SEVEN PONDS NATURE CENTER
AUTUMN PROGRAMS for 2022
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 members, $5.00 for non-members, and no charge for children 12 & under.
Space is limited, and all programs require pre-registration. Select the program title to register.
Registration for fall events will open by September 1.
SEPTEMBER
Prairie Walk
Sunday, September 4, 2:00 PM
We’re nearing the end of summer and the prairie is a beautiful sight to see! Hike with a naturalist to learn about the amazing features of our tall grass prairie.
Labor Day Holiday
Monday, September 5, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Our building and trails will be open - come on out for a walk and enjoy the holiday
Yoga at the Ponds with Peaceful Moon Yoga
Wednesday, September 7, 6:00-7:00 PM
Wednesday, September 14, 6:00-7:00 PM
Wednesday, September 21, 6:00-7:00 PM
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. Pillows, additional
blankets, and any other "creature comforts" are also welcome. Fee is $10.00.
Invasive Species Work Days
Saturday, September 17, 10:00 AM
Saturday, October 29, 2:00 PM
Invasive species are in full swing here at Seven Ponds. These work days provide a great opportunity for people who are community-minded to come out and get some volunteer hours helping the nature center. Join our Land Steward as you learn about invasive plant species, and also help manage them. Please bring gloves and water; tools will be provided.
Seasonal Walk – Change is in the Air
Sunday, September 18, 2:00 PM
Enjoy the changing seasons around the ponds as we see how nature is getting ready for the onset of autumn. On this hike we’ll head wherever the winds take us. Join us!
Spider Discovery Walk
Saturday, September 24th, 2:00 PM
From the big and showy to the small and secretive, spiders of Michigan come in all shapes and sizes. On this walk we will look at some of the different species that call Seven Ponds home and learn about their amazing lives along the way.
OCTOBER
Enchanted Woodland
Saturday, October 1
Select event title for more information.
October Trail Walk in Paul’s Woods
Sunday, October 2, 2:00 PM
October has arrived! Let’s take a walk over the A-Frame Bridge to see what’s happening along the Miller Pond Boardwalk and in Paul’s Woods.
Yoga at the Ponds with Peaceful Moon Yoga
Wednesday, October 5, 6:00-7:00 PM
Wednesday, October 12, 6:00-7:00 PM
Wednesday, Octover 19, 6:00-7:00 PM
Wednesday, October 26, 6:00-7:00 PM
See September for the full yoga program description.
Fall Paddle on the Ponds
Saturday, October 8, 10:00 AM
Before winter freezes the ponds up for the year we will take one last turn around the waters and view the vibrant fall colors. Migrating birds and other animals will be readying themselves for colder months ahead. Let us paddle out and see what awaits us! Participants must be 5 years old to ride and 10 years old to paddle.
Autumn Hike in Jonathan Woods
Sunday, October 16, 2:00 PM
The cool, crisp days of autumn are upon us, and the big trees in Jonathan Woods should be ablaze in fall color. Take a walk through Jonathan Woods with one of our naturalists and enjoy the October air. We will meet at the nature center and drive over separately.
Vibrant Fall Sunday Walk
Sunday, October 23rd, 2:00 PM
The colors around the nature center should be something magical this time of year. We will casually stroll through different parts of our property to view the sights and sounds of nature getting ready for winter.
Hike Around the Ponds
Sunday, October 30, 2:00 PM
With leaves falling off the trees each day, we’ll take advantage of the opportunity to see through the forest to the ponds. On this hike we’ll check out Treetop Pond, Little Pond, Miller Pond, Big Pond, and Long Pond. It’s all about the ponds!
NOVEMBER
Owl Prowl
Saturday, November 5th, 7:00 PM
Step into the world of night with one of Seven Ponds’ naturalists to look for the owls that call the center home. On this walk, we'll hope to hear (or see) Barred Owls and Eastern Screech-Owls.
Sunday Naturalist Walk
Sunday, November 13, 2:00 PM
Let’s enjoy a nice walk around the North-80 as nature gets ready for winter. Dress for the weather and bring your curiosity as we look for end-of-the-year life.
Prairie Seed Collecting
Saturday, November 19th, 1:00 PM
Want to attract all kinds of animals to your property? Plant native plants! Follow a naturalist on a turn around our tallgrass prairie to collect seeds you can take home to start your own prairie ecosystem.
Thanksgiving Closure
Thursday and Friday, November 24-25
The Interpretive Building will be closed so the staff can enjoy Thanksgiving. As always, Seven Ponds members may use the trails dawn to dusk.
Thanksgiving Weekend Walk
Sunday, November 27, 2:00 PM
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.
Seven Ponds Nature Center Fall 202 Bird Walks
Seven Ponds bird walks are open to birders of all skill and experience levels, and beginners are always welcome. Bird walks are $3 for Seven Ponds members, and $5 for non-members. Pre-registration is required, and bird walks are limited to twelve (12) participants. Each fall bird walk will begin promptly at 8:00 AM at the trailhead of the destination park or preserve unless otherwise noted.
Wednesday, September 7 - 8:00 AM
Seven Ponds Nature Center
Let's spend a late summer/early fall morning birding the grounds of the nature center, exploring the trails and the ponds to see what we can find. We'll check out the North-80, Earl's Prairie, and Paul's Woods in search of feathered treasures. Most summer residents should still be around, and we should start finding early fall migrants. Meet at Seven Ponds Nature Center.
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Wednesday, September 21 - 8:00 AM
Metamora Old RR Grade
This old railroad grade has been converted into a foot trail which traverses nearly a mile north from Dryden Road in Metamora. Along the path we'll pass through edge habitat, successional forest, wetlands, and even get to check out a sewage lagoon! We'll park along East High Street (just east of the main intersection) and meet at the trailhead in downtown Metamora.
Wednesday, October 5 - 8:00 AM
Sutherland Nature Sanctuary
This wonderful preserve is located near the southwestern corner of Lapeer County. Ponds, shrubs, both deciduous and coniferous forests, a small creek, a cattail marsh, and a nearby farm field pack a lot of habitat into a small area. Fall migration should be in full swing, so join us as we see what feathered creatures are moving through. We'll meet at Sutherland Nature Sanctuary.
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Wednesday, October 19 - 8:00 AM
Jonathan Woods Nature Preserve
Fall colors in the big woods - what could make it better? Bird, of course! Jonathan Woods is 145 acres of mature hardwood forest that includes a large leatherleaf bog and a cold water brook with a cattail marsh and hemlock stand. Let's enjoy our final fall bird walk in colorful Jonathan Woods! We'll meet at the nature center this morning and carpool over to our satellite property.