SEVEN PONDS NATURE CENTER

AUTUMN PROGRAMS for 2021

Autumn brings crisp, cool air and glorious colors to the landscape, making it the perfect time to visit Seven Ponds Nature Center. Seven Ponds offers something for everyone, from preschoolers and families to adults and seniors. Mark your calendar for some programs, walks, and classes. Unless indicated, program fees are $3.00 for adults, no charge for members or children 12 & under.

COVID-19 precautions may be in place for various programs. 

All programs require pre-registration. Space is limited.

Registration for fall events is now OPEN.

SEPTEMBER

 

Morning Paddle at the Ponds
Saturday, September 4, 10:00 AM
Summer is coming to a close so it is a good time to get on the ponds and experience the end of another great season. Fee: $5.00 per person ($3.00 for members) Minimum 5 years old to ride and 10 years old to paddle. Please pre-register online by September 3rd.

Labor Day Holiday
Monday, September 6, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Our building and trails will be open - come on out for a walk and enjoy the holiday

Seven Ponds 2021 Michigan BioBlitz Weekend
Saturday, September 18 & Sunday, September 19
Using iNaturalist, submit your animal, plant, and fungi observations made in Michigan this weekend for our BioBlitz How many organisms can we document in Michigan over the course of the weekend? All you need is an iNaturalist account – which is free and easy to set up – and a smart phone with a camera. Fun for the entire family. See our event page for more information. Ready, set, GO BIOBLITZ!

Land Stewardship Work Day
Saturday, September 18, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
We will be working on non-native invasive woody plants at the nature center. This is a great chance to earn community service or Master Gardener hours. Bring your own work gloves, water, and tools will be provided. If you wish to bring your own tools, you may.

Prairie Walk
Sunday, September 19, 2:00 PM
As we move through the fall the prairie is still changing! Hike with a naturalist to learn about the amazing features of our tall grass prairie.

Yoga at the Ponds with Peaceful Moon Yoga
Beginners/Basic Yoga Class
Thursdays, Sept. 23 thru Oct. 28, 10:00-11:00 AM
Unwind, rejuvenate and relax with 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. Participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat or a blanket. Fee is $10.00/session. Sign up for individual sessions by clicking the date below.

Thursday, September 23 @ 10:00 AM

Thursday, September 30 @ 10:00 AM

Thursday, October 7 @ 10:00 AM

Thursday, October 14 @ 10:00 AM

Thursday, October 21 @ 10:00 AM

Thursday, October 28 @ 10:00 AM

Autumn Hike in Jonathan Woods
Sunday, September 26, 2:00 PM
The cool, crisp days of autumn are upon us. Take a walk through Jonathan Woods with one of our naturalists and welcome in the season. We will meet at the nature center and then drive over separately. Space will be limited.

 

 

 

OCTOBER

 

Fungi with a Fun Gal!
Sunday, October 3, 10:00 AM
During this program we will be learning about fungi, or as they are more commonly thought of as…mushrooms! We will learn about the different types of fungi, why they are important to our ecosystems, and lastly we will take a hike to try and find some.

The Big Sit!

Saturday, October 9, sunrise to sunset
How many birds can we identify in a single day while staying within a 17-foot diameter circle? Join us as we participate in this world-wide activity to document and enjoy birds from a single location. We will be confined to one spot at the nature center, trying to see how many birds we can identify. Join us for all or part of the day by signing up for two-hour time slots. Let's have FUN with this!

Painting at the Ponds
Saturday, October 9, 5:00 PM
Come learn how to paint an awesome nature scene with friends! Enjoy a lovely view with an adult beverage as we learn how to create a step by step painting with Naturalist Katie. All painting supplies will be provided for you. You bring your own beverage. Pre-register by October 8th, space is limited to 14 people. Ages 21 and up. Fee: $25.00 (Members $20.00)

Evening Paddle on the Ponds
Saturday, October 16, 6:00 PM
Fall is in full swing which means it’s a great time to get onto the ponds to catch the beautiful colors and watch the sunset. Fee: $5.00 per person ($3.00 for members) Minimum 5 years old to ride and 10 years old to paddle. Please pre-register online by October 14th.

Prairie Seed Collecting
Sunday, October 17, 2:00 PM
Want to learn about or maybe even start your own tall grass prairie? You’re in luck, join a Naturalist for a walk in the prairie to learn about the plants and the ecosystem they create. We will end our time by collecting seeds for you to take home and plant!

Live Birds of Prey Show
Saturday, October 23, 3:00 PM

***REGISTRATION IS CLOSED***
See live raptors up close with an exciting program by Joe Rogers and his team from Wildlife Recovery Association. This is always an exciting show for the entire family. Space is limited.

Beginner Phone Photography
Sunday, October 24, 2:00 PM
Like taking pictures on your phone but don’t know where to start? Want to learn some cool new techniques or just get out in nature? This might be the class for you. This class is geared towards teaching beginning phone photography to those that want to advance their skills. Bring your phone and snap some cool pictures of things we see along the trail.

Birch Bark, Leaf Decor
Saturday, October 30, 1:00 PM
In this fall crafting class you will get to pick out your favorite fallen, fall leaves and arrange them on a birch wood tree slice from a fallen Seven Ponds birch tree. All supplies will be provided for you. Please pre-register by September 16th, space is limited to 10. Fee: $20 (Members $15)

NOVEMBER

 

Prairie Seed Collecting
Saturday, November 6, 2:00 PM
Enjoy the changing seasons in the prairie as we see how nature is getting ready for winter. We will venture out to the prairie and collect seeds for you to take home and plant your own tall grass prairie.

Curious Nature Detectives
Saturday, November 13, 3:00 PM
Are you and your kids curious about nature? Spend some time with a naturalist as we hike around the nature center looking for clues that help answer questions about our environment.

Land Stewardship Work Day
Sunday, November 14, 2:00 - 4:00 PM
We will be working on non-native invasive woody plants at the nature center. This is a great chance to earn community service or Master Gardener hours. Bring your own work gloves, water, and tools will be provided. If you wish to bring your own tools, you may.

Owl Prowl
Saturday, November 20, 6:00 PM
Join us for a night time hike through the woods of Seven Ponds as we attempt to call in some of Michigan’s owls.

Thanksgiving Holiday
Thursday & Friday, November 25-26
The nature center will be closed on these two days; members are welcome to walk the trails.

Hike Around the Ponds
Saturday, November 27, 10:30 AM
Looking for something to do with the family after the holiday feast? Let’s enjoy a nice walk around the ponds and see how winter is approaching the nature center.

Tree Painting
Sunday, November 28, 2:00 PM
Sunday Fun-day for the family! We will be painting our trees here at Seven Ponds with chalk and water to add some color to our trees as winter creeps in.

Seven Ponds Nature Center Fall 2021 Bird Walks

Seven Ponds bird walks are open to birders of all skill and experience levels, and beginners are always welcome. Bird walks are free for Seven Ponds members, and $5 for non-members. Pre-registration is required, and bird walks are limited to ten participants. Each fall bird walk will begin promptly at 8:00 AM at the trailhead of the destination park or preserve.

FALL BIRD WALK #1

Wednesday, September 22 - 8:00 AM

Cranberry Lake Park

Oakland County

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FALL BIRD WALK #2

Wednesday, September 29 - 8:00 AM

Bear Creek Nature Park

Oakland County

FALL BIRD WALK #3

Wednesday, October 6 - 8:00 AM

Flynn Township Nature Center

Sanilac County

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FALL BIRD WALK #4

Wednesday, October 13 - 8:00 AM

Charles Ilsley Park

Oakland County

FALL BIRD WALK #5

Wednesday, October 20 - 8:00 AM

Sutherland Nature Sanctuary

Lapeer County

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FALL BIRD WALK #6

Wednesday, October 27 - 8:00 AM

Seven Ponds Nature Center

Lapeer County