10/28/2009 – The Eddy Discovery Center at the Waterloo State Recreation Area near Chelsea has announced its schedule of winter programs. The center is located at 17030 Bush Rd. in Chelsea.

The programs planned are:

Comets: Icy Visitors From Afar – On Saturday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. come make your own comet with our comet chef.

Tracks and Scat – On Saturday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m. come learn about mammals and birds and the clues they leave. Participants will take a closer look and match the wildlife with the evidence they leave behind.

Ski Cross Country – On Saturday, Jan. 16, there will be a class on the basics of cross-country skiing at 2 p.m. Following the class, there will be a ski tour of the trails near the Discovery Center. After the ski tour, there will be hot chocolate and coffee available, and information about the best skiing opportunities at Michigan state parks.

Snowshoe-making Workshop – On Sunday, Jan. 17, Come learn how to make your own traditional style of white ash snowshoes during a workshop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the center. There is a $160 fee to cover materials and instruction. Class size is limited and preregistration is required. Participants should bring their own brown bag lunch.

The Mystery of the Missing Groundhog – Join the Discovery Center staff on Saturday, Jan. 30, to learn the about the missing groundhog during this investigative program. The program begins at 2 p.m.

The Fastest Thing on Ice: Ice Boating – Guest presenter Mel Nichols will describe the ice boat building process; and Bruce Brown, world-class ice boat racer, will describe the racing experience during this presentation set from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6.

Snowshoeing – A snowshoeing adventure will be offered at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the center. If there is insufficient snow, a hike will be substituted.

Winter Orienteering – Come and learn the challenges of finding your way around in the woods with a compass and map. This is a program for all ages, and compasses will be provided. This program takes place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13.

Alternative Energy Today – Discover how your family can incorporate current alternative energy sources in your home by finding out about technologies and resources, including a list of local businesses to help you install alternative energy products in the home. This program will start at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20, and includes a hands-on activity involving solar power.

Spring Into Gardening – On Saturday, March 6, come discover the joy of gardening with Master Gardener Sharon Sohoza. Learn how to prepare soil, and the ins and outs of seed starting, along with tips on spring cleaning. Participants will start an herb to take home. This program will be offered at 2 p.m.

Spring Awakening – At 2 p.m. Saturday, March 20, come take a brisk spring walk along the trails near the Discovery Center and look for signs of the approaching spring season.

All programs at the center are universally accessible with the exception of skiing and snowshoeing. With the exception of the snowshoe-making workshop, all programs are free; however, a valid State Park Motor Vehicle Permit is required to enter the recreation area. Permits are available for $6 for a Michigan resident daily and $24 for an annual. Out-of-state residents may purchase permits for $8 for a daily and $29 for an annual.

To register for programs, call the center at (734) 475-3170.