SEVEN PONDS NATURE CENTER
AUTUMN PROGRAMS for 2024
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 unless otherwise noted.
Select the program title to register.
Registration for fall events will open on September 1, unless otherwise noted.
SEPTEMBER
North-80 Exploration
Sunday, September 1, 2:00 PM
Let’s venture into the North-80 as we hike over bridges, through flower-covered fields, up to a tower, and down to a dock. Drop-ins welcome. REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR THIS PROGRAM.
Labor Day Holiday
Monday, September 2, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Our trails will be open - come on out for a walk and enjoy the holiday.
Citizen Science Sunday
Sunday, September 8, 1:00 PM
Would you like to be a scientist? We will discuss how you can participate in fall citizen science projects, and then we will practice project observations on a hike.
Yoga at the Ponds with Peaceful Moon Yoga
Thursday, September 12, 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, September 19, 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, September 26, 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, October 3, 6:00-7:00 PM
Full four-week series registration
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 $15.00 per session or $50.00 for the full four-week series.
Party at the Ponds
Saturday, September 14, 11:00-5:00 PM
See event page for details and registration information. Registration is now OPEN for this event.
Invasive Species Work Day
Sunday, September 15, 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.
Make Your Yard a Winter Refuge
Sunday, September 22, 1:00 PM
Your yard is just as important for insects in the fall and winter as it is in the spring and summer. Find out how you can help your yard and garden be a refuge by exploring our gardens with us!
Wild, Wonderful Wetlands
Saturday, September 28, 10:00 AM
Wetlands are wonderful! During this program we will talk about the plants and animals that depend on wetlands. Then we'll explore our very own wetlands.
OCTOBER
Trek the Trails
Tuesday & Thursday mornings throughout October
See event page for details and registration information. Drop in - no preregistration.
Enchanted Woodland
Saturday, October 5 - See event page for details and registration information.
Mythical Creature Field Netting
Sunday, October 6, 1:00 PM
Spooky season is here! Let’s find out what creatures are lurking in our prairie. Bring yourself and your imagination; insect nets are provided.
Invasive Species Work Day
Sunday, October 13, 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.
Squirrel Squad
Sunday, October 20, 1:00 PM
It’s time to store food for the long winter! Join us for a beautiful fall hike, and we will see how many nuts and seeds we can find!
Yoga at the Ponds with Peaceful Moon Yoga
Thursday, October 24, 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, November 7, 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, November 14, 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, November 21, 6:00-7:00 PM
Full four-week series registration
See September for the full yoga program description.
Fee is $15.00 per session or $50.00 for the full four-week series.
Fantasy Forest Adventure
Saturday, October 26, 10:00 AM
Explore Seven Ponds like never before! We’ll make fairy houses along the trails, go on a magical scavenger hunt, and create pirate ships to launch from the dock.
Hike Around the Ponds
Sunday, October 27, 2:00 PM
On this hike we’ll check out Treetop Pond, Little Pond, Miller Pond, Big Pond, and Long Pond. It’s all about the ponds! Drop-ins welcome.
NOVEMBER
Picture This
Saturday, November 2, 10:00 AM
Looking for some pointers on how to improve your smartphone nature photography? Join our naturalist for a photography hike! We will take photos along the trails and cover some tips and tricks guaranteed to help you capture those special nature moments.
Are Your Ready for Winter?
Sunday, November 10, 2:00 PM
Animals do a lot of different things to get ready for winter, let’s learn some of their routines!
Prairie Seed Collecting
Sunday, November 17, 2:00 PM
Want to add gorgeous, low-maintenance native wildflowers and grasses to your yard? Follow our naturalist on a walk in Earl’s Prairie to collect local seed that butterflies and other pollinators will love!
Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale National Park
Sunday, November 24, 2:00 PM
Did you know that the world’s longest predator-prey study is happening right here in Michigan? Learn about the history of the program and find out what’s happening right now on Isle Royale!
Nature Center Interpretive Building Closure
Thursday and Friday, November 28-29
The Interpretive Building will be closed so the staff can enjoy Thanksgiving. As always, Seven Ponds members may use the trails dawn to dusk.
Gratitude Stroll
Saturday, November 30, 10:00 AM
Come along for a leisurely walk around the ponds. We will give thanks to the land and creatures that make this place truly special.
Seven Ponds Nature Center Fall 2024 Bird Walks
This fall we will offer three bird walks on Wednesday mornings, one for each month from September through November. Seven Ponds bird walks are open to birders of all skill and experience levels, and beginners are always welcome. Bring your binoculars, your enthusiasm, and be sure to dress for the weather. These bird walks are $3 for Seven Ponds members, and $5 for non-members, unless otherwise noted. Pre-registration is required, and bird walks are limited to ten (10) participants. Please note the start times below and arrive on time and ready to bird! We have Vortex 8x42 binoculars available for loan upon request.
Click on bird walk title to register.
Fall Bird Walk #1
Wednesday, September 18, 8:00 am ~ Atlas County Park (Genesee County)
Fall Bird Walk #2
Wednesday, October 16, 8:00 am ~ Oakwood Lake Township Park (Oakland County)
Fall Bird Walk #3
Wednesday, November 13, 8:00 am ~ Seven Ponds Nature Center