Schedule

Remember to dress appropriately for Field Trips (described in green) and that vehicle passes are required for any trips within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Programs (described in black) are usually held the first Thursday of each odd month at the Tribal Outpost at 7282 Hoadley Road in Benzonia (see map). All field trips and programs are open to the public without charge; everyone is welcome!

For last minute updates or more information contact a Board member: John or Char Ester (325-2445), Mary Howard (882-7386), Carl Freeman (352-3749), Paula Dreeszen (275-7199), Doug or Sally Cook (352-8159), Judy Macey (352-6884), Kathleen Hibbard (882-9335), or Wes Blizzard (882-7277).

Saturday, July 26, 9:00 a.m. Canoe Grass Lake
Bryce and Paula Dreeszen will lead us on a canoe trip at the Grass Lake area. We will meet at the dam on the Betsie River at the DNR Grass Lake campground. Bring your own canoe or kayak. The directions are complicated, so if you need them call Paula or Bryce at 275-7199 or Carl at 352-4739

Tuesday, July 29, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m and
Wednesday, July 30, 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Bird Banding Demo at CSA
In a demonstration especially apprpriate for children, Mike Bishop returns with his mist nets to give us close-up views of birds. We will be set up at the Congregational Summer Assembly (two miles north of Frankfort on M 22), EVERYONE IS WELCOME. Nets will be checked periodically until 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday and until 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday. Come for all or part of the program either day. Last year Mike recaptured a redstart; come see if it returns for a third year! Call Carl at 352-4739 with questions.

Saturday, August 9, 8 :00 a.m. Shorebirds and Other "Fall" Migrants
Meet at the BVT parking lot in Elberta. Leader Carl Freeman (352-4739).

Thursday, August 14, Beach Picnic & Shorebirds
Hosted by John and Char Ester, this will be a beach potluck starting at 7:00 p.m. We will provide hot dogs and condiments (and a fire!); you bring a dish to pass, your own table service and drinks and a chair. Call John or Char at 325-2445 with the number coming so they can have enough food for everyone. Those wanting a beach walk for shorebirds should arrive at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 11, 7:00 p.m. "Pura Vida in Costa Rica"
Ralph Gorton, who organized the first Christmas Bird Count in Beulah while a college student, will present a program at the Tribal Outpost based on the many trips he has taken to Costa Rica while a professor at Lansing Community College.

Saturday, September 6, 8 :00 a.m. Fall Birding
We will meet at the mouth of Platte River at the end of the Lake Michigan Road. Leader, Carl Freeman (352-4739).

Saturday, October 25, Saturday, Owl Prowl
Dr. Brian Allen will lead us as we walk along the Betsie Valley Trail and play tapes in hopes of getting an owl to respond. There are no guarantees, but in addition to Barred Owls we will also try for great horned, screech, and saw-whets. Meet at the BVT parking lot off of River Road near Adams Road.

Thursday, Novenber 6, 6:00 p.m. Annual Meeting and Pot Luck Dinner
After the potluck dinner and a brief business meeting, Jim Reynolds will present a program on Wild Turkeys. Bring a dish to pass and your table service.

Christmas Bird Count
Date has not been set yet; check the web site in the Fall. It will be either Sunday, December 14 or the next weekend. Call Carl Freeman 352-4739 to sign up with a group in the field or John Ester (325-2445) to count birds at your feeder. All who participate in the field or at home are invited to attend the dinner at the end of the day to see what everyone has counted.

2008 Schedule