SEVEN PONDS NATURE CENTER

SUMMER PROGRAMS for 2023

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.

Registration is now OPEN!

JUNE

Morning Paddle at the Ponds
Saturday, June 3rd, 9:30 AM
One of the best times to be on the ponds in a canoe is first thing in the morning. We will enjoy the morning by listening, reflecting, and simply just enjoying a morning on the water. Come dressed for the weather. Minimum: 5 years old to ride and 10 years old to paddle. Space is limited, please pre-register by Friday, June 2nd.

Field Netting Sunday!
Sunday, June 4th, 2:00 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.

Wetland Wonder
Saturday, June 10th, 2:00 PM
Wetlands are wonderful! During this program we will talk about the plants and animals that depend on wetlands. Then, we’ll explore our very own wetlands.

Sunday Walk
Sunday, June 11th, 2:00 PM
What does spring bring? Let’s find out on this hike around our trails! We’ll be on the lookout for wildflowers and wildlife.

Yoga at the Ponds with Peaceful Moon Yoga
Thursdays, June 15, 22, 29, July 6, 6:00 PM - 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 4-Week Series.

Full four-week series registration

Thursday, June 15 6:00 PM-7:00 PM

Thursday, June 22 6:00 PM-7:00 PM

Thursday, June 29 6:00 PM-7:00 PM

Thursday, July 6 6:00 PM-7:00 PM

 

Teddy Bear Walk
Saturday, June 17th, 3:00 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.

The End of Spring Sunday Stroll
Sunday, June 18, 3:00 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.

Nurturing a Native Garden
Saturday, June 24th, 11:00 AM
Learn how you can support wildlife and pollinators at home in your own garden! We will take a tour of the nature center's gardens and make a water cup for pollinators.

Nature Journaling: Birds
Sunday, June 25th, 2:00 PM
Journaling is a great way to relax and be creative. For this program we will explore the world of birds with drawings, lists, observations, sketches, and more. Bring your favorite journal and curiosity. We will provide the art supplies.

Messy Mud Day
Thursday, June 29th, 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 1, 10:00 AM
Join us for our annual count for the North American Butterfly Association. Nets available for all participants. Fee: $3.

North-80 Hike
Sunday, July 2nd, 1:00 PM
Before you head out on your 4th of July adventures, stop at Seven Ponds and enjoy an interpretive walk with one of our naturalists.

Invasive Species Work Day
Saturday, July 8th, 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.

Hop, Run, Fly… Its Jonathan Woods in July
Saturday, July 8th, 1:00 PM
Let's explore Jonathan Woods in the summer. It's a great time to look for critters of all kinds. We'll meet at the nature center and carpool over. Space is limited.

Nature Art Walk
Sunday, July 9th, 2:00 PM
Art is everywhere in nature! Take a walk with a naturalist as we discover the beauty of nature and even make some art of our own with natural items.

Snake Search
Saturday, July 22nd, 10:00 AM
We'll learn all about the snakes that call Michigan home and meet our resident snake! After that we'll hit the trail on a search for snakes.

Scouting Sunday: Into the Woods
Sunday, July 23rd, 2:00 PM
Study animals, food chains, and aquatic ecosystems while visiting the nature center and earning this pin. Fee $4.00.

Yoga at the Ponds with Peaceful Moon Yoga
Thursdays, July 27, August 3, 10, 17, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
See June for program description. Fee is $15.00 per session or $50.00 for the 4-Week Series.

Full four-week series registration

Thursday, July 27 6:00 PM-7:00 PM

Thursday, August 3 6:00 PM-7:00 PM

Thursday, August 10 6:00 PM-7:00 PM

Thursday, August 17 6:00 PM-7:00 PM

 

Prairie Walk
Saturday, July 29th, 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.

Garden Storytime
Sunday, July 30th, 3:00 PM
Is there a better way to spend your Sunday morning than in the garden reading a book, doing activities, and some garden exploration with your littles? Join a naturalist as we read a garden related book and do sensory activities in our butterfly and herb gardens.

AUGUST

Summer in Paul’s Woods
Saturday, August 5th, 1:00 PM
Let’s take a stroll across the A-Frame and into beautiful Paul’s Woods. We’ll walk the boardwalk, climb the tower for a view of Big Pond, and enjoy a warm summer day.

Invasive Species Work Day
Sunday, August 6th, 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, August 12th, 10:00 AM
What lies below the waters of Seven Ponds? Grab your family and explore the seldom seen world of the insects that make the ponds their homes. All supplies will be provided.

Summer Scavenger Hunt
Sunday, August 13th, 2:00-5:00 PM
A super fun scavenger hunt for all! Are you a good detective? Do you think you can find all the summer clues to win a treat? Test your skills on the trails by picking up a scavenger hunt sheet at the front by talking to the naturalist. See what Seven Ponds has to find.

Summer Evening Paddle
Saturday, August 19th, 7:00 PM
Let's hit the water and paddle the ponds for this naturalist-led canoe paddle. Dress for the weather. Minimum: 5 years old to ride and 10 years old to paddle. Space is limited.

Nature Journaling: Plants
Sunday, August 20th, 2:00 PM
Journaling is a great way to relax and be creative. We'll explore some of our plant species with drawings, lists, observations, sketches, and more. Bring your favorite journal and curiosity. We will provide the art supplies.

Seasonal Walk
Sunday, August 27th, 3:00 PM
A naturalist will take you on the trails to see what the end of August has in store. Bring your questions!

Seven Ponds Nature Center Summer 2023 Bird Walks

This summer we are offering bird walks on select Wednesdays mornings from June through August. 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 - Bird Drive on the Wild Side

Wednesday, June 14 - 7:30 AM (depart from Seven Ponds at 6:00 AM)

Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive

Join us as we venture out on the 6.5-mile Wildlife Drive at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge in Saginaw County. Shiawassee NWR is designated as a United States Important Bird Area for its global significance to migratory waterfowl. We will see many wading birds such as herons and egrets, as well as lingering waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds. American White Pelicans have been at the refuge previous summers, Bald Eagles are numerous, and the refuge is a known nesting location of the Prothonotary Warbler. Rarities often show up here – and even without them the Wildlife Drive almost always delivers a great birding experience. Although this is “birding by car” we will stop often and walk a few trails as well. We will meet at the nature center at 6:00 AM and carpool/caravan to the refuge. Cost of this field trip is $10 for non-members, $5 for members. Space is limited, please pre-register online. Dress for the weather, bring your binoculars, field guide, and pack snacks and a beverage.

SUMMER BIRD WALK #2 - Jonathan Woods

Wednesday, July 12 - 7:00 AM

Jonathan Woods Nature Preserve (meet at Seven Ponds)

Let's check out what birds we can find at Jonathan Woods during mid-July. The large trees and thick canopy will provide shade as we walk the hilly trails of this preserve. Summer birds found here previously include both Northern Waterthrush and Louisiana Waterthrush, Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Pileated Woodpecker, Indigo Bunting, Great Crested Flycatcher, and many more. What will we find during this walk? Join us to find out!

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SUMMER BIRD WALK #3 - Seven Ponds Nature Center

Wednesday, August 16 - 7:00 AM

Seven Ponds Nature Center

Let’s spend a late-summer morning at the nature center, exploring the trails and waters to see what we can find. By now our nesting Tree Swallows will have moved on, but we should find plenty of other birds to satisfy our quest. We’ll check out the North-80, Earl’s Prairie, and Paul’s Woods in search of feathered friends.