Environmentalists and gamers join up to celebrate 'nerdy stuff'

Enjoy nature from the indoors by going to the board game nights hosted by Friends of the St. Clair River.

Wild Green Winter game nights are returning for its second year to Border Keep Games, located at 942 Military St., Port Huron. Players will be playing nature-based games such as “Wingspan” and “Parks.” Lydia Nicholas, environmental field technician for Friends of the St. Clair River, said the games nights aim to give people their nature fix while staying warm inside.

“We like say we’re in the field 52 weeks a year, but not everyone likes being out when there’s snow on the ground,” Nicholas said.

Nicholas said the games nights are also a way to engage with people who enjoy nature, but don’t necessarily like getting their hands dirty.

The games nights will take place at 7 p.m. of Jan. 27, Feb. 24 and March 24.  

There will be a suggested $5 cover donation per person at the game nights, which will include a drink voucher for Border Keep Games. The proceeds will go to Friends of the St. Clair River. However, people are not required to donate.

“It’s suggested and if people choose not to donate, we’d just appreciate them purchasing something from Border Keep Games as a way to show support while using the space,” Nicholas said.

Border Keep Games has snacks and drinks available for people to purchase while they play in the game room.

Border Keep Games co-owner Derek Helsom said last year’s event had a fairly good turnout. He said he saw store regulars and new faces playing the games. Helsom said it makes him happy to see people enjoy the game room.

“We imagined the game room as a community space for people who enjoy games and nerdy stuff,” he said. “We really try to encourage people to just hang out here.”

Nicholas said there will be more games available to play this year. Also, people don’t need to have prior knowledge of the games to play. Members of Friends of the St. Clair River will be at the event to give game demonstrations.

People interested in learning more about Friends of the St. Clair River can visit their website www.scriver.org.

Border Keep Games is open from 11 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Contact McKenna Golat at mgolat@gannett.com or (810) 292-0122.