I know that all of you in Michigan must be suffering from some level of either Seasonal Affective Disorder or Cabin Fever (or quite possibly both). One of the best remedies for both of these ailments is to get out of the house and get some exercise. And what better place to do that than out in nature?
Fenner Nature Center is one of two prominent nature centers in the Lansing area (the other, Woldumar, will be highlighted at another time). I spend most of my nature-walk time at Fenner because it is quite close to my house and the shorter walks are good for my 4-year-old’s short legs.
Fenner Nature Center is located at the southeast corner of Aurelius and Mt. Hope, opposite Mt. Hope Cemetery. Besides showcasing a variety of natural habitats (including open meadows, ponds, wetlands, deciduous forests, and coniferous forests) Fenner has classes for children and adults, a great interactive learning center, a library, a gift shop, guided walks of all kinds, and special seasonal festivals, like the Maple Syrup Festival in March and the Apple Butter Festival in October.
When we go to Fenner we usually make it a point to climb on boulders.
We also spend a good deal of time looking for frogs…
turtles…
turkeys…
and deer.
Dragonflies, bees, and butterflies abound, as do many types of songbirds.
It is beautiful and walkable in all seasons…
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
But I think autumn is probably my personal favorite.
Erin Bartels 
I too have always loved Fenner and now there’s one more nature center to visit: Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Road, Okemos MI 48864. We’re blessed in the Lansing area to have 3 nature centers and many parks with natural areas. There’s no excuse not to be outside!
I didn’t know about that one. Will have to check it out! Is that by Van Atta’s nursery?