The Chippewa Watershed Conservancy continues its mission to protect the wildlife of central Michigan while inviting the public to experience it firsthand. While calls for social distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic limit the opportunities for in-person communing with one’s neighbors, the organization still offers people the ability to commune with nature.
"Even with the need for social distancing, I would recommend that everyone get outdoors for at least a few minutes every day," says Mike LeValley, executive director for the organization.
"Regular exposure to nature has measurable physical and mental health benefits. It can reduce heart rate, blood pressure, and the production of stress hormones."
While LeValley acknowledges that the availability of their programming could change at any point over these next few weeks--and indeed, the Bring the Outdoors In speaker series has been cancelled this month--the CWC is, for now, continuing with the following programs.
An early spring hike is scheduled for Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Audubon Woods Preserve.
Explore the wetlands of Hall’s Lake Natural Area with the Soggy Spring Slog on Sunday, March 29, from 1 to 3 p.m.
The spring hike at Sylvan Solace Preserve will take place on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Another spring hike is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Bundy Hill. At 1,270 ft. tall, Bundy Hill is the highest point in Isabella County.
The 25th Annual Spring Banquet Fundraiser is the organization’s largest fundraiser. It is, for now, scheduled for Thursday, April 30, at 5:30 p.m. at Bucks Run Golf Club.
"Visit a local park or nature preserve, walk around your neighborhood, work in your yard, even just sit in the sun for a few minutes," LeValley says.
"You'll feel better for having done so."
Visit the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy online for more information about opportunities outdoors in central Michigan.
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