Community Recap: Building Connections at WNC

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As we march ever forward toward summer– and all the excitement those few months will bring–  it's important not to forget all of the great things that have happened this winter and spring here at Woldumar Nature Center. For the past couple of months, Woldumar has hosted a number of community events with one goal in mind: to build relationships with the wonderful community that surrounds us. And, if you missed them, no need to worry! We’ll do a quick rundown of each event right now.  From birdwatching to wildflower walks, let's take a look at what's been happening here at Woldumar this year. 

Taking a step back into January, we launched a new Winter Tree ID program. Initially, we set up one session, capped at around 20 people. Not sure of what the turnout would look like, we were absolutely blown away when not only did the session fill, but there was so much interest that we ended up opening– and filling– a second session. 

Starting inside, the winter tree ID program consisted of an introduction to tree ID within the Merry Olds room, where attendees were given tools and knowledge to identify native tree species. Once everyone had time to practice, we took our skills outside, ending with a nice hike around the property! Many wonderful people attended these sessions, including adults looking to expand their knowledge for gardening and foraging and children attending with their parents, looking to develop new skills– and even forestry students from MSU! All in all, it was a great day full of learning and laughter. 

In February, we combatted heavy snowfall and chilling temperatures with Cocoa & the Cabin, where friends and families came out to enjoy some hot chocolate and crafts in the Merry Olds room. From there, they could venture fourth through the snow to the Moon Cabin, where one of our naturalists tended the wood stove and told stories of the Moon family and the cabin's origins. Though we had just gotten quite a bit of snowfall, staff came out, plowed a path, and simply hoped cold weather wouldn’t keep visitors away. And keep people away it did not. Almost all of our hot chocolate was used up throughout the event, and the Moon Cabin saw many visitors that day. 

Though, February wasn’t the last of the Moon Cabin. In March, we opened the cabin up once more for our very own Moon Cabin Monday. At this event, attendees stepped back in time as they explored the Moon Cabin. It was a chilly March evening, but  we managed to keep ourselves warm by the heat of the wood stove  while demonstrating how to hand dip candles on the front porch. A special thank you to everyone who braved the weather to explore the Moon Cabin and hang out with us! 

Moving into April, the sun started to show its face, and with it came new life all around us. As the weather grew warmer, spring ephemerals– plants that live their entire life cycle before trees leaf out-– made their appearance. These beautiful little wildflowers began lining the trails, and we hosted our own wildflower walk for the public. Though the weather was still a little finicky, we managed to spot quite a few plants and flowers right as they were beginning to bloom. From bloodroot to trout lilies, it was a lovely day of viewing flowers, taking photos, and chatting with the public about all things nature. From members to non members alike, it was a great time with a wonderful group of people. 

And finally, as summer crept up upon us,, we managed to close out our monthly community events with one of my favorites: Wings of Woldumar. In May, we grabbed our binoculars, rifled through our field guides, and set out on the trails to observe the influx of migrating birds. With a lovely group of people in tow, we learned about native and invasive bird species here in Michigan, as well as how to ID them by sight and sound. Many good questions were asked that day, and the warblers were out and about, singing from the treetops for all to hear. It was a great end to an amazing lineup of community events.

If you’re reading this now going “What? I missed such exciting and interactive events?” Fret not! Though summer will be busy with campers, community events will make their comeback. As we move closer to fall once more, we’ll be hard at work developing even more engaging and fun events for all to enjoy. We hope all those who attended these events enjoyed their time! And for those who couldn’t, perhaps we’ll catch you at one later in the year ;). 

Stay Curious,

Ashley

Naturalist