SEVEN PONDS NATURE CENTER
SPRING PROGRAMS for 2024
**REGISTRATION WILL OPEN MARCH 1**
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 registration, click the date to register for specific sessions.
MARCH
Family Night Hike - registration now open for this program
Saturday, March 2nd, 6:30 PM
On this hike we’ll explore nature after dark by walking our trails, calling for owls, and learning all about nocturnal adaptations.
Critters in the Corner
Saturday, March 9th, 2:00 PM
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.
End of Winter Wanderings
Sunday, March 10th, 1:00 PM
The end of winter is upon us and nature is ready to make the change into spring. It may already be doing so! With the equinox just around the corner, we will venture out and see what stirs and what still has some more slumbering left to do. Drop-ins welcome.
Nature String Art Class
Saturday, March 16th, 1:00 PM
For this class we’ll tap into our creative side and create a picture using only wood, nails, and string! This is a very simple art technique, which makes it fun for those of all skill levels. Fee: members: $20.00, non-members: $25.00.
Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring!
Sunday, March 17th, 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. Drop-ins welcome.
Spring Stroll
Saturday, March 23rd, 10:00 AM
Spring is here! Join us this morning for some trail trekking and interpretation along the way. Drop-ins welcome.
Yoga at the Ponds with Peaceful Moon Yoga
Beginners/Basic Yoga Class
Register for Full 4-week Series HERE
Thursday, March 21, 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, March 28, 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, April 4, 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, April 11, 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).
Annual Meeting
Saturday, March 23rd, 9:00 AM
Members are welcome to attend our Board of Directors at the Annual Meeting this morning. Drop in only.
Survival Skills Day
Sunday, March 24th, 2:00 PM
You wanted us to run it again so here we go for a fun day of testing your survival skills! Do you know what to do if you're lost in nature? Can you build a debris shelter to stay safe? What about building a fire? All will be taught during this program.
Wonderful Weather
Saturday, March 30th, 10:00 AM
This program is all about weather! We’ll learn about clouds, thunder, lightning, rain, snow, and other weather phenomena through a walk outside, some experiments, and a craft.
Feathers
Sunday, March 31st, 2:00 PM
Feathers are amazing structures! Learn the how, what, and why of feathers through a presentation and lots of examples.
APRIL
Yoga at the Ponds with Peaceful Moon Yoga
Beginners/Basic Yoga Class
Thursdays, April 4 and 11, 6:00-7:00 PM
See March for program description and registration. Fee: $15.00 per session.
Rain and Sun Scavenger Hunt!
Saturday, April 6th, 2:00 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 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Jonathan Woods Walk
Sunday, April 7th, 1:00 PM
Visit our beautiful satellite property and hike the glaciated hills of Johnathan Woods. A naturalist will meet you at the nature center where we will all carpool over to the property.
Apple Grafting Practicum
Saturday, April 13th, 10:00 AM
Presenter: Paul Holcroft, owner and founder of Holcroft Acres
In this class we will learn about apple propagation and the science behind apple grafting. After learning how to graft you will have the opportunity to graft two apple trees to take home with you. Fee: $30. Limited to 12 participants.
Search for Salamanders
Saturday, April 13th, 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.
A Walk in Paul’s Woods
Sunday, April 14th, 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. Drop-ins welcome.
Morning Hike
Saturday, April 20th, 10:00 AM
Don't you just love a hike to wake you up in the morning? Greet the day with a naturalist and wander the trails as Seven Ponds wakes for spring. Drop-ins welcome.
Pond Dipping Day
Sunday, April 21st, 1:00 PM
What lies below the waters of Seven Ponds? We'll use nets and buckets to look for aquatic insects that call the waters home.
Invasive Species Work Day
Saturday, April 27th, 10:00 AM
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.
Nature Detectives
Saturday, April 27th, 1:00 PM
Are you good at solving clues? Enjoy time on the trails? Let's see if you can solve the mystery of the stolen bird seed!
Sunday Bird Walk
Sunday, April 28th, 2:00 PM
Let’s grab some binoculars and hit the trails! We’ll learn about migration and see which birds are hanging out around the nature center. We will provide binoculars, but participants are welcome to bring their own if they prefer. Drop-ins welcome.
MAY
Yoga at the Ponds with Peaceful Moon Yoga
Beginners/Basic Yoga Class
Register for the Full 4-week Series HERE
Thursday, May 16, 6:00-7:00 PM
Thursday, May 23, 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
Morning Paddle
Saturday, May 4th, 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.
Spring Craft Day
Sunday, May 5th, 2:00 PM
A selection of fun spring crafts will be waiting for you!
Eco Day & Native Plant Sale
Saturday, May 11th, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
See flier insert for details. Registration required for Eco Day; no registration required to stop by and purchase native plants.
Family Bird Walk
Sunday, May 12th, 2:00 PM
Join one of our naturalists for a beginner-friendly bird walk around the nature center. We will provide binoculars, but participants are welcome to bring their own if they prefer. Drop-ins welcome.
Birds and Blooms
Saturday, May 18th, 10:00 AM
The birds and the spring wildflowers are back at Seven Ponds! We will take a leisurely stroll to look into our Woodland Wildflower Area all while keeping our eyes and ears open for spring migrating birds. Binoculars will be provided. Drop-ins welcome.
Volunteer Work Day
Sunday, May 19th, 1:00 PM
Looking for ways to help out Seven Ponds? We will be hosting a Volunteer Work Day to get various tasks around the center done. Do you need national honor society volunteer hours, or community service? This would be a great day to get some hours towards your goals. Or you can just come out and have a good time with friends for a great cause!
Paddle the Ponds
Saturday, May 25th, 10:00 AM
Let’s enjoy a beautiful spring morning out on the ponds. We’ll head under the A-Frame Bridge and see where the water takes us. Come dressed for the weather. Minimum: 5 years old to ride and 10 years old to paddle. Space is limited; please register by Friday, May 24th.
Invasive Species Work Day
Saturday, May 25th, 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 26th, 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 2024 Bird Walks
Spring is the most exciting season for birders! Our bird walks and trips 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. Loaner binoculars are available. Bird walks are $3 for Seven Ponds members and $5 for non-members. Bird trips are $5/$10. Online pre-registration is required, and bird walks are limited to twelve (12) participants. We meet at the destination parking lot at the time indicated.
Spring Bird Trip – Wednesday, April 3, 8:30 AM
Fish Point State Wildlife Area
Spring Bird Walk – Wednesday, May 1, 7:00 AM
Cranberry Lake Park
Spring Bird Walk – Wednesday, May 15, 7:00 AM
Seven Ponds Nature Center