If you have never been on a bog walk, you have not lived! A bog is the most interesting wetland in Michigan. It feels like walking on a trampoline. You will encounter several species of carnivorous plants including the pitcher plant. Students will learn how to identify poison sumac and discuss the ecological values of wetlands.Instructor: Emeritus Professor Ray "Gator" Gates Is a retired biology professor from Cornerstone University. Prior to his 41 years teaching biology, botany, zoology, and ornithology at Cornerstone, Gator was a Park Ranger Naturalist for Gallatin National Forest West Yellowstone, Nature Director at Lake Ann Camp and Camp Brookwoods, adjunct professor at Kuyper College and Spring Arbor College, and taught in the Master Naturalist Program with the Kent/Michigan State University Extension. Ray believes that the best instructors are those that love their subject matter and enjoy sharing with others.

Participants will learn how to identify the common evergreen trees of Michigan, along with interesting facts differentiating the various species.Instructor: Emeritus Professor Ray "Gator" Gates Is a retired biology professor from Cornerstone University. Prior to his 41 years teaching biology, botany, zoology, and ornithology at Cornerstone, Gator was a Park Ranger Naturalist for Gallatin National Forest West Yellowstone, Nature Director at Lake Ann Camp and Camp Brookwoods, adjunct professor at Kuyper College and Spring Arbor College, and taught in the Master Naturalist Program with the Kent/Michigan State University Extension. Ray believes that the best instructors are those that love their subject matter and enjoy sharing with others.