20 September, 2016 (Tyler Gebel)

A fine morning waking up in Newaygo State Park. Today we went to our first administrative center now that we are back in the United States. Breakfast burritos started us off right and then on the road we went. Howard Christensen Nature Center was really neat to visit, and we learned a lot about the history of the center itself. Our friend David told us about the interpretation and outdoor education programs they have for young elementary kids all the way up to high school kids. We got to to learn more about the public relations aspect of their business too and how they bring in different school districts to their site. Getting a tour of the place was really neat and I think we all enjoyed seeing the free-range chickens as well as the pot-bellied pig and two male billy goats. So many displays of birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects flocked the interpretation center and gave us all some insight into how many species really belong in the surrounding ecosystem. After our exciting visit we were on the road again and made our way to the Gates house once again for a warm welcome stay and a delicious meal consisting of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and other delicacies that included even a German chocolate cake. So delicious! A lot of us were able to work on some homework too which we have all been in desperate need of accomplishing. I even got a good start on the first part of our ECOEE 2016 documentary. Yay! It has been a nice first full day in the states again and I have been learning a lot my first week of being a LOW. I would say that this has been a great birthday for me as well and I look forward to our arrival at Battle Creek tomorrow.