Nature Nook Closed as Naturalist Resigns

West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation resigned this week, leading to the closure of the Parks and Recreation center.

The West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission announced in a release Thursday that nature interpretive programs and nature camps for the summer will also be canceled in response. On the Nature Nook's Facebook page, Zoet's resignation had been announced last week while advertising for the regular open hours event on Saturday, leading to fans and volunteers posting their feelings:

• Mark Szabo: I'm sure you will be greatly missed. You're talented, knowledgeable, creative and kind. I'm proud to share professions with someone like you! Good Luck!
• Brent White: Thank you for all you have done, but let's not give up. We should talk about ways to keep things going. 
• Pam Opolsky: You have brought not only a lot of knowledge to your programs, and our community, but also joy and fun. You sure will be missed.
• Elana Burnstein Weisberg: How sad for us. Thank you for all the enjoyment and learning you have shared.

The Commission expects to resume nature interpretive programming in the near future, when another naturalist is hired. According to the release, Zoet is leaving to take a position with the Leslie Science Center in Ann Arbor, which already maintains a working relationship with the Commission.

The housing of live animals at the Nature Nook — including — require licensing from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and almost all of them will be transferred to the science center.

The Nature Nook, located inside the Parks and Recreation Activities Center, had been open since 2006.