Nature Blog

Paul Cypher, Interpreter, C.I.G. Gift giving is basically the same, isn’t it?  It doesn’t matter if it is a holiday gift, a birthday gift, graduation gift or whatever. The mystery item is wrapped and given to an individual who often knows it’s coming but does not know what it is. Upon opening, they hopefully get excited and talk about it for years to come. But sometimes, gifts are not always planned. A few weeks ago, the crew setting up the…

At the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, September is known as Bird Migration Month and at Lake Erie Metropark it is known as Raptor Month. As the summer winds down and fall takes over animals start preparing for the winter and birds start their migration. Less than half the bird species in the United States are year-round residents of their home range. For animals to survive the winter migration is key. It is a common assumption that migration is solely due to the…

What if much of what we need for our well-being could be found in a small patch of soil? Many people plant personal gardens in the summer and the most rewarding thing about planting one is harvesting in the fall! The harvesting time for each plant depends on several factors including length of maturity, temperature, precipitation, health of the soil, health of the plant, and insect and weed control. After you spend the summer raising your favorite veggies, berries, and…

Written by: Jessica Getschman, C.I.G. – Indian Springs Metropark Interpreter Michigan is known for its fresh water, and that includes more than just the Great Lakes.  Swamps, fens, marshes, rivers, and so many more types of wetlands are found scattered throughout our state. This makes water quality a great place to start the conversation about a healthy environment in Michigan.  An important thing to remember when thinking about a healthy environment, is that we’re really talking about supporting healthy ecosystems.…

Written by: Victoria Taylor Sluder, Western District Interpretive Services Supervisor D.I.Y. In my grandmother’s time self-sufficiency was more of a requirement than an option.  My generation hasn’t needed to know how to make bread when every grocery store always has racks of bagged loaves waiting for purchase whenever one wants a slice.  Why bother with yeast and flour? Sure, hobby baking is fun and maybe bread machines were a fad for a short while a few years ago.  But really, as…