FOR RELEASE:  February 25, 2010

 

 

 

Nature Center Volunteers to Receive Community Service Award

 

 

 

(TROY, MI) – The Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center Volunteers are a 2009 Michigan Recreation and Park Association (MRPA) Community Service Award winner.  The awards are given to individuals and organizations throughout the state of Michigan that show outstanding support to public recreation and park programs in their communities.

 

The award will be presented at the MRPA Community Service Award Night on Wednesday, March 10, at the Hannah Community Center in East Lansing.

 

In her nomination of this outstanding group number over 100 service-oriented individuals, Nature Center Naturalist Lisa Ferdubinski cited the more than 2,600 hours of service to the center in 2009.  The volunteers help out with special event programs such as the annual Maple Syrup Time, and take on numerous tasks including craft preparation, trail work and more.

 

“The SNC volunteers are an enthusiastic group, each one with valuable skills and expertise that contribute to the success of the Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center,” Ferdubinski said.

 

She noted that when it appeared the Nature Center could possibly close last the year, the volunteers played a major role in keeping it open and operating full time by showing their “tremendous support with their letters, emails and comments to City Council members.”

 

“During trying times such as these, it is a delight to work with such a passionate and dedicated group of people,” Ferdubinski said.

 

The Stage Nature Center is located at 6685 Coolidge Highway.  It is a 100-acre facility operated by the City of Troy Parks and Recreation Department.  In addition to scheduled programs, the interpretive center, trails, and Cattail Cove Gift Shop are open Tuesday-Saturday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm and Sunday, 12 noon-5 pm.  Admission is $1 per person.

 

The Nature Center is home to more than two miles of nature trails to enjoy, winding through meadows, forest and stream.  Starting May 1-October 31, the trails are open for walking until 9 pm on normal business days.

 

For more information, call 248.524.3567.

 

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