SEVEN PONDS NATURE CENTER
Winter Programs for 2021-2022
Exploring the winter world can be a wondrous experience with endless possibilities for adventure. If you are not sure what these adventures may entail, come out to Seven Ponds and we can help you out. Look over this winter's offerings of activities and make plans to join us as we explore winter's nature. Seven Ponds offers something for everyone from preschoolers and families to adults. Mark your calendars for some programs in our Winter Series, seasonal activities, or WinterFest and let the winter adventures begin! Most activities are $3.00 for adults and free for members and children under 12, unless otherwise noted. For more information call 810-796-3200.
ALL programs require pre-registration.
Click the program title for the registration link - please register online.
In order to keep all participants and staff safe, COVID-19 protocols may be in place.
All participants will be required to wear a mask when six-foot distances cannot be maintained.
NOTE - NATURE CENTER HOLIDAY CLOSURES
The nature center interpretive building will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. As always, Seven Ponds members may access the trails during these holiday closures.
DECEMBER
COFFEE WITH A NATURALIST
Saturday, December 4, 11:00 AM
Feel like taking a stroll with a hot cup o’ joe? Bring your questions and a thermos, if you choose. We will fill up our cups then hit the trails for a morning walk. Coffee and fixings will be provided.
SUNSET WALK
Thursday, December 9, 5:00 PM
Do you love watching the sun set? Well, come join one of our naturalists on a sunset walk alongside our ponds to catch a glimpse of the beauty that nature has to offer.
WEE READERS - In the Snow: Who's Been Here?
Saturday, December 11, 10:00 AM
As we read In The Snow: Who’s Been Here? we will learn about the clues that our winter critters leave behind. After we finish our book, we will go on our own hike looking for critter clues!
SUNDAY WALK
Sunday, December 12, 2:00 PM
Join a naturalist for a late fall walk around the ponds. We will be exploring the late fall habitats of Paul’s Woods and Rain Barrel Marsh.
LAPEER CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
Saturday, December 18, 9:00 AM
Participate in the longest-running citizen science project on the planet - the 122nd Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Come along with our naturalist as we tally all the birds we can find on the Seven Ponds grounds in support of the Lapeer Christmas Bird Count. Beginning birdwatchers are welcome!
NATURAL ORNAMENT MAKING
Sunday, December 19, 2:00 PM
Get ready for the holiday season by making your own natural ornament to help decorate your home. Supplies will be provided. Fee: $4.00 (members $2.00).
DINNER TIME
Wednesday, December 22, 1:00 PM
Join one of our naturalists to help feed and handle our animals in the Critter Corner. This is fun hands-on learning about each of our animals.
BOXING DAY WALK
Sunday, December 26, 1:00 PM
The day after Christmas might be the best time to get out of the house, and get some fresh air. It was a lot of time with those relatives, after all! Join a naturalist and walk the trails during one of the final days of the year.
JANUARY
JONATHAN WOODS HIKE
Sunday, January 2, 2:00 PM
Let’s start 2022 off right with a beautiful hike in our Jonathan Woods. There might be snow, there might not. Come dressed for the weather as we explore this winter habitat.
WINTER KISSES SNOWFLAKE WISHES
Thursday, January 6, 2:00 PM
Come to Seven Ponds and make different snowflake crafts with one of our naturalists. All supplies will be provided for you. Please pre-register by January 5th, space is limited. Fee: $5.00 per person ($3.00 for members).
LET IT SNOW!
Saturday, January 8, 3:00 PM
Have you ever wanted to make snowflake catchers and learn about how snowflakes form? Join a naturalist as we make our own snowflake catchers. We will go for a walk to look at snowflakes and see their unique shapes.
WINTER NATURE JOURNALING
Sunday, January 9, 2:00 PM
It will be cold, but this will also be the perfect time to reflect and journal about our wintery weather. The naturalist will have journaling prompts to follow, but please bring your favorite pens and pencils.
SNOWSHOEING
Saturday, January 15, 1:00 PM
Dashing through the snow on your own pair of snowshoes sounds like a fun way to spend an afternoon! Old-fashioned snowshoes will be provided for you on this guided hike. In the event of no snow, there will still be an interpretive walk. Space is limited.
MANAGING INVASIVE SPECIES 101
Saturday, January 22, 9:30 AM
Want to learn about our common invasive plant species, and how to manage them? Our Land Steward will give a presentation on how to identify the plants and different management techniques for controlling their populations. If you have any specific questions about how to manage certain invasives on your property, bring them along!
WINTERFEST
Saturday, January 29, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Our annual winter celebration is fun for the whole family. There will be a s'mores bar and hot dogs for roasting over and open fire. Activities will include pond dipping, lawn games, traditional ice cutting, ice skating on Treetop Pond, snowman building contest, a bake sale, and interpretive trail walks. If there is not sufficient snow or ice, alternative activities will be provided.
FEBRUARY
SNOW AND SHOES
Saturday, February 5th, 12:00 PM
Join a Naturalist on a walk on the Polly Ann Trail in Imlay City. There is a small parking lot across from 505 W 4th St. Snowshoes will be provided for you on this guided hike. In the event of no snow, there will still be an interpretive walk. Space is limited.
NIGHT-TIME SENSES
Saturday, February 5, 6:30 PM
Many animals are out and about at night, and they use different senses to help them navigate their dark world. During this family night hike, we will do lots of different activities using our senses to explore nature in the dark, just like some of our nocturnal animal friends.
GAME NIGHT
Thursday, February 10, 6:00 PM
How well do you know your state? Join one of our naturalists to test your knowledge about Michigan’s wildlife. The winner will receive a small prize. This program is for people 15 years and older.
WINTER CRAFT DAY
Saturday, February 12, 3:00 PM
Celebrate the winter season by making a fun seasonal themed craft. All supplies will be provided, you just need to bring your creativity.
FAMILY TRIVIA
Thursday, February 17, 6:00 PM
How well do you and your family know wildlife? Join a naturalist for our family game night. We will be asking questions for the whole family on what kind of animals live in Michigan. The winning team will receive a prize!
WINTER SCAVENGER HUNT
Saturday, February 19, 1:30 PM
The power of observation will be your greatest asset! Let’s see if you will be able to find everything, and answer all of the questions on this family scavenger hunt.
KID TRIVIA NIGHT
Thursday, February 24, 5:00 PM
How well do you know animals and nature? Join a naturalist in a kid-friendly game night. Prizes will be handed out to the kids. Minimum age of six years old and maximum of twelve years old to participate.
WEE READERS: Stranger in the Woods
Saturday, February 26, 10:30 AM
Seven Ponds will be partnering with Dryden Township Library for this story time, as we figure out the stranger in the woods. After the story, we will make our own stranger-in-the-woods outside the library. Part of this program will require playing in the snow! We will meet at the Dryden Township Library in Downtown Dryden.
CAMPFIRES AND CONSTELLATIONS
Saturday, February 26, 6:00 PM
Cozy up around a campfire as we make s’mores, stargaze, and maybe listen to coyotes serenade us. Please bring a lawn chair for the fire portion. In the event of cloudy skies, we will still enjoy a fire and venture out onto the trails for some nighttime fun.
CHECK OUT OUR 2022 WINTER SERIES!
Each winter Seven Ponds sponsors the Winter Series, a series of programs highlighted by noted naturalists and photographers, live animals, fascinating natural history, and enjoyment for all ages. Sessions are open to everyone, but pre-registration is required. Come out for one or all of these programs. Seating is limited and COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place. Register by clicking on the program title.
Quest for Survival
Science Alive
Sunday, January 30, 2022, 2:00 PM
For an animal to survive within its environment, it must rely on a myriad of adaptations. Join Science Alive as they explore live animals from around the world, and their abilities to stay alive! This is a family-friendly program. Fee: $5.00 (Seven Ponds Members $3.00)
Controversial Coyote
Holly Hadac
Retired Wildlife Rehabilitator
Sunday, February 6, 2022, 2:00 PM
Holly is a DNR Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator with 25 years of experience. She specializes in large mammals and coyote education. Holly has worked with wildlife biologists trapping and studying coyotes in other states, and most recently was an assistant researcher with the Southeastern Michigan Coyote Research Project. This was a PhD study from Wayne State University where the team trapped, radio collared, and tracked coyotes. She will discuss the results of that study along with her experiences as a wildlife rehabilitator having coyotes in her care from three day old pups to injured adults. Holly wants people's opinions of coyotes to be based on facts backed up by research and personal experiences, not media hype. This program is for older children and adults.
Wizards, Wands, and Potions
Sloan Museum
Sunday, February 13, 2022, 2:00 PM
Step into another world full of wizards and witches. Cauldrons will bubble and potions will change color. Is it magic or chemistry? Build your own light-up wand and squish your fingers into ghost brains. This program is best for children ages 8 to 12 years old. Fee: $5.00 (Seven Ponds Members $3.00)
Citizen Science 101
Nicole Kopas
Seven Ponds Nature Center Naturalist
Sunday, February 20, 2022, 2:00 PM
Did you know that you could help scientists while spending time in your own backyards? Many scientists need the help of everyday citizens to gather information on wildlife and plants.That information informs scientific research, and provides needed information for decision makers. Join Nicole as she shares some of the awesome opportunities in citizen science, some you can do in your own backyards and some you may want to help Seven Ponds with.
Michigan Snakes Alive!
Nature Discovery
Sunday, February 27, 2022, 2:00 PM
Snakes can be scary for some people, and there is a lot of misinformation about our scaly friends. Nature Discovery will address those misconceptions and hopefully put your fears to rest during this live snake program. We will learn all about the snakes that call Michigan home, and get a chance to handle many of them. We may even get to see some of them eat their lunch! This is a family-friendly program. Fee: $5.00 per person ($3.00 Seven Ponds Member)