<p>
	Want to explore the natural world this summer? Join us for July Community Days at Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies every Thursday night at 7 PM. Our July programs culminate in our annual <strong>Butterfly Day and Native Plant Sale</strong> on Saturday, July 28th. All programs are family friendly and take place outdoors on the Au Sable campus, unless otherwise noted. Au Sable serves the Grand Traverse Bay region with hands-on programs that bring K-12 schools and the general public into a better understanding of the natural world and how to care for it. Suggested donations of $5 per family. We appreciate <strong>RSVPs to Paul Wiemerslage (231-587-8686).</strong></p>
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	July 5th, 7 PM - Preserving the Quality of your Local Lake</h2>
<p>
	Do you want to make sure your lake stays healthy? Join Au Sable Professor, Dr. Dan Ippolito, on Big Twin Lake to learn what a healthy lake looks like and the steps you can take to improve its quality and keep it healthy. Participants will travel out onto Big Twin Lake for an upclose look at lake quality through water sampling. RSVP - Limited space available.</p>
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	July 12th, 7 PM - Birds on the Brain</h2>
<p>
	Hollow bones, circular breathing, and feathers are just the start of what makes birds one of the most fascinating groups of animals on earth. After a birding walk, parents and children will create a birding journal and suet feeder to help get them started observing, attracting, and identifying birds in their own backyard!</p>
<h2>
	July 19th, 7 PM - Nature Scavenger Hunt</h2>
<p>
	Join us for an evening of games and learning that will lead you and your children to explore different environments as you perform a scavenger hunt across Au Sable&rsquo;s campus: dragonflies by the pond, grasshoppers in the field, and salamanders in the forest are only a few of the critters participants will be on the lookout for!</p>
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	July 26th, 7 PM - Preserving the Quality of your Local Lake</h2>
<p>
	Do you want to make sure your lake stays healthy? Join Au Sable Professor, Dr. John Korstad, on Starvation Lake to learn what a healthy lake looks like and the steps you can take to improve its quality and keep it healthy. Participants will travel out onto Starvation lake for an upclose look at lake quality through water sampling. RSVP - Limited space available.</p>
<h2>
	July 28th, 7 PM - 10 AM-1 PM - Butterfly Day and Native Plant Sale</h2>
<p>
	Join us for our annual Butterfly and Native Plant Day as we celebrate native plants, gardens, and local butterflies! Tour our butterfly house, be led on a butterfly hunt through our trails, and pick up some native plants from Vern Stephens, owner of Designs by Nature, for your home. There&rsquo;s sure to be something for everyone!</p>
<p style="text-align: center; ">
	Au Sable is located at 7526 Sunset Trail NE, Mancelona, MI 49659. For more information about environmental education opportunities at Au Sable Institute, visit our activities calendar:&nbsp;http://ausable.org/k12programs/</p>
