SEVEN PONDS NATURE CENTER
Autumn Programs for 2019
The crisp, cool air and glorious colors of autumn make this time of year one to the most beautiful and enjoyable seasons to visit Seven Ponds. The cost for most of the programs listed below is included in the admission fee (admission is free to members), unless otherwise specified.
SEPTEMBER
A Walk in the Woods
Sunday, September 1, 2:00 PM
Let’s take a walk and explore the whats along the trails of Seven Ponds.
Labor Day Holiday
Monday, September 2
Building is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, come on out for a walk, bring your lunch and enjoy a visit to the Butterfly Garden.
Golf Cart Tours
Sunday, September 15th, 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, or 3:00 PM
Physically impaired nature lovers can join our naturalist for a tour on a golf cart. We will visit several natural communities as we discover the beauty of Seven Ponds. Pre-registration is required. Limit 2 on each tour.
Yoga at the Ponds - Peaceful Moon Yoga beginners/basic yoga class.
Wednesdays, September 18 through October 23, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Unwind, rejuvenate and relax with Catherine 'Cat' Minolli and the ‘Peaceful Moon’ series. These classes are designed for newcomers and beginning yoga students and/or those who wish to become re-acquainted with the practice. Participants will experience the mind, body, spirit connection while learning basic yoga poses in a serene environment. You don't have to be able to touch your toes or twist into a pretzel to participate, however many postures are done from a seated or prone position on the floor. This gentle practice incorporates some aromatherapy and focuses on slowing down, reconnecting with the breath and body. Sessions will help participants release tension, improve flexibility, balance, and range of motion, and center and regroup for another week. Introduction to Sun Salutations will be included in the class. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat. Drop in fee is $10; register online for the six-week series for $50.
Fall Bird Walk #1 – Seven Ponds Nature Center
Wednesday, September 18, 8:00 AM
Our first bird walk of the fall will take place in the familiar confines of the nature center, where we will venture out in search of resident and migrating songbirds, such as kinglets, sparrows, warblers, vireos, thrushes, and others. We will finish by lunchtime – so feel free to bring your lunch to eat at the nature center. Bring binoculars, snacks, and your favorite field guide.
Golf Cart Tours
Thursday, September 19th, 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, or 3:00 PM
This is not a typo! We are offering Golf Cart Tours during the week now. Physically impaired nature lovers can join our naturalist for a tour on a golf cart. Pre-registration is required. Limit 2 on each tour.
Bike “Hike” the Polly Ann Trail
Saturday, September 21, 1:00 PM
Bring your bikes to the beautiful Polly Ann trail as Seven Ponds partners with The Friends of the Polly Ann Trail to offer this sensory bike hike. We will not only see the trail but we’ll use our senses for this experience. We’ll meet at Memorial Park in downtown Dryden. Please bring bikes, helmets, and water. Please register online or when you stop by the nature center.
Land Stewardship Workdays
We will be working on non-native invasive plants invading the nature center. This is a great chance to earn community service or Master Gardener hours. Bring your own work gloves.
Sunday, September 22, 2:00 PM
Sunday, November 3, 2:00 PM
Webelos Badge Day – Into the Wild!
Sunday, September 29, 10:00 AM – noon
Scouts will complete this badge through many hands-on activities and investigations. Fee: $5.00 per scout. Please pre-register online by September 27. Limit 20 Scouts.
Brownie Badge Day – Bugs
Sunday, September 29, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Scouts will complete this badge while investigating and observing bugs and insects around the Nature Center. Fee: $5.00 per scout. Please pre-register online by September 27. Limit 20 scouts.
OCTOBER
Enchanted Woodland
Saturday, October 5, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
The Enchanted Woodland is a fun and educational (not scary) experience for children 4 years old and up and their adults - as well as the young at heart! In the event of rain, the trail will be moved indoors. Crafts and refreshments will follow your walk in the woods. Wear your favorite nature-themed costume! No tickets available at the door.
Wee-Readers: Leaf Man
Sunday, October 6, 2:00 PM
Join us for story book time as we follow the leaves through a journey on the wind. After we finish the book we’ll take our own walk through the woods and collect our own leaf man. This program is geared towards 3 to 6 year olds. Please register online or when you stop by the nature center.
Owl Prowl
Sunday, October 13, 7:00 PM
Night comes alive at Seven Ponds. Come walk the trails after sunset and see if we can call in an owl or two. We will use our natural night vision to explore the fall woods.
Fall Bird Walk #2 – Ortonville State Recreation Area
Wednesday, October 23, 8:00 AM
During our second fall bird watching session we’ll travel to Ortonville State Recreation Area, located in the southwest corner of Lapeer County. Many fall migrants will still be moving through the area, and we may find some early winter resident birds as well. This state recreation area has several separate properties, so we will plan on exploring more than one location. Bring binoculars, snacks, beverages, and your field guide.
Birdseed Saturday
Saturday, October 26, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Gift Shop Sale & Bake Sale & Used Book
and Mulit Media Sale!
At 2:00 PM see Wild Life Recovery Association with Joe Rogers. Joe will bring his live raptor program. This is your chance to have a close look straight into the dark eyes of a beautiful barred owl. Learn how the American Kestral guards its prey, and more!
Prairie Seed Collecting
Sunday, October 27, 1:00 PM
Come enjoy the changing seasons around the ponds as we see how nature is getting ready for and winter. We will also venture out to the prairie and collect seeds for you to take home and plant your own tall grass prairie.
Nature Walk With Your Dog on the Polly Ann
Thursday, October 31, 10:00 AM to noon
Seven Ponds is partnering with the Friends of the Polly Ann Trail to offer this fun morning of hiking and learning with your canine friend as we explore the Polly Ann Trail. We will meet at Memorial Park in Downtown Dryden to start this adventure. Your dog must be on a 6’ lead, and socialized and comfortable around other people and dogs.
NOVEMBER
Teacher Workshop – Growing Up Wild
Saturday, November 9, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Learn how to use games to teach science! This interactive workshop is for formal and non-formal educators looking to enhance their science curriculum using hands-on, active play to strengthen science concepts. Program fee, all materials and lunch will be provided through a grant from the Four County Community Foundation. Please register by October 28.
Jonathan Woods Fall Color Walk
Saturday, November 2, 2:00 PM
Let’s stroll through beautiful Jonathan Woods and see how everything is getting ready for winter. We will meet at the nature center then car pool over to the property.
Coffee with a Naturalist
Saturday, November 10 Noon
Have a warm cup of coffee with one of our Naturalists as we talk about the birds visiting the feeders and discuss any other topics you want answers to. Coffee and snacks will be provided. You just bring your curiosity.
Fall Bird Walk #3 – Port Huron Area
Wednesday, November 13, 8:00 AM
Our final fall bird walk will take us to the Port Huron area where we will visit the Lake Huron shoreline, St Clair River, Fort Gratiot Nature Preserve, and a local sewage pond. It’s a great place to be during late fall migration and we will hope to see many species of waterfowl, gulls, hawks, falcons, and songbirds. On the right day, the south end of Lake Huron is an excellent place to look for scoters, eiders, and unusual gulls. Bring binoculars, snacks, and your field guide, and we’ll bring the nature center’s spotting scope. We’ll stay in the area through lunch, so bring your own or come prepared to purchase a lunch. Please register online.
Prairie Seed Collecting
Saturday, November 16, 3:00 PM
We’ll venture out to the prairie and collect seeds for you to take home and plant your own tall grass prairie.
Tea Time
Sunday, November 17, 2:00 PM
White pine, sassafras, mint and more. Let’s learn what native plants make cozy teas, just in time for the cooler season. Please register online or when you stop by the nature center.
Natural Ornament Making
Saturday, November 23, 2:00 PM
Nature is full of beautiful things that we can use to decorate our homes with this holiday season. Get a step-up on your decorating schedule and make some natural ornaments to celebrate the coming of winter.
Thanksgiving Holiday (CLOSED)
Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29
The nature center will be closed on these two days; members are welcome to walk the trails.
Adventure Gang- Owl Prowl
Saturday, November 30, 5:00 PM
Screech, Barred, and Horned….Oh My! Let's take a dusk stroll through the trails to try to hear some owl calls. We will also dissect an owl pellet after our walk. This gang is for young adults ages 14 to 17. Fee: $4.00 per person ($2.00 for members). Please register online or when you visit the nature center.