Updated: Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board recommends funding for Brockway Mountain parcel in Eagle Harbor Township

By Michele Bourdieu, with information from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund press release and Eagle Harbor Township

Brockway Mountain Summit west vista, showing Lake Superior, Keweenaw Coastal Wildlife Corridor, Eagle Harbor Township. Click on photos for larger versions. (Photo courtesy Eagle Harbor Township. Reprinted with permission.)

LANSING -- The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund (MNRTF) Board of Trustees has recommended Eagle Harbor Township to receive $498,000 to acquire 320 acres of property, including the summit of Brockway Mountain. The parcel will add to the Keweenaw Coastal Wildlife Corridor for conservation and recreational access.

As stated in the grant proposal document, "The KEWEENAW COASTAL WILDLIFE CORRIDOR BROCKWAY MOUNTAIN is an acquisition of a critical portion of the overall KEWEENAW COASTAL WILDLIFE CORRIDOR that extends between Eagle Harbor on the west and Copper Harbor on the east. The Keweenaw Coastal Wildlife Corridor encompasses approximately 16 miles of some of the most scenic and pristine coastal wilderness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula."*

Aerial view of Brockway Mountain and Lake Superior, in Eagle Harbor Township, Keweenaw County, Michigan. (Photo © and courtesy Neil Harri. Reprinted with permission.)

Eagle Harbor Township and several partner organizations have been raising the 25 percent match required for the grant -- about $172,000. The township has so far received donations approaching $50,000 toward that match.

"Eagle Harbor Township, in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), will raise the necessary funding for the match," said Jeff Knoop, TNC Upper Peninsula director of land protection.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC), which owns the nearby Mt. Baldy property in Eagle Harbor Township, has agreed to match any donations up to $100,000, if needed, Knoop added.

Panoramic view to the southwest (left) and the west (right) from the summit of Brockway Mountain. Labels show, from left, Lake Medora, TNC's Mount Baldy, Lake Bailey and Agate Harbor. Click on photo for larger version. (Photo courtesy Eagle Harbor Township. Reprinted with permission.)

The MNRTF Board's recommendations go to the Michigan Legislature for their review and then through the appropriations process. The Legislature will then forward a bill to the Governor for his approval. Typically, this part of the process is completed by the end of the summer following the Trust Fund Board’s recommendations.

"It is anticipated the closing will happen in 2012," Knoop said.

Eagle Harbor Township Supervisor Ed Kisiel said one of the goals is to raise the funds without using any tax dollars.

"So far we're on track to accomplish that goal," Kisiel noted. "We still have roughly about $40,000 to raise by next summer."

Eagle Harbor Township has donated $20,000 from the township's land acquisition fund (not from taxes) toward the match, Kisiel added.

In addition to the township and TNC, partners in the project include the Copper Country Audubon Club, the Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District (HKCD) and the Keweenaw Land Trust (KLT).

Bird migration protection and study will also benefit from this conservation purchase. Copper Country Audubon performs many activities on the project site, including guided educational fieldtrips and bird counts. Recently they conducted the 2010 Keweenaw Raptor Survey at the summit of Brockway Mountain, collecting scientific data for this important migration flyway.**

Bill Deephouse of Copper Country Audubon said the club also conducted a three-month survey on Brockway from March 15 to June 15, 2011; and another one is scheduled for the coming year.

"Last year our hawk counter tallied 14,000 raptors exactly," Deephouse said. "We are excited to see the 2012 survey get underway next spring."

Copper Country Audubon has donated $10,000 toward the match, Kisiel said. Other partner groups have donated smaller amounts of cash and in-kind services toward the project.

Since the 1930s, the 320-acre Brockway Mountain property has been owned by three generations of the Wescoat family, who have allowed public use of Brockway Mountain and have refrained from sub-dividing or developing this parcel.

Access by car on Brockway Mountain Drive, which has been designated a historic and scenic route under the Copper Country Trail National Byway, allows great views of Lake Superior, smaller lakes, wooded steep cliffs and deep, lush valleys.

This view from Brockway Mountain Drive along the Keweenaw Coastal Wildlife Corridor shows Copper Harbor on Lake Superior, at left, and Lake Fanny Hooe, at right. (Photo courtesy Eagle Harbor Township. Reprinted with permission.)

According to the grant proposal document, the overall plan for the Keweenaw Coastal Wildlife Corridor "seeks to create a larger coastal conservation wildlife corridor. It will provide part of the Keweenaw Trail, a recreational silent sport trail along the Keweenaw coast that will link the conservation areas of Eagle Harbor and Copper Harbor and allow access to the historical, recreational and esthetic benefits of the area while supporting the Copper Country National Byways program and the local economy."

This trail map detail shows the location of the 320-acre Brockway Mountain parcel in relation to the Keweenaw Coastal Wildlife Corridor (black dotted line), the Keweenaw Trail (red dotted line) and other trails and protected areas near the Keweenaw Tip. Click on image for larger map or see p. 33 of the MNRTF Grant Proposal for the full map.* (Map detail courtesy Eagle Harbor Township. Reprinted with permission.)

This Keweenaw Coastal Wildlife Corridor Brockway Mountain conservation project is one of 99 development and acquisitions projects, totaling $39.6 million, recommended by the Trust Fund Board on Dec. 7, 2011, to be funded in 2012. They were selected from 145 applications that were competitively evaluated based on scoring criteria developed by the MNRTF Board.

"Natural resources and recreation continue to be among Michigan’s greatest strengths," said Governor Rick Snyder. "The board’s recommendations are a wise investment in Michigan’s economic future and quality of life. I appreciate the work of the trustees and look forward to enhanced outdoor and recreational opportunities across our state."

The Trust Fund board can recommend funding for both development projects and acquisitions to local and state agencies. This year, the Trust Fund board awarded 63 percent of its funding ($14,835,800) available for acquisitions to local units of government, and 37 percent ($8,775,000) to the Department of Natural Resources. For recreational development projects, the board recommended 93 percent ($14,854,400) of the available funding for projects proposed by local units of government, and just 7 percent ($1.2 million) for projects proposed by the DNR.

"The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund continues to be a vital program for communities around the state to enhance their livability and provide outstanding recreational opportunities for our citizens and visitors," said Department of Natural Resources Director Rodney Stokes. "These projects will provide hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities, and protect special places that make our state unique."

The MNRTF is a restricted fund that was established in 1976 to provide a source of funding for public acquisition of lands for resource protection and outdoor recreation. The funding is derived from royalties on the sale and lease of state-owned mineral rights. In 1985, Michigan voters chose to make the MNRTF part of Michigan’s constitution, ensuring this program’s future.

Other MNRTF recommendations

Other MNRTF recommendations for land acquisition in the Upper Peninsula are as follows:

Negaunee Township (Marquette County) is recommended to receive $202,700 to acquire 176.84 acres to preserve and extend the township’s non-motorized trail system.

Upper Peninsula Eco-Regional Land Consolidation is recommended to receive $950,000 to acquire various properties within the Upper Peninsula to improve DNR ownership by eliminating in-holdings within DNR project areas.

Statewide, various rail-to-trail acquisitions by the DNR will be recommended for $1 million in funding to extend, connect or enhance the state recreation trail network, including lands for trailhead support facilities.

In Houghton County, the Trust Fund Board made two development recommendations:

Calumet Township is recommended to receive $29,000 for trail improvements at the Calumet Lions Park.

The City of Hancock is recommended to receive $262,500 to develop 382 feet of universally accessible boardwalk in the Navy Street Park.

Editor's Notes:

* Visit the Eagle Harbor Township Web site Township News page and click on the link titled Keweenaw Coastal Wildlife Corridor Brockway Mountain MNRTF Revision 1.pdf to read more about the ecological, recreation, historic and aesthetic values that will be conserved by this land acquisition project.

** Click here to read about the raptors of Brockway Mountain on the Keweenaw Raptor Survey Web site.

Community Arts Center Youth Gallery to host art by students from Calumet Schools, opening Dec. 10

"Our Great Horned Owl Named Lightning," painting by Tom Erkkila of Calumet Elementary School. (Image courtesy Copper Country Community Arts Center)

HANCOCK -- The Copper Country Community Arts Center will be featuring artwork by students from Calumet Schools during the month of December. Masks, ceramics, drawings, paintings, sculpture, and other incredible works of art will be on display in the Youth Gallery.

The opening reception for the young artists will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, in the Youth Gallery at the Copper Country Community Arts Center (CCCAC).

The CCCAC is located at 126 Quincy Street and is open Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Please call 482-2333 for more information.

Carnegie Museum to host 5th Annual Gingerbread Show

HOUGHTON -- In anticipation of their 5th Annual Gingerbread Village display, Carnegie Museum staff are busy unpacking Gingerbread Houses. They invite the public to create edible buildings to add to the museum's festive display.

"Our contest last year was so successful that we decided to make it an annual event too," says Elise Nelson, Carnegie Museum director. "All New Creations will be awarded a prize in one of many different categories."

Want some company while you work? Gather some friends and come to the Museum during any of their open hours, or come to one of the Gingerbread Building Workshops -- from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, or from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13.

"Bring one of your own creations, build one with us, or just help with the repair and maintenance of our Playhouse!" adds Nelson. "We will have plain houses in need of decoration, some frosting 'glue,' and bits of candy and pretzels, etc. Additional graham crackers and confections to share are always welcome."

All abilities and ages are encouraged, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

The Carnegie Museum will hold their Annual Holiday Open House from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17, with Storytime by Chris Alquist, Portage Lake District Librarian, and with a Visit from Santa from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Contest winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded. Refreshments will include snacks and hot chocolate. The completed gingerbread houses will be on display including the walk-through playhouse.

So, put on an apron and start baking, or bring some friends and some fixings and work at the Museum. All entries must be brought to the museum by 5 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 15. For more information, including a good recipe for the "glue," please email history@cityofhoughton.com or call 482-7140.

Even if you are unable to make a something for this year, you are welcome to stop by to view the exhibit -- and perhaps be inspired for next year!

The Carnegie Museum is at 105 Huron Street, Houghton. Regular Hours are Tuesday and Thursday, noon - 5 p.m., and Saturday, noon - 4 p.m. Special for the holidays: Open noon - 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28.

Closed: Saturday, Dec. 24, and Saturday, Dec. 31.

Also currently showing: "We Have To Go Out: The History of the Life-Saving Service of the Keweenaw," "Remember Me: Letters and Photos from World War II Soldiers to a Laurium Barkeep," "The Golden Anniversary of the Portage Lift Bridge" and "Building Bridges."

Images of Gingerbread House and Santa courtesy Carnegie Museum.

Congressional Candidate Gary McDowell to visit Hancock Dec. 11

HANCOCK -- The Houghton County Democratic Party will hold their regular monthly party meeting at a different time and place this month. Instead of the first Wednesday, they will have a short party meeting at 1:30 p.m. this coming Sunday afternoon, Dec. 11, at Studio Pizza and Ice Cream on Quincy Street in Hancock.

The meeting will precede a special social event to welcome U.S. Congressional candidate Gary McDowell to Houghton County. McDowell is scheduled to appear at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, in the Orpheum Theatre (at Studio Pizza).

Congressional Candidate Gary McDowell chats with teacher and artist Kris Raisanen Schourek in Houghton during a Sept. 24, 2011, rally organized by union members and We Are the People. The rally was held shortly after McDowell announced his decision to run again for Michigan's First Congressional seat -- formerly held by Bart Stupak and now by Rep. Dan Benishek (R-Iron River), who defeated McDowell in 2010. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

The public is welcome to attend the event and bring friends and family to meet Candidate McDowell and find out why he wants to be the next person to represent Michigan's 1st Congressional District.

Congressional Candidate Gary McDowell addresses the audience at a rally organized by union members and We Are the People in Houghton on Sept. 24, 2011. McDowell gives some reasons why he plans to run again in 2012 for Michigan's First District Congressional seat, now held by Rep. Dan Benishek (R-Iron River). (Video clip courtesy Allan Baker for Keweenaw Now)

There is no charge to attend. However, those interested in a McDowell win will be invited to donate if they wish.

For more info, please contact Justin Palm at Justin@McDowellForCongress.com or call (206) 854-0007.

To contribute to the campaign, click here.

Make checks payable to McDowell For Congress. Contributions or gifts to McDowell For Congress are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

Keweenaw Land Trust to hold Open House at Marsin Nature Center Dec. 10

By Carol Johnson Pfeffercorn*

HANCOCK -- When Mary Sinish donated her acreage and homes to the Keweenaw Land Trust (KLT), her intent was to make it available to the public as an educational preserve. This past year, KLT has been busy remodeling the Sinish home into a nature center, which will accommodate community and educational groups, school gatherings, book clubs and discussion groups -- as well as outdoor activities such as canoeing, ice fishing, snowshoeing and native plant gardening.

The Keweenaw Land Trust (KLT) is remodeling the Marsin Nature Center near Oskar Bay. KLT will hold an Open House at the Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. (Keweenaw Now file photo courtesy Keweenaw Land Trust)

The remodeling followed the combined recommendations of an architect and the Sustainable Design Systems course taught by Rick Loduha at Finlandia University.

This photo shows some of the remodeling being done at the Keweenaw Land Trust's Marsin Nature Center. (Photo © and courtesy Pat Toczydlowski, KLT land specialist)

To view the results of the remodeling and learn more about the Marsin Nature Center, attend the KLT Open House from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Marsin Center, located near Oskar Bay.

Directions: from Hwy 26, turn onto the Canal Road, drive 8 miles (1 mile past Oskar) to the big Red Brick Road sign. Turn right and drive approximately .8 mile to the Marsin Center, on the left.

* Keweenaw Now guest writer Carol Johnson Pfeffercorn recently moved to the Keweenaw from the Menominee area. In addition to writing, she is assisting Keweenaw Now with advertising and public relations.

Finlandia Singers and Pep Band to present concert Dec. 8

HANCOCK -- The Finlandia University Singers and the Finlandia Pride Pep Band will present a concert at 6 p.m. this Thursday, Dec. 8, in the Chapel of St. Matthew.

The University Singers and Pep Band will be joined by five members of the Keweenaw Youth Symphony Orchestra and guest guitarists Sam Sever and Trevor Mills. The concert will include Christmas music, jazz, and two selections performed by the combined choir, pep band, and Keweenaw Youth Symphony quintet.

The University Singers and Finlandia Pride Pep Band are directed by Finlandia campus chaplain Soren Schmidt and accompanied by pianist Carla Phillips.

The concert is free and open to the public. For additional information, please contact Soren Schmidt at 906-487-7239.

Michigan Tech Concert Choir to present "A Choral Celebration" Dec. 10 at Rozsa

HOUGHTON -- As we head into the holidays, please take an evening to enjoy, reflect, and celebrate, as the Michigan Tech Concert Choir presents "A Choral Celebration" at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Rozsa Center.

General Admission is $10, students $5 and Michigan Tech students free.

The Michigan Tech Concert Choir will perform music that will include motets both old and new, music of nature, songs for peace, as well as traditional spirituals. This evening of uplifting, joyous and above all beautiful choral music will offer something for the whole family.

The concert is sponsored by the Michigan Tech Department of Visual and Performing Arts.

To purchase tickets, call (906)487-2073, go online at tickets.mtu.edu, or visit Ticketing Operations at Michigan Tech’s Student Development Complex (SDC), 600 MacInnes Drive, in Houghton. SDC Box Office hours are 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday, and noon - 8 p.m. Sunday. Please note the Rozsa Box Office will only open two hours prior to show times.

WE ARE THE PEOPLE to hold event at Benishek's office, Marquette, on Dec. 8

MARQUETTE -- WE ARE THE PEOPLE will be hosting a day of action from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 8, at U.S. Congressman Dan Benishek's District Office, 307 S. Front Street in Marquette.

The purpose of the event is to call attention to the need to extend Michigan unemployment benefits, which are to expire on Dec. 31, 2011.

"As we know, unemployment benefits are very important to our members in the construction industry," said Michael Thibault, business representative for the Upper Peninsula Building and Construction Trades Council. "The extended unemployment benefits are set to expire and could have a devastating effect on some of our members who may suffer extended periods of unemployment. Congressman Dan Benishek does NOT support continuing the extension of benefits for our members."

Michael Thibault, business representative for the Upper Peninsula Building and Construction Trades Council, speaks at a WE ARE THE PEOPLE rally in Houghton in September 2011. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

WE ARE THE PEOPLE reports that, in Michigan alone, 66,700 will lose their benefits unless Congress acts before Jan. 1st.

Concerned citizens are invited to join this event at Benishek's office in Marquette.

"Please join us as we stand together to let Congressman Benishek know that the residents of the First District are standing in SOLIDARITY for Unemployment Benefits extension," Thibault said.

Click here for more details.

NOSOTROS to host Latin dance Dec. 10 at Michigan Tech

NOSOTROS will host a family-friendly Latin dance from 8 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, Dec. 10, in the Michigan Tech MUB Ballroom. (Dance poster courtesy NOSOTROS)

HOUGHTON -- NOSOTROS, the Michigan Tech Latin students' organization, will hold a Latin dance beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, in the Memorial Union Ballroom on the Michigan Tech campus.

Free salsa lessons will be offered from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by three hours of open floor with salsa, merengue, bachata and much more!

No partner needed! Family friendly! All levels! Free! Light snacks and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided.

EPA seeks nominations to advisory committee by Dec. 9

WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently seeking nominations from a diverse range of candidates to serve on the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology (NACEPT), a federal advisory committee. This is an exciting opportunity for concerned citizens to join the EPA's mission to protect human health and the environment. The deadline for nominations is Dec. 9, 2011.

EPA established NACEPT in 1988 to provide advice to the EPA Administrator about a broad range of environmental policy, technology and management issues. Members serve as representatives from academia, industry, non-governmental organizations, and state, local, and tribal governments.

Candidates should possess the following qualifications:

• Extensive professional knowledge of environmental policy, management, and technology issues. An interdisciplinary sustainability background is highly desirable.

• Ability to examine and analyze environmental issues with objectivity and integrity.

• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication, and consensus-building skills.

• Ability to serve a two-year appointment and to volunteer approximately 10 to 15 hours per month to support the Council's activities.

In order to fill anticipated vacancies by February 2012, nominations should be received by Dec. 9, 2011. To receive additional details regarding the nomination process and to learn more about NACEPT, please visit http://www.epa.gov/ofacmo/nacept/index.html.

For further questions regarding this notice, please contact the EPA Office of Federal Advisory Committee Management and Outreach at (202) 564-2294.

Dance to Thimbleberry Band at Chassell French-Canadian Soirée Dec. 9

The Thimbleberry Band will play French-Canadian dance music at Chassell's Old-Fashioned Christmas French-Canadian Soirée on Friday, Dec. 9, at the Chassell Heritage Center. In this photo some of the Thimbleberry musicians -- from left, Oren Tikkanen, Libby Meyer, Matthew Durocher and Dave Bezotte -- play ethnic tunes during a musical event at the Keweenaw Heritage Center. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

CHASSELL -- Celebrate Chassell’s Joie de Vivre and Old-Fashioned Christmas at a traditional French-Canadian Soirée (evening dance party) from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9, at the Chassell Heritage Center (2nd St. and Hancock Ave, one block west of US 41 in Chassell).

The Thimbleberry Band (Libby Meyer on fiddle; Oren Tikkanen on guitar, mandolin, and vocals; Matthew Durocher on bass; Dave Bezotte on piano, accordion and vocals; and Coleman Segal on mandolin) will play dance music from French-Canadian and other local traditions.

Admission is free, but donations to help cover costs are appreciated. Take a break from the holiday rush to enjoy music, dance, refreshments, and a time of celebration with family, neighbors and friends!

The event is sponsored by the Chassell Historical Organization.

Breathe Owl Breathe to perform at Orpheum Theater Dec. 7

HANCOCK -- Breathe Owl Breathe will be on stage at the Orpheum Theater Wednesday night, Dec. 7 (that's tomorrow!)! Little Wings will open the show around 8 p.m., and doors open at 7:30 p.m. Arrive early, this show might sell out! Admission is $10 for Adults ($5 for 12 and under).

Speaking of owls, photographer Mike Shupe, owner of Studio Pizza and the Orpheum Theater in Hancock, exhibits his photo of a Snowy Owl and other art at the recent Home for the Holidays sale in the Rozsa Lobby. If you missed the sale, be sure to enjoy his exhibit of photos at Studio Pizza on your way into the Orpheum Theater! (Photo by Keweenaw Now)

"This may be the best show of the year!" says Mike Shupe, Orpheum Theater owner. "Join us for a great show, and enjoy some delicious Studio Pizza at the Orpheum Theater, in downtown Hancock!"

The Studio Pizza will be serving great food and soft drinks will be available, but feel free to bring other types of beverages.

Letter: "Legislators needed foresight" on severance taxes

HOUGHTON -- In a letter to the editor of the Daily Mining Gazette, published on Dec. 5, 2011, Calumet resident Paul Campbell comments on the Nov. 28, 2011, Detroit Free Press article, "Will mines get state's riches for a paltry sum?" -- the second in a two-part series on the Rio Tinto-Kennecott Eagle Mine near Marquette.*

Campbell says, "I was surprised. In reading further, I find our Lansing legislators' lack of foresight either overlooking or ignoring "Mineral Severance Taxation" extremely disturbing. The long documented mining history of the Upper Peninsula shows a unique area full of mining minerals. Years ago, our legislators should have passed severance taxation laws to help boost the economy."

Campbell includes a link to a map showing how Michigan ranks among states that impose severance taxes on natural resources. Click here to see the map.

"We as citizens and taxpayers should demand to know why the State of Michigan has ignored severance taxation on our precious minerals, our natural resources," Campbell writes.

Click here to read the rest of this letter on MiningGazette.com.

* Click here to read the Detroit Free Press article "Will mines get state's riches for a paltry sum?"

Club Indigo to present "A Midsummer Night's Dream" Dec. 9

CALUMET -- The final Club Indigo event at the Calumet Theatre will take place this Friday, Dec. 9, as the 18th season closes with a pre-holiday plum, one of the great Shakespearean classics, A Midsummer Night's Dream.

This is the most celebrated version of the Bard's comic fantasy ever created for film or stage -- thanks to the supervision of its director, Max Reinhardt, who came to America to supervise this one Hollywood magnus opus, then returned to Germany, where he was hailed as the world's greatest director.

In 1935, totally without the aid of our modern CGI effects, Reinhardt created an entire fairy kingdom and fantasy forest in one of Warner Brothers' largest sound stages and peopled it with Warners' finest stars (including Mickey Rooney as Puck) and a cast of thousands -- all backed by Felix Mendelssohn's familiar music. The result: a Hollywood extravaganza never topped and still as thrillingly entertaining as ever.

A Midsummer Night's Dream can be seen at the Calumet Theatre this Friday at 7:15 p.m., preceded by a royal buffet from the chefs at Calumet's Miscowaubik Club at 6 p.m. Cost for both movie and buffet, $18. Movie alone, $5. Children, reduced rates. To assure a seat at the buffet a call to the theatre should be made at least a day in advance: 337-2610.

Winter Family Fun Night at Nara Nature Center and Park to be Dec. 6

HOUGHTON -- What can you do with your family to celebrate winter and nature? Enjoy Winter Family Fun Night together making nature crafts for the holidays and taking a night hike at the Nara Nature Center and Park.

The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Nature craft and night hike activities will each be offered from 6 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. and again from 6:50 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Indoor activity: Families can make ornaments from birch bark and other natural materials to take home. Activity stations will be provided for K-6. All materials will be provided.

Outdoor activity: Naturalist-led moonlit hike on the Nara trails (on snowshoes, assuming there is snow!).

What to Bring: Child and adult snowshoes will be provided while supplies last. Families are encouraged to bring their own snowshoes, if they have them. Dress warmly!

The event is co-sponsored by: Western U.P. Math and Science Center and Michigan Tech Center for Science and Environmental Outreach.

Pre-registration is requested. Please contact Beth Squires, by phone: 487-3341 or email:eksquire@bhkfirst.org/mail

For more information contact Joan Chadde, Western U.P. Center for Science, Math and Environmental Education at Michigan Technological University, call: 906-487-3341 or email: jchadde@mtu.edu.