[Bump up from 4/06] Jim McGrath and his family of super naturalists live near here. They travel around the state daily, teaching kids about snakes and frogs. OK, it seems like his whole family is part of the show but it’s probably mostly him. And they teach people of all ages about creatures of all kinds. They take them outside and show them the world.
Jim and his wife and his kids do this for people.
Maybe it’s a bit like our scene here: How can you separate the work from the family? I just don’t know where to use “he” or “they” in this little report. OK, I’ll say “he” for now.
Anyway, Jim runs a whole bunch of nature programs at his home and yard and at schools in this area.
I don’t think he’s employed by anyone. He’s self-employed. No pension. Yet I’d say he’s a root of this region. He’s teaching thousands about where they live and what’s here.
Just a couple days ago a neighbor said she took a class of Jim’s. They went wading into Jim’s backyard pond at night and listened to the rock concert loudness of the spring frog music. They caught and identified frogs.
Awhile ago Jim taught her, and a class, how to call in local owls. You call to them, they call back. It’s cool. (For screech owls you kind of whinny.)
Jim is VERY energetic. I met him a few years ago. He’s a positive, cheerful dynamo. So is his family. (Their house is full of critters. They make and sell frog music tapes…)
If you want to know about Michigan nature or if you have KIDS who want to learn about it, by all means, get yourself to a Jim McGrath “Nature Discovery” class of ANY kind. They fill up fast.
It’s THAT TIME OF YEAR! Spring is getting ready to sprung!
https://naturediscovery.net
