SARETT
NATURE CENTER
SARETTNATURE CENTER
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Environmental Education Classes
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Autumn in the North October 7- October 11 2009 There is no place like northern Michigan to experience the beauty of the fall season. The maple and aspen trees are ablaze with vibrant colors. Add to this the rich greens of coniferous trees, the turquoise blue of great lakes water, sweeping vistas of high overlooks and it is understandable what draws people here year after year. We will have opportunity to see wildlife such as eagles, loons, and owls. Upper Peninsula moose and wolf populations continue to increase, so there is always a chance of spotting one of these northern specialties. Bear populations have always been strong. Wednesday…………….. Our van caravan will depart the nature center at 8 a.m. for the journey up to the Petoskey Area. A drive to the Deadman’s Hill overlook will give us a fabulous view of the Jordon River Valley. Seen in all its autumn glory, the view will be one of the highlights of the trip. There should also be time for a leisurely walk on a trail in the Mackinaw State Forest. Our overnight stay is at the Apple Tree Inn which overlooks Little Traverse Bay. This hotel features a deluxe continental breakfast, coffee and tea parlor, indoor pool and hot tub among its various amenities. Thursday……………. On our way north to the Mackinaw Bridge we will pass through the famous “tunnel of trees.” This aptly named route winds its way up the Lake Michigan shoreline. It is literally a lengthy drive through the forest. Later in the morning we will arrive at Whitefish Point. This spit of land jutting out into Lake Superior is a well known migrant bird trap and is home to an interesting maritime museum. We will talk to a resident naturalist about the latest bird activity. Lunch will be at the Tahquamenon Falls restaurant. Afterward there will be a stroll through the forest to the falls. A famous Michigan landmark, the thundering 50 foot falls is an impressive example of the powerful forces of nature. Our overnight stay will be at the Comfort Inn of Newberry. The Inn features a deluxe continental breakfast, hot tub and sauna. Friday………….. The morning activity will be a visit to nearby Seney National Wildlife Refuge. This 95,000 acre sanctuary provides habitat for such animals as otter, eagles, loons, barred owl and black-backed woodpeckers. The scenic drive along the many ponds and wetlands provide an opportunity to see some of these. Lunch will be in Munising and then we will journey over to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Interesting sandstone formations and scenic views of Lake Superior make this a favorite destination. The Comfort Inn at Munising will be our home tonight. This place offers free deluxe continental breakfast, swimming pool, hot tub and laundry facilities. Saturday…………. A drive south through the interior of the Upper Peninsula will bring us to Palm Book State Park. Home to Kiti-iti-kipi (The Big Spring), we will enjoy an observation raft float to peer into its depths. Unique in Michigan, the 40 foot deep spring pumps out 10,000 gallons of water a minute. Through crystal clear water visitors can see interesting limestone formations, ancient submerged logs, swirling sand, and schools of brook trout. A lunch stop will be made in Mackinaw City on our way to Lake Ann Pathways. This state managed natural area offers many miles of walking trail through sugar maple forest. A stroll here should be breathtaking! The Lakeshore Inn at nearby Empire will be our accommodation for the night. The village of Empire is tucked away in forest covered hills adjacent to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Sunday…………… You can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Joe’s Tavern just down the street from the Inn. After checking out, our morning activity will be doing the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. There will be opportunity to do some short walks in this area. In the afternoon we will follow US 31 back to the nature center, arriving by 5pm. Activities: Every attempt will be made to stick with the itinerary. However due to weather, unforeseen events, or time constraints, even the best laid plans can change. Remember to bring clothing for variable fall weather. I suggest that you pack a small umbrella or rain poncho in case of a shower during one of the walks. We have limited luggage storage in the vans, so please pack accordingly. Food: Bring a sack lunch for the first day. You are responsible for buying lunches and dinners on this trip. Remember that three breakfasts are complimentary. Cost: $395.00/person based on double occupancy. This fee covers all transportation, 4 night’s accommodation, park entrance fees, and services of Nature Center naturalists. Deposit: A $50.00 deposit is required to hold your spot. Please make your checks out to Sarett Nature Center and mail to Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor MI 49022.
SARETT HOURS: Nature Center Building Our trails are open dawn to dusk every day.
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Questions: Call us at 269-927-4832.