26 Nature Center News and Activities

Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center4101 River Bends Drive – located east of Ryan Road, between Auburn and 22 Mile Roads

Shelby Township, MI 48317 Phone 586-323-2478 Fax 586-323-2479E-mail naturecenter@shelbytwp.org

On-line enrollment is available for many Nature Center programs and activities! If an activity number is listed with the description, you can register for it on-line. Visit www.shelbytwp.org/departments/prm and click on the On-line Registration link to register

Hours of OperationMondays ClosedTuesdays ClosedWednesdays 10:00am-4:00pmThursdays 10:00am-8:00pmFridays 10:00am-8:00pmSaturdays 10:00am-6:00pmSundays Noon-5:00pm

Choosing Exotic Pets CarefullyEvery year Shadbush Nature Center, (and likely most nature centers), receives a large number of calls seeking adoption for various kinds of exotic pets. While we would like to help these callers we often cannot. We have a full set of animals that we teach with and rarely do we know of someone who would be willing to take an exotic. By their very definition, exotics are not from here and therefore may not be released into the wild. When released, most exotics would not survive – meaning they would likely meet a harsh death, but worse, some might live and even reproduce causing terrible problems for native wildlife. Some folks, to placate sensitive owners, say that the animal will be happier in the wild but Michigan is not its natural habitat. Only native caught pets can be released back into the wild at appropriate locations and at appropriate times, without fear of negative impacts on the animal or the environment.

Even when owners want to keep their pets they find many exotics to be difficult to keep healthy or even to keep alive. Many visitors start stories with “we used to have a pet… but it died”. Most people are able to successfully keep dogs and cats in good health but when it comes to reptiles or amphibians, they are much less successful. We often advise people to do their homework before buying an exotic so that it can be kept in the best of health and provide them with a positive pet experience. But even when pets appear healthy there are often other considerations. Turtles, properly cared for, live from 40 to over 100 years and Iguanas kept in captivity rarely develop correct bone structure. These are just two things that some folks don’t realize when choosing pets. One aspect of getting a pet is to plan for keeping it throughout its life because “re-homing” it can be very difficult. Sometimes people try a pet once, find out how much work it is to care for, and forgo getting another pet of that kind. They learn from the first experience but often at the expense of the animal.

Another common mistake we see is that sometimes parents buy pets for children that are too young or inexperienced to properly care for them. The pet suffers and sometimes dies from the neglect or within a very short time a parent is caring for the pet – often unwillingly. While we have knowledge of basic care of some exotics, we are by no means

qualified to substitute as a veterinarian when people call with questions. Even veterinarians vary in regards to their specialties and it is wise to check out whether a vet is available in your area for the kind of animal you are considering. You may even want to check out the cost of treating that kind of animal because the cost of medical care for pets has increased significantly in recent years.

Some people respond to children’s requests for non-traditional pets by capturing one from the wild, holding it for a few weeks, and releasing it into the wild. This is often a good idea but be certain of the wild animal’s identity. Occasionally in Michigan there are encounters with venomous animals either native or non-natives released by someone else. So be careful. A garter snake can be a good short-term pet. It eats earth worms, does not need extra heat, and can be kept in a 10 gallon tank that is cleaned as needed, snake feces is very stinky.

Lots of folks have said when visiting Burgess-Shadbush that they come out to the center to share our animals with their children or grandchildren. Some visitors even help us maintain them here for the public by adopting them for a year – in honor of the child or children involved. We welcome these adoptions and strive to make visits to the center rewarding for our visitors as time allows.

Holiday Closures• Closed Thursday & Friday, November 28 & 29 - Thanksgiving

• Closed Monday, December 23 thru Tuesday, January 14

• Normal hours will resume on Wednesday, January 15

• Closed Friday, April 18 - Good Friday

• Closed Sunday, April 20 - Easter

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27Nature Center News and ActivitiesVisit ShadbushThere are usually lots of old-style toys for kids along with pages to color as well as a crawl-through Clinton River display, puzzles, live animals, historical and natural history displays and more. Please be sure to note our winter programs including Maple Syrup Day, Winter Hike and Cookout, Winter Fest and more.

Help & Donations NeededThe Nature Center is in need of the following items for craft projects: seeds (all kinds), yarn (all colors), nuts (all kinds), beads (all types), pine cones, pom-poms (all sizes & colors), and dried flowers and other dried decorative plants.

The Friends of Shadbush welcome donations of used books (not paperback novels) for resale. The Friends help with a number of projects here at the center and the sale of books help.

We also are looking for volunteers interested in greeting visitors, taking phone calls, and similar types of experience. Please contact Dan Farmer for details.

Adopt a CritterWhy not adopt one of our critters in honor of someone you know? Your name and the name of a person or a business will go on the animal’s aquarium for the year. Adoptions are $40 for larger animals and $20 for smaller critters. Some animals will require more than one adoption fee to pay for its care for the entire year. General donations are also welcome to fund an occasional trip to the vet or other special care situations. Thanks for supporting the critters at Burgess-Shadbush and those that enjoy seeing them.

Upcoming Events & ProgramsDeer Day#332448-A1 Sat Nov 2 11:00am-4:00pm Fee: $3 for Adults and children ages 4 and up 12:30pm Archery – ages 8 and up1:00pm Program “All About Deer”1:30pm Archery – ages 8 and up2:00pm Deer Sign walk2:30pm Archery – ages 8 and up3:00pm Program “Introduction to Deer of the World” (upon request)

Discover the world of Michigan deer including the White-tailed Deer, Elk, and Moose; get facts from Professors “Buck Horn” or “Doereen Cervine”. Have some fun with a deer craft and enjoy a walk looking for deer signs. Ages 8 and up can shoot arrows at a target (with help from our volunteers – using our equipment only). Have some fun while learning about deer, impressive and popular local animals. Please call for details.

A Pioneer Christmas“A Celebration of Christmas from the 1800’s”#332401-A1 Sat Dec 7 11:00am–4:00pm #332401-A2 Sun Dec 8 Noon–4:00pmSpend an afternoon at Shadbush discovering how the pioneers and early settlers of our area celebrated the Christmas season. Visit our Pioneer Cabin and see how area settlers may have decorated for Christmas. Stop in and visit with the “Sisters of the Union” who will be greeting and showing the cabin to our visitors. There will be crafts and activities for all ages. Test your knowledge of old-time traditions and artifacts in a sit-down program the whole family will enjoy. You can sample homemade cookies and top off the day with a cup of hot chocolate. There will also be a cookie and baked goods sale and a used book and used item sale – proceeds go the Friends of Shadbush to help with funding for future programming .

Make old-fashioned ornaments from natural and artificial items. Seating is limited to 25 per 45 minute session and sign-up is on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to sign-up as soon as you get to the nature center. Session times will be available on the day of the event. Free wagon rides will be available at select times during the event if weather permits. Fee: $5 per person per day, ages 4 and up. Pre-registration is appreciated but not required. Please allow at least 2 hours to complete the program. ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PAID ADULT.

Winter Bird Watching and Christmas Bird Count Free Event Sat Dec 14 10:00am–3:00pm No registration necessaryJoin us as we search the park for bird life. Beginners are welcome as the day will include basic information on bird identification. Please call in advance to let us know when you are coming so we can meet you. You can stay at the event as long as you like that day. Feeder watchers (here) are also needed. Our count totals will be added to the Macomb County Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count held that day.

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28 Nature Center News and ActivitiesSanta is Coming to the Nature Center!Free Event Sun Dec 15 1:00pm–3:00pm No registration necessary - NO CHARGEThe sound of reindeer hooves just might be heard on the roof of the Nature Center because a special visit from the big guy dressed in red has been scheduled! That’s right, the Jolly One, Santa Claus will be dropping in to get those last-minute wish lists from all the good little boys and girls in Shelby Township. Kids, ask your favorite adult to bring you to the Shadbush Nature Center and tell them not to forget their cameras. There is no NO CHARGE for this last chance to see Old Saint Nick before he gets ready for that special Christmas delivery.

Maple Syrup ProgramSat Mar 29 11:00am–4:30pm You will learn about how sugar “gets into” the tree, travel to a maple tree, learn how to recognize maples, and find out about the tapping process. You will also gather around a fire to learn about the “boiling down” process, have a dish of ice cream with warm maple syrup as a topping, and more. Visitors will also have a chance to use an old fashioned brace and bit to drill a “tap hole” into a “tree” and look closely at the features of maple trees. Pre-registration is required by coming into the nature center and paying by cash or check. Online registration is NOT AVAILABLE for this event. Please note times and corresponding registration numbers. Register early as this event often fills. Cost: Adults and Children age 4 and up, $3.

Programs begin every ½ hour – register from the following: /574-01 11:00am /574-02 12:00pm /574-03 1:30pm /574-04 2:30pm /574-05 3:30pm

Exotic Animal Day #132406–B1 Sat Apr 5 11:00am–4:00pm Programs begin at 11:30am (gentle animals for younger children), 12:30pm (spiders and snakes), and 2:00pm (lizards and turtles). You will meet a variety of exotic pets and get information about which ones are good choices, which ones are difficult, and those not recommended as pets. We will also cover some basic information about exotic animal care. Animals will be on display and many will be available to touch or hold. Cameras are welcome but please avoid using flash with snakes. Noted Naturalist and Educator Randy Baker, from Naturalist Endeavors, will be our guest presenter for this program. Randy will be bringing some of his animals including ones not normally seen at the nature center. Cost: Adults and Children age 4 and up, $3.

“EGG”citing Easter Event#232404–A1 Sun Apr 13 1:00pm–4:00pm Join in the fun and have an “egg” citing time. Children will delight in all the activities. Preregistration with payment isrecommended for this popular program! All children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee: $4 per participating child, (recommended for ages 3 and up).

• Decorate eggs (bring 6 hard boiled eggs)• Go on an Easter egg hunt• Decorate an Easter Bag• Hear about the legend of the Easter Bunny• Have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny• Play some “egg-citing” games• Bring your camera

This Event Sponsored by:

Winter Fest & Family Cookout #232402-A1 Sat Jan 25 11:00am–4:00pmCost: Adults and Children age 4 and up, $3Join us for a day filled with winter and wildlife activities including: winter wildlife walk; mammals in winter program; animal tracks and sign craft; “look closely” with magnifiers and microscopes; snow flake activity, “Professor Frost Bite”; wildlife skulls, skins, and scat session; live animals; and more. Snow shoes and “Fox and Geese” game are snow dependent. Cross country skis are welcome but park trails are not groomed. Bring hot dogs, your drink, chips, etc., and enjoy a winter cookout and a marshmallow roast around the fire. Lunch will be from 11:00am-12:30pm. Preregistration is appreciated but “walk-ins” are very welcome. Note: Some activities are snow-dependent so call for details

Our Science Olympiad programs are designed to provide sound background information with some creative suggestions for remembering basic groups of animals. A challenging sample quiz will be given using preserved specimens and photographs. Students should bring recommended books and notes to help with quiz and may want to take notes during the program. CALL THE NATURE CENTER FOR REGISTRATION at 586-323-2478. Registration is limited. Cost per program: Students and siblings, $3, Parents and Team Leaders – Free.

“Don’t Bug Me” Intro to Insect Orders#212853-A1 Sat Mar 1 10:00am–12:30pm

“Wildlife Safari” Michigan Mammals #212853-A2 Sat Mar 8 10:00am–12:30pm

Children age 4 and up, $3..

29Nature Center News and ActivitiesNature Tales for Pre-schoolersWee ones are delighted as they listen to an assortment of nature tales sure to please the littlest of listeners. This is an entertaining 1-hour nature adventure with a story and craft or outing. Suitable for ages 3-5 (must be accompanied by an adult). EARLY REGISTRATION IS REQUESTED! EACH CLASS IS LIMITED TO 24 CHILDREN. Fee: $2 per child, 3-5 years old.

Thu Nov 7 “How Apples Grow” - Story and Activity #312220-D1 10:00am #312220-D2 1:30pmThu Nov 21 “The Life of a Fox” - Story and Craft #212220-E1 10:00am #212220-E2 1:30pm Thu Dec 5 “The Hat” - Story and Dramatization #212220-A1 10:00am #212220-A2 1:30pmThu Dec 19 “The Dog Who Found Christmas” - Story and Craft #212220-B1 10:00am #212220-B2 1:30pmThu Jan 16 “What Animals Do In Winter?” - Story and Activity #212220-C1 10:00am #212220-C2 1:30pmThu Feb 6 “Punxsutawney Phyliss the Groundhog” – Story and Craft #212220-D1 10:00am #212220-D2 1:30pmThu Feb 20 “Whose Tracks Are These?” - Story and Walk or Activity #212220-J1 10:00am #212220-J2 1:30pmThu Mar 6 “Duck Soup” – Story and Dramatization #212220-F1 10:00am #212220-F2 1:30pmThu Mar 20 “Lets Learn About Birds” - Story and Walk or Activity #212220-G1 10:00am #212220-G2 1:30pmThu Apr 3 “Spider Makes A Web” – Story and Craft #212220-H1 10:00am #212220-H2 1:30pmThu Apr 17 “Story of the Easter Bunny” – Story and Craft #212220-I1 10:00am #212220-I2 1:30pm

Nature NightWhat a great way to spend a Friday evening! Come out and visit the Nature Center, see our critters, walk our trails, or participate in programs designed for fun as well as for learning. Pre-registration not required – walk-ins welcome. Programs typically begin at 7:00pm and are held only on dates listed below. There is no cost for Nature Nights but donations are welcome. Campfire Cookout and Free Family Fun Night usually includes a cookout and short walk or nature activity. Weather-permitting, these programs start at 6:15pm. Please call in advance if you want to know if weather will affect any event.

Campfire Cookout and Free Family Fun NightFri Nov 1 6:15pm (note time)

Our program will focus on mammals and mammal sounds. We may even go outdoors to see if we can get a deer to snort at us! Bring hot dogs, drinks, chips, and we provide condiments and marshmallows for the cookout.

Fall Into WinterFri Nov 8 7:00pmWe will turn indoors to meet and hold some of the Nature Center’s live critters.

Campfire Cookout and Free Family Fun NightFri Dec 6 6:15pm (note time)Our program will include some live animals. Bring hot dogs, drinks, chips, and we provide condiments and marshmallows for the cookout.

Christmas SnakesFri Dec 13 7:00pmThis program began because it was the only topic that regularly brought out visitors in this busy season. We will touch and hold (if you like) some beautiful snakes. Cameras yes, but no flash please!

Campfire Cookout and Free Family Fun NightFri Jan 17 6:15pmOur program will take us indoors where you will meet some of our live reptiles including turtles, snakes, and lizards. Bring hot dogs, drinks, chips, and we provide condiments and marshmallows for the cookout.

Make & Take a Track Cast and Learn about TracksFri Jan 24 7:00pmTrack casts are a great way to learn about animals and you get to make and take a track cast from a rubber mold. We will also learn a little about some of our common winter animals and ways to identify them by their tracks & signs.

Campfire Cookout and Free Family Fun NightFri Feb 7 6:15pmThis program will take us indoors where you will meet some of the live critters at the center, touch some of them if you like, take pictures, and find out some unusual things about them. We plan to include insects, spiders, a tailless whip scorpion and other critters. Bring hot dogs, drinks, chips, and we provide condiments and marshmallows for the cookout.

Owls and Owl CallingFri Feb 28 7:00pmGreat Horned Owls are about to begin nesting activities here and we sometimes hear them on a walk. We will also attempt to call Screech Owls and Barred Owls.

Campfire Cookout and Owl CallingFri Mar 14 6:15pm We will call and listen for owls. Dress for the weather and bring flashlights for adults. Bring hot dogs, drinks, chips, and we provide condiments and marshmallows for the cookout.

Make and Take CraftFri Mar 21 7:00pm Designed for even very young children, we will make a “pom-pom” critters which is always fun.

Campfire Cookout Fri Apr 11 6:15pm Join us for some of our favorite live critters. Bring hot dogs, drinks, chips, and we provide condiments and marshmallows for the cookout.

The Mystery of the Disappearing TrilliumsFri Apr 25 7:00pmTrilliums are among our most beautiful wildflowers, but why have they disappeared and then started to reappear in our park? If the season cooperates we might see some trillium and other early spring wildflowers. If not, we will review the spring wildflowers in a power point program.

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30 Nature Center News and ActivitiesNaturalist’s ChoiceJoin the Naturalist or Naturalist’s Assistant to enjoy some of their favorite programs, hikes, and activities.

Winter Bird Watching and Christmas Bird CountFree Event Sat Dec 14 10:00am–3:00pm

Join us as we search the park for bird life. Beginners are welcome as the day will include basic information on bird identification.

Winter Outing#332450-A1 Sat Jan 18 1:00-3:00pm Our park “north” of the Clinton River, on the 22 Mile Road side offers miles of trails and abundant opportunities for encountering wildlife. Meet at the nature center prior to the walk. Fee: $2 Adults and children ages 4 and up.

Winter Hike and Cookout#332450-A2 Sat Feb 1 Noon-3:00pm We’ll have lunch from Noon to 1:00 pm the hike one of our favorite trails to look for signs of winter wildlife. Bring hot dogs, your drink, chips, etc., and enjoy a winter cookout and a marshmallow roast around the fire. Preregistration is appreciated but “walk-ins” are very welcome. Be sure to dress for the weather, and bring walking sticks or ski poles, binoculars, and cameras. Fee: $2 Adults and children ages 4 and up.

Skunk Cabbage Trek#332450-A3 Sat Mar 22 1:00-3:00pm Each year presents a challenge to find the first wildflower of the year and Skunk Cabbage always wins. We will look for this strange flower that literally melts away some of winter’s snow and ice in lowlands and along streams. Bring your camera and dress for the weather. Fee: $2 Adults and children ages 4 and up.

Spring Wildflower Walk#332450-A4 Sat Apr 26 1:00-3:00pm Wild spring flowers only bloom for a short time but provide some of the most memorable events of the season. Because they are weather dependent, we cannot predict which species will be in bloom, but Trillium, Spring Beauty, Round-lobed Hepatica, Blood Root and Skunk Cabbage are possible sightings for this walk. Fee: $2 per person age 4 and up.

Home School Programs – now on Wednesdays!Home School programs are held on the first Wednesday of each month, or later in the month when the center’s schedule conflicts, starting in November. Programs are available for any child age 4 and up and cover a variety of natural science, heritage, and outdoor topics. Younger non-participating siblings are welcome. Pre-registration is encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. Cost is $3 per participating child.

Animal Dens, Nests, and Sleeping Sites#312845-C1 Wed Nov 6 1:30pm-3:30pm Learn which animals live in dens, nests, and brush piles, and which ones sleep out in the open.

Cookout and Live Critter Program #212845-A1 Wed Dec 4 1:30pm-3:30pm Bring hot dogs or other items to cook over the fire. After our cookout we will see – touch – or hold some of our live critters and learn about animal adaptations. Bring your camera to record these events.

Attracting and Watching Winter Birds#212845-B1 Wed Jan 15 1:30pm-3:30pm Winter is a great time to see colorful birds up close and to identify them. We will cover how to set up bird feeders, which foods to feed, bird identification and binocular use, and watch birds at the center’s feeders.

Making Track Casts and Tracking Winter Wildlife #212845-C1 Wed Feb 5 1:30pm-3:30p Winter can be the best time to learn about the travels and behaviors of winter animals. We will make a track cast and weather permitting, go out to track some of the park’s many wild mammals.

Michigan Mammals#212845-D1 Wed Mar 5 1:30pm-3:30pm We’ll provide an introduction to Michigan Mammals and a sample quiz. Parents are welcome to help children and learn about this important topic. This program will be similar to the Science Olympiad Training that we offer. Call for information. A helpful book on for use this day is Mammals of Michigan Field Guide by Stan Tekiela.

Early Spring Events #212845-E1 Wed Apr 2 1:30pm-3:30pm When does the first Robin appear? How do wildflowers know when to bloom and insects know when to emerge? Where do the first butterflies come from? What frog sings first at Shadbush? We will learn the answers to these questions and more hopefully on the trail. Dress for the weather but an indoor program will be substituted if conditions are poor.

31Nature Center News and Activities

All Scout Groups WelcomeBurgess-Shadbush Nature Center is pleased to announce that individual scout groups are welcome to schedule programs with us. Call or email us for a listing of topics that we offer. You may choose a badge or achievement that is nature related or come out for a general topic.

Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and all other scout groups are welcome to attend our other scheduled events but please notify us in advance. At least one scout leader is required for each event. Please call us at 586-323-2478 for details.

Fees: scout programs are usually $4 per Scout or sibling, with a minimum of $24 per program. There is no fee for adults.

Birthday Parties at the Nature CenterYou can hold a special birthday party at Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center for your child. The party can include a chance to touch, hold, and be photographed with some of our live animals. It also includes our popular nature walk (weather permitting). Your reservation will include the use of our Multi-use Room for 4 hours. This room holds about 24 total adults and children. You bring decorations, food, table covers, cake, and party favors. Parties are available on select days, (typically Saturday or Sunday afternoons), when other Nature Center events don’t conflict. The fee is $120 for Shelby residents and $145 for non-residents. The reservation is confirmed when payment is made. You can register in person at the center with cash or check. Call Shadbush at 586-323-2478 for details.

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You’re Invited!

586.263.8800 | 1.866.MSGCU4Umsgcu.org

Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union is hosting a FREE Youth Checking and Lending Open House!

WHEN: Wednesday, November 13 from 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.WHERE: Shelby Township Community Center

Bring your family to learn about money smarts in a fun workshop designed specifically for teenagers.

To register, call 586.263.8800 or e-mail workshops@msgcu.org.

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Did you know MSGCU has TWO Shelby Township locations?