troynaturesociety.org

Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center is the perfect place to experience nature and the Troy Nature Society has summer camps for your children packed with learning, activities, crafts, and trailing fun! TNS members benefit with a $10 discount on every camp registration. Register your children today! Just click on the age group below for the program you want.

The use of rain barrels can enhance your gardening experience and are easy to make and use. The good news?  Athens Environmental Club, Clean Action and MI Rain Barrel  are hosting a Rain Barrel Workshop at Athens High School on May 20. At the workshop, you will learn about the benefits of installing rain barrels in your yard and other ways we can protect and restore the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair. We will be learning how to build and install a rain barrel together! All ages and skill levels welcome! The workshop is free or for $50 you can build your own rain barrel to take home.  Follow the link on the sidebar to register, or contact Margi Armstrong(586.871.6713).

Joe Rogers and Joanne Williams of the Wildlife Recovery Association brought this special program to the Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center on April 25, 2013. The Wildlife Recovery Association (WRA) is headquartered in Shepherd, Michigan,  in the central heart of Michigan.

Over 90 adults and children attended the event. Joe and Joanne displayed many birds from WRA that underwent rehabilitation after events, some horrific, of human abuse or natural accidents, that could not be released back into the wild for various reasons.

The air inside the filled-to-capacity classrooms was palpable with excitement. Laughter, the antics of children, anticipation and trying to capture peeks at some of the raptors that would soon galvanize young and old alike occupied the audience.

Joe himself is no dry reciter of facts, but is an immensely entertaining lover of wildlife. He brings a bit of the wonder and awe of the natural world and all it's wild creatures. Many of which are so natively intelligent that they have survived millions of years (loons have survived for 65 million years) and even survived the advent of Europeans to the New World.

Joe started with the passenger pigeon which is different than the homing pigeon which is, unfortunately, extinct. These types of pigeons have been the best means of long-distance communication for thousands of years. They have a bio-magnetic compass inside their heads that allows them to always know which way they are heading. The Egyptians used them regularly, and even got the idea for nail polish from the birds’ brightly hued talons.

Owls were next on the agenda. There are 11 kinds of owls in Michigan alone, 4 of them are in the hoot owl family. Most of them hunt in the woods, but some prefer marshlands for their habitat and, unfortunately, about 97% of marshland in lower Michigan is gone and lost forever due to development.

In most raptor species the female is bigger, more aggressive and fiercer. Male owls fly faster than females – and fly about twice as fast as humans can run – but are about 30% smaller than the females. Even though owls are colorblind, they are great night hunters, however, bright lights at night hurt owls’ eyes and can even blind them permanently. They will get disoriented by bright lights like headlights, just like deer, and possibly be hit by oncoming cars. Short-eared owls sound like puppy dogs yapping at night! Pay attention if you hear these sounds at night and don't be fooled into thinking there are puppies outside! 

Joe pointed out that bird houses are still an important factor in owl survival and landowners of forested areas should be made aware that birdhouses with the proper dimensions will give these birds a nice boost up in survival rates. Depending on the food supply available, owls can have up to 8 babies in a season and abandoned or empty bird houses are ample and safe nesting habitat for all the babies. When the fledglings are ready to fly, they will also stop growing. Baby birds should never be handled, they are much too delicate and their bones are easily broken.

When owls and hawks hunt their favorite meals – mice and other rodents – they will swallow the critters whole so as not to get the fleas, ticks and other bugs that the rodents carry in their fur, on them. It gets mashed up and digested in their stomachs and comes out as pellets. Hawk pellets are smaller because they digest everything including the bones. Owl pellets are larger and often contain whole skeletons of the animal they've eaten. No food nutrients are wasted by them. Great horned owls hunt in the open fields and meadows because of their bigger size. They need about 6-8 miles of hunting territory per owl. They also will catch smaller owls like the barred or spotted owls for food. Most birds change feather colors from juvenile to adult; owls also have a change of eye color from yellow to brown at about 6 years of age.

Hawks are day hunters and make sounds we can't even hear. They are day hunters. Most hawks are afraid of the red-tailed hawk and the only enemy he has is the kestrel falcon. Falcons, even peregrins, are all small, very fast and intelligent.

Joe continued with Turkey vultures. These birds are very interesting: they can coast on thermals for 2 1/2 hours without flapping their wings. They can eat lots of things that would make us sick, like rotting dead animals - carrion - but they also are being killed by lots of things that we eat, that don't kill us immediately, like chemicals and other toxins in the environment. They can also stick their toes in their noses to clear them out if part of their dinner gets stuck in their bills!

Children and adults alike had a great time! This program will surely be remembered as one of the annual highlights of the Troy Nature Society's programs. Many handouts were available to further enhance participants' knowledge of raptors and other birds, including the threatened loon.

For additional information, visit the website at wildliferecovery.org spot.com and/or visit them on Facebook under Wildlife  Recovery Association. a non-profit organization with tax-deductible status that exists mainly with the help of member donors to do the very valuable work they do with rehabilitation, out-reach and education. Memberships begin at $10 and donations can be sent to 531 South Coleman Road, Shepherd, MI 48883. Check out the Wildlife Recovery Association.

The Troy Nature Society News is an electronic newsletter published monthly by the Troy Nature Society.

Our misson is to provide resources and education to inspire the appreciation and preservation of nature.

Please e-mail the editor editor@troynaturesociety.org with any comments or suggested topics of interest.

Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center is the perfect place to experience nature and the Troy Nature Society has summer camps for your children packed with learning, activities, crafts, and trailing fun! TNS members benefit with a $10 discount on every camp registration. Register your children today! Just click on the age group below for the program you want.

The use of rain barrels can enhance your gardening experience and are easy to make and use. The good news?  Athens Environmental Club, Clean Action and MI Rain Barrel  are hosting a Rain Barrel Workshop at Athens High School on May 20. At the workshop, you will learn about the benefits of installing rain barrels in your yard and other ways we can protect and restore the Clinton River and Lake St. Clair. We will be learning how to build and install a rain barrel together! All ages and skill levels welcome! The workshop is free or for $50 you can build your own rain barrel to take home.  Follow the link on the sidebar to register, or contact Margi Armstrong(586.871.6713).

Joe Rogers and Joanne Williams of the Wildlife Recovery Association brought this special program to the Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center on April 25, 2013. The Wildlife Recovery Association (WRA) is headquartered in Shepherd, Michigan,  in the central heart of Michigan.

Over 90 adults and children attended the event. Joe and Joanne displayed many birds from WRA that underwent rehabilitation after events, some horrific, of human abuse or natural accidents, that could not be released back into the wild for various reasons.

The air inside the filled-to-capacity classrooms was palpable with excitement. Laughter, the antics of children, anticipation and trying to capture peeks at some of the raptors that would soon galvanize young and old alike occupied the audience.

Joe himself is no dry reciter of facts, but is an immensely entertaining lover of wildlife. He brings a bit of the wonder and awe of the natural world and all it's wild creatures. Many of which are so natively intelligent that they have survived millions of years (loons have survived for 65 million years) and even survived the advent of Europeans to the New World.

Joe started with the passenger pigeon which is different than the homing pigeon which is, unfortunately, extinct. These types of pigeons have been the best means of long-distance communication for thousands of years. They have a bio-magnetic compass inside their heads that allows them to always know which way they are heading. The Egyptians used them regularly, and even got the idea for nail polish from the birds’ brightly hued talons.

Owls were next on the agenda. There are 11 kinds of owls in Michigan alone, 4 of them are in the hoot owl family. Most of them hunt in the woods, but some prefer marshlands for their habitat and, unfortunately, about 97% of marshland in lower Michigan is gone and lost forever due to development.

In most raptor species the female is bigger, more aggressive and fiercer. Male owls fly faster than females – and fly about twice as fast as humans can run – but are about 30% smaller than the females. Even though owls are colorblind, they are great night hunters, however, bright lights at night hurt owls’ eyes and can even blind them permanently. They will get disoriented by bright lights like headlights, just like deer, and possibly be hit by oncoming cars. Short-eared owls sound like puppy dogs yapping at night! Pay attention if you hear these sounds at night and don't be fooled into thinking there are puppies outside! 

Joe pointed out that bird houses are still an important factor in owl survival and landowners of forested areas should be made aware that birdhouses with the proper dimensions will give these birds a nice boost up in survival rates. Depending on the food supply available, owls can have up to 8 babies in a season and abandoned or empty bird houses are ample and safe nesting habitat for all the babies. When the fledglings are ready to fly, they will also stop growing. Baby birds should never be handled, they are much too delicate and their bones are easily broken.

When owls and hawks hunt their favorite meals – mice and other rodents – they will swallow the critters whole so as not to get the fleas, ticks and other bugs that the rodents carry in their fur, on them. It gets mashed up and digested in their stomachs and comes out as pellets. Hawk pellets are smaller because they digest everything including the bones. Owl pellets are larger and often contain whole skeletons of the animal they've eaten. No food nutrients are wasted by them. Great horned owls hunt in the open fields and meadows because of their bigger size. They need about 6-8 miles of hunting territory per owl. They also will catch smaller owls like the barred or spotted owls for food. Most birds change feather colors from juvenile to adult; owls also have a change of eye color from yellow to brown at about 6 years of age.

Hawks are day hunters and make sounds we can't even hear. They are day hunters. Most hawks are afraid of the red-tailed hawk and the only enemy he has is the kestrel falcon. Falcons, even peregrins, are all small, very fast and intelligent.

Joe continued with Turkey vultures. These birds are very interesting: they can coast on thermals for 2 1/2 hours without flapping their wings. They can eat lots of things that would make us sick, like rotting dead animals - carrion - but they also are being killed by lots of things that we eat, that don't kill us immediately, like chemicals and other toxins in the environment. They can also stick their toes in their noses to clear them out if part of their dinner gets stuck in their bills!

Children and adults alike had a great time! This program will surely be remembered as one of the annual highlights of the Troy Nature Society's programs. Many handouts were available to further enhance participants' knowledge of raptors and other birds, including the threatened loon.

For additional information, visit the website at wildliferecovery.org spot.com and/or visit them on Facebook under Wildlife  Recovery Association. a non-profit organization with tax-deductible status that exists mainly with the help of member donors to do the very valuable work they do with rehabilitation, out-reach and education. Memberships begin at $10 and donations can be sent to 531 South Coleman Road, Shepherd, MI 48883. Check out the Wildlife Recovery Association.

The Troy Nature Society News is an electronic newsletter published monthly by the Troy Nature Society.

Our misson is to provide resources and education to inspire the appreciation and preservation of nature.

Please e-mail the editor editor@troynaturesociety.org with any comments or suggested topics of interest.

Don't Miss out!

The Troy Nature Society announces the return of its popular NATURE ESCAPE program for children ages 4-5 and 6-8 years old at the Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center on Friday, May 17 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Children - there will be many activities including a hike (weather permitting), crafts and games designed to increase your child’s appreciation of nature. What fun – exploring the Stage Nature Center during the evening hours! Bring a sack dinner for your child; beverages and a snack are included.

Mom and Dad - this is your opportunity to spend some quality time together dining, shopping or at the show.

Everyone will have a great evening.Hurry this program fills fast!

Online registration fee is $18 for nonmembers; TNS members: $16; The day of the event the fee at the door is $20. Call on the day for availabilty(248.688.9703).

Ages 4-5 register here.

Ages 6-8 register here.

The Troy Nature Society Program Alert is an electronic alert published by the Troy Nature Society. TNS misson "to provide resources and education to inspire the appreciation and preservation of nature"

Volunteer Fun!

We are looking for individuals or groups(age 14-adult) to volunteer and help us preserve our native flora by eradicating invasive non-native plants. We will also work to improve the nature trails and clean up the grounds.

Bring work or garden gloves, old clothes, and "old fashioned elbow grease" are recommended. Bring a kneeling pad, if desired.

What to expect:

Meet & Work with fellow TNS members & volunteers

Meet & work with our supporters

Lots of fun!

The Troy Nature Society Nature Event Alert is an electronic alert published by the Troy Nature Society.

Our misson is to provide resources and education to inspire the appreciation and preservation of nature.

Please e-mail the editor editor@troynaturesociety.org with any comments or suggested topics of interest.

By Carla Reeb, Executive Director

As I previously reported, the TNS Board of Directors announced that the TNS Annual Membership meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at the Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center Building from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. At the meeting, elections to the 2013 Board of Directors will be held.  Additionally, the meeting will review the organization's finances, past progress and future plans. The detailed agenda can be viewed here. A brief resume of each of the candidates up for election are available here.

Light refreshments will be served. If you need additional information you can call 248.688.9703.

Thanks for your support.

Maple Syrup Time!

During the first three Saturdays in March, over 900 adults and children from all over the metropolitan area attended "Maple Syrup Time - Past & Present" at the Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center. Guests learned how maple sap was gathered in the past and in the present and visited an historic sugar camp.  At  our sugar shack they saw how the wood-stoked evaporator processsed sap into 100% maple syrup.   The tour concluded with everyone enjoying a special "sugar on snow" treat along with a taste of real maple syrup on mini-waffles.

Delicious maple syrup was available for purchase throughout the event sessions.  If you missed out on purchasing some to take home, maple syrup is still available for purchase at the Troy Historical Society.  For information contact the THS at 248.524.3570.

The Troy Nature Society wishes to thank all who attended for their support.  A special thanks goes out to Whole Foods and our volunteers for making this event a success.

TNS Program and Activity Fun!

With spring developing the TNS is offering several programs for children and adults:

Spring Break Days - April 3-4 - this two day mini-camp is an opportunity for children 6-10 to go outdoors and experience adventure, discovery and fun.

Live Hawks and Owls - April 25 - a favorite, hurry it's almost a sellout.

Scout It Out! - April 20 - Webelos earn your Naturalist badge.

Invasive Plant Removal & Spring Clean Up Days - April 27, May 18 & June 1.

For more information and online registration click here.

The Troy Nature Society News is an electronic newsletter published monthly by the Troy Nature Society.

Our misson is to provide resources and education to inspire the appreciation and preservation of nature.

Please e-mail the editor editor@troynaturesociety.org with any comments or suggested topics of interest.

Maple Syrup Time - Past & Present

at the Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center

             - Update -

There are some time slots still available.

For the date you want select a start time

below to register online.

Presented by the Troy Nature Society and the Troy Historical Society.

Non-members $7, TNS and THS members $6. Program Duration is 1-1/2 hours                            -

_____________________________________________________

Presented by Troy Nature Society & Troy Historical Society

By Carla Reeb, Executive Director

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce that the TNS Annual Membership meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at the Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center Building from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Light refreshments will be served. The public is welcome to attend.

Elections to the 2013 Board of Directors will be held.  Additionally, the meeting will review the organization's finances, past progress and future plans.

Any member interested in TNS board membership or wishing to nominate a candidate for board membership is invited to do so by contacting me at 248.688.9703.

Thanks for your support.

By Editor

In March, the Troy Nature Society and the Troy Historical Society join forces to provide an expanded and improved program called Maple Syrup Time - Past & Present.  This fun educational event for ages 4 and up presents our rendition of Maple Syrup past and demonstrates how maple sap was collected and processed by early Americans complete with an reenactment of a historical sugar camp.  Guests will learn how maple sap is presently processed and enjoy special treats such as our version of Sugar On Snow and mini waffles with delicious maple syrup. 

There are three Saturdays to visit - March 2, 9, 16.  Plan to bring your children to the Lloyd A Stage Nature Center and enjoy this popular event. Tours begin every 1/2 hour with the program lasting 1-1/2 hrs.

Members Discount - TNS and THS member fee: $6,      Non-member fee: $7. 

You can register online by clicking on the photo above.

Photo Contest - Get your Cameras Ready!

The Troy Nature Society Photo Club is planning a photo contest for grades K-12.  Details will be announced soon. Photos must be taken at the Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center. The Photo Club members will evaluate all entries and select the "best of the best" for display on the TNS website.

The TNS Photo Club has 22 members and they support the TNS by photographing programs, events and activities at the SNC. Their photos also meet the needs for TNS marketing displays, posters, flyers and brochures.

The Photo Club is looking for additional members. Interested? See the flyer at the SNC or register online here.

The Troy Nature Society News is an electronic newsletter published monthly by the Troy Nature Society.

Our misson is to provide resources and education to inspire the appreciation and preservation of nature.

Please e-mail the editor editor@troynaturesociety.org with any comments or suggested topics of interest.

The Troy Nature Society Program Alert is an electronic alert published by the Troy Nature Society.

TNS misson "to provide resources and education to inspire the appreciation and preservation of nature"

Please e-mail the editor editor@troynaturesociety.org with any comments or suggested topics of interest.

By Carla Reeb, Executive Director

Reflecting on the past year, 2012 was a year of significant progress towards providing quality educational programs at the Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center. The Society has once again made the nature center building available during weekdays as well as increasing our stewardship activities. Sponsorships, memberships and volunteer support all showed a substantial increase, putting us on the path to success.

Programs, Stewardship & Member Benefits- In 2012, we extended the number of public and school program offerings along with group program offerings for Scouts, Junior Girl Scouts, Brownies and Webelos. River Camp, a four day summer program, returned and was an immediate sellout. Members were rewarded with benefit discounts on most nature programs and summer camps. Additionally, we held a free Ice Cream Social for members, friends and community residents in August. We are looking forward to hosting the 2013 Ice Cream Social again this August.

To keep everyone abreast of all our activities, we issued monthly Newsletters and Program Alerts as necessary and listed all information and registration on our website. Thanks so much to members and volunteers that helped make this possible.

March is always a special time for TNS and the families of our community. Our unique Maple Syrup Event was attended by over 600 visitors in 2012. This fun educational event offers guests the opportunity to venture into the woods on a guided tour; learn how maple trees are tapped and see for themselves how sap is harvested.  Afterwards, guests visit our sugar shed to see an historic wood-stoked evaporator in action. The tour concludes with everyone enjoying mini-waffles topped with delicious maple syrup. Registration for the 2013 Maple Syrup session time of your choice is already available. Confirm your tour date by choosing and paying for your selection on Saturday, March 2, 9 or 16 through our website.

Facility Availability - The building facility is once again open during the week. Come and let the children enjoy the mastodon dig site and children’s play area. Feel free to use the public research library and observe wildlife from our serene viewing area. The center is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Volunteer support has also helped make these additional open hours possible.

Stewardship Activities – In 2012, TNS added a committee to oversee stewardship activities. Invasive pulls and maintenance of trails were increased. Thanks to volunteers and business supporters for the improvements made.  Sponsors that provided group support include: Starbucks, REI, Sierra Club and Miller Vein.  An Eagle Scout project assisted also with trail work and bench repair along the trails.

Business Sponsors – Business support was greatly appreciated in 2012. In particular, Whole Foods sponsorship of the TNS Wine & Beer Tasting fundraiser at Leon & Lulu resulted in an increase in funds raised that will contribute to future TNS progress. Our thanks is also extended to the friendly folks at Leon & Lulu for once again donating their venue for the event along with a portion of the evening’s sales to the society.  Our Troy Title 1 Summer School Program was again underwritten by Kelly Services Foundation and TCF Bank-Troy. This important school program is designed to help serve children who are at risk of falling behind academically during the summer months. Additionally, the Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority also contributed to this educational initiative for 2012. Finally, we are most happy for the generous support of Ray's Ice Cream of Royal Oak to our Ice Cream Social.  Delicious ice cream sundaes were enjoyed by all!

Volunteers- With volunteer support, the facility was able to re-open during the weekdays as well as supporting the expansion of public and school programs. As we begin the new year, our volunteers are looking forward to supporting several new programs, continuing the popular Junior Naturalists Club(see article below) and expanding the Maple Syrup Time from two to three days(see article below). The TNS Photo Club grew to 16 members and supports the TNS with photos of events and activities, and displays to promote the nature programs including web and marketing support. Interested in joining? If so, use this link.

Wish List for 2013 - The TNS has growth plans for 2013 geared to meet the needs of the community for quality nature programs. We need: 1) Interested business leaders to provide leadership, advocacy and financial support. 2) Members and donors. 3) Diverse volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.  Please contact me at executivedirector@troynaturesociety.org for business opportunities. Links for becoming a new member, renewing your membership or becoming a volunteer are on the right.

Thanks for your support.

By Editor

Maple Syrup Time - Improved for 2013 - March is a special time for TNS and the families of our community - Maple Syrup Time at the Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center. Last March, the TNS re-established the program to the delight of over 600 visitors. The event included an overview of how the Maple tree makes sap, tapping the trees, collecting the sap, and the excitement of the "boil-down" at the Sugar Shack, where the maple syrup is made, and finally, tasting the syrup on mini-waffles.

New for this year, the Troy Nature Society joins with the Troy Historical Society in providing an expanded and improved program called Maple Syrup Time - Past & Present. All the same fun as before with an added feature. The THS will present its rendition of Maple Syrup past. The THS will demonstrate how maple sap was collected and processed by Native Americans complete with an enactment of a historical sugar camp.

The TNS will expand the event from two days to three days - March 2, 9, 16. The extra day will accommodate additional visitors since last year's event was a sell-out. Plan to bring your children to the Lloyd A Stage Nature Center to enjoy this popular event. Tours will be held every 1/2 hour with the program lasting 1-1/2 hrs. You can register now to avoid missing out on your favorite day and starting time. For additional information, days and times available and registration click here.

Members Discount - The fee TNS and THS members is $6, non-members fee is $7.  

Wildlife Tracking - Great Winter Fun!

Treat your children and grandchildren to tracking this winter at the Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center. Here are some tips to get you started.

• Choose a day and time for success. For example, arrive shortly after a new snowfall. This will provide a nice setting to introduce the children to animal tracking.
• Plan to bring a camera or sketch pad to record the tracks.
• Use this resource for a handy guide to identify animal tracks
• Listen for birds on the trails such as woodpeckers and tree sparrows.
• Take advantage of the weekday open hours of the Nature Center. It's a good resource for information on tracking and winter wildlife.
• Dress the children warmly and have them wear boots

Hope to see you having fun on the winter trails at the LASNC. As an added incentive for the kids, send your best photos of tracks along with your identification to the webmaster (here) and we will publish the best ones on the TNS website. The Society is looking forward to another year of serving the community with the very best nature programs and providing good stewardship of the unique Lloyd A Stage Nature Center. Thank you for your continued support.  We wish you the very best this new year!  

The Troy Nature Society News is an electronic newsletter published monthly by the Troy Nature Society.

TNS misson "to provide resources and education to inspire the appreciation and preservation of nature"

Please e-mail the editor editor@troynaturesociety.org with any comments or suggested topics of interest.