SEVEN PONDS NATURE CENTER
SUMMER PROGRAMS for 2022
Summer 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 limted.
Click the program title (click date for multiple date programs) for the registration link.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Seven Ponds Nature Center is sustained - and has been for 55 years - through the generosity and support of our members, visitors, and program attendees. Sources of revenue include fundraisers, donations, membership dues, program fees, endowment fund earnings, grants, and sales in our gift shop. We have maintained our membership dues price structure for many years and have provided countless programs at no cost to our members. Unfortunately, those programs do have costs, and those costs have risen significantly - to the point where we can no longer fully subsidize program participation for members.
With those increased operational costs in mind, we will begin charging a nominal program fee for our members. In no way will this fee fully cover the costs associated with these programs, but the additional fee will allow us to continue to offer high quality environmental programs and activities.
Program cancellations: please keep in mind that when you are registered for a program and do not show up, the nature center suffers a financial hit as well. There may be people on the waitlist who would have attended and paid. There may be materials that are prepped and then go to waste. There may be staff staying past their normal working hours. Please keep all this in mind when you register, and if you must cancel, give us as much advance notice as you can to allow us to register additional attendees, adjust staffing and supplies, recoup our costs, and continue to run these programs.
JUNE
Teddy Bear Walk
Sunday, June 5, 2:00 PM
Do you have a special stuffed friend who goes with you everywhere? Do they protect you at night until you wake again? This walk is for you! Explore nature with your trusted sidekick as a naturalist takes you on an adventure around the ponds.
Peaceful Reflections
Saturday, June 11, 9:00 AM
Looking for a peaceful morning to practice your nature journaling? One of the naturalists will be leading a nature journaling class that is focused on slowing down and using our observation skills to notice the intricate details of our world around us.
Invasive Species Work Days
Sunday, June 12, 2:00 PM
Saturday, July 9, 9:30 AM
Saturday, July 23, 9:30 AM
Sunday, August 7, 11:00 AM
Saturday, August 20, 9:30 AM
Invasive species are in full swing here at Seven Ponds. This will be a great opportunity for people who are community-minded to come on out and get some volunteer hours! Join our Land Steward as you learn about our invasive plant species, but also help us to manage them. Please bring gloves and water; tools will be provided.
Corks & Caps Fundraiser
Friday, June 17, 6:00 PM
See Special Events page for more information.
The End of Spring Sunday Walk
Sunday, June 19, 2:00 PM
Hard to believe that spring is almost over for the year. Let us celebrate the comings and goings of the seasons by taking a leisurely walk around the ponds to experience the sights and sounds of nature.
Yoga at the Ponds with Peaceful Moon Yoga
Beginners/Basic Yoga Class
Wednesdays from June 22 through July 13, 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 $10.00. Classes will be held inside the building with COVID-19 protocols in place. Register for specific weeks by selecting the date below.
Morning Paddle at the Ponds
Saturday, June 25, 8:30 AM
One of the best times to be on the ponds in a canoe is first thing in the morning. We will welcome the day by listening, reflecting, and simply 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 Thursday, June 23.
Insect Extravaganza
Sunday, June 26, 2:00 PM
This fun family program will take a look at the different habitats around the nature center and we will see which insects live where. Upon closer inspection of these little critters we will note their special adaptations that show us how they can survive in these different habitats.
Messy Mud Day
Wednesday, June 29, 2:00 PM
Celebrate International Mud Day at Seven Ponds! This messy celebration will connect your children to the Earth through the sloppy joy of playing with mud. We will make mud castles, paint with mud, make Forest Soup, do a little mud throwing, and have a good time just playing in mud! Be prepared to get dirty.
JULY
Butterfly Count
Saturday, July 2, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Join our naturalists for our annual count for the North American Butterfly Association. We will check various habitats at Seven Ponds in search of all the butterflies we can find! Bring your favorite butterfly field guide, your trusty net, binoculars, and a sack lunch if you plan to stay through the afternoon. We have extra nets for those who don’t have their own. This program is for adults and older children who have an interest in butterflies. Fee: $3.00.
Morning Canoe Paddle
Sunday, July 3, 9:00 AM
Rise and shine! It’s time to hit the waters in one of our canoes. Join a naturalist as we visit (almost) all of the ponds. Come dressed for the weather. Minimum: 5 years old to ride and 10 years old to paddle. Space is limited, please pre-register by June 30th.
Fourth of July Holiday
Monday, July 4, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The building will be open with staff on duty throughout the day. Stop by the nature center for a trail walk or enjoy a holiday picnic at the ponds!
Story Time in the Garden
Sunday, July 10, 10:30 AM
Is there a better way to spend your Sunday morning than in the garden reading a book, doing crafts and some garden exploration with your littles? Join a naturalist as we read a garden related book, create insect themed crafts, and do sensory activities in our butterfly and herb gardens.
A Brush with Baby Wildlife
Erica Zuhlke of Critter Crossing Rehabilitation
Saturday, July 23, 1:00 PM
Encountering infant animals in the wild is a common occurrence in the spring. From walks in the park to right in your own backyard, this presentation with Critter Crossing Rehabilitation addresses the many myths about baby animals and provides insight on what to do when stumbling upon our wild neighbors, including how to determine if an animal truly needs human intervention and what steps should be taken thereafter. This program is intended for ages 16 and older.
Hop, Run, Fly, let’s see Jonathan Woods in July
Sunday, July 24, 2:00 PM
We will hop, run, or fly to Jonathan Woods, our largest satellite property at 145 acres. There are many habitats at this property and we will investigate some of the differences throughout the property and see what we can see! We will meet at the Nature Center and drive separately to the property. Space is limited, please pre-register.
Earl’s Prairie Excursion
Sunday, July 31, 2:00 PM
The great thing about Earl’s Prairie is that there is always something new to look at in the summer. Come learn about the special adaptations these plants have in order to survive the hot summer sun. We will also look for the animals that make the prairie their home.
AUGUST
Tipsy Naturalist
Friday, August 5, 6:00 PM
Join us as we explore the world of botany and booze…as we’ll learn every great drink starts with a great plant. We will spend the evening exploring the woods of Seven Ponds discussing the plants’ botanical, medicinal, and culinary histories. We will use our new knowledge to make and sample botanical cocktails. All participants must be at least 21 years of age. Fee: $30.00 ($25.00 for members) includes drink samples, recipes, snacks, and a “Tipsy Naturalist” glass. Space is limited. Please sign up online by July 22.
Party at the Ponds
Saturday, August 6, 12:00-6:00 PM
A day of nature fun at the nature center! See the Special Events page of our website for more information. This event is free for all attendees, but pre-registration is required.
Campfire Evening
Saturday, August 13, 6:00 PM
We will celebrate S’mores Day around a campfire at the nature center. Stories and s’mores will be provided. You just need to bring a chair and your appetite!
Prairie Walk
Sunday, August 21, 10:30 AM
Our tall-grass prairie has lots going on this time of year. Plants are taller than people, insects are preparing for fall, and birds are feeding on seeds. As we walk the prairie we will be on the look-out for plants tall and small, different insects, birds and anything else we can see on this casual walk.
Yoga at the Ponds with Peaceful Moon Yoga
Beginners/Basic Yoga Class
Wednesdays from August 24 through September 21, 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 $10.00. Classes will be held inside the building with COVID-19 protocols in place. Register for specific weeks by selecting the date below.
Family Field Netting
Sunday, August 28, 1:00 PM
Do you like catching insects and spiders? So do we! Luckily, we know of some good catching places to try out your skills. All supplies will be provided. Bring your family and let’s get buggy
Seven Ponds Nature Center Summer 2022 Bird Walks
This summer we are offering bird walks on select Wednesdays mornings from June through mid-July. 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 twelve (12) participants. Summer bird walks begin promptly at 7:30 AM at the trailhead of the destination park or preserve (adresses will be emailed prior to the bird walk). Please arrive on time and ready to go birding!
SUMMER BIRD WALK #1
Wednesday, June 8 - 7:30 AM (depart from Seven Ponds at 6:00 AM)
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive (Saginaw County)
Join us as we travel, caravan-style, to southern Saginaw County to take a bird drive on the wild side. Starting at the refuge parking lot on Curtis Road, we'll proceed slowly through the 6.5 mile Wildlife Drive, making numerous stops along the route. We encourage carpooling for this trip to reduce the length of our caravan in the refuge.
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SUMMER BIRD WALK #2
Wednesday, June 15 - 2:00 PM
Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area (Bay County)
Evening is a wonderful time to spend in the marshlands, and Nayanquing Point is one of the premier birding areas in Michigan. We'll caravan to northern Bay County, arriving at Nayanquing late afternoon to begin our birding adventure. We'll encounter ducks, geese, swans, wading birds, shorebirds, and songbirds - including one of Michigan's only populations of Yellow-headed Blackbirds. This trip will involve 2-3 miles of walking and will conclude with sunset on the tower overlooking the marsh.
Wednesday, June 22 - 7:30 AM
Polly Ann Trail - Imlay City to Dryden (5.6 miles) (Lapeer County)
This bird walk will traverse the Polly Ann Trail from Imlay City to Dryden, a section that spans nearly six miles. Along the way we'll encounter woodlots, fields, and wetlands - let's see what birds we can find along the trail! Bring your hiking shoes and be sure to pack water and snacks. We'll arrange vehicles at both ends of the trail so we can walk from point to point.
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Wednesday, July 13 - 7:30 AM
Seven Ponds Nature Center (Lapeer County)
Let's spend a mid-summer morning at the nature center, exploring the trails and waters to see what we can find. We'll check out the North-80, Earl's Prairie, and Paul's Woods in search of feathered treasure.