WNHA newsletter. PDF format. In color!
		Spring 2007
		Fall 2007
		Spring 2008
		Fall 2008
		Winter 2009
		Spring/Summer 2009
		Fall 2009
		Winter 2010
		Spring 2010
		Fall 2010
		Winter 2011	This Baltimore Oriole was photographed near Trist Mill Pond in the Waterloo Recreation Area on April 30, 2011
		Spring 2011
		Fall 2011
		Winter 2012

Happy Birthday WNHA!

This is a landmark year for the Waterloo Natural History Association as it celebrates its 30th Anniversary. Just as Michigan is currently suffering through an economic crisis, a similar situation existed in the early 1980’s. Only four years after establishing the Waterloo Nature Center, the DNR was forced to close the nature center due to budget restrictions. Part-time naturalists Emily Polens and Carol Strahler did not want to see this wonderful facility closed and were determined to keep the Center open. With the encouragement of Tom Hodgson, then director of the center, and lots of help from many interested community members, the Waterloo Natural History Association was formed in January of 1981 to continue operating the center. The DNR leased the building to the WNHA for $1.00 per year in exchange for the WNHA being responsible for all building and trail maintenance.

During that first year, volunteer staff was kept busy promoting the Center to civic organizations in order to recruit sponsors and members who would help support the Center’s activities through donations. Not only were volunteer naturalists presenting programs to thousands of school children, they were also kept busy hosting special events. By March of that year, the First Annual Maple Sugar Festival was established as a successful event with over 700 people in attendance.

During the summer months, the Center offered 2 weeks of Day Camp nature activities to area youth. Weekend programs attracted hundreds of people who came to learn about the local flora and fauna or just have fun constructing a birdhouse or creating a wreath. Tom Jameson was recruited to do his first ever “Wild Edibles Walk”. Little did he know he would become our resident expert with a following of devoted fans! Due to the efforts of WNHA volunteers, almost 10,000 people visited the Center and explored the trails during our first year of operation.

Due to increased demand for interpretive services, a Volunteer Assistant Naturalist Program was instituted. The response was excellent and after training, dedicated volunteers felt knowledgeable enough to lead both weekend and weekday programs. Volunteers also helped maintain the Center building and trails, and helped run the center on weekends. In the spring of 1982, the WNHA was recognized as the “Outstanding Government or Non-Profit Organization for Environmental Achievement” by the Michigan Audubon Society.

During 1982, the WNHA increased its fundraising efforts. Many schools were in a financial bind and could not afford field trips. The WNHA sponsored a countywide Nature Art Contest for all elementary school children. The winning artwork was reproduced on a calendar, whose sales went to support field trips to the Center. During the crisp days of autumn, a Hike-a-Thon was held to help raise funds to pay the bills! Hikers found sponsors who pledged money per mile, the challenge being to hike the entire 17 miles of the Waterloo Hiking Trail from Portage Lake to the Nature Center. That first year we netted over $2000.00.

The WNHA continued to successfully operate the Center until the fall of 1984. At that time it was decided to close the Nature Center building indefinitely until funds could be appropriated to reopen its doors. WNHA naturalists continued to conduct programs for school groups and the general public throughout the Waterloo Area. In 1989 the Nature Center was remodeled by the DNR and reopened and operated by the DNR as the Eddy Geology Center. A gift shop was constructed at that time and Board member Ray Steinbach was instrumental in its successful operation, with funds generated being used to support operations of the Center and WNHA activities. Today the gift shop, currently managed by Sue Phare, is still WNHA’s most important revenue generator.

Thirty years later we are still still providing support for the park. The Waterloo Nature Center has seen many changes through the years, evolving into the Eddy Geology Center and currently the Discovery Center. The WNHA continues to present interpretive programs. Fees from membership and gift shop profits are used to construct interpretive displays in the Center, pay naturalist fees, and purchase birdseed and equipment for the Center. Major projects have included the construction of an osprey nesting platform and the deck which overlooks Mill Lake. We have our members and volunteers to thank for our longevity!!!

Recreation Passport replaces State Motor Vehicle Permit

Beginning October 1, 2010, the $10 Recreation Passport replaces the state park sticker. You can purchase a Recreation Passport when renewing your license plate online, by mail, at Self Service Stations, at a Secretary of State office or when getting a new plate. Check "YES" on your license plate renewal form. Your $10 gets you into all 98 state parks and recreation areas.

For additional information, please visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources's webpage at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport

		Winter Building Hours January 7 to March 31 The Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center will be open weekends only from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday & noon to 5:00 PM Sunday. Trails and Grounds are open every day from dawn to dusk, all year long!
Gift Shop Happenings The official WNHA T-shirts have arrived! Children and adult sizes, in 3 colors each! Own a comfortable, high-quality shirt and support the WNHA at the same time!
		New Arrivals!! Reptiles and Amphibians of Michigan - Book and CD by Stan Tekiela Birds of Michigan - Book and CD by Stan Tekiela
		More new arrivals! One-of-a-kind earrings with an outdoor theme! Each made by hand in Pennsylvania of recycled materials. Great gift idea!
	Volunteers Needed Since the gift shop is such a vital source of income for the WNHA and the Discovery Center, it is necessary that the WNHA find volunteers to staff the gift shop, especially on weekends and when school visits are scheduled. If you would be willing to donate a few hours to run the gift shop occasionally, please call Kathy Claflin at 517-522-3949 or call the Discovery Center at 734-475-3170. We need your help if we are to be able to support the Discovery Center and the Waterloo Recreation Area as we have in the past.