I headed into the woods for this week’s #WalkingWednesday and joined Fenner Nature Center’s http://www.mynaturecenter.org/ Program Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, Jenny Mensch, for a tour of some of the trails. Located in southeast Lansing at the corner of Mt. Hope and Aurelius Rd., Fenner Nature Center is an oasis of calm in the city.  Two bonus features:  the nature center has free admission (with a suggested small donation for its visitor center of $2 adults/$1 children) and allows leashed dogs on its trails.

A family of deer joined me

Partnerships such as this one with MSU Extension provide support to programs.

In addition to it’s famous festivals–Apple Butter Festival in the Fall and the Maple Syrup Festival set for 3/21 this year–the center provides nature education programs for all ages.  A popular cure for your cabin fever at this time of year are the Winter Snowshoe Night Hikes, guided lantern-lit walks through the snow.  Snow shoe rental is now available at the center.

Fenner Nature Center is governed by the Fenner Conservancy whose mission “connects people to nature in the heart of Lansing through conservation, education, and stewardship”

Beautiful day for a walk in the woods

The nature center is currently restoring an 18 acre area of the property to a prairie for outdoor education and plans to build more facilities for events and education.

Prairie restoration underway with the support of several partners.

Fenner Nature Center is definitely a place that makes Lansing a great place to Live, Work, Play, & Learn for our neighbors.  Stop by for a walk in the woods during any season.  Of course, volunteers and donations are most welcome to help the center continue its great work.