Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center
at Waterloo State Recreation Area near Chelsea, Michigan
Kathy Kavanagh
We offer many different guided tours, hikes, and field trips to promote an awareness, curiosity and understanding of our earth and natural sciences. In every program, we emphasize a sense of stewardship for our planet, its land and its abundant resources. If you have a special request for a geology program that doesn't fall into the programs listed below, please call us. Our staff is happy to work with you to design a program that is meaningful for your group and meets your special needs.
Brief Description: Teaches basic concepts of geology from the earth's interior to the formation of rocks, minerals, and fossils.
Age Level: Grades 3-6
Time Needed: 1 Hour
This program includes most of the requirements for the Webelos geology pin and will assist on selective requirements for Boy and Girl Scout badges. Our staff will modify the presentation and experience to meet the needs of varying age levels and groups.
Age Level: Grades 3-12
Time Needed: 1 Hour
Brief Description: Learn about this unique habitat and how it provides a home for some of Michigan's rare and interesting plants, birds and animals. Information and experiences will be adapted to meet the age and interests of groups. The program is limited to 30 participants.
Age Level: Grade 3 - Adult
Time Needed: 1-1/2 Hours
Brief Description: Examine the life cycle of the honeybee. Learn how it builds its home and makes honey. View the bees in action in our live hive.
Age Level: Grades K-3
Time Needed: 1 Hour
Brief Description: Explore how these animal signs can reveal much about the animal and its habitat. Michigan species will be emphasized. You may request that we add information about non-native species. Information will be geared to the age level of the group.
Age Level: Grade K - Adult
Time Needed: 1 Hour
Brief Description: Examine the skins and skulls of Michigan mammals. Learn how different animals are physically adapted to their habitats. Experiences and information will be modified to meet the age and interests of visitors.
Age Level: Grade K - Adult
Time Needed: 1 Hour
Brief Description: Learn to identify trees using leaf shapes, buds, twigs, bark, flowers and/or fruit. Keys used will depend on the season.
Age Level: Grade 4 - Adult
Time Needed: 1-1/2 Hours
Brief Description: Visit a local creek to sample aquatic insects and evaluate habitat and water quality. This program is limited to 20 participants.
Age Level: Grade 4 - Adult
Time Needed: 1-1/2 Hours
Combine one of our interpreter-lead programs with a self-guided walk-through of the Discovery Center or a hike you can take on your own. Teachers and youth club leaders must call ahead to reserve a self-guided walk-through and are encouraged to come and preview the Center's hiking trails and exhibits before they bring their youngsters.
There is no program fee for the Self-Guided Walk-Through, but you do need a State Park Motor Vehicle Pass.
Self-guided tours at the Discovery Center can include the following:
Seventeen miles of hiking trails, including a popular 1.5-mile round-trip hike to a bog, are available.
Reservations: For all programs and the Self-Guided Walk-Through, please call at least two weeks prior to the date of your visit.
Motor Vehicle Permit: All vehicles coming to the Discovery Center need a Michigan State Park Pass, which can be purchased the day of your visit for $4/day or $20/annual.
Other: We recommend visitors wear comfortable walking shoes or boots. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent during appropriate seasons.
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| Last updated 13 Mar 01 | ||