The Huron County Nature CenteR
Wilderness Arboretum
by Bill Diller

On Loosemore Road, a quarter of a mile off Oak Beach Road in Hume Township, there is a tract of land set aside for a very specific purpose. It’s called the Huron County Nature Center Wilderness Arboretum. A Wilderness Arboretum is described as a place where plants, birds, insects, mammals, fungi - all things living or dead - are protected for scientific and educational purposes and for preservation of natural conditions. The tract on Loosemore Road consists of alternating sand ridges and shallow swales, and is a haven for nature lovers and environmentalists. (From the nature center’s Internet Web site – www.huronnaturecenter.org.)

The land was set aside by the Huron County Commissioners in 1941 as an arboretum. Mr. A.J. Thompson, of Port Austin, had defaulted on his taxes and contacted the Register of Deeds in Bad Axe giving the county clear title to the land, with the stipulation that it be used for nature related purposes, and be open to the public. The Commissioners placed the land in the care of the Federated Women’s Clubs of Huron County, which consisted of 17 clubs at that time. Mrs. Fred Cross, of Bad Axe, was named Club Conservation Chairman.

Knowing it would be a long-term process, the women, aided by area Boy Scouts, planted native Michigan species throughout the 120-acre property, and Mrs. H. O. Paul, of Pigeon, donated a steel wire fence. Some projects had to be curtailed due to gas rationing during World War II. Consultation and assistance was provided by Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and State Department of Conservation (now called the Department of Natural Resources) botanists and forestry personnel. In 1953, Dr. Edward Voss, Professor of Botany at the U of M, catalogued 180 plant species in the arboretum.

During the 1960s, the nature center was devastated by vandalism, and in 1972 efforts were revived as Lorraine Kanaga, of Harbor Beach, and Eleanora Trost, of Pigeon, worked tirelessly to preserve the Arboretum. During that period, other county groups attempted to gain control of the property for use as snowmobile trails and other recreational development. Robert Tallman, of Mayville, was asked to assist the ladies with a plan to revitalize the Arboretum. Some county officials objected, and plans were once again delayed. In 1976, a lawyer was consulted to help the women’s clubs retain control of the property. In 1989, the Huron County Parks and Recreation division sought control of the land.

Later that year, at the annual convention of the General Federated Women’s Clubs of Huron County, the membership was challenged to rekindle the Arboretum project. They responded, and in 1990 work began on a trail system, fundraisers were held, bird-nesting boxes were installed and a plant survey was begun. The County Commissioners acknowledged these efforts by placing an additional, adjacent, 160 acres under their care, bringing the total acreage to 280, and a nature center board was instituted.

The purpose of the Huron County Nature Center is to preserve the land for nature related educational opportunities for all age levels and self-enjoyment, with minimal alteration of flora and fauna, while retaining the Wilderness Arboretum. It provides for ongoing educational use, promotes good public relations and stands guard against the abuse or abolition of the area by private interest.

The nature center has seen many improvements since its implementation in 1990. After the nature center board was organized, funds were raised and a master plan developed by Pollack Design Associates, of Ann Arbor. The plan was needed in order to apply for grants.

In 1992, Costal Zone Management grant money was allocated. In order to receive the funds, the board needed to find a way to match the grant. They responded, and the result was a parking lot, gazebo, utility building and signs. A deep well was also drilled, providing clear, cold water.

A couple years later, a handicapped accessible trail was created. One third of a mile of trail was paved for access by wheel chair, including bridges and a boardwalk leading out into a marsh, where a lookout was constructed. The remaining trails remained in a more natural state.

During the mid-1990s, the nature center was a popular educational stop for many area schools, including students from local colleges. In addition, students from MSU and the U of M visited the nature center to study the arboretum.

The trail system saw a tremendous improvement in 1999 when wood chips were spread along the two-mile trail using wheelbarrows and tarps. The following year, Paul Leipprandt, a Pigeon area farmer, began using his farm equipment to spread the chips, aided by Boy Scouts. This process is repeated each spring, as Leipprandt continues to donate his time and equipment, frequently paying one of his hired men out of his own pocket, to help keep the trails groomed and in pristine condition.

In 1998, the nature center board began annual fundraisers, including a golf scramble, which lasted for eight years, and an auction, which also lasted for eight years.

Beginning the second Saturday in December of 2000, the nature center hosted a Candle Light Walk, where visitors enjoyed a bonfire and light refreshments, including hot chocolate. The handicapped trail and gazebo were illuminated by candles, and Christmas Carols were sung as visitors strolled along, enjoying nature at its finest. This tradition continues today, with a Harbor Beach couple, Raymond and Susan Bugg, who perform under the name ‘Everything Under the Son,’ leading the way the last few years.

Earlier in 2000 a new educational agenda was adopted, and Summer Weekend Programs were implemented which continue to this day. Four or five times during the summer months, usually beginning in mid-June, various nature-related educators are on hand to instruct visitors regarding animals, plants and other marvels of nature. Educators such as Jim McGrath with his Nature Discoveries program, Randy Baker with various wild life programs and the Bats of the World from the Cranbrook Science Center have returned year after year offering their knowledge and insight to captivated visitors. The youngsters in particular enjoy these programs.

In an attempt to raise funds and increase knowledge of, and interest in, the nature center, the Board of Directors implemented a festival on Memorial Day weekend. Since the nature center is home to a very special flower, the festival was named after it, and Memorial Day Weekend in 2001, the Lady’s Slipper Festival began. It continues today, featuring music, food and nature-related arts and crafts. Trying to keep the festival fresh and interesting, the year 2008 saw the Summer Weekend Programs kick off during the Lady’s Slipper Festival. The Michigan United Conservation Clubs presented a program entitled Birds of Prey, which is part of their Wildlife Encounters series. The program was well attended, and gave a boost to festival attendance.

Many changes have taken place at the nature center since it was founded in 1990, and May of 2008 saw one of the most notable. For years, board members had discussed ways of constructing a permanent structure on nature center property, to be used as classrooms, office space and for board meetings. Those plans received a major boost early in 2008 when board member Scott Whipple approached the board with a novel idea. Whipple, Science Instructor for the Alternative Education Program at the Huron Intermediate School District, knew of a portable building at the HISD that had outlived its usefulness. The HISD was looking for a new home for the building, and the nature center was looking for a building.

After much discussion it was determined the HISD would donate the building to the nature center providing the nature center board could find a way to have the building moved. Since the nature center had a building in mind, monies had been set aside, and in late May of 2008 the new building was set on its foundation on a portion of the nature center parking lot.

The building is now being renovated and will ultimately provide classroom and office space, as well as providing a place for board meetings to take place. Plans are indefinite, but board members are discussing other uses, such as a gift shop among other things.

The Annual Fall Dinner, a fundraiser for the nature center, will take place on September 20, 2008. This year’s dinner will mark the Grand Opening of the new building, and the catered dinner will take place there. A number of past board members will be on hand, and a spokesperson for the Women’s Clubs will talk about the early years. Roy Elie, who was the first President of the Huron County Nature Center Wilderness Arboretum, and instrumental in guiding the board during the initial building of the gazebo and construction of the trail system, will be the keynote speaker. Ticket prices will be announced, and will be available for purchase from members of the board.

Many people have served as board members over the last 18 years, and the Huron County Federated Women’s Club is still represented on the board in order to ensure the land entrusted to them in 1941 continues to serve the citizens of Huron County, the State of Michigan and visitors from many other states and countries, providing them the opportunity to experience nature’s wonders at their finest.

Since 1990 the women’s clubs, which now consist of five groups; the Pigeon Area Women’s Club, the Priscilla Club (Port Austin area), the Caseville Library Club, the Port Hope Women’s Club and the Harbor Beach Women’s Club, have donated more than $25,000 to various projects, and their money was instrumental in procuring the new building. Each of the five clubs gives a check every year, and have held numerous fundraisers for the nature center. They have had two printings of a Wilderness Arboretum cookbook and sold T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and patches. They also donated tables and chairs to the nature center, and have given numerous volunteer hours.

According to a brochure provided by the nature center board: “The 280-acre Huron County Nature Center Wilderness Arboretum offers many opportunities for personal enjoyment. Whether you come once a year, once a month or once a week, new sights and experiences await you each time.”

You are encouraged to visit the nature center often. Keep in mind it is a nonprofit organization and your financial support will be much appreciated.