The Chippewa Valley Audubon Club is a chapter of the Michigan Audubon Society and is affiliated with the National Audubon Society. We were established in 1951 to promote the appreciation of nature and the responsible use of our natural resources. Membership is open to anyone, of any age, who enjoys the natural world and who would enjoy the fellowship of others of the same concerns and interests. We encourage the involvement of kids through programs and outings of particular interest to them.
Michigan Frogs, Toads and Salamanders
An audience of more than 40 gathered to see and hear our program on March 14, 2012 about Michigan frogs, toads and salamanders. Jim and Carol McGrath of Nature Discovery, from Williamston, Michigan, talked about 13 species of Michigan frogs and toads and several of our salamander species.
Four Seasons of Mushrooms
Our February program featured Sister Marie Kopin, who spoke about the world of mushrooms. According to her, there are more than 3,000 species of mushrooms in Michigan. About 350 species are considered edible, running the gamut from "like eating sawdust," to "tough as shoe leather," to "taste and texture are exquisite." Marie has been a dedicated mushroom hunter all her life, beginning with her early childhood experience hunting mushrooms with her father, and continuing through hunting trips all over the State and the country.
Nighthawks and Whip-Poor-Wills
Dr. Mike Monfils of the Michigan Natural Features Inventory presented a program last night about these lesser known crepuscular birds, including their distribution and status.
Club Completes 59th Annual Christmas Bird Count
The 59th Chippewa Valley Audubon Club Christmas Bird Count, as part of the National Audubon Society's 112th annual count, was held on Sunday, December 18, 2011, from 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m., with a few groups also owling before daylight.
Weather conditions on count day were mild. The sky was overcast until late in the day, when it became mostly cloudy. There was no precipitation. Temperatures ranged from a low of 270 to a high of 350. Winds were around 6 mph most of the day, gusting to 16 from the SSW.
Club Member Sharing Night
Our December meeting has become a traditional date for members to share pictures, art work and experiences. This year's session on December 14th brought a range of interesting subject matter.