Branching Out - NOV 2023

Now open the first Sunday of every month!

Letter from the Staff

Welcome!

Hello!


How is it November already? Admittedly we lost track of time while admiring the peak fall colors. Could they BE anymore beautiful?!!! We've noticed cameras being put to work these last few weeks. Please send your favorite photos to johnsonnaturecenter@bloomfield.org. Photo credit will be given if they are used on our social media pages or in our newsletter!


After saying "seed you later" to our Plant-it program with our BHS first graders, we transitioned to project work during the interim between programs. This involved brainstorming sessions for upcoming community events and school programs outside our district.


This month we are traveling back to a world without running water, electricity, or shackets for log cabin living with BHS kindergarteners. 

   

Yours in green,

The Johnson Nature Center Staff

Fiona Rudy

Intern

Read Fiona's Bio

There are a few new faces on the team this year. Say "hello" to these extraordinary individuals on your next visit to the nature center:

Megan Thompson

Instructional Guide: Early Childhood

Read Megan's Bio

Taylor Franklin

Nature Center Instructional Guide

Read Taylor's Bio

"

“Apple blossom, Petoskey stone, American robin, White-tailed deer.” - Girl Scout chant to the tune of Frère Jacques (heard throughout the Hiker scout program)

StoryWalk

Have you checked out our StoryWalk yet? Every month there is a new, nature-inspired story displayed along Fox-ridge Trail. The adventure begins in front of the peregrine falcon inclosure and ends at the sugarbush. This is made possible by our supportive and growing partnership with the Bloomfield Township Library. The book for November will be Still This Loves Goes On by Buffy Sainte-Marie with illustrations by Julie Flett.

Birthday Parties at JNC

Celebrate this special day at the Johnson Nature Center! 


Let us help you party in the great outdoors year-round! Our party program themes are designed to inspire and excite children ages 3-12.

BIRTHDAY PARTY INFO.

TreeSchool

Registration is open for the 2023 Fall and 2024 Winter semesters! Register HERE.

Small Group and Scout Programs

Something for everyone! Scouts can earn a badge, and all groups get the chance to explore a focused topic in a hands-on environment

LEARN MORE HERE.

Wild Ones North Oakland Chapter

Wild Ones invites guests to attend their free public presentations held on the third Wednesday every month at the Johnson Nature Center. BECOME A MEMBER for access to yard tours showcasing various garden styles, "how-to" sessions for native plant care, and plant/seed sales and exchanges.


November Public Presentation:


Hummingbirds of the Great Lakes

Speaker: Allen Chartier

Wednesday, November, 15th

Time: 7-9p

Location: Johnson Nature Center

Friends of Johnson Nature Center

About Us

Our Vision:We envision a place where all people experience connectedness with nature in a healthy native Michigan ecosystem and are inspired to respectfully care for our planet.


Our Mission: Support the mission of the Johnson Nature Center through ecological conservation, community outreach, volunteerism, and fundraising.

Why Become A Member

As a core part of furthering the Nature Center's mission, you'll enjoy an enhanced experience while helping the property stay vibrant for generations to come.

  • member-only invitations, including early access for special events, camps, and programs

  • admission to other nature centers nationwide through the ANCA reciprocal program

  • complimentary use of equipment rental such as snowshoes, hiking poles, and interpretive bags

  • subscription to the Johnson Nature Center monthly electronic newsletter

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!

Friends In Action

Ecological Conservation

Community Outreach

Volunteerism

Master Plan Presentations

Join Bloomfield Hills Schools for a presentation of the new Bowers School Farm and Johnson Nature Center Master Plan, Vision 2027. The development of this master plan has been a collaborative, year-long effort that involved the input and contributions of numerous stakeholders. It reflects the shared vision of our community, and outlines the path forward to cultivate a better future at Bowers School Farm and the Johnson Nature Center. RSVP HERE.


Johnson Nature Center

November 14th, 6:00P
3325 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302


Bowers School Farm
November 15th, 6:00P
1219 E Square Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304

Terrain of Thought

Naturalist Notes

Leave Your Leaves. It's never too late to turn over a new leaf. Save your sanity this fall and give your rake a leave of absence. Some beloved insects actually benefit from what appears to be procrastination.

Creature Feature

Gobble It Up. Yup you'll want to gobble up this information about wild turkeys. Have you had a close encounter with a flock at the nature center? They're not above jumping on cars. We would know.

Plant Rant

Beggar's Lice. This is the plant version of what you're thinking. It's an unwanted souvenir from an otherwise perfect day outdoors. It doesn't do any harm, nor is it "gross," but it will extend your laundry day. 

With Gratitude

Our operations lead Brian Klosterman oversees the well-being of the site and its animals, coordinates our maple sugaring activities, collaborates with students and volunteers, sets up program and event infrastructure, and handles numerous other tasks to ensure the necessary support for catering to thousands of students and visitors annually. We cannot thank him enough, but we can come reasonably close by sharing a homemade meal or baked treat, as our most cherished moments and conversations with him often revolve around food. We express our gratitude, Brian, for your unwavering commitment to your role, the valuable paternal guidance you provide, your friendly and radiant demeanor, and just simply, for existing. Offer a "thanks" (and some food?) if you spot Brian along the trails. =)

Brian is a constant presence in the lives of our TreeSchoolers, whether they're observing him at work, relishing the canopy he's crafted, or marveling at the pristine turtle tank he meticulously maintains (yes, he notices those fingerprints on the glass).



Bowers School Farm and Johnson Nature Center sit on Land that was made by warm shallow seas and slow-moving glacial formations, with the most recent glaciers receding 14,000 years ago. This is the ancestral Land, Anishinaabewaki, of the Indigenous Peoples of the Ojibway/Ojibwa/Ojibwe, Odawa/Ottawa, and Potawatomi/Bodéwadmi, the Anishinabek. This Land remains the contemporary dwelling of the Anishinabek.


Symbol writing for the Anishinabek county, Anishinaabewaki.


The Johnson Nature Center sits on a forty-acre site and offers visitors a myriad of visual pleasures and learning opportunities. The Visitor Center is open 10a - 4p on Saturdays and trails are open every day from 8a until dusk.

Johnson Nature Center | 3325 Franklin Road, Bloomfield Twp, MI 48302

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