Biologists Jim and Carol McGrath founded and operate Nature Discovery, a private nature center attached to their home north of Williamston, MI.
It's billed as “the biggest little nature center in Michigan” and is home to the state’s largest zoo of Michigan-native reptiles and amphibians.
Jim and Carol travel all over the state offering hands-on, minds-on presentations which provide participants of all ages opportunities to learn more about Michigan's snakes, birds, and insects.
In partnership with MiSTEM Network Region 9, the West Shore ESD, and our local AFFEW Friends for the Environment of the World organization, Snakes Alive! presentations were offered to 4th graders throughout Mason County.
Local AFFEW President Julia Chambers teamed up with Jim to conduct a session on April 10 for teacher Lindsey Boyd's class of curious and fascinated 4th graders at Ludington Elementary School.
Dr. Kyle Corlett, Superintendent of Ludington Area Schools, and MiSTEM Network Region 9 Director Brian Dotson joined in the fun.
This is the second year for the Snakes Alive! program in Mason County.
In every one-hour presentation students are introduced to specimens of up to 8 species of Michigan snakes in up-close, okay-to-touch encounters.
The knowledge students – and the teachers and other adults gain – helps them overcome their fears about snakes as they learn more about identifying types, biology, behavior, habitats, and common misconceptions surrounding these surprisingly gentle creatures.
By better understanding snakes and experiencing "mingling time" with them, students see that there's no need to needlessly persecute and harm them. In fact, snakes are our friends!
