SARETT
NATURE CENTER
SARETTNATURE CENTER
|
|
Environmental Education Classes
|
A Long Weekend of Kayaking & Birding June 10-12, 2011 Sarett Nature Center naturalists will guide you down three rivers on our annual kayak adventure. We will paddle the Little Muskegon near Newago, the White River near White Cloud, and the Pere Marquette near Baldwin. Each river day trip entails four to five hours on the water. Birders will scour the region for forest, field and water birds. You may go as a birdwatcher only, as a kayaker only, or you can do some of both. Lodging will be at a unique place known as The Shack. For Kayakers: Friday………..Departure will be at 7am. A two hour drive will bring us to the banks of the Little Muskegon River. This scenic river winds its way towards the town of Newago. It is narrow and has numerous riffles and small rapids, similar to the Pine River. Overnight accommodation and dinner will be at The Shack. Saturday ………. After a short drive north on M-37 we’ll launch onto the Pere Marquette River near Baldwin. Its’ cool, clear, fast moving waters are well known in paddling and fly fishing circles. We will return to The Shack for the night. Sunday ……… Our final day will be spent on the stretch of the White River that flows through the Manistee National Forest. The water is clear, with a quick flow over a sandy bottom. There are a few trees/logs to maneuver around, but it is mostly an easy float trip. We should return to the nature center by 7 p.m.
Accommodation : The Shack is definitely a unique place to stay. The lobby and dining room, from floor to ceiling, has been completely constructed out of pine. Life size wood carvings add to the ambience. You can relax on the giant front porch of the dining room that overlooks a small lake. Each lodge room is unique, clean and comfortable. The owners have established a museum consisting of a large collection of classic cars, trucks, tractors, snowmobiles and implements used during the logging era of long ago. You may enjoy a stroll on their nature trail. Birders will enjoy looking for feathered friends on the property. The Shack is located in a forested area five miles west of White Cloud. Food : All food (6 meals) except Friday’s lunch is included in the trip cost. The lodge offers buffet breakfasts and dinners. Banana splits are complimentary each of the nights we are there. You will be provided a sack lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Bring your own sack lunch for Friday. Kayak Equipment-Gear-Clothing: Sarett can provide you with a kayak, paddle and floatation device. Let us know if you need them when you sign up. Make sure to bring plenty of water, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Remember to have head straps for your glasses. Quick dry clothing and raingear is highly recommended. You will also want to bring a change of clothing in case of a tip-over. Trip Cost : $ 275.00 based on double occupancy. This includes all transportation, kayak rental, river permits, two nights’ accommodation, all food (except lunch on Friday) and the services of Sarett Nature Center naturalists. Deposit : You must pay $50.00 to hold your spot on this trip. If sending a check please make it payable to Sarett Nature Center and send it to Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor, MI 49022. Final payment and Cancellation Policy : Due to the cancellation policy at The Shack we will need your full payment by May 7, 2011. If you must cancel after this date you will still be charged for the room. All other costs will be refunded.
SARETT HOURS: Nature Center Building Our trails are open dawn to dusk every day. [Home] [New Addition] [Rentals] [Environmental Education Classes] [Homeschool]
|
|
|
For Birders: Departure will be at 7a.m. on Friday. Areas visited will include the North Country Scenic Trail, Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary, Manistee National Forest, and the Muskegon Wastewater Ponds. Look for nesting gulls, upland sandpipers, eagles, various warblers, scarlet tanagers, wood thrush, pileated woodpeckers, flycatchers, swallows and the ubiquitous red-eyed vireos just to name a few.