SEVEN PONDS NATURE CENTER
SUMMER PROGRAMS for 2025
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 limited.
Registration is now open for all spring programs.
JUNE
Ponds & Prairies Walk
Sunday, June 8, 2:00 PM
As spring rolls into summer we’ll take a walk around the ponds and through the prairie to discover who and what is out and about this afternoon.
Close Up Photography for Kids w/ Daniel Mitchell
Saturday, June 14, 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
(Rain Date: June 21)
The old saying, “You can’t see the forest for the trees,” does not apply to this class! Students will look at the tree and what is at the base of it, maybe a frog or small flower. The forest floor is covered with many subjects for close-up photography. Bring a camera and a tripod (if you have one), and wear comfortable shoes. The class will be outside on Seven Ponds grounds. Ages: 8-18, and accompanying adult is requested.
Herpetology Adventure
Saturday, June 14, 2:00 PM
Let’s search around the trails and ponds for reptiles and amphibians. You can help us contribute to citizen science as we add pictures of our herpetofauna findings to the Michigan Herp Atlas!
Yoga at the Ponds with Peaceful Moon Yoga
Beginners/Basic Yoga Class
Thursdays, June 19, 26, July 3, 10, 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 per session or $50.00 for the entire 4-week series (June-July).
Invasive Species Work Day
Sunday, June 22, 2:00 PM
Join our Land Steward for an afternoon of working on non-native invasive plants around the center. Bring your own water bottle. We will provide all necessary tools. No fee.
Paul’s Woods Walk
Saturday, June 28, 10:00 AM
Join us on an adventure hike over the A-frame bridge to explore the wetlands and forests of Paul’s Woods!
Mission: Moths!
Sunday, June 29, 8:00 PM
How many moth species can we find? Moths are most active at night, so we’ll set up a viewing area and wait for them to arrive. Bring your cameras and curiosity!
JULY
Butterfly Count
Saturday, July 5th, 10:00 AM
Join us for our annual count for the North American Butterfly Association. Nets available for all participants. Fee: $3
Prairie Walk
Sunday, July 13, 1:00 PM
Summer is a busy time for plants and animals in our prairie! Join us for a walk as we explore what wings and things hide in the tall grass.
Bird Walk on the Polly Ann
Saturday, July 19, 9:00 AM
The Polly Ann Trail is both a beautiful place to walk and a great birding spot. It's also just a short drive from Seven Ponds. We will meet at General Squire Memorial Park on S. Mill Road. Loaner binoculars are available, please call the nature center to let us know if you would like a pair for the walk.
Turtle Tour
Saturday, July 19, 2:00 PM
It's turtle time around the ponds! Let’s meet some of our ambassador animals and then take a walk on the trails to learn about the turtles that call Seven Ponds home.
Invasive Species Work Day
Sunday, July 20, 2:00 PM
Join our Land Steward for an afternoon of working on non-native invasive plants around the center. Bring your own water bottle. We will provide all necessary tools. No fee.
Aquatic Plants Paddle
Saturday, July 26, 10:00 AM
Would you like to learn how to identify aquatic plants? Join a naturalist for a morning canoe paddle as we explore the edges and islands of our kettle lakes. Be prepared for adventure! We will be getting in and out of our canoes, walking on uneven terrain, and getting our feet wet. Canoes, paddles, and life jackets are provided. Program is open to 18 years and older, and space is limited.
Family Field Netting
Saturday, July 26, 2:00 PM
Who doesn’t love bugs? Come along on an insect adventure as we search for butterflies, moths, and more! Nets provided.
Yoga at the Ponds with Peaceful Moon Yoga
Beginners/Basic Yoga Class
Thursdays, July 31, August 7, 14, 21 6:00-7:00 PM
See program description for June series.
Fee is $15.00 per session or $50.00 for the entire 4-week series (July-August).
AUGUST
Evening Canoe Paddle
Saturday, August 2, 6:00 PM
Come along on a naturalist-led canoe paddle. We’ll journey on a peaceful paddle watching for fish, turtles, birds, and more! Minimum: 5 years old to ride and 10 years old to paddle. Space is limited.
Lovely Lavender Tea Party
Sunday, August 10, 1:00 PM
Come relax and enjoy some tasty lavender tea and snacks and learn more about the history and uses of this wonderful herb! Your hosts are two local Katies: Katie Neal and Katie Underhill, who are passionate about learning about the world around them and helping others to live life abundantly. They will offer fun information on lavender, its history, and how to enrich your life with it. There will be a quiz with prizes, plus some informational handouts. Cost is $7 per person. Please register by July 30th.
Pond Dipping Day
Saturday, August 30, 1:00 PM
What lies below the waters of Seven Ponds? We will use nets and buckets to look for aquatic insects that call the waters home.
Snake Search
Sunday, August 31, 2:00 PM
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.
Seven Ponds Nature Center Summer 2025 Bird Walks & Trips
This summer we will offer two bird trips in June. Our bird 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. Bird trips are $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Pre-registration is required online, and bird walks/trips are limited to twelve (12) participants. Note the program description for starting time and meeting place. Please arrive on time and ready to go birding! Vortex Crossfire 8x42 loaner binoculars available upon request. Register by clicking on the program title. NOTE: transportation to the birding destination is not provided, but carpooling may be an option.
Wednesday, June 4 - 7:30 AM (depart from Seven Ponds at 6:00 AM)
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge - Wildlife Drive (Saginaw County)
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'll meet at the refuge parking lot on Curtis Road, and from there we'll proceed slowly through the 6.5 miles Wildlife Drive, making numerous stops along the route. Birds we may encounter on this trip include herons, egrets, cranes, shorebirds, eagles, hawks, terns, resident songbirds, and more. We encourage carpooling for this trip to reduce the length of our caravan on the refuge. Cost of this field trip is $5 Seven Ponds members and $10 for non-members. Space is limited, please pre-register online. Dress for the weather, bring your binoculars, field guide, and pack snacks and a beverage.
Wednesday, June 18 - 4:00 PM (depart from Seven Ponds at 2:00 PM)
Nayanquing Point Wildlife Management 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, herons, egrets, cranes, 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, where we may see or hear American Bittern and Least Bittern. Cost of this field trip is $5 for Seven Ponds members and $10 for non-members. Space is limited, please pre-register online. Dress for the weather, bring your binoculars, field guide, and pack snacks and a beverage.