MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Harris Nature Center (HNC) hosted its annual Winter Wonderland festival Saturday, January 28, 2017.

Some residents will agree that this event is "a great thing for the children of the township and a great way to remind people of what's important...nature," says a Meridian Township resident who stopped by to bring her 2 small children out to enjoy the event. The HNC Winter Wonderland activities include, but not limited to, outdoor activities for children such as marshmallow roasting at the campfire pit, dog sledding demonstrations, and much more.

According to Harris Nature Center Board Member, Jim Buscetta, "this is the smallest turnout I've seen thus far. I think the lack of snow turned a lot of people away." The lack of snow, however, didn't stop the sled dogs from putting on their show.

Roxanne Truhn, HNC Board Member, gave insight into what is to come at the Harris Nature Center. The Winter Wonderland event served as a fundraiser for the Nature Exploration Area that is currently being developed.

According to Truhn, at this time the HNC has completed the turtle sculpture and the Michigan fossil dig. Upcoming projects include a beaver lodge and treehouses with a hanging bridge. To help fund these upcoming projects, the HNC hosted a Silent Auction during the festival.