the Institute's wet lab (research highlighted on the front cover).

Katelyn Geleynse (pictured) and Diane Harris are mentored by David Dornbos Jr. of Calvin College. Harris and Geleynse work on the development of a “GIS Model to Optimize the Gross Primary Productivity of Terrestrial Plant Communities and the Potential to Store Carbon in Soils at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute.”

seeks to enrich the opportunities of undergraduates and promote a stronger understanding of the environment through quality educational programs. “This year is the ninth year of our research program, and the Institute has provided nearly $1 million in funding directly to students and faculty mentors so they can complete their research projects at the Institute,” said Executive Director Michelle Skedgell. The Institute’s URGE program has funded more than 100 undergraduate researchers over a nine-year period. Since its inception, not including 2013, the Institute has funded 11 aquatic ecosystem, 14 terrestrial ecosystem, 26 vertebrate, 24 invertebrate, and 18 botanical studies. All final reports may be found on the Institute’s website, cedarcreekinstitute.org. Through the recent addition of an undergraduate visual arts grant, funded by the Gordon Art Fellowship, and an undergraduate creative writing grant entitled “Nature in Words,” the Institute has created the opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration between young scientists, artists, and authors. The most recent addition of an Artist-in-Residence program has continued to enrich the experiences of students and mentors from diverse backgrounds. “The stipends provided to the students allow them to spend a summer conducting research instead of working at a summer job,” said Skedgell. “The experience can be life-changing, and much of the feedback from past researchers proves that.” Most students have indeed commented that their summer research at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute has been a life-altering experience. The hands-on knowledge these students have gained conducting field research, compiling data, arriving at conclusions, and publishing their studies has proven to be invaluable to them. Many leave the Institute to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees, become researchers and teachers, and contribute to their communities in a variety of ways. “Much of our funding comes from the interest earned on the endowment funds

set up by Bill and Jessie Pierce, but like most non-profits with endowments, it doesn’t cover everything, and we need to build outside support to be able to maintain and grow our efforts,” said Skedgell. “Funds from programming, membership, facility rentals, and fundraisers help us offset the expenses of operations and ensure we protect our endowment through a responsible spending policy.” Barry County is fortunate to have many supporters of education and the arts, as well as numerous collaborators, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Thanks to the vision of Bill and Jessie Pierce and the support of a dedicated community, the Institute continues to develop into a regional force as an environmental education center and biological field station. Future leaders in science, art, and literature are developing their skills by conducting important research in rural Barry County. On September 14, the Institute will host its annual fundraiser, “A Latesummer Night’s Green.” The event will be a fun opportunity to help support the important work taking place at the Institute. Last year, “A Latesummer

Night’s Green” raised $17,000 for program and research support. Plans are well underway for this year’s fundraiser with a goal of raising $23,000. “It’s exciting for us to see a growing number of people and organizations who believe in our mission of environmental education and who are willing to support it,” said Skedgell. “A Latesummer Night’s Green is an important ‘friendraiser’ and fundraiser. I believe the more people who become familiar with us and really see the incredible learning opportunities here, the more support we will receive to help us fulfill our vision of ‘becoming a leading force and vibrant center for environmental education and research, resulting in awareness, appreciation, and preservation of the natural world.’” Join fellow supporters of young researchers on September 14, from 6 – 9 pm, for “A Latesummer Night’s Green.” Enjoy a strolling dinner with wine, beer, and music, and then participate in a silent and live auction to raise funds for environmental education. To register, visit cedarcreekinstitute.org or call (269) 721-4190.

A Latesummer Night’s Green

If you haven’t attended in the past, make this year your first time, and if you have attended, please make plans to join us again and bring a friend! A Latesummer Night’s Green is the Institute’s key fundraiser and “friendraiser.” It is a wonderful night to enjoy delicious food, music, and drink, while helping the Institute fulfill its mission of environmental education, research, preservation, and appreciation. Cascade Winery will be back with their collection of wine and, this year, will be bringing beer from their new microbrewery, Jaden James Brewery. A variety of silent and live auction items will be on display, including unique hand-made terrarium planters created by the summer research students. It will be a magical evening of nature not to be missed! Raffle tickets are now available for $5 each or three for $10. Choose to enter a raffle for an ice-fishing shelter and power ice auger, or the raffle for an original acrylic landscape painting by 2013 Artist-in-Residence Doet Boersma.

Table sponsorships include a commemorative bottle of wine, four wine glasses, and acknowledgement in the event’s program. Table sponsorship is in addition to ticket cost.

Landscape Conservation Cooperatives and implement Strategic Habitat Conservation. Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (SWMLC), the land trust that holds a conservation easement on the Institute’s property, has engaged in a number of conservation projects, several of which have focused on watersheds such as Prairieville Creek, the Paw Paw River, and St. Joseph River. The SWMLC has also collaborated with conservation partners to draft and implement a conservation plan for the Barry State Game Area. The plan includes acquisition of priority parcels, restoration of habitat, and a number of educational activities. The transition from site-scale projects to a larger, regional, strategic conservation plan will help identify existing conservation areas and provide a better understanding of the health of conservation targets. The plans are data intensive and will depend on GIS (Geographical Information Systems) mapping and databases to track the information required. On October 17, the Institute will host a conference entitled Landscape Scale

Conservation for interested professionals and landowners. The purpose of the conference is to evaluate the possibility of creating a strategic conservation plan for Southwest Michigan. Participants will also explore what is currently being done to promote large-scale conservation and assess what steps can be taken to increase coordination among conservation groups and agencies. Invited speakers include: Lisa Brush (Stewardship Network), Doug Pearsall (The Nature Conservancy), Nate Fuller (Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy), Kris Krouse (Shirley Heinze Land Trust), and Cliff Chapman (Central Indiana Land Trust Inc.). Additional speakers from U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, and Michigan Natural Features Inventory will be recruited to round out the program. After presentations, there will be a discussion session to evaluate the level of interest in strategic conservation planning and to identify next steps in the process.

Conservation happens on many scales, from the landowner who provides backyard habitat to projects that encompass thousands of acres. The wildlife habitat provided by landowners at a small scale is important for healthy populations of plants and animals, especially when it is aggregated into larger blocks. Conservation organizations typically try to be strategic with their limited resources so they are able to benefit their conservation targets. However, all high-quality habitat provides support for a variety of other organisms. For agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the focus is on federal trust species, including migratory birds, and threatened and endangered species. For conservation groups such as Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited, the focus is on providing habitat for a particular species. The Nature Conservancy has also been active in Southwest Michigan and performed Eco-regional Assessment for the North Central Till Plain, which includes Barry County. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service currently has initiatives to form

Conservation occurs at many scales, from the landowner who provides backyard habitat to restoration projects that encompass thousands of acres. Speakers from several non-profit organizations and governmental agencies will evaluate strategies for creating a conservation plan for Southwest Michigan. Take part in a discussion with wildlife and conservation specialists about conservation targets and learn about collaborations.

Lunch is included.

Three locations on the Institute’s property are now registered on monarchwatch.org as critical habitat for migrating monarch butterflies. These sites not only supply the milkweed necessary for monarch caterpillars, but also the nectar and shelter the adults need. The sites are located on the Yellow and Purple Trails, and the butterfly garden between the Visitor Center and Education Building.

Photo by Ron Blyveis

Creating native plant gardens, rain gardens, or getting started with compost can be intimidating for many homeowners. A one-day workshop will help address these issues and more, helping homeowners understand their local environment, incorporate native plants into their landscape, and reduce stormwater runoff on their property.

Lunch is included.

Change and development has been an important part of United States history. Development has led to our modern society and comfortable lifestyles, but it has come at the price of biodiversity and ecosystems. The country began its radical transformation from wilderness to urban sprawl in the early 19th century. Over the last 200 years, the population of the United States has increased 44 times, from 7.2 million people in 1800 to today’s 316 million. Land use has also changed dramatically. In 1800, most of the land, which was to become the United States, was in a semi-natural state. Native American populations had small agricultural plots, burned prairies and woodlots, and hunted or gathered many wild foods. Large segments of the landscape were managed minimally , if at all. Today, lands which are untouched, or identical to what they were 200 years ago, are rare and typically found only in remote areas, such as the Rockies or Alaska.

The shift from low-intensity to high-intensity land use systems has fundamentally altered natural ecosystems. As farmers drained wetlands and cities grew, both runoff and erosion increased. Rain water is replenishing less groundwater, resulting in dry springs and dry wetland areas. Modern agricultural lands, along with growing urban and suburban developments, progressively eliminate natural habitat. These changes have increased the pressure on remaining natural areas which serve to protect

natural history and biodiversity. While most people recognize the loss of plant and animal species around the world as a critical problem, many people feel there is little they can do to protect biodiversity on their own land. Individuals may support organizations whose mission is to protect land and organisms, but they do not realize there are smaller effective opportunities for conservation on their homesites. Despite common perceptions, there is much homeowners can do to provide resources for native creatures. In many cases, all it takes is for a homeowner to think differently about his or her property. Homeowners can help to provide the food, shelter, and water resources animals need to survive. The easiest step a homeowner can take is to grow native plants. A variety of wild-type native plants will provide food and shelter to a host of insects and birds. Many native bees, wasps, butterflies, and moths all depend on flower pollen and nectar for their survival. Not only are the wildflowers a source of food, but many other creatures will eat the leaves, fruit, and seeds produced by these plants. The animals attracted to these food sources, in turn, are also a food source for predatory animals. Another benefit of insect attraction is the pollination of nearby plants, which improves the production of fruits and vegetables in orchards and gardens. Water management is especially important in urban and suburban areas and is an opportunity to turn the cause of harmful stormwater effects into an asset. Rain gardens capture runoff from impervious surfaces and encourage infiltration. They reduce the need for storm sewers, reduce pollution in rivers and streams, and allow homeowners to diversify the types of plants

grown on their property. Another option to capture water is through rain barrels, which also reduce the need for utilizing tap water for irrigation. Other resources for small-scale stewardship are available online:

nativeplants.msu.edu is a great resource for getting started with native plants.

raingardens.org helps readers get started with a rain garden or a rain barrel.

“The easiest step a homeowner can take is to grow native plants.”

Water run-off in alfalfa field. Howard F. Schwartz, bugwood.org

Despite being seldom seen or heard, the Henslow’s sparrow is one of the special creatures at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. This diminutive bird is a grasslands specialist, spending its time in Michigan hidden amongst the tall grasses in prairies and hay fields. Males arrive on their nesting sites in April, setting up small territories within a colony. Females build a small nest of grasses hidden close to the ground, in which they lay three to five eggs. Henslow’s sparrows primarily eat insects during the summer. They stick close to the ground while nesting, preferring to run through the grass rather than flying away when disturbed. Henslow’s sparrows, like many other grassland birds, have experienced declines in their populations due to habitat loss. The transformation of large areas of pasture and hay to forested successional areas or row crops have reduced the amount of habitat available to this species. The decline has led to the Michigan DNR and Michigan National Features Inventory listing the Henslow’s sparrow as an endangered species. Large areas of open grasslands on public properties have become very important for the survival of these birds. The Institute has had Henslow’s sparrows on the property for years. Recent work on removing hedgerows (see Hedgerow story on page 7) will increase the attractiveness of the property to these and other grassland birds. Henslow’s sparrows prefer grassland areas over 75 acres in size. While the Institute doesn’t have enough prairie to be a prime breeding site, increasing the connectivity between prairies by removing the hedgerows will encourage more Henslow’s sparrows to nest onsite.

Barry County’s distinctive landscape is a product of Michigan’s repeated glaciation. Widespread continental glaciation began approximately 2.5 million years ago at the start of the Pleistocene Epoch. Multiple glaciers eroded the surface rocks of Michigan, leveling hills and filling in valleys in the bedrock. Subsequent glaciations continued this process, with the final glacial retreat leaving a layer of glacial till and outwash over the bedrock. The depth of till in Michigan ranges from non-existent to over 1,300 feet. Most surface features were formed by the processes associated with the melting glaciers. Barry County, in particular, has a number of features created by the melting ice. The melting water from the glacier poured down crevasses in the ice, collecting and eventually forming large streams underneath the glacier. These channels are still visible today, though they are now filled with streams, lakes, and wetlands. One example is the valley through which Cedar Creek flows. In some places, the chunks of broken ice were buried by sediments from the glacier. After the ice melted, holes remained, which often filled with groundwater creating kettle lakes. Other features were created by water underneath glaciers. The Institute has an esker that runs along parts of the Brewster Lake and Beech-Maple Ridge trails. This long, sinuous hill formed as the bed of a stream in the ice. Many eskers are mined for their gravel due to the natural sorting processes in the streams. Another glacial feature is kames. These are large conical piles of outwash formed at the base of waterfalls underneath the ice. Learn more about local geologic feature during the Geology Hike in November (see below).

While any time of the year can be a great time for collecting wild foods, fall has its special treats. Much like the farmer’s market, seasonality is very important with wild foods. Fall is a great time to collect many tree fruits and seeds, as well as roots and tubers. A common wild food perfect for fall consumption is wild carrots, or Queen Ann’s lace. Wild carrots and domestic carrots are the same genus, but they look very different. The wild version is white and much smaller than their domesticated cousins. Wild carrots are biennials, and it can be a challenge to find the rosettes, which have the edible roots. Proper identification is critical, as there are a number of similar looking species that are poisonous. Identification can also be confirmed through smelling, as wild carrots smell like domestic carrots.

Among the most treasured wild foods are black walnuts. Less commonly consumed than the English or Persian walnuts found at most grocery stores, black walnuts provide an easily recognizable way of trying a wild food. Before consumption, the nuts must be extracted from both the husk and the shell, which can be challenging. In the end, enthusiasts are rewarded with a nut that is more strongly flavored than English walnuts, perfect for salads, ice cream topping, or baked goods.

From glacial tunnel valleys to eskers and kames, Michigan’s glacial history is fascinating. Many of the features can be seen at the Institute. Learn about the processes that created the Institute’s landscape during the glacial retreat. The hike will primarily be on the Brewster Lake Trail and cover approximately two miles, with some off-trail hiking.

Participants will learn how to identify and prepare natural foods found in the wild. There will be opportunities to sample wild foods during the event. Participants should expect a moderately difficult hike of 1.5 miles. The program will emphasize proper plant identification and food preparation. Program is limited to 15 participants.

In mid-July, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute’s most mature prairie plantings underwent a major modification. With grants awarded by the Michigan DNR, the Institute hired contractors to remove three hedgerows that divided five established native prairie plantings. This fall, the disturbed areas will be planted with a wildflower-rich prairie mix, which will attract both native grassland birds and pollinators in the spring. Hedgerows are a line of bushes, shrubs, or trees enclosing or separating fields.

Originally, hedgerows may have been the edges of fields cleared for agriculture, the result of an installed fence line or naturally occurring ditch, or from a deliberate planting of shrubs or trees. The hedgerows have allowed raccoons, skunks, cats, and brood parasites such as brown-headed cowbirds to have increased access to the nests of ground-nesting birds. The hedgerows have also prevented the Institute from providing

large (more than 20 acres) contiguous parcels of prairie habitat necessary to maintain viable populations of some of Michigan’s rarest grassland bird species. Grassland birds are a special concern and the main project focus of the hedgerow removal. As stated in the 1999 report Studies in Avian Biology by B.G. Peterjohn and J.R. Sauer, grassland birds have suffered more serious population declines than any other group of birds. According to bird experts, habitat size is the most important factor in the breeding success of the Henslow’s sparrow. By removing nearly two acres of hedgerows, the Institute will provide two contiguous prairie habitats - one over 22 acres, and one over 32 acres - large enough to provide nesting habitat not only for Henslow’s sparrows, but also for other native grassland birds such as grasshopper sparrows, dickcissels, bobolinks, and Eastern meadowlarks.

The heavy rainfall received earlier this year generated large amounts of runoff that has had negative environmental impacts including soil erosion, sediment transport, and flooding. The amount of runoff generated by any storm depends on the rate of water infiltration at the soil surface, which is primarily dependent on the soil texture (relative amounts of sand, silt, and clay) and land use. A mature forest with abundant leaf litter has a high amount of infiltration and a very

low rate of runoff. On the other extreme, a paved road or roof has almost no infiltration and a very high rate of runoff. The areas which have very limited infiltration are called impervious surfaces. Agricultural areas are intermediate in runoff generated, and infiltration rates on farmed areas are reduced by soil compaction and limited vegetative cover. The consequences of high rates of runoff are numerous and include the accumulation of excess sediment in streams and lakes. This is problematic because it can bury aquatic organisms, such as mussels, and reduce photosynthesis by reducing light transmission through water. If the sediment carries nutrients or pesticides, it can have further negative impacts on the health of aquatic systems. Stormwater runoff can be reduced by adopting a variety of best management practices for agricultural and urban situations. Best management practices have benefits to ecosystems that include protecting soil productivity, maintaining healthy streams and lakes, and reducing flood damage. The current recommendation for stormwater runoff is to slow it down, spread it out, and enable it to soak into the soil rather than moving the water away as rapidly as possible. Improvements on farmland include the use of no till, planting close-growing crops such as hay or pasture, and having buffer strips to intercept runoff. For urban areas, the practices include rain gardens, detention ponds, and green roofs.

Dickcissel photo by Alfred Viola, bugwood.org

Bob Brown, a good friend from Hastings and supporter of the Institute, passed away after a long illness on June 26. Bob was a retired science and auto mechanics teacher whose commitment to our environment included a strong interest in renewable energy. He was the type of person who didn’t just say “do it;” he jumped in to make it possible. About 10 years ago, Bob believed the Institute should be involved in renewable and alternative energy education, and he led the way to our first Renewable Energy Conference. Bob was a “lifelong” teacher, the type of person who would welcome you to his home and shop unannounced, and someone with great ideas and great ambition to get them done. Many times you hear of people trying to make the world a better place, and I believe Bob Brown is one person who accomplished that! Everyone who came in contact with Bob is better off for it – and that includes the Institute and me.

This spring the Institute kicked off a project to raise $10,000 and replace the non-native grasses and weeds near the Visitor Center entrance with a variety of native plants. These new native grasses and wildflowers will provide valuable shelter and food for many birds, insects, mammals, and reptiles and will also be a visible example of a native prairie habitat. Thanks to the many donors listed below, the Grow Native! campaign was a huge success, and the area has been prepared for a September 7 planting. The donations to the Grow Native! campaign provided the funds for purchasing the plants and supplies and work will be done by staff and volunteers. A special thank you goes to Vern Stevens and Sue Tangora of Designs By Nature, who donated a portion of the plant material and is helping the Institute’s Stewardship Manager, Jen Howell, with the project. Now, when visitors come to the Institute, they will be greeted with a beautiful example of the Institute’s important stewardship efforts.

Thanks to a successful fundraising campaign, the Institute is well on its way to establishing a native prairie planting on the Visitor Center berm. In June, the non-native vegetation was mowed, raked, and sprayed with herbicide. The berm received a second dose of herbicide in August prior to being burned. The Grow Native! project will culminate on Saturday, September 7 when staff and volunteers will mulch and plant the berm with over 6,000 plugs of native prairie grasses and wildflowers.

Kayla Angeletti The Barrs

Deb Berndt Mel & Garry Bowman Bristol Lake Cottage

Hugh Brown Jim & Albie Brunner LuAnn Buschmann

Robin K. Byrn Richard Centala

Chula Vista Garden Club Ben & Connie Dawe

Jim DeCamp

Caroline Dimmers Matthew Douglas Marcia Dunnigan

Marjorie Faber Frugal Living Exchange - Putnam District Library

Janice Gerhart GFWC Hastings Women's Club

Bill Gurd Rick & Peggy Hemerling

Bonnie Hildreth Audrey Howell

Ben and Jen Howell

Jonas Howell Tom & Carol Johnson Michael & Fran Jones

Kalamazoo Garden Club Kalamazoo Wild Ones Martin & Cheryl Kane

Barb Lancaster Elizabeth R. Lepak

Bill & Mary Ann Menck Mary & Jeff Neumann

Eugene Newell & Pamela Dewey Terry & Claire Nichols

Ron & Sue Osgood

Gun Lake Casino Designs by Nature, Vern Stephens and Sue Tangora

Ken & Alice Jones Jan Reed-Smith & Lawrence Smith

Audubon Society of Kalamazoo Florence Goodyear Bill & Laurie Miller

Wildflower Association of Michigan

Bosley Pharmacy Burnham & Dells Advisors Discovery Financial, LLC

Doug & Jan Hartough Hastings Mutual Insurance Company

Robert & Joyce Leppard Jack Steeby

Ralph Pernice William Powaser & Julie Jackson

Jack & Maureen Robinson Richard Root

Carl Schoessel Tim & Shannon Shafer

Michelle & Steve Skedgell Tom & Ruth Small Ken & Susan Smith

Marcia S. Taylor Barb VanDyken

Bonnie White Jack N. Wykoff Patti Zyskowski

Staff and volunteers rake after the berm was mowed, in preparation for herbicide.

Second Sunday of the month. All brunch programs are free, and you do not need to attend brunch to enjoy a program.

Join Cathy and Mike McMinn to hear what they have to say about their desire to create Treecology LLC, a native tree and shrub nursery located in Delton, Michigan. These entrepreneurs have a passion for native plants and have recently embarked on a new adventure to create a small nursery that will be a local source for Michigan genotype trees and shrubs. Cathy and Mike will have a small inventory of plants available for purchase immediately following their presentation. The program is free and brunch attendance is not required to attend the program.

See back page for more information.

See page 3 for more information.

See page 6 for more information.

See page 5 for more information.

Photo by Jim Toburen

To register, please call (269) 721-4190 or visit cedarcreekinstitute.org

Since 2003, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute has been giving families of babies born at Pennock Hospital a live oak sapling to commemorate the new life. Families with babies born in 2013 are invited to pick up their free oak sapling on October 5 from Noon - 3 pm. Saplings may also be available for pick-up the following week, Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm, while supplies last. A new life is the start of something very special. Families can watch their sapling grow as they watch their newborn grow; it is a wonderful symbol of the value of life.

Join Institute volunteers to remove the invasive autumn olive on the Institute’s property. Meet in the Institute’s Visitor Center lobby at 8:50 am. Be prepared for outdoor work with long pants, long sleeves, sturdy shoes, and sun protection. Work gloves, water, and the fun opportunity to work outdoors with pleasant, like-minded individuals will be provided.

Enjoy a fall morning with Program Manager Matt Dykstra and learn how to identify many of the common, and not so common, trees at the Institute. Participants will use leaves, bark, buds, and branches to determine tree species. This is a moderate hike approximately 1.5 miles long.

See page 9 for more information.

See page 4 for more information.

Golden Stream by Vivian Schilling

See these magnificent creatures up close at the Birds of Prey Family Program.

To register, please call (269) 721-4190 or visit cedarcreekinstitute.org

Register online at cedarcreekinstitute.org or call (269) 721-4190 for more information. Pre-payment may be required for some events.

The Blue Moon Art Group consists of four close Michigan friends Carol Hatfield (Union City), Susan Miller (Coldwater), Vivian Schilling (Allen) and Bev Tippmann (Coldwater Lake) with a passionate interest in art. The group has met on a regular basis since 2007 to create and discuss art while enjoying the fine taste of Blue Moon wheat ale and various dark chocolates. Their media consists of ink resist, acrylic, water color, and pastels. Featured shows include Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater, Blue Hour Gallery in Marshall, and Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History in Jackson. Each member has been an award recipient in various fine art competitions. The group’s goal is to continually produce new and exciting art, to never allow their brushes to dry out from lack of use, and to have a great time in the process!

Take a scenic drive to Pierce Cedar Creek Institute and experience the creative work of these four award-winning Michigan artists.

Connie Hanson of Grand Shire Farm will share how plants used in colonial gardens reveal unexpected insights into 18th Century life. Participants will learn how pioneers designed gardens and used herbs. After the presentation, participants will share some "colonial" refreshments and make a barbeque rub and a dry mix package of Brunswick stew to take home.

Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is one of the top destinations on the third annual Arts and Eats tour! Stop by to take in some local art before heading to another stop on the tour. Arts and Eats is a back roads art, food, and farm tour of Southwest Michigan. See artists creating in their studios, visit working farms that grow the food we eat and fiber we wear, and savor locally-grown food at one of the participating restaurants. To learn more about the tour and to discover all of the different destinations, visit ArtsAndEats.org.

The Thornapple Arts Council and the Institute have joined together to provide a family friendly program during Arts and Eats. This program will explore trees through art and science. Games and outdoor exploration will help participants learn how trees grow and provide habitat for other organisms. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore the artistic side of trees through crafts incorporating natural materials. Please pre-register to ensure there are enough materials for the art projects.

Using natural dried gourds, participants will create a lovely wind chime for home or a gift. Join gourd artist Joyce Earle in this step-by-step class to learn how. Three different designs will be available. All materials will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own woodworking materials or paints. Deadline for registration is October 18. Pre-registration and payment is required.

Materials Included

Prepare appetizers, entrees, and desserts using different types of Chef Richard Centala’s home-brewed beer. Attendees will be able to eat the dishes created and will finish with a sweet porter ice cream.

See page 6 for more information.

The Outdoor Discovery Center will bring a selection of Michigan raptors for education and viewing. Participants will learn about raptors’ keen senses and incredible strength used to capture prey. This is a great opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close!

See page back page for more information.

Summer Blossoms by Carol Hatfield

Non-Profit Organization US Postage

PAID Dowling, MI Permit No. 3

100% Post-Consumer

Over 20 art vendors will be selling their handcrafted and creative gifts during the 11th annual Holiday Gift Show. It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift for your family and friends (and maybe something for yourself too!) Locally-made birdhouses and colorful wool birdhouses, as well as nature-themed stationery and fun science-based gifts for children will be featured at the Institute’s gift shop. Don’t forget - members receive 15% off all gift shop purchases the day of the Holiday Gift Show.

Stop and eat lunch while you are here! Chef Richard Centala will host a soup and sandwich buffet. Lunch includes appetizers, soups, sandwiches, desserts, and beverages. There will be three scheduled seating times; pre-registration and payment are required for the lunch.

Please make your reservations early as the lunches fill up quickly.

Completely functional, easy to clean, colorful wool birdhouses are great gifts for any bird lover.