SEVEN PONDS NATURE CENTER
Winter Programs for 2022-2023
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 members and $5 for adults non-members (13+) 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.
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 from dawn to dusk during these holiday closures.
DECEMBER
Sunday Walk
Sunday, December 4th, 2:00 PM
Winter is almost here, and what better way to see the ending of fall than by hiking some trails with a naturalist. Join us as we explore the unique areas of the nature center.
Winter Stargazing and Stories
Saturday, December 10th, 7:00 PM
Come see the stars! Join us for an evening of hot chocolate and constellation stories. We will also talk about other interesting nighttime sky phenomena.
Natural Ornament Making
Sunday, December 18, 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).
Holiday Closures
Saturday, December 24 - Sunday, December 25
Saturday, December 31 - Sunday, January 1
The nature center Interpretive Building will be closed on these dates so that staff may enjoy time with their families during the holiday season. As always, the trails are open for our members from dawn to dusk, every day of the year. Come out and explore the trails during this magical time.
JANUARY
Sunday Walk
Sunday, January 8th, 2:00 PM
Come join the first naturalist-led walk of the year. See how nature is welcoming the New Year. We will explore wherever the trail leads us!
World Snow Day!
Sunday, January 15, 2:00 PM
Celebrate World Snow Day with Seven Ponds by participating in all kinds of snow activities and experiments. Bring your snow gear!
Michigan Outdoors Trivia Night
Saturday, January 21st, 6:00 PM
Looking for an opportunity to show off your nature knowledge? This is the place! You are welcome to play alone, or as a team of no more than three people. All questions will be related to the plants, animals, and natural wonders that call Michigan home!
Explore the Collections
Sunday, January 22nd, 2:00 PM
Ever wonder what’s in those big cabinets in the back room? What makes a good specimen? Join one of our naturalists as we look through some of the interesting animal and nature items in our extensive collections!
WINTERFEST
Saturday, January 28, 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
Meet the Critters
Sunday, February 5th, 2:00 PM
This program focuses entirely on the animals that call Critter Corner home! Come and learn about the animals, how we take care of them, and how you can help wildlife.
Scouting Saturday
Saturday, February 11, 10:00 AM -12:00 PM
Into the Woods: Learn about trees and the important role they play in nature. This badge day is open to any scout! $4.00 per scout.
Snowshoeing
Saturday, February 11, 2:00 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.
Land Steward 101
Saturday, February 18th, 11:00 AM
Join our Land Steward as we look forward to spring! Learn about invasive, non-native plant species in Michigan, and how to best manage them on your own property.
Winter Story Hour
Sunday , February 19th, 2:00 PM
Isn't winter the best time to curl up with a good book? Join us for a cozy winter-themed story and crafts!
End of Winter Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, February 25th, 2:00-4:00 PM
The end of winter is on the horizon….even if it doesn't feel like it. Nature always knows. Grab your family and a scavenger hunt list from the front desk and hit the trails to find clues of the season changes! Prizes for completing the hunt. $4.00 per person, $3.00 for members.
2023 WINTER BIRD WALKS
This winter we will offer two birding trips. 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 - which might be severe this time of year. These bird trips are $3 for Seven Ponds members and $5 for non-members. Online pre-registration is required, and bird 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!
Winter Bird Trip #1 - Waterfowl Wonders
Wednesday, February 1, 8:00 AM
Port Huron area (St. Clair County)
Mid-winter can be a great time to check the waters at the southern tip of Lake Huron as well as the St. Clair River for large flocks of congregating diving ducks, such as Redheads, Canvasbacks, Common and Red-breasted mergansers, Greater and Lesser scaup, and Long-tailed Ducks. A variety of gulls can sometimes be found here during winter as well, and we’ll certainly search for the Peregrine Falcons which make the bridge area their home. Be sure to dress for the weather conditions, as it is often very cold and windy near the water. This bird trip will include several stops and will conclude with an early afternoon lunch at a local restaurant (optional). This is a car pool trip – meet at the nature center.
Winter Bird Trip #2 - Snowy Owl Prowl
Wednesday, February 22, 8:00 AM
Fish Point area (Tuscola & Huron counties)
Our birding today will find us heading north into the Thumb region as we search the open farmland for Snowy Owls. We’ll continue on to Fish Point State Wildlife Area to see if the late winter influx of Tundra Swans, Canada Geese, and (possibly) Snow Geese has begun. Other possible birds of the open “tundra” of this area include Northern Shrike, Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Harrier, Merlin, Snow Bunting, and Horned Lark. Be sure to dress for the weather. We’ll plan on having lunch in the Thumb before returning to the nature center, so pack your own or come prepared to purchase a lunch. This is a car pool trip – meet at the nature center.
CHECK OUT OUR 2023 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. Register by clicking on the program title. Fee: $3.
Animals from Around the World
Wildlife Safari
Sunday, January 29, 2023, 2:00 PM
Are you looking for an awesome wildlife experience? Look no further, Wildlife Safari will share with us live animals from around the world! This hands-on program is sure to entertain, and also educate us about the amazing wild animals we share this planet with. This is a family friendly program, and is for all ages.
Great Lakes Beach Rocks Basic Identification
Randy Kursinsky
Sunday, February 5, 2023, 2:00 PM
If you spend your time combing the beaches for rocks, this program is for you! Join Randy Kursinsky, vice-president of the Mid-Michigan Rock Club and an amateur rock and fossil collector, as he gives the basics to help identify the majority of rocks, fossils, and man-made rock-like items found along our Great Lakes shorelines.
Lost in Michigan
Mike Sonnenberg
Sunday, February 12, 2023, 2:00 PM
Mike Sonnenberg, the author of Lost In Michigan: History and Travel Stories From An Endless Road Trip series, showcases interesting and historic locations from around Michigan and tells fascinating stories about them. Mike will be showing some of the photographs he has taken and talking about his travels around the Great Lakes State. Sonnenberg's work has been featured in the Detroit Free Press and he is considered a “Michigan Expert” by USA Today.
Backpacking the Entire Appalachian Trail at Age 60
During COVID
Melanie Kursinsky
Sunday, February 19, 2023, 2:00 PM
Join Melanie Kursinsky as she describes her first-person account of hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2020/2021 as a female solo hiker. Melanie will share her awesome adventure through discussion, video presentations, and by displaying the gear she used while hiking. Melanie’s story is incredible and should not be missed.
Beekeeping 101
Preston Zale
Sunday, February 26, 2023, 2:00 PM
Join your local beekeeper, Preston Zale, as he introduces us to honeybees, teaches us how to keep them, and their importance to our food chain. We’ll discuss what you will need (and spend) to have your own hive(s), and what activities you’ll be doing during the beekeeping season in Michigan. We’ll also talk about the rewards of beekeeping, not just the honey, but better garden harvests, and other products from the hive that are fun and healthy.