SEVEN PONDS NATURE CENTER
SPRING PROGRAMS for 2023
**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. Programs are $3.00 for members and $5 for non-members unless otherwise noted.
All programs require pre-registration. Space is limited.
Click the program title for the registration link.
For Yoga & Pint-sized Explorers registration, click the date to register for specific sessions.
MARCH
Pint-sized Explorers - Sensory Exploration
Thursday, March 2, 9:30-10:15 AM
Saturday, March 4, 2:00-2:45 PM
Pint-Sized Explorers (1-3 year olds) will have fun exploring nature with their adults. During this special time, toddlers and their adults will explore nature with the help of stories, songs, activities, and nature discovery. Fee: $7.00 ($6.00 for Seven Ponds members). Limited space. Please make arrangements for your other children. Choose ONE session.
Tracks and Signs
Saturday, March 4, 10:00 AM
First, we’ll learn all about the things animals leave behind when they pass through like tracks, scat, paths, feathers, and more. Then, we’ll take a hike around the center and see what we can find and try to figure out who's been out and about.
Sunday Walk
Sunday, March 5, 2:00 PM
On this hike let’s embrace the unpredictability of nature and let our curiosity take over. We’ll plot our course based on the sights and sounds of the day!
Critters in the Corner
Saturday, March 11, 11:00 AM
We will spend the first part of the program meeting some of our ambassador animals in Critter Corner. The second part will take us outside for a hike to see what animals we can find on the trails.
Nature Sketching
Sunday, March 12, 12:00 PM
All supplies will be provided on this reflection hike around Paul’s Woods for some nature sketching. Prompts and a naturalist will guide you to reflect on what you see and hear as you sketch in your journal.
Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring
Sunday, March 19, 2:00 PM
Join one of our naturalists for a hike as we reminisce on winter and look forward to spring. We’ll talk about what this new season means for the plants and animals around the nature center and beyond.
Yoga at the Ponds with Peaceful Moon Yoga
Beginners/Basic Yoga Class
Register for Full 4-week Series HERE
Thursday, March 23 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, March 30, 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 or $50.00 for the 4-Week Series (March - April).
Scouting Saturday - My Tiger Jungle
Saturday, March 25, 10:00 AM
We will see what it takes to be prepared for a hike, learn about the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace for Kids, identify animals and plants. Includes building a birdhouse. Fee $14.00 per person.
Sunday Stroll
Sunday, March 26, 3:00 PM
Looking for something relaxing to do on your Sunday afternoon? This leisurely stroll around some of our trails might be the thing. Along with a naturalist, you will see what nature has to offer before April comes.
APRIL
Nature's Tricksters
Saturday, April 1, 10:00 AM
On this April Fool’s Day, let's learn about the tricksters of the natural world. Animals and plants use tricks like camouflage and mimicry to help them survive. For this program, we’ll look at examples of this in the plants and animals that call Michigan home, and then take a hike to see if we can spot any trickery on our own trails.
A Walk in Paul's Woods
Sunday, April 2, 2:00 PM
Spend the afternoon among the trees as we take a walk along the boardwalk and into Paul’s Woods. We’ll cross the A-Frame Bridge and follow the boardwalk all the way into this beautiful beech-maple forest.
Pint-sized Explorers - Signs of Spring
Thursday, April 6, 9:30-10:15 AM
Saturday, April 8, 2:00-2:45 PM
Pint-Sized Explorers (1-3 year olds) will have fun exploring nature with their adults. During this special time, toddlers and their adults will explore nature with the help of stories, songs, activities, and nature discovery. Fee: $7.00 ($6.00 for Seven Ponds members). Limited space. Please make arrangements for your other children. Choose ONE session.
Yoga at the Ponds with Peaceful Moon Yoga
Beginners/Basic Yoga Class
Thursday, April 6 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Thursday, April 13, 6:00-7:00 PM
See program description in May. Fee is $15.00 or $50.00 for the 4-Week Series.
Phone Photography 101
Saturday, April 8, 3:00-4:00 PM
Last time was such a hit we are doing it again! Have you ever wanted to take better pictures with your phone but you don't know how? Do you want to know where your camera on your phone even is? We can help! Hit the trails with a naturalist and learn tips and tricks to make your images pop.
Spring Craft Day
Sunday, April 9, 1:00 PM
A selection of fun spring crafts will be waiting for you! Celebrate the season and get crafty.
Search for Salamanders
Saturday, April 15, 1:00 PM
It's the perfect time of year to look for salamanders! Join us as we look for and learn about some of Michigan’s most interesting amphibians. We’ll meet at the nature center and carpool over to Jonathan Woods. Space is limited.
Invasive Species Work Day
Sunday April 16, 2:00 PM
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.
Pond Dipping Day
Saturday, April 22, 11:00 AM
What lies below the waters of Seven Ponds? We will use nets and buckets to look for aquatic insects that call the waters home.
April Showers Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, April 23, 1:00 PM
Can you find these springtime clues along the trails?! Look high and look low for what you need to complete this scavenger hunt. Show up anytime between 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Scouting Saturday
Saturday, April 29, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Three Cheers for Animals: Daisies will earn their Birdbath, Red Robin, and Tula Awards as we learn all about animals. Fee $5.00 per person.
North-80 Exploration
Sunday, April 30, 2:00 PM
Why did the hikers cross the road? To get to the North-80 of course! On this hike we’ll climb a tower, cross bridges, find an old orchard, look for wildlife, and more.
MAY
Pint-sized Explorers - Pond Life
Thursday, May 4, 9:30-10:15 AM
Saturday, May 6, 2:00-2:45 PM
Pint-Sized Explorers (1-3 year olds) will have fun exploring nature with their adults. During this special time, toddlers and their adults will explore nature with the help of stories, songs, activities, and nature discovery. Fee: $7.00 ($6.00 for Seven Ponds members). Limited space. Please make arrangements for your other children. Choose ONE session.
Paddle at the Ponds
Saturday, May 6, 9:30 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 register by Friday, May 5th.
North-80 Trek
Sunday, May 7, 1:00 PM
Explore some of our more unused trails as we venture to the back of the North-80.
Yoga at the Ponds with Peaceful Moon Yoga
Beginners/Basic Yoga Class
Register for Full 4-week Series HERE
Thursday, May 11, 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, May 18, 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, May 25, 6:00-7:00 PM
See program description in March. Fee is $15.00 or $50.00 for the 4-Week Series (March - April).
Self-care Sunday Walk
Sunday, May 14, 2:00 PM
Come spend a peaceful afternoon at the nature center. We will take in the sights and sounds as we amble along the trail and talk about how nature can help us relax and recharge.
Birding for Beginners
Saturday, May 20, 2:00 PM
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.
Spring Wildflower Walk
Sunday, May 21, 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.
Morning Paddle
Saturday, May 27, 10:00 AM
What better way to spend a morning than on the water? Join this naturalist-led canoe paddle to explore the ponds. Dress for the weather.Minimum: 5 years old to ride and 10 years old to paddle. Space is limited.
Invasive Species Work Day
Saturday, May 27, 2:00 PM
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.
Prairie Play
Sunday, May 28, 2:00 PM
For this program we’ll take a journey into the prairie. We’ll play games, use magnifying glasses to investigate our surroundings, and learn how prairies are different from forests and fields!
Seven Ponds Nature Center Spring 2023 Bird Walks
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 $3 for Seven Ponds members and $5 for non-members. Online pre-registration is required, and bird walks are limited to ten (10) participants. Meet at Seven Ponds Nature Center.
Spring Bird Walk #1 – April 19, 7:00 AM
Sutherland Nature Sanctuary
Spring Bird Walk #2 – May 10, 7:00 AM
Seven Ponds Nature Center
Spring Bird Walk #3 – May 24, 7:00 AM
Johnathan Woods Nature Preserve