Delta Twp. - While many of Mid-Michigan's animals may be in hibernation awaiting the first signs of spring, Woldumar Nature Center, 5739 Old Lansing Road, remains open.
A variety of programs aimed at educating people of all ages to nature gives visitors firsthand experience.
One program, "Owl Prowl," allows visitors the opportunity to observe owls on the five miles of trails on Woldumar's property and learn about their natural habitats.
"The premise of 'Owl Prowl' is to expose people to owls and show what owls are doing this time of year," Program Director Bridget Booth said. "We talk about different types of owls and then we head outside and try to call owls in with a recording."
Booth also said if it is too cold to go outside searching for owls, visitors have the opportunity to try hands-on activities such as dissecting owl pellets.
Injured owls also are brought indoors for viewing.
"Owl Prowl" has previously been offered the past couple of years, however, last year the program didn't run.
The program has been a popular one with visitors in search of the different types of owls that can be found at Woldumar, Booth said. Owls that have been sighted nesting include the grey horned owl and barn owl.
"Owls are hard to spot if you're not playing the calls," Booth said. "You have to know what you are looking for such as large trees with no crown. Owls live in forested areas with trees large enough to build a decent nest size in."
Booth added a number of other animals can be sighted in different seasons including fox, coyote, muskrat, beaver, woodpeckers and a large number of deer.
Woldumar is also offering a number of other programs throughout the winter. Upcoming programs include "Landscaping With Natives" at 1 p.m. Saturday, which will offer tips on designing gardens with native plants and "Under Water At Woldumar" at 7 p.m. on Feb. 21, which is a program that will study marine biology and ocean creatures and will be led by Marine Biologist Dr. Gregory Mann.
"Any family-oriented program is popular especially if it's something new and different," Booth said. "Evening programs are also a hit."
"Owl Prowl" will be offered at 7 p.m. Saturday. Visitors planning to attend should pre-register by Thursday by calling (517)322-0030.
