Nature Center rolls out new website highlighting multitude of events

By Carole Kelly

The Clinton Community Nature Center recently announced the launch of its new website, according to co-directors Claire Floyd and Sabrina Hagerman.

“The site will include drone shots showing walking paths,” said Floyd, several days before the revitalized website opened displaying the impressive work of a videographer.

The website shares a calendar, emphasizing the fact that the Nature Center never has a dull month or moment, as camps, hikes, nature walks and talks, paint parties, seasonal plant sales and other outdoor activities celebrate nature and offer events for all ages.

A much-anticipated upcoming event is Paint Day, set for April 17 from 10 a.m. to noon, with artist Marijane Whitfield directing an Art Before Dark nature project.

The Nature Day and Plant Sale set for Saturday, April 26, is an annual favorite at the 32-acre Nature Center located at 617 Dunton Road.

The co-directors have had some busy spring days amounting to an eventful few months.  Staff and the executive board planted a NASA moon tree for Arbor Day, which included a successful celebration with a native plant sale.  Members of the community, including the MC Men’s Club Decerto, sponsored a community work day.

“The work days are so helpful,” said Hagerman.

“Everyone can report to help maintain, repair and grow our Nature Center,” said Floyd.  “Trails, the Pollinator Garden, Play Forest, Price Hall and new projects need attention. Students, scouts, residents and CCNC members are invited to enjoy giving back to the community.”

The Nature Center welcomes volunteers to assist visitors who tour Price Hall, view the exhibits, explore the touch table and purchase merchandise from the Nature Store.  Opportunities to volunteer are available in different time shifts, and while on duty, volunteers can help the directors with a number of projects.

Among programs during February were Nature Threads on February 22, which introduced knitting and is a free monthly meeting for fabric arts enthusiasts. A February session of Nature Nuts taught children environmental education in a fun and interactive way.  This group gathers the last Saturday of each month at 9:30 a.m.

A quarterly meeting of the Jackson Audubon Society featured Audrey Harrison as guest speaker on February 25.  Harrison, a research entomologist, is past president of the Nature Center board.

The ongoing Holiday Flag Program supports the Nature Center as subscribers receive an American flag for their yard. Future months will focus on Memorial Day in May, Independence Day in July and Veterans Day in November. The Nature Center handles installation, removal, storage and maintenance of the flags.  Volunteers are welcome to work with this program.

For more information on events or volunteering, call the Nature Center at 601-926-1104 or email ccnaturecenter@gmail.com.