Come visit the Howell Nature Center for exciting events! Please note that events require pre-registration. Click on the events below or call our Welcome Center at (517) 546-0249 for additional information.
Click our OUTDOOR OCTOBER calendar below to view a downloadable/printable PDF
STAY CONNECTED
We have an extra special Halloween themed Fall Family Friday this week!
Enjoy a "creatures of the night" animal program, and then choose between two family activities:
1) Night Hike + Obstacle Course (designed for younger children)
2) A Spooky Haunted Hike (recommended for older children)
Families will join retired director Dick Grant for a true "Haunted Hike" on the grounds of the center Dick, who was the Director at the Howell Nature Center for 40 years! During this time, he has accumulated many strange and spooky stories about the grounds. On this 1.5 mile hike, families will learn some spooky facts and stories of the past such as whether or not there are spirits roaming the grounds, a haunted hollow tree, or the night the trees came to life!
Both options will end with cozying around a bonfire and enjoying s'mores!
Did you know that you can help support our work with wildlife and children from the comfort of your own couch? You and your family can enjoy a front-row seat to our annual gala no matter where you live in the world. There will be a two-day silent auction leading up to the big event!
Happening on Thursday, November 5th at 7:00pm, you will enjoy a 1-hour experience on from the comfort of your home. Tiered ticket pricing starts at $0, and each virtual ticket includes access to the event and silent auction!
Learn more and register her at bit.ly/WildWonderfulTwilight
Thank you to our presenting sponsor Back On Track: Tuition Free Online Eduaction!
Thank you to our friends out at Ore Creek Craft Cider in Pinkney who came out to share what they're doing to partner with us for Wild Wonderful Twilight.
Make sure to head their way the day of the event, November 5th, to grab their event exclusive Spicy Tamale cider cocktail before the event starts at 7:00pm.
If you haven't reserved your spot, register for the event! Entry tickets are FREE so what are you waiting for?
bit.ly/WildWonderfulTwilight
Week 8 of the Outdoor and the Virtual Learning Lab is a wrap. This week our amazing high school volunteers created super fun projects for the kids to do. One of these projects was to create a large painting so everyone could put their own artistic spin on it. The kids had a blast and everyone got a little messy.
Registrations are open for November.
Sign up Today!
hnc.campbrainregistration.com/
Zombies are taking over the Nature Center and we need your help! Test your skills at the archery field, practice basic survival skills with fire and shelter building, and make your ESCAPE fleeing down a 500ft zip line! Will you survive?
This is our LAST Zombie Escape weekend of the year, so don't miss out! Find more information and reserve your spot by clicking the event links below:
Zombie Escape! - October 24th, 3:00pm-6:00pm
Zombie Escape! - October 25th, 3:00pm-6:00pm
Our largest fundraiser is going VIRTUAL! Enjoy a front-row seat to our annual gala no matter where you live in the world. There will be a two-day silent auction leading up to the big event!
Happening on Thursday, November 5th at 7:00pm, you will enjoy a 1-hour experience on from the comfort of your home. Tiered ticket pricing starts at $0, and each virtual ticket includes access to the event and silent auction!
Learn more and register her at bit.ly/WildWonderfulTwilight
Thank you to our presenting sponsor Back On Track: Tuition Free Online Eduaction!
Our largest fundraiser is going VIRTUAL! Enjoy a front-row seat to our annual gala. No matter where you are in the world, we hope you’ll tune in as we take you on a behind-the-scenes exploration of our mission in action.
There will be a two-day silent auction leading up to our Virtual Gala on November 5th that you will not want to miss. In addition to a wild and wonderful online adventure, we’ll sprinkle in our “rubber ducky race for the environment,” and a raffle for prizes. All proceeds will go toward helping wildlife and kids to Heal, Grow and Be Wild!
During this financial crisis, we need your help more than ever before. Funds raised during this event are critical for us to continue our mission through our Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic, the Wild Wonders Wildlife Park, Nature Camps, and more. Thank you for your support!
Pre-register and/or donate here: www.betterunite.com/HowellNatureCenter-wildwonderfultwilight
Trivia night just got a little WILD at Eternity Brewing Company!
Join us for Beast and Brews tonight (6:30-8:30pm) and enjoy a glass of delicious beer from while learning all about wildlife and putting your wits to the test! One pint of beer is included with your ticket purchase (for those 21 years and older).
Perfect for a night out with friends, a date night, or a place to meet new friends! Learn all about it aland register here: conta.cc/34utSvE
Bobcats in lower Michigan??
There have been a few potential sightings of a bobcat in our general area. While typically found in northern Michigan, it is definitely possible for a bobcat to be spotted here. We know predators can seem scary when you don't understand them, so we thought we would share a few facts so these sightings can be celebrated rather than feared.
🐱Bobcats do not attack people! There are virtually no reports of this.
🐱Bobcats are named for their short, "bobbed" tail. If it has a long tail, it is not a bobcat.
🐱Bobcats are about twice the size of domestic cats, so they are smaller than many people realize. They max out around 30-40 lb.
🐱Bobcats eat rodents, rabbits, birds and small game. While possible, it is unlikely that a bobcat would attack cats and dogs.
🐱Bobcats are solitary and mostly nocturnal, which is why sightings are rare.
🐱When found near urban areas, bobcats are actually helpful! They control rodent populations and eat dead animals, cleaning up the environment.
🐱One super cool adaptation: bobcats can leap 10ft horizontally and 6ft vertically!
🐱Bobcats purr! Our permanent resident bobcat, Zeus, purrs during training sessions.
If you feel concerned about bobcats living near your house, remember that our Wildlife Helpline (517-548-5530) is available to offer advice about living in harmony with wildlife!
It’s pretty great when our patients invite themselves almost directly into the wildlife clinic. This little white-breasted nuthatch was found by our facilities director laying in nearly the center of our courtyard. Luckily he was was admitted before any potential predators found him. It’s unsure exactly what happened with the little one but it is free of broken bones and seems to be clear of major neurological issues. We just know we're happy it came to the right place and we're glad to help this cute bird patient out.
Did you know:
🥚Nuthatches get their names from the way they crack open seeds.
🥚 Nuthatches live in pairs year round!
🥚Female nuthatches build their nests all on their own, no boys needed.
🥚These birds are experts at walking down trees by hanging upside down by their rear toes, or hallux!
We hope we see some improvements in this feathered friend soon!
As a 501(c)(3) organization, our community and wildlife programs run primarily with funds raised through special events or donations.
