Hessel School House

Little Learners - Bird Feeders, Sleeping Animals
2022-11-04 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Detroit) | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Come and let your preschooler explore nature and art with Mrs. Gordon. The classroom will be set up with a variety of themed activity stations for the children to explore. Preschoolers 2-5 years old will be creating theme based nature and art projects. There will also be an area for parents and babies to visit and relax while the preschoolers are having fun. Class meets from 10:00 – 11:30 AM. All materials included in the $5.00 per class fee. Parent or guardian must remain on-site during class time.
Class Schedule
Nov 4 – Bird Feeders, Sleeping Animals
Nov 18 – Harvest Turkey
Recommended for Ages: 2-5 years old
Class Fee: $5.00/class
Class Min. 4 • Class Max. 12
REGISTER ONLINE for November 4 Bird Feeders, Sleeping Animals https://www.eventbrite.com/e/404869464467
Minimum Enrollment
Hessel School House reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet its minimum student enrollment prior to the class. If a class is cancelled for lack of enrollment, Hessel School House will offer a refund to the student in the manner in which tuition was paid. (Cash payments will be refunded by check.)
Student Cancellation
Requests for cancellation by the student at least five (5) days prior to the class will be honored (minus a processing fee). NO REFUNDS will be given for a student cancellation made less than five (5) days in advance.

Little Learners - Harvest Turkey
2022-11-18 10:00 - 11:30 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Come and let your preschooler explore nature and art with Mrs. Gordon. The classroom will be set up with a variety of themed activity stations for the children to explore. Preschoolers 2-5 years old will be creating theme based nature and art projects. There will also be an area for parents and babies to visit and relax while the preschoolers are having fun. Class meets from 10:00 – 11:30 AM. All materials included in the $5.00 per class fee. Parent or guardian must remain on-site during class time.
Nov 18 – Harvest Turkey
Recommended for Ages: 2-5 years old
Class Fee: $5.00/class
Class Min. 4 • Class Max. 12
REGISTER ONLINE for November 18, Harvest Turkey https://www.eventbrite.com/e/404870567767
Minimum Enrollment
Hessel School House reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet its minimum student enrollment prior to the class. If a class is cancelled for lack of enrollment, Hessel School House will offer a refund to the student in the manner in which tuition was paid. (Cash payments will be refunded by check.)
Student Cancellation
Requests for cancellation by the student at least five (5) days prior to the class will be honored (minus a processing fee). NO REFUNDS will be given for a student cancellation made less than five (5) days in advance.

Little Learners: Fox & Winter Fun (ages 2-5)
2022-12-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Come and let your preschooler explore nature and art with Mrs. Gordon. The classroom will be set up with a variety of themed activity stations for the children to explore. Preschoolers 2-5 years old will be creating theme based nature and art projects. There will also be an area for parents and babies to visit and relax while the preschoolers are having fun. Class meets from 10:00 – 11:30 AM. All materials included in the $5.00 per class fee. Parent or guardian must remain on-site during class time.
December 2 – Fox & Winter Fun
Recommended for Ages: 2-5 years old
Class Fee: $5.00/class
Class Min. 4 • Class Max. 12
REGISTER ONLINE for December 9th, Fox & Winter Fun: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/471285797507
Minimum Enrollment
Hessel School House reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet its minimum student enrollment prior to the class. If a class is cancelled for lack of enrollment, Hessel School House will offer a refund to the student in the manner in which tuition was paid. (Cash payments will be refunded by check.)
Student Cancellation
Requests for cancellation by the student at least five (5) days prior to the class will be honored (minus a processing fee). NO REFUNDS will be given for a student cancellation made less than five (5) days in advance.

Les Cheneaux Christmas Bird Count
2022-12-16 07:45 - 15:00 | Les Cheneux Coffee Roasters, 33 Hodeck St., Cedarville, MI, 49719, United States
Join Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator, Elliot Nelson, for another year of counting birds in the Les Cheneaux and Pickford Areas!
We are in need of counters again this year to go out in teams to search as much of the area as possible identifying and counting birds. Experience is welcome, but not required and we will try to pair folks to help balance out the teams. We also welcome folks to count from their home if in the count circle (see attached image) .
Please register ahead of time as it helps us plan out. Click here to register: https://forms.gle/BzULAzAEi838B35u9
Although we ask you to register ahead of time, we will take walk ins.
Overall Schedule:

7:45am-8am: Meet at Les Cheneaux Coffee Roasters, 33 Hodeck St. Cedarville, MI. Get your assignments and head off
8am – 12:30pm: Birding and counting!
12:30pm – 1:30pm: Lunch and tally up results
1:30pm – ?: OPTIONAL – Head back out to cover any areas not covered already.

Contact Elliot Nelson for any questions or additional details. elliotne@msu.edu or 906-322-0353

Little Learners: Snowflakes & Christmas Trees (ages 2-5)
2022-12-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Come and let your preschooler explore nature and art with Mrs. Gordon. The classroom will be set up with a variety of themed activity stations for the children to explore. Preschoolers 2-5 years old will be creating theme based nature and art projects. There will also be an area for parents and babies to visit and relax while the preschoolers are having fun. Class meets from 10:00 – 11:30 AM. All materials included in the $5.00 per class fee. Parent or guardian must remain on-site during class time.
December 16 – Snowflakes & Christmas Trees
Recommended for Ages: 2-5 years old
Class Fee: $5.00/class
Class Min. 4 • Class Max. 12
REGISTER ONLINE for December 16th, Snowflakes & Christmas Trees: www.eventbrite.com/e/471306138347
Minimum Enrollment
Hessel School House reserves the right to cancel any class that does not meet its minimum student enrollment prior to the class. If a class is cancelled for lack of enrollment, Hessel School House will offer a refund to the student in the manner in which tuition was paid. (Cash payments will be refunded by check.)
Student Cancellation
Requests for cancellation by the student at least five (5) days prior to the class will be honored (minus a processing fee). NO REFUNDS will be given for a student cancellation made less than five (5) days in advance.

Whooo Wants to Learn About OWLS!
2023-01-28 10:00 - 12:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Family Nature Program
FAMILY-FRIENDLY! Hessel School House invites you to come and learn about owls during this hands-on interactive, educational experience. Examine an owl up close and listen to owl calls to see which ones may be living in your back yard. Owl pellets provide a real “hands-on” study about what owls eat and how different their eating is from other animals. The class concludes with a family art project to take home. Family affordable at just $5.00 per person to help cover materials. Space is limited. Pre-registration is required to attend.
The “Family Nature Program” is a new series offered the last Saturday of the month. Each month will feature a new topic. Be sure to check our calendar for upcoming events. You won’t want to miss them.
Class size: Min. 8 / Max. 16
Class Fee: $5 per person
Click here to REGISTER ONLINE

Support for this program provided in part by the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts

Winter Forest Bathing
2023-01-28 10:30 - 12:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Come experience the beauty of winter in new and deeply familiar ways with the practice of forest bathing. Different then other nature connection experiences such as hiking and birdwatching, forest bathing follows the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku which invites you to slow down and mindfully connect with nature through all of your senses. Give your body and mind a chance to rest and restore while taking in the subtleties and wonder of nature. Your experience will include a guided sensory awakening meditation followed by a series of explorational invitations and conclude with time for sharing around a campfire and tea.
The walk will take place outside in nature so please dress appropriately for the conditions. Participants are encouraged to bring their own portable chair or stool to sit on during the meditation.

Class is limited to 20 people. Pre-registration is required. $35 per person.
Click here to REGISTER ONLINE

Support for this program provided in part by the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts

WOMEN ON ICE - Intro to Ice Fishing
2023-02-18 11:00 - 13:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Women on Ice is an introduction to ice fishing for women of all ages. Grab your girlfriends and make it an afternoon outing. Maureen Stine, will guide you through the basics of ice fishing from learning how to set a tip up and what to do when the flag goes up, using an auger, understanding a lake map, choosing tackle for perch and panfish vs. tackle for walleye and pike, ice safety and more.
Class will start at the Hessel School House for a bit of training before heading out on the ice. Everything you need to ice fish is included. Since this event is held on a Michigan Free fishing weekend, a fishing license for participants is not required making it the perfect time to try your hand at ice fishing and possibly fall in love with a new winter activity. There is no guarantee that we will catch fish. Hot chocolate and snacks provided.
Class Fee: $20/person. Space is limited. Register early for this fun event!
Click here to REGISTER ONLINE

Geology ROCKS!
2023-02-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
With rock samples from all around the globe, students will quickly begin to see the difference between igneous and sedimentary rock forms and learn about the fascinating world of geology. This hands-on experience concludes with a special family art project. Great for all ages. Space is limited for this family friendly event.
Class fee: $5.00/person
Click here to REGISTER ONLINE

Discover Michigan's Magnificent Mammals
2023-03-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
About 60 species of terrestrial mammals live in Michigan, including bear, elk, and fox. We will have an extensive collection of pelts and skulls for students to touch and compare as we explore the adaptations of some of Michigan’s magnificent mammals. Our science and nature lesson will be followed by a nature inspired art project. Fun for the whole family. Limited space is available for this hands-on, family friendly experience. Register early.
$5.00 per person
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/547944927027

Care of the Home Orchard (April 8th)
2023-04-08 13:00 - 15:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
During this hands-on workshop, homeowners will learn how to care for their fruit trees and increase the production of apples and stone fruits. Participants will visit a working farm where Terry Schaedig will cover fruit tree basics: the simple logic of pruning, how to prune for thrifty trees and easy harvest, early training, seasonal routines, grafting techniques, and pest and disease control.
For your scheduling convenience, this class is offered twice. Please be sure to sign up for the day you would like to attend.
Saturday, April 8 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Saturday, April 15 from 1:00-3:00 PM
Participants should come dressed to be outdoors for the duration of this workshop. The class will be held at the Schaedig Farm approximately 7 miles north of Cedarville. Directions will be provided to participants prior to the workshop. Class size is limited due to the location. Advanced reservations are required.
Class Fee: $10.00
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/548015718767
This program is being offered at a reduced rate thanks to funding in part by The Americana Foundation and Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District. Support for this program provided by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Little Learners (Ages 2-5)
2023-04-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Come and let your preschooler explore nature and art with Mrs. Gordon. Preschoolers 2-5 years old will be creating theme based nature and art projects, enjoy a story and have fun socializing with other children of the same age. Class meets from 10:00 – 11:30 AM. All materials included in the $5.00 per class fee. Parent or guardian must remain on-site during class time.
Recommended for Ages: 2-5 years old
Class Fee: $5.00/class
Class Min. 4 • Class Max. 8
Pre-registration is strongly recommended to ensure we have enough materials for each student.
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/566782320177

Care of the Home Orchard (April 15th)
2023-04-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
During this hands-on workshop, homeowners will learn how to care for their fruit trees and increase the production of apples and stone fruits. Participants will visit a working farm where Terry Schaedig will cover fruit tree basics: the simple logic of pruning, how to prune for thrifty trees and easy harvest, early training, seasonal routines, grafting techniques, and pest and disease control.
Saturday, April 15 from 1:00-3:00 PM
Directions to the Schaedig Farm provided upon registration.
Participants should come dressed to be outdoors for the duration of this workshop. The class will be held at the Schaedig Farm approximately 7 miles north of Cedarville. Directions will be provided to participants prior to the workshop. Class size is limited due to the location. Advanced reservations are required.
Class Fee: $10.00
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/548006310627
This program is being offered at a reduced rate thanks to funding in part by The Americana Foundation and Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District. Support for this program provided by the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.

CANCELLED - Family Nature Exploration - Earth Day Celebration!
2023-04-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Join us for an Earth Day Celebration!
Inspired by the wisdom of Dr. Seuss’ Lorax! “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
During this family friendly exploration of nature, we will learn different ways to help protect earth by implementing the Three R’s: reduce, reuse, and recycle, and by being good stewards of our natural resources. A fun art project using recycled materials will reinforce the concept of reusing objects we usually throw in the trash to create art.
Space is limited. Register early to avoid disappointment.
Funding for this program provided by The Americana Foundation.

Little Learners (Ages 2-5)
2023-04-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Come and let your preschooler explore nature and art with Mrs. Gordon. Preschoolers 2-5 years old will be creating theme based nature and art projects, enjoy a story and have fun socializing with other children of the same age. Class meets from 10:00 – 11:30 AM. All materials included in the $5.00 per class fee. Parent or guardian must remain on-site during class time.
Recommended for Ages: 2-5 years old
Class Fee: $5.00/class
Class Min. 4 • Class Max. 8
Pre-registration is strongly recommended to ensure we have enough materials for each student.
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/566827134217

CANCELLED - Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing)
2023-05-10 09:30 - 11:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Come experience the transformative energy and beauty of spring in new and deeply familiar ways with the practice of forest bathing. Different then other nature connection experiences such as hiking and birdwatching, forest bathing follows the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku which invites you to slow down and mindfully connect with nature through all of your senses. Give your body and mind a chance to rest and restore while taking in the subtleties and wonder of nature. Your experience will include a guided sensory awakening meditation followed by a series of explorational invitations and conclude with time for sharing around a campfire and tea.
The walk will take place outside in nature so please dress appropriately for the conditions. Participants are encouraged to bring their own portable chair or stool to sit on during the meditation. Space is limited so register early.
Class Fee: $35.00
REGISTER ONLINE

Family Nature Exploration: All About Birds
2023-05-21 15:00 - 17:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
You can learn a lot about birds just by looking at their many unique features. During this fun family friendly time of exploration, we will take a closer look at birds, their adaptations, and even make a bird friendly art project. All materials are included. Space is limited and usually fills quickly. Register today! $5.00 per person.
To register online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/626434962837

This class is offered at a discount thanks to funding from the Americana Foundation. Additional support provided by the Michigan Arts & Culture Council and the Endowment for the Arts.

Aldo Leopold Festival
2023-05-31 - 2023-06-04 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Les Cheneaux welcomes you to celebrate the legacy of Aldo Leopold — one of America’s most influential naturalists — during our festival, May 31st – June 4, 2023 hosted at the Hessel School House. Activities include paddling excursions, orchid and wildflower tours, birding trips, presentations, and many other nature-based activities. Experience the woods and water that formed Leopold’s early impressions of the natural world as we honor the mark he made on conservation and the environment.

For complete details, visit https://www.aldoleopoldfestival.org/

3-Dimensional Card Making (Morning Class)
2023-06-01 09:00 - 11:30 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
NEW CLASS! On Thursday, June 1st from 9:00 – 11:30 AM, Norma Storer will teach participants how to use the technique of iris folding, a Dutch paper craft, to make a beautiful greeting card with a frog, flower or fish, all designed to impress your friends. No prior experience is required. Space is limited to 8 people. Class fee is $35.00 per person and includes all materials.
You must CALL Hessel School House TO REGISTER 906-484-1333.

3-Dimensional Card Making (Afternoon Class)
2023-06-01 12:30 - 14:30 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
NEW CLASS! On Thursday, June 1st from 12:30 – 2:30 PM, Norma Storer will teach participants how to use the technique of iris folding, a Dutch paper craft, to make a beautiful greeting card with a frog, flower or fish, all designed to impress your friends. No prior experience is required. Space is limited to 8 people. Class fee is $35.00 per person and includes all materials.
You must CALL Hessel School House TO REGISTER 906-484-1333.

Wildlife Painting
2023-06-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
NEW CLASS! Join us for a special wildlife painting class on Friday, June 2 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM. Participants will combine a page from a 1905 antique children’s book with a picture that would mirror the subject on the page. Many photos will be wildlife subjects or sketch your own design. Artist Carol Hubbard will guide you through techniques to combine the two elements and embellish with watercolor, acrylics, or pen and ink to make a one-of-a-kind piece of art worthy of framing. Class size is limited. $35 per person, all materials are included.

TO REGISTER you must call Hessel School House at 906-484-1333.

Cisco of Les Cheneaux and Their Role in Lake Huron Cisco Restoration
2023-06-02 14:30 - 16:30 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
On Friday, June 2 from 2:30 – 4:30 PM fisheries biologist Dr. Kevin McDonnell from the US Fish and Wildlife Service will discuss the biology, history, and future of Cisco in Lake Huron. Cisco (also known as lake herring) were once the most abundant pelagic fish throughout the Great lakes. Unfortunately Cisco have largely been extirpated from the main basin of Lake Huron due to overexploitation, habitat degradation, and invasive species. Despite their regional declines, the Les Cheneaux Islands remain home to several populations of Cisco to this day. In this interactive lecture, we’ll discuss the Les Cheneaux population of Cisco and the important role these fish play in a larger restoration story in Lake Huron. This presentation will follow a lecture format with ample opportunities to ask questions and discuss fish and fisheries. Admission is $10 at the door. To reserve your seat, please call Hessel School House at 906-484-1333.

Wildlife Painting
2023-06-03 09:00 - 11:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
NEW CLASS! Join us for a special wildlife painting class on Saturday, June 3 from 9:00 – 11:00 AM. Participants will combine a page from a 1905 antique children’s book with a picture that would mirror the subject on the page. Many photos will be wildlife subjects or sketch your own design. Artist Carol Hubbard will guide you through techniques to combine the two elements and embellish with watercolor, acrylics, or pen and ink to make a one-of-a-kind piece of art worthy of framing. Class size is limited. $35 per person, all materials are included.

TO REGISTER you must call Hessel School House at 906-484-1333.

Drop-In Art Projects for Kids!
2023-06-03 10:00 - 15:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
In celebration of Aldo Leopold, children of all ages are welcome to join us for some fun nature related crafts on Saturday, June 3.
Enjoy stick painting with Sue Bakkila from 10:00 – Noon. Brighten up any room, garden, or hike with your own custom painted stick. Sticks and all materials are included. Available while sticks and supplies lasts.
Between 1:00-3:00 PM come learn how to do block printing, fish and leaf prints, or create a nature journal to keep all of your nature observations in. These classes will take place in the outdoor classroom on the storybook trail (weather permitting).
A festival pass is not required for these FREE family fun events. Donations are appreciated to help offset the costs of the materials.

Birdwatching 101 with Jamie Platt
2023-06-06 19:00 - 21:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Birdwatching 101
In this class you will learn the basics of birding such as optics, field guides, birding technology, predicting migratory flights using weather and radar, attracting birds to your yard, and the where, when and how to find and identify birds. Avid ornithologist, Jamie Pratt will provide everything you need to know to get started on this fun and exciting pastime!
Class Size: Min. 6 / Max. 20
Class Fee: $20
Pre-registration is required for this special presentation.
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/568650437767

Jamie Platt is an alumni of Northern Michigan University where he graduated with a degree in Zoology. He has taught or lectured at Washtenaw Community College, Monroe County Community College, Schoolcraft College and the Ann Arbor Adult Education program. He is also the founder of Hell’s Birders, a birding organization based in Ann Arbor.

Birds In The Arts
2023-06-07 10:00 - 11:30 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
This class will examine the role birds have played in film, literature and painting. We will talk about the history of birds in art, such as John James Audubon’s Birds of America, but will also explore how birds have been used to convey ideas, themes and even hidden messages in everything from modern films, such as Twilight, to the art works of Hieronymus Bosch and Diego Rivera.
No fee to attend. Donations at the door are appreciated.
If you plan to attend, please pre-register online so we may plan accordingly.
___________________________________________________________
Jamie Platt is an alumni of Northern Michigan University where he graduated with a degree in Zoology. He has taught or lectured at Washtenaw Community College, Monroe County Community College, Schoolcraft College and the Ann Arbor Adult Education program. He is also the founder of Hell’s Birders, a birding organization based in Ann Arbor.

CANCELLED - Family Nature Exploration: What's a Watershed
2023-06-11 15:00 - 17:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Did you know you live in a watershed? What is a watershed? Come learn about your local watershed and explore how your daily activities within it can impact the health of our lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater. Join Ms. Kristy as we conduct a science experiment or two to help us understand what a watershed is and how we can keep it heathy. Afterwards we will do a topic related art project with Mrs. Gordon. All materials are included. Space is limited so register early.
Class Fee: $5.00 per person.
This class is offered at a discount thanks to a grant from The Americana Foundation. Additional support provided by Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the National Endowment for the Arts.
This class was cancelled.

CLIMATE CHANGE: Exploring the facts and future with Dr. Knute Nadelhoffer
2023-07-06 18:00 - 20:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Climate change is more than rising temperatures, precipitation changes, and extreme weather events. Scientific studies prove that climate change has already started disrupting agriculture and forestry, shifting wildlife populations, and causing many emerging human health issues. These impacts result in increased insurance rates, skyrocketing energy and food costs, and economic consequences for business and tourism. Knute Nadelhoffer, professor emeritus at the University of Michigan, will discuss the implications of climate change based on scientific studies and give you a glimpse of how it may affect you and our environment in the future.
Thanks to funding from the Americana Foundation and the Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District this presentation is being offered free of charge. Donations at the door and pre-registration is appreciated.
Please reserve your seat online. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/549741911857

Shinrin-yoku (Forest Bathing)
2023-07-19 09:30 - 11:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Come experience the transformative energy and beauty of the forest in new and deeply familiar ways with the practice of forest bathing. Different then other nature connection experiences such as hiking and birdwatching, forest bathing follows the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku which invites you to slow down and mindfully connect with nature through all of your senses. Give your body and mind a chance to rest and restore while taking in the subtleties and wonder of nature. Your experience will include a guided sensory awakening meditation followed by a series of explorational invitations and conclude with time for sharing around a campfire and tea.
The walk will take place outside in nature so please dress appropriately for the conditions. Participants are encouraged to bring their own portable chair or stool to sit on during the meditation. Space is limited so register early.
Class Size: Min. 6 / Max. 20
Class Fee: $35.00
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/549725442597

Family Nature Exploration: Macroinvertebrates (aka Water Bugs)
2023-07-23 15:00 - 17:00 | Hessel School House – Avery Arts & Nature Learning Center, 3206 West Cedar Street, Hessel, MI, 49745, United States
Come explore the underwater world of aquatic bugs, also known as macroinvertebrates. These tiny vertebrates what are visible to the naked eye are crucial food sources for larger animals and an excellent indicator of stream health. Young naturalists will view many examples while we learn about their unique qualities. Afterwards we will do a special nature-based craft project with Mrs. Gordon. All materials are included. $5.00 per person.
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/641590062147

This class is offered at a discount thanks to funding from The Americana Foundation, Michigan Arts & Culture Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
