Care of the Home Orchard (April 15th)
2023-04-15 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit) | 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.

Foraging for Wild Mushrooms
2023-07-26 09:30 - 12:30
Let’s take a walk in the woods with avid mushroom guide James Watterworth to learn about Michigan’s native wild mushrooms!
In this workshop, you will learn how to forage Michigan’s favorite edible fungi. Examples will be available for a hands on experience in learning how to identify their key characteristics. Participants may also bring samples for identification and additional information.
Class Fee: $35*
Space is limited for this class. Please register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/612512610707
* Thanks to a grant from The Americana Foundation and the Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District, this workshop is being offered at a significant discount to help connect people with nature.

Perennial Gardening Design with Native Plants
2023-08-15 18:00 - 20:00
Join Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District at the Hessel School House Tuesday, August 15 from 6:00-8:00 PM as we host David Spieser from Habitat Landscape Inc. to learn about perennial gardening and design using native plants and wildflowers. This event is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact https://www.clmcd.org/

Family Nature Exploration: Time For Turtles
2023-08-20 15:00 - 17:00
Ubiquitous and slow-moving, turtles are among Michigan’s most easy-to-study animals. This family exploration time introduces young naturalists to the biology of turtles in a fun and exciting way – through a combination of hands-on science and art. $5.00 per person. Pre-register online.
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/641601727037
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.

CANCELLED - Bim Willow Furniture Workshop
2023-08-26 09:00 - 18:00
The Bim Willow Furniture Workshop has been CANCELLED for this year and will not be rescheduled. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Come learn how to create a stunning piece of furniture with natural materials. Many of the pieces to choose from are historic Americana designs. Noted furniture builder Bim Willow will teach you how to create your one-of-a-kind table, chair, bench, or other furniture piece from start to finish. Completed projects will be ready to take home within the times estimated, which are based on no building experience.
Students are required to bring a hammer (8 oz is best for willow working; 16 oz hammer to build the frame) and pruning shears. A limited number of loppers and wire cutters will be available to share, but students should bring theirs if they have them. The piece of furniture you build will determine if you will have a morning or afternoon session. See worksheet below for available styles, prices and class times.
Class must be booked in advance. Students are required to choose their project no later than one week before class so the appropriate materials can be collected. Class sizes are limited.

Intro to Foraging Wild Mushrooms
2023-09-07 18:00 - 20:00
Mushroom foraging is a becoming a popular pursuit in Michigan. Come learn about the biology and key features of mushrooms and what to look for when identifying these friendly fungi. Avid mushroom enthusiast Bonni Thoresen will cover the many edible mushrooms commonly found in Michigan so you can feel more confident in identifying wild mushrooms you might come across on a hike, in your own backyard, or at your favorite farmers market. Participants are encouraged to bring fungi specimens. Please harvest the entire mushroom, dug out of soil, duff or wood. Transport them in paper bags or loosely wrapped in waxed paper—do not use plastic bags that promote rotting.
Bonni will present a colorful PowerPoint on mushrooms of Northern Michigan including many edible species. However, she advises no one should eat any fungus that does not have solid identification verified by an expert. This program is a starting point and serious foragers would have to put in a lot time and study to really know the kingdom of fungi!
Class size is limited. To register, call 906-484-1333 or register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/675964426797
About the Presenter
Bonni Thoresen joined San Diego Mycological Society 25 years ago after becoming fascinated by fungi in the mountains of northern Baja California, Mexico. SDMS offered a lot of educational opportunities but the region is very arid and mushrooming can be limited. The greatest factor in furthering interest in mycology was inheriting her mother’s cottage near DeTour. She spent 5 months there studying EUP fungi in 2003 followed by annual visits since then. Bonni retired from 40 years of nursing in 2018.

CREATING the Northern Lights
2023-09-08 18:00 - 20:00
The Northern Lights have captured the imaginations of cultures for generation. To catch a sight of the lights is to witness something so surreal, so beautiful that it seems to border on the supernatural. Come celebrate this magnificent phenomenon in art, observation and photography during the Northern Lights Weekend, September 8 & 9, 2023 at the Hessel School House in Hessel, Michigan.
CREATE the Northern Lights with Pastels
Friday, September 8 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The northern lights (aurora borealis) are a breathtaking atmospheric phenomenon that people travel great distances to witness. The beautiful dancing lights have captivated people for millennia. In this evening art event, participants will create their own version of the majestic lights using pastels on black paper. Karen Mazzoline will provide instruction on creating this magical work of art in pastels. No prior experience with pastels is required.
Seating for the art class is limited. Cost is $40 per student and includes all materials, instruction, and light refreshments.
TO REGISTER, call 906-484-1333 or register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/666110252697

Cancelled-Fall Forest Bathing
2023-09-09 10:30 - 12:00
Come experience the transformative energy and beauty of fall 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 Fee: $35.00.

Botanical Printing Class (Shawl)
2023-09-09 11:00 - 15:00
Learn the beautiful art of botanical printing! In this four-hour workshop led by instructor Diane Keighley, you’ll gain an understanding of how to work with foraged leaves as you explore the process of bundle printing. Each student will leave with a printed shawl (approx.24 x 76″) and the know-how to design and create more pieces on your own.
Class fee of $55 includes instruction and all the necessary supplies and materials. No prior experience necessary – beginners welcome!
Class size is limited. Register early.
REGISTER ONLINE: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/596031244497

CHASING the Northern Lights
2023-09-09 18:00 - 19:30
The Northern Lights have captured the imaginations of cultures for generation. To catch a sight of the lights is to witness something so surreal, so beautiful that it seems to border on the supernatural. Come celebrate this magnificent phenomenon in art, observation and photography during the Northern Lights Weekend, September 8 & 9, 2023 at the Hessel School House in Hessel, Michigan.
CHASING the Northern Lights
Saturday, September 9 from 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Join Melissa F. Kaelin, the founder of the Michigan Aurora Chasers and author of “Below the 45th Parallel,” to discover what it takes to view the Northern Lights in the Great Lakes region. This program will explain how Aurora is created and the best methods for predicting an Aurora display, while sharing tools and techniques you can use to realize your dream of catching the Northern Lights. Registration fee is $25.
TO REGISTER call 906-484-1333 or register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/666110252697

PRESENTER BIO:
Melissa F. Kaelin is a writer, artist, and stargazer who finds inspiration in the Northern Lights. A published journalist and science communications writer, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She is native to rural Ohio, and she spent her formative years with nonfiction and creative writing in Minnesota, where she lived for 11 years. She moved to Michigan in 2018. She loves dogs, nature and adventure, and she devotes her time to chasing the Aurora.
In 2021, Melissa founded the Michigan Aurora Chasers, a group devoted to catching the Northern Lights that has grown to over 70,000 members since its inception. She has helped hundreds of people catch the Aurora for the first time, inspiring many others along the way. She is also one of the co-founders of the Aurora Summit: Celebrating the Art, Culture, Science and Photography of the Northern Lights. Melissa has been a featured presenter on the Northern Lights at many venues including the Upper Peninsula Dark Sky festival in 2023.

CAPTURING the Northern Lights
2023-09-09 20:00 - 21:30
The Northern Lights have captured the imaginations of cultures for generation. To catch a sight of the lights is to witness something so surreal, so beautiful that it seems to border on the supernatural. Come celebrate this magnificent phenomenon in art, observation and photography during the Northern Lights Weekend, September 8 & 9, 2023 at the Hessel School House in Hessel, Michigan.
CAPTURE the Northern Lights – Night sky photography workshop

Saturday, September 9 from 8:00 – 9:30 PM
During this workshop, noted photographer and educator Nate Bett will teach you how to capture the beauty of the northern lights and the night sky on camera. The workshop is geared toward those who would like to learn about night sky photography techniques, however is open to all skill levels. Participants will leave the workshop with a better understanding of the basics of getting artistic, well-exposed night photographs of northern lights and the milky way. Topics include equipment needed, camera settings, and the ideal locations for capturing the night sky. With the information garnered from the workshop, it will make stargazing more enjoyable. Following the presentation, participants are invited to go outside, weather permitting, for hands-on experience.
Workshop fee is $35 per person. Space is limited so register early.
TO REGISTER, call 906-484-1333 or register online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/666110252697

About the presenter
Nate Bett is a photographer and educator in Hancock, Michigan. Although originally from Marquette, Michigan, Nathan recently relocated to Hancock from New York City, where he taught at the City University Of New York, and represented a major camera manufacturer as a technical specialist in photography. He now spends his time indulging in the over abundance of natural beauty in his native UP and spending excesses of time outdoors with his family. Nate maintains a passion for photography and the outdoors that he delights in sharing with students. His work can be viewed at nathanbett.com and @natebett and @artmonstermedia on Instagram.

Photo by Nate Bett.

CANCELLED - Handmade Paper Houseplants
2023-09-22 18:30 - 20:30
Join us on September 22, 2023, at 6:30 PM for a fun-filled evening where we’ll teach you how to craft adorable handmade paper houseplants! Part nature, part art, your paper plant will brighten any corner of your home. This art class includes leaf patterns, paper, paint, wire, and step-by-step instructions to create the sweet potato vine plant. You will also learn how to arrange the leaf stems in a provided container. Class size is limited. Register early. $40 per person.

CANCELLED - Family Nature Exploration - We're Nuts About Seed
2023-09-23 10:00 - 12:00
Dive into the magical world of seeds during this interactive family event and learn why seeds are so important through hands on activities. We will take a close look at seeds, do a seed scavenger hunt and create works of art with seeds. It will be a fun time for all ages. $5.00 per person.

This event is offered at a discount thanks to support from The Americana Foundation.
