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12/13/2017 Member News
CNC to Host Winter Solstice Celebration, Winter Exploration Days, Nature’s New Year’s Eve

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 13, 2017

CONTACT:
Jamie Hockstra
Director of Marketing & Communication
989.631.0830 | 989.631.7070 f
[email protected]

CNC to Host Winter Solstice Celebration, Winter Exploration Days, Nature’s New Year’s Eve

For centuries, people have gathered with family and friends to recognize the longest night of the year and to celebrate the return of longer days to come. Chippewa Nature Center (CNC) will host its annual free Winter Solstice Celebration on Saturday, December 16 from 6-8 pm. Visitors can take part in earth-friendly traditions as they roll a beeswax candle and make a small evergreen wreath to take home. Learn how seasons change through interactive solstice stories and winter exploration station activities. Visitors can also shop for the holidays at the Nature Center Store. All activities will be held in the Visitor Center.

Beginning at the Winter Solstice Celebration, CNC will also host Winter Exploration Days December 16-January 3. The theme for this free, self-guided hands-on program is how plants and animals survive in winter. Indoors, visitors can “ice fish,” build mini beaver lodges, participate in an animal adaptation puppet show, simulate Woodchuck hibernation, read in the Book Nook, create an evergreen-shaped tree and learn about color changing animals, birds’ winter feathers and heat-generating plants through crafts, games and activities. Visitors can also venture outdoors for a scavenger hunt! Hours are Monday-Saturday 8 am-5 pm and Sunday 12-5 pm (closed holidays).

Ring in 2019 and celebrate Nature’s New Year’s Eve on Sunday, December 31 from 7-8 pm. At this free event, visitors can play games, watch for nocturnal animals in the Wildlife Viewing Area and enjoy s’mores and a light snack with sparkling juice.

Learn more about Chippewa Nature Center and see a full calendar of events at www.chippewanaturecenter.org.

Chippewa Nature Center (CNC) is a non-profit organization in Midland, MI inspiring people and institutions to protect the natural world. Enjoy free admission to the Visitor Center, located at 400 S. Badour Rd., open 8 am-5 pm Monday-Saturday and 1-5 pm Sunday and select holidays, and 19 miles of trails open dawn-to-dark 365 days a year, including 7+ miles of trails groomed for cross-country skiing. Visitors will enjoy the Bur Oak Theatre, hands-on Nature Discovery Area and Ecosystem Gallery with live Reptile and Amphibian Exhibit, River Overlook, Wildlife Viewing Area with one-way glass, Nature Center Store and more. CNC offers Nature Day Camp each summer. CNC is also home to Nature Preschool, helping 3- and 4-year olds develop a life-long connection to the natural world. Learn more at www.chippewanaturecenter.org or facebook.com/cncmidland.