Nature Discovery

Nature Discovery The nature center features a huge, interactive zoo of Michigan-native reptiles and amphibians. Durin Open almost any day by private appointment.

Contact us to arrange a day and time.

Here is a link to our March newsletter: http://naturediscovery.net/pdf/WILD%20TIMES%20Mar26.pdfRead Jim's opening column...
03/09/2026

Here is a link to our March newsletter:http://naturediscovery.net/pdf/WILD%20TIMES%20Mar26.pdf
Read Jim's opening column, "Birding by Ear: A March 'Birder's Dozen.'" Learning to identify birds around you by their vocalizations lifts you to a degree of avian awareness around you that blows away identification by sight alone. Also, how to sign up for an early morning guided country road walk, the focus, identifying every bird we hear along the way, and more...

Here is a belated link to our February newsletter: http://naturediscovery.net/pdf/WILD%20TIMES%20Feb26.pdfRead Jim's ope...
02/16/2026

Here is a belated link to our February newsletter:http://naturediscovery.net/pdf/WILD%20TIMES%20Feb26.pdf
Read Jim's opening column, 'Winter Bird Feeding: Ground, Zero'.
Also info on visiting our nature center by appointment, volunteer opportunities and more...

02/16/2026

Last week, before the extreme cold-snap snapped we had over 100 birds at a time coming in to our feeding station. The secret is the extra seed mix scattered on the ground that brings droves of native American Tree Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos, all Canadian migrants, in to feed. At first light I scattered a cupful of mix across the top of our brick-lined tortoise pen. The second I step inside they tumble down from the trees. Within a minute you can count over 60 descend.

Here is a link to the January issue of our newsletter: http://naturediscovery.net/pdf/WILD%20TIMES%20Jan26.pdfRead Jim's...
01/11/2026

Here is a link to the January issue of our newsletter:http://naturediscovery.net/pdf/WILD%20TIMES%20Jan26.pdf
Read Jim's opening column, Winter Birding by eBird. Did you know that there is a long list of wild bird species that can be found in Lower Michigan only throughout the winter months? Here is how you can get out there and see them with fairly minimal exposure to the winter elements. Details about guided birding opportunities for small groups, volunteer opportunities, and more...

Here is a link to the December issue of our newsletter: http://naturediscovery.net/pdf/WILD%20TIMES%20Dec25.pdfRead Jim'...
12/14/2025

Here is a link to the December issue of our newsletter:http://naturediscovery.net/pdf/WILD%20TIMES%20Dec25.pdf
Read Jim's opening column, An 'Evening Grosbeak' Winter. This large northern finch, listed as a Michigan-threatened species, has experienced over a 90 percent decline in the last 50 years. Scattered sightings are being reported now in a number of Lower Michigan counties. Looking for something to do over the holidays with family/friends? Make an appointment to visit our highly engaging nature center most any day or evening. Details and more inside...

There are still a few spots remaining in our 'limited enrollment' Thanksgiving Eve day camp for kids, K and older. Conta...
11/24/2025

There are still a few spots remaining in our 'limited enrollment' Thanksgiving Eve day camp for kids, K and older. Contact us to register before Wednesday. Details in this flyer...

Here is a link to the November issue of our newsletter: http://naturediscovery.net/pdf/WILD%20TIMES%20Nov25.pdfRead Jim'...
11/12/2025

Here is a link to the November issue of our newsletter:http://naturediscovery.net/pdf/WILD%20TIMES%20Nov25.pdf
Read Jim's opening column, "Nothin' but Snakes". Photos of our educational snakes in recent action speak for themselves. Visit the totally unique big little nature center attached to our home north of Williamston by appointment most any day or evening. Details in the newsletter.

Here is a link to the October issue of our newsletter: http://naturediscovery.net/pdf/WILD%20TIMES%20Oct25.pdfDavid Demp...
10/02/2025

Here is a link to the October issue of our newsletter:http://naturediscovery.net/pdf/WILD%20TIMES%20Oct25.pdf
David Dempsey has acted as an advocate for the environment and the Great Lakes in particular his entire adult life. Currently, he is Senior Policy Advisor for Traverse City-based Flow Water Advocates. We were thrilled that Dave contacted us with a request to interview Jim on his personal Substack platform about our own means and ends through education to do right by the environment. Read an abridged version, entitled "To David Dempsey, One 'Answer to Despair'". More from the newsletter in photo-caption format here...

Here is a link to the September issue of our newsletter: http://naturediscovery.net/pdf/WILD%20TIMES%20Sept25.pdfRead Ji...
09/16/2025

Here is a link to the September issue of our newsletter:http://naturediscovery.net/pdf/WILD%20TIMES%20Sept25.pdf
Read Jim's opening column, Keepers of the Brown House Flyer. Visit our 'big little' private nature center north of Williamston by appointment. Arrange a guided birding field trip for your small group. The sky's the limit for Michigan wildlife encounters with us.

Second brood caterpillars of the large and beautiful Luna Moth just started hatching this morning. If you have access t...
08/15/2025

Second brood caterpillars of the large and beautiful Luna Moth just started hatching this morning. If you have access to walnut or hickory leaves you're golden to raise some. You can stop by our nature center north of Williamston by appointment to purchase some. 5 for only $15 with complete care instructions. No special equipment necessary other than a clean, dry jar. Teachers, what a great in-class project to start the school year. Way better than Painted Ladies.

Here is a link to the August issue of our newsletter: http://naturediscovery.net/pdf/WILD%20TIMES%20Aug25.pdfRead Jim's ...
08/14/2025

Here is a link to the August issue of our newsletter:http://naturediscovery.net/pdf/WILD%20TIMES%20Aug25.pdf
Read Jim's opening column, 'Our Weirdly Wonderful Insect-centric Life.' Check out the supporting photos. Visit our private nature center by appointment most any day.

Wow, what a lapse... A testament to what crazy, long days we put in surrounding what I think we can rightfully call the ...
07/23/2025

Wow, what a lapse... A testament to what crazy, long days we put in surrounding what I think we can rightfully call the biggest little nature center in Michigan. Almost 2 weeks since it went up on our site here, finally, is the July issue of our newsletter:http://naturediscovery.net/pdf/WILD%20TIMES%20July25.pdf
Read Jim's opening column, The Scarlet Tanager Wake Up Call. Then consider visiting the bustling facility attached to our home north of Williamston. Details in the newsletter. In addition to the largest zoo of MI-native reptiles & amphibians, we have a veritable caterpillar 'farm' here throughout the summer.

Address

5900 N Williamston Road
Williamston, MI
48895

Telephone

+15175759247

Website

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