Non-profit community nature center, Sarett Nature Center in Benton Harbor, greets the changing of the seasons with excitement and wonder. Spring has sprung, and with the prolific rain and mud, comes bountiful greenery and wildlife.
This Sunday, April 30th, 2023, Sarett welcomes volunteers and community members alike to join in restoring native plant ecosystems on the grounds. “From 1 p.m to 3 p.m, come help our naturalists with a variety of stewardship projects, while learning to identify key species of both native and invasive plants,” says Sarett. Stewardship Volunteer Workdays are held each month, in order to maintain the lands and ensure the habitats remain welcoming to our native wildlife species. Each stewardship day brings new tasks, from clearing brush toward the end of winter, to fighting invasive honeysuckle in September. All are welcome to come and help– just make sure to wear sturdy shoes!
Sarett Nature Center announced today that they have expanded their universal access trail system! “Our friends at Krohn Excavating made quick work of adding over 1,000 feet to our crushed limestone trails,” Sarett mentions on social media. “The gravel will (eventually) pack down to make a hardened trail suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers. Now in addition to a 500 foot there-and-back-again visit to the Treetop Walkway, the trail provides over a quarter mile of accessible trail.”
With over eight miles of trails and over 1,000 acres of property, Sarett Nature Center offers gorgeous views, nonstop environmental education, and all the fresh air and wildlife you can imagine. Making this trail system more accessible ensures that all visitors can participate in the many programs offered at Sarett. Membership fees for Sarett Nature Center are available per person/adult or per family, and last for one year. Your membership grants you free admission to the nature center building and trails, and reduced rates and discounts for some events and attractions.
Woodland wildflowers are currently waking up all over the grounds, dotting the woods and trails with subtle pops of color and life. The Butterfly House will open sometime this May, where you’ll be able to watch the winged beauties through our warmer months. And for when summer finally arrives, Sarett Nature Center offers Summer Camps for all ages: Nature Discovery Camps for ‘Buds’ (ages 4 through 6) and ‘Tadpoles’ (ages 7 through 8), Nature Explorer Camp for ages nine and up, and Water Adventures for ages ten and up. Learn about Michigan’s ecology and natural history in single-day classes, or multiple-day programs!
Get outside and explore, at Sarett! To register for camp, view visiting + learning hours, download a trail map, and read all about the programs and events, please visit sarett.org.
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM Contributor
