Huron County View

Huron County Nature Center works to preserve and educate


 

 

Located in Hume Township on Loosemore Road in Port Austin, Mich. is the Huron County Nature Center (HCNC). HCNC was originally under the supervision of the Huron County Women’s Clubs in 1941, but as the need to preserve wildlife grew, the club became a Wilderness Arboretum in 1991.

Transitioning into an arboretum allowed more individuals to have the opportunity to take a close look at wildlife for enjoyment and educational purposes. All things, living or dead, are protected by HCNC. This includes: plants, animals, insects, fungi, and more. HCNC believes that the preservation and knowledge of the environment expands one’s compassion and understanding for the world around us.

HCNC sits on sand ridges and shallow swales, making the establishment an ideal location for native Michigan species to thrive and Michigan nature lovers to explore. Those wishing to explore can visit the well-kept nature trails at HCNC all year long as they are open daily from dawn to dusk. Guests are invited to study the scenery and appreciate the aspects that comprise an ecosystem. Dogs are allowed on the trails, but must be on a six-foot or shorter leash and be picked up after. Stollers and wheelchairs are also welcome and will find the paved loop especially easy to enjoy.

 

 

Once on the trail, HCNC encourages visitors to explore Michigan’s species and geography —watch as the trees bloom, flowers blossom, leaves fall, and snow accumulates. Informative signs and markers are spread throughout the trail to aid in expedition and allow visitors to learn as they go. For a more in-depth visit, check out the Visitor Center at HCNC, which is open on weekends and during the summer months.

To continue learning, HCNC offers programs to individuals with a curiosity and passion for wildlife. Whether you seek knowledge on reptiles, botany, butterflies, or even paleontology, HCNC has a program for everyone. Every Saturday at 10:30 a.m., HCNC brings in professionals to host an educational event for all. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated.

 

 

Programs such as Reptiles and Amphibians, Saving and Sharing Seeds, Milkweed and Monarch, and PaleoJoe are amongst some of the events hosted by HCNC. Naturalists, paleontologists, and other instructors share their knowledge on the importance of preserving creatures, plants, and fossils. More programs are listed on HCNC’s Facebook, “@ HCnaturecenter.”

On July 28, HCNC will host their final Family Adventure Night of the summer. Family Adventure Nights are designed to bring families together for an evening of making memories and having fun. Naturalist Caitlin Stone-Webber invites families to participate in her engaging stories, charming trail walks, and engaging projects. A suggested donation of $5 per family is encouraged.

As a volunteer-based nonprofit, HCNC relies on donations, grants, and attendees. You can make a difference to the world around you by visiting HCNC’s Visitor Center at their home base at 3336 Loosemore Road, or check out their website, www.huronnaturecenter.org/. With your help, HCNC has the opportunity to continue preserving our natural environment and teaching curious minds.