MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - On Saturday, July 22nd, the Harris Nature Center (HNC) celebrated twenty years of existence by hosting a celebration dubbed as the Turtle Toast Gala.

As part of the Meridian Township's 175th Anniversary Celebration, the Harris Nature Center, was celebrated for it's continuation of the Nature Exploration Area, it's newly built turtle statue and the current construction of the Beaver Lodge Dam play area.

Along with highlighting the center's history, achievements, and success in fundraising and donations, the event offered food from Oscar's Bistro, wine samples from Burgdorf's Winery, and a live jazz performance by Randy Scott, a Michigan State University native.

The event also commemorated it's loyal volunteers and helpers as well as offered a live auction, offering free bottles of wine, and handcrafted picnic basket and more.