Walk for Warmth

from 9&10 News, and other sources

For 20 years the Walk for Warmth program has raised money to help families pay heating costs during the harsh Michigan winters. It is operated regionally in Michigan by Community Action Programs. Walkers ask for sponsors of their walks and the money is donated to the Walk for Warmth fund.

9&10 News Helping Hands and Farm Bureau Insurance are supporting FiveCap’s Walk for Warmth on Saturday, February 19 in Lake, Manistee, Mason, and Newaygo counties. Call 231-757-3785 for more information.

Barry, Branch, Calhoun and St. Joseph Counties are under South Central Michigan CAP. Mid-Michigan CAP oversees Midland, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta and Osceola Counties.

See Northwest Michigan CAA
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Bohemian Waxwings Spotted in Mason County

bohemian waxwings (photo by Dave Dister)

a guest post by Dave Dister

Jan 23, around 3 p.m. I came across a mixed flock of Cedar Waxwings and Bohemian Waxwings in southern Pere Marquette Township (Mason County, Michigan). Most birds were perched high up in some roadside trees, with small groups flying down into crabapple trees on the west side of Lenz Road, about 300 feet north of Chauvez Road (just west of the overpass for US 31).

In contrast to the overcast late afternoon sighting of Bohemians on 12/31/10 (not very satisfiying as a new "lifer"), the skies were mostly sunny and exposures were much improved (especially after some lightening, trimming, and sharpening). There were at least 110 waxwings, of which at least 30 were Bohemians (a few starlings and robins were also among the flock)

bohemian waxwing and cedar waxwing (photo by Dave Dister)

The rusty undertail coverts of Bohemians are obviously different than the whitish ones on Cedars. The strategy to drive along apple orchards that also have crabapples (with persistent fruit) worked beautifully. Enjoy these selected photos.

And Good Birding !

Dave Dister is an avid bird and wildlife watcher who is writing a book about birds of Mason County.
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Great Backyard Bird Count, 2011

bluebird overwintering (photo by jhy)

from birdsource.org

The 2011 GBBC will take place Friday, February 18, through Monday, February 21.

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds.

As a participant you can count birds anywhere for as little or as long as they wish during the four-day period. You can tally the highest number of birds of each species seen together at any one time. To report the counts, fill out an online checklist

Make sure the birds from your community are well represented in the count. It doesn't matter whether you report the 5 species coming to your backyard feeder or the 75 species you see during a day's outing to a wildlife refuge.

See Great Backyard Bird Count
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Walk the Dog, Get a Gift

from Subaru

On Super Bowl Sunday, instead of parking it on the couch for an 8-hour football marathon, do something good for you and your dog. Join us for the Subaru Game Day Dog Walk Event. It’s not only a great way for you and your pooch to get some exercise, but you just might meet some new friends as well.

Pledge to walk your four-legged friend on game day and receive a free doggy gift pack from Subaru, while supplies last. Go to the Subaru site to sign up and be counted in the dog-walking pledge, for Sunday, February 6.

Your full name and email will be required to sign up, and also the name of your dog(s). Subaru provides links to locate a dog park near you, if you are not sure where to walk.

See Subaru Dog Walk Event
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WinterWest to Create Outdoor Ice Rink in Grand Rapids

building WinterWest ice rink (still from video at WZZM News)

from WinterWest

West Grand Neighborhood Organization is partnering with Friends of Grand Rapids Parks and the City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department to present an opportunity for all ages to get out and enjoy this special time of year. WinterWest will boast a temporary ice rink, assembled just north of the Richmond Park parking lot, that will host open skating, broom ball and hockey tournaments. Richmond Park is also the site of one of Grand Rapids’ best sledding hills.

Events will be held from January 28-February 13. The rink was built on Thursday, January 20th. A video with scenes of that project can be seen at WZZM-TV 13.

WinterWest is sponsored by several local businesses called “Ice-Breaker Sponsors:” Belden Brick, Rockford Construction, B&B Beer Distributing, Michigan Awesome, GRPS, Brann’s, Georgio’s Pizza and Second Chance Clothing.

Volunteers will be needed to staff the event.

See WinterWest
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National Trails Day Theme Announced by AHS

a news release of American Hiking Society

On June 4, 2011, American Hiking Society's National Trails Day will bring together outdoor enthusiasts across the country for the 19th annual celebration of America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers. Two thousand events will take place around the country including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running, trail celebrations and more!

Our earth is made up of natural ingredients like rivers, mountains, lakes, deserts, and plains and National Trails Day is a time to get outside and celebrate those natural surroundings. The theme for National Trails Day 2011, Made With All Natural Ingredients, encourages all Americans to get outside, connect with local outdoor clubs, businesses, community groups, and parks and recreation departments as well as federal land managing agencies to experience, appreciate and celebrate the natural places where we can find a spread of scenery, a plateful of peace, and a heap of happiness and health.

"Dedicated volunteers, outdoor enthusiasts, trail lovers, and those new to the outdoors are truly the key ingredients to National Trails Day. Naturally, it's a time to give back to trails and pay it forward by introducing someone new to the outdoors," said Gregory Miller, American Hiking Society president.

Since 1993, National Trails Day has inspired thousands of individuals and community groups to take part in activities that promote healthy living and mental well being, protect green space, educate youth and adults on the importance of trails, and instill excitement for the outdoors. Plan now to host or attend an event in your area. If you want to get happy, healthy, active, fit, and have some fun, National Trails Day is your recipe to success. The only ingredient missing is YOU.

If your community organization would like to host an event or to find out more about NTD 2011, contact Heather Sable, Trail Programs Manager, at hsable@AmericanHiking.org or (800) 972-8608 x 208 or visit American Hiking Society
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Snow Portraits For Wildlife- Kid's Winter Craft

snow mosaic (photo from Family Fun)

from the Family Fun Newsletter

Grab some seeds and veggies, spray bottles of colored water, and take the kids outside to create a portrait for fun and wildlife.

Good materials include birdseed with various textures such a sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and mixed seeds. Also gather fruits and vegetables such as carrots, greens, apples, etc. Often, good deals can be found on discount tables.

You'll need to mix some food coloring with water and put each color in a spray bottle.

Now bundle up and take the kids outside. Let each one create a body print in the snow. You might want to do this in a location where the portrait will be in view of a window, so you can observe which critters come to "eat you."

Use the materials to fill in the details of the portrait... use your imagination to create features, clothing, etc.

See Family Fun
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Kal-Haven Trail to Host Polar Bear Run

a news release of Southwest Michigan Planning Commission

The Friends of the Kal-Haven Trail are excited to introduce their First winter event: Kal-Haven Trail Polar Bear Run. The event will be held on Saturday January 29, 2011 from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Driftbusters Snowmobile Club (710 Hughson Court, Gobles, MI 49055). The 5K event is only $10.00 a person and the youth fun run is $5.00.

The 5K Run begins at 1:00 p.m. (ages 14 and up). Registration can be done on site at 12:30 p.m.

While the run is taking place kids activities will include
1:00 p.m.- Birds of Prey Education Program by the Lake Milton Raptor Education Program
1:45 p.m.-Registration for the Youth Fun Run (ages 10 and under)

Awards will be held at 2:30 p.m. and a team snowman building contest will be held at 3:00 p.m. Enjoy the bonfire, food, friends and some winter fun!

This event is being sponsored by the Dristbusters Snowmobile Club, Gazelle Sports, David and Joan Rumery and Wahmhoff Farms.

Bring your running shoes and warm weather clothing to spend an afternoon on the Kal-Haven Trail.

Visit Friends of Kal-Haven Trail, or contact Suzann Flowers
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New Snowshoes and Lanterns for Young State Park- Charlevoix

a news release of the Michigan DNRE

A recent grant from the Charlevoix County Community Foundation will help Young State Park enhance its winter programming by purchasing new snowshoes and lanterns. The park is located at 02280 Boyne City Rd., near Boyne City, Michigan.

Young State Park will work with a Boyne City outfitter called No Boundaries, to procure the snowshoes. Staff from No Boundaries will provide assistance with the winter programs at the park.

Certified Heritage Interpreter, Maureen Stine, will guide the free and educational snowshoe hikes for park visitors. These hikes are geared toward families or anyone interested in learning more about the winter ecology in the park. The snowshoe hikes will be held in Young State Park at 1 p.m. on Saturdays, Jan. 15 and 29 and Feb. 12, 19 and 26.

Registration is not needed for the snowshoe hikes. There will be a warming fire and hot beverages to enjoy before and after the hike. Additionally, when the hike is complete, visitors are invited to attend an information session on the sports of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Other activities at Young State Park during the winter include hiking, dog walking and cross-country skiing, and Lake Charlevoix is great for perch and walleye fishing.

For more information about these programs, call 231-582-7523.
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Student Biological Science Technician Positions

male and female Karner Blue butterflies (photo from the National Forest Service)

received from Heather Keough, District Wildlife Biologist, USDA Forest Service

The Baldwin/White Cloud Ranger District, located in western lower Michigan, will be hiring four student biological science technicians to assist with various fish, wildlife, and vegetative surveys between mid-May and mid-August 2011. Technicians will work as a member of a survey team to:

1) inventory endangered, threatened, and sensitive wildlife species;
2) assess habitat suitability for various wildlife species;
3) conduct counts to estimate abundance of Karner blue butterflies, a federally listed endangered species, within designated management areas;
4) conduct vegetative surveys to estimate acreage of suitable Karner blue butterfly habitat within designated management areas;
5) conduct vegetative surveys to assess the effectiveness of different management treatments for restoring openings, savannas/barrens, and Karner blue butterfly habitat; BR>6) conduct electrofishing surveys to assess the status of various fish populations and assess the effectiveness of aquatic habitat improvements; and
7) identify management concerns for use in developing management plans. The data collected will be used by professional staff to develop management plans and conservation measures. Technicians also will assist with fish and wildlife management activities, complete detailed field reports, enter data into various databases, and participate in outreach activities to educate the public about wildlife conservation issues.

Application materials must be submitted by March 15, 2011. Please feel free to contact Heather Keough for and application and more information



See Heather Keough
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