SEVEN PONDS NATURE CENTER
FALL PROGRAMS for 2025
Fall is the perfect time to visit the nature center and participate in our programs. Seven Ponds offers something for everyone, from preschoolers and families to adults and seniors. Mark your calendar for some programs, walks, and classes.
All programs require pre-registration. Space is limited.
Registration is now open for all Fall programs.
SEPTEMBER
Backyard Foraging
Saturday, September 6, 2:00 PM
You don’t have to travel far to forage. There’s a whole world of wild edibles in your backyard! A naturalist will lead a walk around the nature center to learn about some edible plants you could easily find on your own. We’ll also get to try some tasty treats made with wild edibles!
Invasive Species Work Day
Sunday, September 14, 2:00 pm
The old saying, “You can’t see the forest for Join our Land Steward for an afternoon of working on non-native invasive plants around the center. Bring your own work gloves and water. We will provide all necessary tools.
Yoga at the Ponds with Peaceful Moon Yoga
Beginners/Basic Yoga Class
Thursdays, September 18, 24, October 2 and 9, 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 $15.00 per session or $50.00 for the entire 4-week series (June-July).
Night Hike
Saturday, September 20, 8:00 PM
Come experience Seven Ponds from a new perspective! Even if you’re familiar with Seven Ponds during the day, it’s entirely different once night falls. We’ll let our eyes adjust to the darkness and go on a hike, enjoy the stars, and maybe see some nocturnal creatures!
Explore the Microverse
Sunday, September 21, 2:00 PM
Discover new worlds as we search for the teeny-tiny treasures of nature! We’ll provide magnifying glasses to take on our hike, and then we’ll bring some of the treasures we find inside to get an even better look with our microscopes.
Sustainability Series: Upcycle Your Closet
Saturday, September 27, 1:00 PM
Have any clothes that you still love, but have seen better days? Bring your stained, hole-y, in-need-of-a-touch-up clothes and we’ll use fabric, patches, and stamps to give them a second life. You provide the clothes, we provide everything else!
OCTOBER
Beginner Fall Watercolor Landscape Class
Saturday, October 11, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Join Anne Estelle as she teaches everyone how to make their own lovely fall landscape watercolor painting. Anne is a local retired elementary teacher who has painted with watercolors for the last seven years and has had her work featured at Gallery 194 in Lapeer. She looks forward to sharing her love of watercolor painting with others! This class is intended for adult students. All supplies are included. Fee: $20.00
Mushroom Walk
Saturday, October 18, 3:00 PM
Fungi come in a spectacular variety of shapes, colors, textures, and sizes! Join us on a walk to see how many kinds we can find. You might be surprised by just how much we’ll see.
Sustainability Series: Water
Sunday, October 19, 1:00 PM
Do you know where your water comes from? Or where it goes? Let’s find out together! Join a naturalist for an exploration of our local water. We will take a little hike, search for aquatic animals, and test for water quality.
Nature Journaling
Saturday, October 25, 2:00 PM
It's turtle time around the ponds! Let’s meet some of our ambassador animals and then take a walk on the trails to learn about the turtles that call Seven Ponds home.
Autumn Hike in Jonathan Woods
Sunday, October 26, 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'll meet at the nature center and carpool over. Space is limited.
NOVEMBER
Paul's Woods Walk
Sunday, November 2, 10:00 AM
Paul’s Woods has something new to offer in every season. Let’s explore the wonders of fall on a hike together!
Bioplastic Suncatchers
Saturday, November 8, 2:00 PM
Have you heard of bioplastics? Come learn about this exciting area of science from a naturalist. Then, we’ll create some bioplastic of our own and use it to make a beautiful suncatcher!
Tower Tour
Sunday November 9, 2:00 PM
Let’s go climb every tower at Seven Ponds! For this program we’ll explore Paul’s Woods, Earl’s Prairie, and the North 80.
Sustainability Series: Scrap Collages
Saturday, November 15, 1:00 PM
Reusing materials is a critical part of sustainability. Bring your old magazines, newspapers, and books, or use some of ours, to create something new out of “scraps!” You can make a 2d collage to display on your walls, or you can bring an object to decorate instead (boxes, lamp shades, picture frames, etc.) Supplies will be provided, but please make use of any “scraps” you have at home!
Prairie Seed Collecting
Sunday, November 16, 1:00 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 unique local seeds that butterflies and other pollinators will love! Two small paper collection bags provided per person; bring your own additional collection containers if desired.
Black Bears: Shadows of the Forest
Saturday, November 22, 3:00 PM
Have you ever wanted to learn more about the only bear species that calls Michigan home? Let’s learn about their history, diet, behavior, and more.
Seven Ponds Nature Center Fall 2025 Bird Walks & Trips
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. NOTE: transportation to the birding destination is not provided, but carpooling may be an option.
Wednesday, September 10 - 8:00 AM
Location: 740 W Snell Rd, Rochester, MI 48306
Wednesday, October 8 - 8:00 AM
Location: 2301 Joslyn Rd, Orion Township, MI 48360
Wednesday, November 12 - 8:00 AM
Location: 3854 Crawford Road, Dryden, MI 48428