SEVEN PONDS NATURE CENTER
AUTUMN PROGRAMS for 2023
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 on or before September 1.
SEPTEMBER
Paddle the Ponds
Saturday, September 2, 10:00 AM
Take a guided trip around the ponds with one of our naturalists. Come dressed for the weather. Minimum: 5 years old to ride and 10 years old to paddle.
Prairie Walk
Sunday, September 3, 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 tallgrass prairie.
Labor Day Holiday
Monday, September 4, 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
Thursday, September 7, 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, September 14, 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, September 21, 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, September 28, 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 9, 12:00-6:00 PM
See event page for details and registration information.
Grandparents Day Hike
Sunday, September 10, 3:00 PM
Grab your grandkids (or grandparents) and enjoy a fun nature hike with one of the naturalists on Grandparents Day! We will explore Seven Ponds in September in celebration of family.
Fall Migration Exploration
Saturday, September 16, 9:00 AM
Pack your binoculars and let's hit the trails! We’ll learn about migration and see which birds are hanging out around the nature center.
Invasive Species Work Day
Sunday, September 17, 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.
End of Summer Stroll
Sunday, September 24, 2:00 PM
As summer comes slowly to a close we will walk the trails and see what nature is doing in preparation for the seasons changes.
OCTOBER
Fall Hike in Jonathan Woods
Sunday, October 1, 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.
Enchanted Woodland
Saturday, October 7 - see event page for details and registration information.
Vibrant Fall Walk
Sunday, October 8, 2:00 PM
The colors around the ponds 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.
Fantasy Forest Adventure
Saturday, October 14, 1:00 PM
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.
Yoga at the Ponds with Peaceful Moon Yoga
Thursday, October 19, 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, October 26, 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, November 2, 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, November 9, 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.
Autumn Craft Day
Sunday, October 22, 2:00 PM
One of the best times to do a craft is in the fall. The colors and texture lend inspiration to make feel good creations. All supplies will be provided. Just bring your creativity.
Full Moon Hike
Saturday, October 28, 7:00 PM
On this hike we’ll explore nature after dark by walking our trails, calling for owls, and learning all about nocturnal adaptations.
Invasive Species Work Day
Sunday, 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.
NOVEMBER
Owl Prowl
Saturday, November 4, 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.
Polly Ann Trail Dog Walk
Sunday, November 5, 2:00 PM
Join Seven Ponds Nature Center as we partner with the Polly Ann Trail to take a stroll with man’s best friend! We will meet up at Memorial Park in Dryden to hit the trail. Dogs must be well behaved and leashed at all times.
Science Saturday
Saturday, November 11, 1:00 PM
Come explore the natural world using microscopes, water tests, magnifying glasses, creative engineering, and more. Bring your curiosity and we’ll provide the rest!
Hike Around the Ponds
Sunday, November 12, 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!
Prairie Seed Collecting
Saturday, November 18, 3:00 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 ecosystem.
North-80 Walk
Sunday, November 19, 1:00 PM
Before December comes and the holidays start, let's venture into the North-80 and view the signs of winter’s approach.
Nature Center Interpretive Building Closure
Thursday and Friday, November 23-24
The Interpretive Building will be closed so the staff can enjoy Thanksgiving. As always, Seven Ponds members may use the trails dawn to dusk.
Fall Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, November 25, 1:00-4:00 PM
While some critters may be finding somewhere cozy to spend the winter, we still have a lot happening on our trails. Stop in and grab a scavenger hunt, find all the things on the list, and head back inside to claim your prize. Show up anytime between 1:00-4:00 (must complete scavenger hunt by 5:00 pm).
Thanksgiving Weekend Walk
Sunday, November 26, 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 2023 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!
Click on bird walk title to register.
Fall Bird Walk #1
Wednesday, September 13, 7:30 am ~ Lake St. Clair Metropark
Lake St. Clair Metropark is located along the shores of the "sixth Great Lake" and is well-known among birders as a highly productive birding hotspot. The shoreline, combined with wooded areas and an extensive marsh, concentrate birds in an otherwise developed area. In mid-September waterfowl will begin arriving, and we should encounter a wide variety of shorebirds, gulls, terns, herons, raptors, and songbirds that all use this location as a stopover during migration. As many as 27 warblers have been seen here during September. This will be a carpool trip, and we will leave the nature center at 6:30 so we can begin birding by about 7:30. Return mid-afternoon. Park entry not included in registration fee.
Fall Bird Walk #2
Wednesday, October 11, 8:00 am ~ Sutherland Nature Sanctuary
The birding at this local sanctuary is always good and sometimes fantastic. A mix of habitat types ensures a wide range of songbirds. Join us as we walk the trails of this Lapeer County gem in search of feathered friends. Meet at Sutherland Nature Sanctuary.
Fall Bird Walk #3
Wednesday, November 8, 8:00 am ~ Bear Creek Nature Park
This Oakland Township Park has become a favorite Seven Ponds bird walk destination. Located just 18 miles south of the nature center, we'll meet at the park and enjoy a late fall morning of birding. Most of our migrating songbirds will have moved on by now, but we should be seeing some of our winter visitors, and who knows what else we might find lingering? Meet at Bear Creek Nature Park.