EarthBeat Spring 2017

Innovative Learning Opportunity at Ebersole Center!

“ONE TOUCH OF NATURE MAKES THE WHOLE WORLD KIN.” WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE

Lansing School District Offering Summer Explorer Programs

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he Lansing School District will provide Summer Explorer Programs to engage students during the summer months with enriching educational opportunities. These project-based learning experiences will include a fourday, three-night stay at the Ebersole Center. The aim of these programs is to provide dynamic and engaging summer learning opportunities for all Lansing students, minimize the summer learning loss, and increase graduation rates and exposure to career pathways. Ebersole Center will be hosting four weeks of Summer Explorer Programs including a Forensics Science Camp, a Fine and Performing Arts Camp, a STEAM camp, and a Superheroes Camp. We are very excited to offer this innovative program and are looking forward to hosting students and teachers this summer!

Ebersole Foundation Scholarships Thanks to the continuing generosity of the Ebersole Center Foundation, we were once again able to offer scholarships to Lansing School District schools. This spring, eight classes were awarded funds to assist with their trips to the Center. The winning schools included Kendon Elementary, Mt. Hope STEAM, Wexford Montessori, Sheridan Road STEM, Pleasant View Academy, and Beekman Center.

Money raised through the annual Ebersole Foundation Scholarship Golf Scramble goes directly towards these valuable scholarship funds. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this year’s Scholarship Golf Scramble, Saturday, August 19, 2017, at Timber Ridge Golf Club in East Lansing.

Congratulations to all of our scholarship winners! We look forward to seeing you and your students here at Ebersole this spring!

“Creature Comforts” and Other Upgrades The Lansing School District is making upgrades to the Ebersole Center! This spring we will have new mattresses for all 240 beds. We hope this added level of comfort will help our guests enjoy their experience even more! We also will have new signs at the entrance and throughout the campus, as well as much needed, new and improved interpretive signs.

VERNON D. EBERSOLE

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND CONFERENCE CENTER

EBERSOLE CENTER Celebrates 40 Years!

July 11, 2017

1961 In 1961, the Lansing School District, recognizing the value of education in the out-of-doors, initiated a voluntary camping program using sites in the Yankee Springs Recreation Area.

1970s The district’s camping program moved to Tall Timbers Camp near Climax, MI in 1970, as the number of school groups participating grew. Based on its popularity, teachers and school officials determined a need to expand the camping program and initiated the search for a suitable site.

In 1971, the Lansing School District Board of Education located the 158acre tract of land between Wayland and Gun Lake that was to become the Ebersole Center.

In 1972, the present Ebersole Center site was purchased from Gladys Olds Anderson of Lansing for $64,000 with monies bequeathed to the District through the Molly Drew Butts Fund.

With funds from a successful 1974 bond issue, construction of the $825,000 facility began in 1976 and was completed in July of 1977.

The Ebersole Center site, located 65 miles from Lansing, was chosen for its unique natural diversity and proximity to 40,000 acres of state land. Features include a spring-fed lake located entirely on the property, one of the state’s most pristine fens, a beech-maple forest, a glacial kame, and the remnants of an oak savannah turned to farmland. At the time of its purchase, there was nothing like it closer to Lansing, and the planners felt it was unique for having such amazing diversity in one 158-acre parcel.

The Lansing School District Environmental Education Center opened July 11, 1977 and began offering a series of summer sessions including creative writing, backyard history, environmental science and math, man depends on nature, landscape drawing/ natural detail, and a scouting merit badge program.

The first years were challenging— developing programs, putting in boardwalk trails, and “working the bugs out.” The roof in the dining hall sagged and nearly collapsed, a pressurized toilet exploded, and oil-fired furnaces failed until oil-circulating pumps were added. Still, the staff and teachers persevered, with unhampered enthusiasm, to develop a unique outdoor education program.

1980s In 1981, budget cuts throughout the school district forced reorganization of the Center. Operation was assigned to the department of food services, and the district-wide science and environmental education program was down-sized.

The new director of food services and the environmental education center, made an aggressive effort to fill the Center to capacity throughout the year. Non-district school groups were recruited and weekend usage increased as a conference facility.

Under the new director’s guidance, attendance climbed and the Center acquired sorely needed equipment and supplies, including lumber to construct boardwalks and docks, a truck, and a used diesel tractor.

Many people learned about Lansing’s Environmental Education Center through presentations at conferences and meetings.

Vernon D. Ebersole, a school board member for over thirty years, stood by the Center through difficult economic times insisting that outdoor education programs were too important to lose.

On February 2, 1984, the Center was officially renamed the Vernon D. Ebersole Environmental Education and Conference Center in honor of his vision and support.

Two other prominent figures played key roles in Ebersole’s development.

School Board member Ray Hannula secured funding to replace the boardwalk and expand the trail system, making wetland areas wheelchair accessible. Dave Schulert, a driving force in the District’s curriculum development, linked environmental education programs to science goals and objectives. Attendance continued to increase and operation of the Center began to hit full stride in the mid 1980’s.

The introduction of a comprehensive planning guide in the spring of 1989 marked one of the most significant advancements for the Center. Lesson plans developed from 1977-1989, were edited for continuity, updated, and combined with new lesson plans to form a planning guide that addressed the areas of environmental education, team building, and outdoor skills.

The guide made planning easier for teachers, and gave Center personnel a valuable tool to help groups develop an individualized curriculum to effectively target their learning goals.

1990s In 1991, a fourteen panel solar heating system was installed on the main lodge. The system heats water during the summer and room air during the cooler months of the year. The system continues to operate today, and has been studied by students

In 1994, the Lansing Educational Advancement Foundation (LEAF) purchased cross country skis, poles, and boots for the Center, including small sizes that allowed even the youngest campers to enjoy this winter activity.

The Center’s curriculum planning guide saw its first major revision in 1995, as lesson plans were linked to State of Michigan goals and objectives for science education.

The curriculum guide is currently undergoing another major revision to align activities with the Lansing School District’s pacing guides.

In 1996, the Center added a new team building challenge course to accommodate middle school through adult groups. The new course included a seven section cable element, a 40’ rope swing, a high trust fall platform, a large adjustable spider web, and other low risk group building initiatives.

Many physical improvements were made at the Center in 1986. Over two miles of boardwalk trails were completed, a fishing dock was put in, and the floating canoe dock was replaced by a larger permanent wooden structure. Three “team initiative courses” were built and two bird feeding/observation stations were rebuilt and expanded. Also, sixteen gleaming aluminum canoes replaced the yellow fiberglass models, and 33 trees planted in the early years began to grow and transform the campus area around the buildings.

and professionals as an innovative renewable energy system that works well-and keeps on working.

Also in 1991, a more challenging cross country ski trail was cut, and the prairie was burned and then re-planted with a variety of native seeds.

In 1992, the Center witnessed the removal of underground fuel oil tanks and a complete conversion to natural gas. A replica of a French fur trader’s cabin was built near the wetland trail, making living history presentations a larger part of the Center’s curriculum.

In 1999, fifty-seven interpretive signs were added to the Ebersole Center trail system. The project was made possible by a grant from the Michigan Non-game Wildlife Fund, in order to allow self-guided interpretive hikes that helped people better understand the natural history of the Center.

2000s Physical improvements in the past few years have included a waterfront renovation with a new boathouse, metal roofs on all buildings, and the addition of a rustic camping area.

Since 2000, curriculum development has taken a leap forward with the addition of a grade-specific program that is tied directly to District learning objectives. This course was designed to help fourth grade teachers meet instructional goals consistent with the District’s new pacing guide, while inspiring a love of science through hands-on experiences in the out-of-doors.

2010s In the fall of 2011, the Lansing School District Board of Education voted to make the Center a seasonal facility.

Instead of operating year-round, the Center operates a three season calendar from April 1 to October 31. With gaining support and interest, there is hope to bring the Center back to year round operations in the near future.

Over the past 40 years, more than 150,000 students and 45,000 adults have visited the Ebersole Center. During that time, the Center has repeatedly been recognized for innovative programs that link young people and adults with the natural world.

Today, Ebersole serves the children of campers who first came to the Center as children themselves. With a little luck, determination, and hard work, the Center will also serve their grandchildren.

Naturalist’s Corner

5. They are flashy flirts

Fireflies! 12 Things You Didn’t Know About Lightning Bugs Fireflies make summer magical, but there’s more to learn about these bioluminescent beauties.

By Melissa Breyer, published on Mother Nature network (www.mnn.com)

2. They are alchemists, poetically speaking

There are many wonders to behold in the animal world, but few offer such enchantment as a summer evening punctuated with the twinkle of fireflies. It’s a singular experience, like handfuls of Lilliputian stars tossed from the sky, falling to flit and hover among the grass and brambles. But behind their charming facade, fireflies are fascinating little insects.

Consider the following facts:

1. They are beetles, not flies Fireflies are nocturnal members of Lampyridae, a family of insects within the beetle order Coleoptera, or winged beetles. Yes, they are officially beetles. But we’re OK with the misnomer; “firebeetles” just doesn’t have the same ring to it. And bonus fact: the family name, Lampyridae comes from the Greek "lampein," meaning to shine … just like a lamp.

While they don’t actually turn base metals into gold, they do create light as if by magic. When a chemical called luciferin (note the same Latin root as Lucifer) inside their abdomen/tail combines with oxygen, calcium and adenosine triphosphate, a chemical reaction occurs that creates their spectacular light. (And then Mother Nature said, let there be bioluminescence!).

3. There are fireflies in the western United States, they just lack the 'fire' Sure, California has perfect weather, palm trees and stellar food. But alas, it doesn’t have fireflies. Actually, let us restate that: it doesn’t have fireflies that light up. Of the more than 2,000 species of fireflies, only some come equipped with the ability to glow; the ones that are able to don’t generally live in the West.

4. They are light geniuses The light produced by the firefly is the most efficient light ever made.

Almost 100 percent of the energy in the chemical reaction is emitted as light; in comparison, an incandescent light bulb only emits 10 percent of its energy as light, the other 90 percent is lost as heat.

Each species has a specific pattern of light flashing, and males use this pattern to let the ladies of the same species know that they would be a fine match for one another. When a female notices a suitable suitor, she replies with her own species-specific flash. Females may also use flash information to decide which male to mate with.

And then, fireworks!

6. Some species synchronize their flashing As if fairy-like woodlands weren’t made wonderful enough by the glittering glow of fireflies, some species actually synchronize their flashes in a beautiful light show; hello, firefly disco! Scientists can’t say for sure why fireflies sync up, but it may be the result of competitive males trying to be the first to flash. Or likely, it is because flashing the species pattern in unison will ensure that females of the same species notice the gang of randy males. Photinus carolinus are the only species in America that flash simultaneously; one great place to see them is at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which has firefly tours.

7. They come in many colors Maybe not the whole spectrum, but they do come in yellow, light red, green and orange.

8. They taste disgusting

10. Some are aquatic

12. Their numbers are declining

Not that we were planning on snacking on fireflies anytime soon, but for predators that might like a light meal, beware the lightning bug.

Firefly blood contains lucibufagins, which sounds like something out of a Harry Potter book but is actually a defensive steroid that tastes really gross. Predators associate the bad taste with a firefly’s light and learn not to eat bugs that glow.

A few freaky firefly larvae live in the water; they have gills and sup on aquatic snails, before inching their way to terra firma for their next phase in life.

If you’re seeing fewer fireflies each summer, you’re not alone. Anecdotal evidence suggests that firefly populations may be on the decline, most likely due to a combination of light pollution, pesticide use and habitat destruction. For example, according to Smithsonian.com, if a field where fireflies live is paved over, the fireflies don’t migrate to another field, they just disappear forever.

9. They light up the underworld Or underground, at least. While it’s true that many an insect larvae lives underground, firefly babes have them beat in the “neat tricks” department; some species emit a subterranean glow. Among some species, even the eggs glow. Bizarre, right?

11. They have strange diets Contrary to the storybook image of cute bitsy baby fireflies nibbling on flowers, the underground-dwelling larvae of the lightning bug are carnivorous and feast on slugs, worms and snails. Once they grow up, some move on to eat other fireflies, but most subsist on pollen and nectar (while some don’t eat anything at all during their short lifetimes).

A Simple Tip to Keep Ticks Off this Summer Spring is here and many of us are heading outdoors and enjoying some sunshine. There are many reasons to go outside and it certainly can be a wonderful time of year. Unfortunately, it is also the time of year when we need to be cautious about getting ticks.

Ticks are more than just a pest that makes us uncomfortable, they carry diseases, some of which are dangerous—even deadly. The next time you head outside, consider the following tip to keep ticks from latching on and causing problems.

TIP: Lint roller and essential oil First, grab an adhesive lint roller to take with you when you’re going outside. Run it over your clothing every once in a while. You might be surprised at what you pick up in a very short amount of time!

Second, spray an essential oil on your clothing and rub it into your skin and the ticks may just stay away. This also works for mosquitoes and black flies. It’s a good alternative to chemical insect repellent.

Five essential oils that repel bugs: 1. Lavender – Smells sweet to us but bugs hate it.

2. Penny Royal – Member of the mint family; toxic to insects.

3. Lemongrass – Has a citrusy sent. It is a natural flea and tick repellent and can be sprayed directly on the skin.

4. Eucalyptus – Used alone or with citronella oil to keep bugs away. According to the Journal of Medical Entomology, Eucalyptus extract can reduce tick bites and infections.

5. Lemon – Some types of lemon essential oil can work against fleas and other bugs. Slightly dilute it and spray it on your clothing and skin.

Source: http://usefultipsforhome.com/outdoor/1-simple-tip-keep-ticks-off-summer-long/

The Plight of the Honeybee

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he honeybee is an insect that was brought to the Americas from Europe, and has been around for 50 million years. The colony consists of three types of bees; workers, drones and a queen. Worker bees live about 2-4 weeks, and are all females. The drones are the only males in the hive. They live through the summer but are kicked out of the hive in late fall. There is also only one queen. The queen in the center of the hive and can live 1-3 years. The workers are the ones that can sting humans but will die after doing so. They only sting to protect the hive or themselves.* Plants produce nectar to attract honeybees, and honeybees make honey with the nectar they collect. Plants benefit from honeybees by having them transport pollen from one plant to another when they collect the nectar. Pollen is needed for trees, flowers, and vegetables to reproduce.

You can learn more about this amazingly helpful insect from a TED Talk by Marla Spivak at https://www.ted.com/talks/ marla_spivak_why_bees_are_ disappearing?language=en

Honeybees are in trouble! Humans are planting fewer plants that bees prefer.

Furthermore, pesticides kill bees, and mites can transmit viruses that kill can the whole hive. But we can still help. We can plant wildflowers they like and are attracted to – specifically NATIVE ones. They especially like blue, purple, violet, white and yellow colored flowers. When selecting your seed packets, perennials, and annuals for spring planting in your yard and community gardens, you can choose some of the following plants that attract bees and other pollinators like the Monarch butterfly: cosmos, sunflowers, marigolds, lavender, rudbekia, coneflowers, clematis, crocus, monarda, poppies, snapdragons, foxglove, ageratum, mint, scabiosa, salvia, thyme, aster, and yarrow. The list is endless.

Let’s do our part to help bring back the bees. *For those allergic to bee stings, make sure you always have your epi-pen available for emergencies!

What’s Cookin’?

Salsa Verde This recipe makes a mild salsa that is perfect with chips, on a burrito, or pretty much anything!

If you like it HOT, add 1-2 more jalapeños.

INGREDIENTS 6 tomatillos ½ onion 1 jalapeño ½ bunch of cilantro 3-4 garlic cloves 1 tbsp of olive oil Cosmos are one type of flower you can plant that will attract bees and other pollinators.

juice of one lime pinch of salt pinch of pepper

Planning Ahead The Ebersole Foundation is excited to be planning its 3rd annual golf benefit with proceeds to assist teachers and students of the Lansing School District in participating in the amazing opportunities offered at the Ebersole Environmental Education Center. This year we have been able to increase scholarship funding for schools attending in the fall and spring/summer sessions as well. With your help we can continue to broaden this effort. We look forward to you joining us for a day of fun, friends, and golf!

INSTRUCTIONS

SAVE THE DATE! AUGUST 19, 2017 3RD ANNUAL

Ebersole Classic SCHOLARSHIP GOLF SCRAMBLE

Your tax deductible donations are greatly appreciated and may be sent to: Ebersole Foundation, P.O. Box 4802, East Lansing, MI 48823

Halve the tomatillos and onion.

Take the top off the jalapeño.

Roast the tomatillos, onion and jalapeño in the oven at 400°F for 25-35 minutes.

Add all of the ingredients to a food processor.

Blend and enjoy!

Chaperones Needed!

Our programs here at Ebersole Center are very unique and require the assistance of parents and chaperones in order for a program to be a success. Many times, teachers cannot find enough chaperones to bring with their group and have in some cases had to cancel their program. We are always in need of chaperones, especially on a last minute, emergency basis.

If you are interested in being this lifeline to the teachers and students who come to Ebersole Center, we want to hear from you! There is a simple application and a background check required and any availability you have would be much appreciated!

Amazon.com wish list Ebersole Center has a wish list on the popular Amazon.com site. You can view the wish list at http://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist.

Once on the site, locate ‘‘Find a List or Registry’’ and type in Ebersole Environmental Education Center in the box beneath it. Make sure to spell it all out correctly or you won’t get to the right page. On the wish list you will find all sorts of items, big and small; everything from life jackets to bags of birdseed to washers and dryers. Check it out and see if there are any wishes you would like to fulfill. Thanks in advance for any and all support!

Make your reservations for next year now!

Ebersole 2017-2018 program dates fill up fast! Join the elite group of educators that have found the value of an outdoor environmental education program at the Ebersole Center.

If you haven’t gotten your reservation for next year give us a call or send us an email – we still have dates available! If you have never experienced an environmental education program with your class or school and would like to learn more, please visit our website at http://ebersole.lansingschools.net or contact us at (517) 755-5000, (269) 792-6294 or ebersole@lansingschools.net.

Don’t be left inside – get outdoors at the Ebersole Center.

We invite you to LIKE Ebersole at www.facebook.com/EbersoleCenter.

It’s a great way to stay in touch, enjoy nature photos, and be alerted to the many programs and special events at the Center!