SEVEN PONDS NATURE CENTER
SPRING PROGRAMS for 2022
**REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN**
As the ponds thaw and the forest wakes up from its winter slumber, it's a great time to get outdoors and explore! 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 now require advance registration through our website. 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 - check our website for more information. Please register online for all programs at sevenponds.org.
All programs require pre-registration. Space is limted.
Click the program title for the registration link.
For Yoga registration, click the date to register for individual sessions.
MARCH
Spring Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, March 6, 1:00-4:00 pm
Spring is almost here. Sometimes you have to look hard to see it. Use your observational skills to seek out clues along the trail. Pick up a scavenger hunt sheet at the front desk and hit the trails. Show your findings to the naturalist when you are done to receive a prize.
Wee Readers
Saturday, March 12, 10:00 am
Abracadabra! Alakazam! It’s almost spring and to celebrate we will read Abracadabra, It’s Spring by Anne Sibley O'Brien. After reading this fun book we will go for a walk to look for signs of spring here at the Nature Center.
Full Moon Exploration
Friday, March 18, 5:30 pm
Sometimes the forest at night can seem a bit frightful. Join a naturalist as we explore the trails under a full moon and learn about what’s happening here at night.
Invasive Species Work Day
Sunday, March 20, 2:00 pm
It’s that time of the year again when invasive species start to make their appearance. Join our land steward in an effort to help control them here at Seven Ponds. Tools will be provided but if you have a tool you like to use feel free to bring it. Please bring water and gloves.
Journaling in Nature
Thursday, March 24, 2:00 pm
We’ll spend a portion of the time inside, where we’ll share
some helpful tips for keeping a nature journal. Then we’ll
head outside to practice what we learned. Participants please bring a journal and their favorite pen or pencil. You could also bring colored pencils and a camp stool if you would like.
Painting at the Ponds
Saturday, March 26, 5:00 pm
Naturalist Katie is back with another Painting at the Ponds class! Join her in this step by step adult program and walk away with a completed art piece. Participants must be 21 or older. This is a bring your own beverage class. All other supplies will be provided for you. $25.00 for non-members and $20.00 for members.
APRIL
Salamander Foray
Saturday, April 2, 2:00 pm
Join a naturalist for a salamander day of discovery at Jonathan Woods. We will be looking for many examples of the six species that reside in the rich woods while learning about their natural history and conservation. Meet at Seven Ponds, but we will be driving separately due to COVID-19 precautions. Space will be limited.
N-80 Exploration
Sunday, April 3, 1:00 pm
Let’s take a walk on the wild side of the nature center. The N-80 to be exact. Make sure to wear shoes that are waterproof because we will be exploring the less traveled side of the N-80.
History of Seven Ponds Walk
Sunday, April 10, 2:00 pm
Have you ever wondered how Seven Ponds Nature Center came to be? Come along on a walk through time as you join a naturalist around the property. We will visit key sites throughout Seven Ponds, and show you how four peoples' dream became a reality.
Seven Ponds Challenge Hike
Thursday, April 14, 12:00 pm
Join one of our naturalists to complete our NEW Seven Ponds Challenge. The hike is a 4 mile trail loop that features lakes, forest, wetlands, and a tall grass prairie. Make sure to bring water, and good hiking shoes for the trails.
Invasive Species Work Day
Saturday, April 16, 10:00 am
This will be a great opportunity for people who are community-minded to come on out and get some volunteer hours! We will be working in our demonstration gardens in front of the building making sure they look great for our visitors. Tools will be provided, but please bring gloves and water.
The Awesome Opossum! **PROGRAM IS FULL**
A Look into Our Backyard Marsupial
Saturday, April 16, 1:00 pm
Critter Crossing Rehabilitation, a local wildlife rehab facility, brings their educational opossum, “Chubbs” to discuss how opossums use their anatomy to survive right in our own backyards! This pre- sentation is geared towards all ages and dives into the natural history, unique behaviors, and common misconceptions the public has about our one and only North American marsupial. This is a special opportunity to see Chubbs LIVE and in person. Seating is limited; online registration required.
Spring Wildflower Walk
Sunday, April 17, 2:00 pm
Do you love native wildflowers and want to learn more about them? During this program we will walk the trails and go into our Woodland Wildflower Area looking for some of the different wildflowers that we have here at the Nature Center.
Yoga at the Ponds with Peaceful Moon Yoga
Beginners/Basic Yoga Class 6:00-7:00 pm
Wednesday, April 20 <- register here
Wednesday, April 27 <- register here
Wednesday, May 4 <- register here
Wednesday, May 11 <- register here
Wednesday, May 18 <- register here
Wednesday, May 25 <- register here
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. Classes will be held inside the building with COVID-19 protocols in place.
Birding for Beginners
Saturday, April 23, 9:00 am
Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird, it's a plane, it's a…oh wait, it is a bird after all. Have you ever wondered about the birds in your backyard? This may be the walk for you. Together we will practice our observation skills through a set of binoculars on our quest to spot the birds of Seven Ponds. No experience necessary. This is an introductory walk to those wishing to start their birding experience.
Frog and Toad Survey
Saturday, April 30, 7:30 pm
Frog-tacular! Toadally Awesome! Come out for a night of surveying the Seven Ponds frog and toad species at our Jonathan Woods property. We will meet at the nature center and drive to the satellite property. Space will be limited, so please preregister
MAY
Morning Paddle at the Ponds
Sunday, May 1, 8:00 am
Let’s start the month of May off with a peaceful paddle around ponds. We will enjoy the morning by listening, reflecting, and simply just enjoying a morning on the water. Come dressed for the weather. Fee: $5.00 per person ($3.00 for members) Minimum: 5 years old to ride and 10 years old to paddle. Space is limited, please pre-register by Friday, April 29th.
Walk on the Wildflower Side
Saturday, May 7, 1:00 pm
Buds are blooming and the forest is waking up once again. We will visit our Woodland Wildflower Area as well as take a walk through Paul’s Woods to explore the world of the first flowers of Michigan.
EcoDay and Native Plant Sale
Saturday, May 14 - Please see our event page for details.
Jonathan Woods Hike
Saturday, May 21, 2:00 pm
Looking for a hike and not just a pleasant walk in the woods? Join a naturalist as we go to our satellite property, Jonathan Woods to hike the less used trails. We will meet at the Nature
Center and drive separately to the property. Space is limited, please pre-register.
Bringing Pollinators Home Series
Do you want to learn how to attract native pollinators to your gardens? Join Seven Ponds Naturalists in this two-part series as we learn about our native pollinators and their importance
to our environment. Register for each session below.
Pollinators - Part One - Sunday, May 22, 2:00 pm
To start this series, we will learn about who our native pollinators are, why they are important, and what they need to survive. We will also be building a Hymenoptera Hotel (or more commonly called a Bee Hotel) for you to take home and
use in your gardens to help our native pollinators out. Cost for this part is $10 for members and $15 for non-members.
Pollinators - Part Two - Sunday, May 29, 2:00 pm
We will finish off the series with a freshly potted plant to get you started in your new garden. Bring your creativity skills as you sit down to paint your own pot with a cool design. We will go on a short walk to view some native plants growing here at Seven Ponds. When we come back we will fill our pots with a lovely, young, native plant for you to take home to attract native pollinators. Cost for this part is $10 for members and $15 for non-members.
Seven Ponds Nature Center Spring 2022 Bird Walks
This spring we will offer bird walks on Wednesday mornings from late-April through May. Highlighting several local natural areas, all walks away from Seven Ponds will take place at nearby parks and preserves, generally under 30 minutes driving time from Seven Ponds Nature Center. Our 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 free for Seven Ponds members and $5 for non-mem- bers. Online pre-registration is required, and bird walks are limited to ten (10) participants. Each spring bird walk will begin promptly at 7:00 am at the trailhead of the destination park or preserve. Please arrive on time and ready to go birding!
Spring Bird Walk #1 – April 27
Pine River Nature Center
2585 Castor Road, Goodells
Spring Bird Walk #2 – May 4
Cranberry Lake Park
384 W. Predmore Road, Oakland Township
Spring Bird Walk #3 – May 11
Bear Creek Nature Park
740 W. Snell Road, Rochester
Spring Bird Walk #4 – May 18
Wetzel State Recreation Area
2600 27 Mile Road, New Haven
Spring Bird Walk #5 – May 25
Seven Ponds Nature Center
3854 Crawford Road, Dryden