SEVEN PONDS NATURE CENTER
Winter Programs for 2023-2024
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. Pre-registration is required for all programs, and registering online is quick and easy.
ALL programs require pre-registration.
Click the program title for the registration link - please register online.
DECEMBER
Winter Wanderings
Sunday, December 3rd, 2:00 pm
Fall is soon to come to a close and the winter months take hold. We will wander the trails of the center and look for signs of animals preparing for the long haul towards spring. Hopefully the first bouts of snow will provide a glistening view.
Canidae: Wild Dogs of Michigan
Saturday, December 9th, 11:00 am
Learn about the wild dogs that call Michigan home. From wolves to coyotes to foxes we’ll talk all about their incredible lives.
Meet the Critters
Sunday, December 10th, 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.
Lapeer County Christmas Bird Count at Seven Ponds
Saturday, December 16th, 8:00 am
Join in on this nationwide National Audubon Society bird survey by helping count birds at Seven Ponds. Free event.
Natural Ornament Making
Saturday, December 16th, 1:00 pm
Get ready for the holiday season by making your own natural ornament to help decorate your home. Supplies will be provided. Fee: $5.00 (members $3.00).
Rabbits of the World
Sunday, December 17th, 1:00 pm
Sit in on this adult lecture on the rabbits of the world! We will focus mainly on rabbits/hares found in Michigan and then branch out into species and rabbit legends from around the world.
End of the Year Walk
Saturday, December 23rd, 10:00 am
Let’s take a walk before the end of the year and say goodbye to 2023 in the best way… by marveling at nature!
New Year Hike
Saturday, December 30th, 2:00 pm
Time to welcome 2024! What better way to celebrate another year than taking a brisk walk through nature.
Holiday Closures
Sunday, December 24
Monday, December 25
Sunday, December 31
Monday, January 1
JANUARY
Nature Journaling: Collections
Saturday, January 6th, 1:00 pm
Journaling is a great way to relax and be creative. For this program we will explore our extensive collections. Bring your favorite journal and curiosity. We will provide the art supplies.
Tower Tour
Sunday, January 7th, 2:00 pm
Let’s go climb every tower at Seven Ponds! For this program we’ll explore Paul’s Woods, Earl’s Prairie, and the North 80.
Winter Survival
Saturday, January 13th, 10:00 am
Have you ever wondered what you would do if you found yourself lost in the woods in the middle of winter? What would you do to survive until help arrived? Come test your skills and learn some tips and tricks to survive the harsh winter days and nights.
Snowshoeing
Sunday, January 14th, 2:00 pm
Dashing through the show 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.
Tracks and Signs
Saturday, January 20th, 10:00 am
First, we’ll learn all about the things animals leave behind when they pass through like tracks, scat, paths, feathers, and more. Then, we’ll take a hike around the center and see what we can find and try to figure out who's been out and about.
Winter Story Hour
Sunday, January 21st, 2:00 pm
Isn't winter the best time to curl up with a good book? Get out of the house and join us for a cozy winter-themed story and crafts!
WINTERFEST
Saturday, January 27, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Our annual winter celebration is fun for the whole family. There will be hot dogs for roasting over an 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
Explore the Collections
Saturday, February 3rd, 2:00 pm
Ever wonder what’s in those big cabinets? What makes a good specimen? Join one of our naturalists as we look through some of the interesting animal and nature items in our collections!
Family Trivia
Saturday, February 17th, 2:00 pm
Looking for an opportunity to show off your nature knowledge? Grab your family and head to the nature center! Teams can be no more than 4 people (if you have more than that consider splitting into two teams for some friendly competition) and prizes will be provided for our Top 3 teams!
Winter Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, February 24th, 1:00-4:00 pm
Look high and look low. There is much to find at Seven Ponds in the snow. Grab your family and/or friends and see if you can find everything on the list.
CHECK OUT OUR 2024 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.
Bugs on Wheels
Nadia Greely
aka The Bug Lady
Sunday, January 28, 2024, 2:00 PM
This afternoon Nadia will shed some light on the “lessloved” creatures of our planet: bugs! This family program will be a mix of education and entertainment to help us
understand and appreciate how amazing, important,
and not-so-scary these creatures really are. Get ready for a fun hands-on experience.
Illuminating the Shoreline: The Influence of Light Pollution on Freshwater Ecosystems
Lizz Parkinson
PhD Student - Biology - Aquatic Ecology
Oakland University
Sunday, February 4, 2024, 2:00 PM
As human habitation, and illumination, of freshwater
coastlines worldwide continues to grow, the importance of understanding the implications of these changes for freshwater ecosystems grows with it, especially here in Michigan. This program will discuss some of the research
being done on the impacts of light pollution on insects
that play a crucial role in freshwater food webs and why we should be concerned.
History, Mystery, and...Murder? The Story of Train Robberies in Michigan
Dean Pyers
Executive Director
Steam Railroading Institute Owosso, MI
Sunday, February 11, 2024, 2:00 PM
Michigan’s railroading past is full of high adventure and
daring crimes, and Dean Pyers will be our guide this afternoon. In the mid- to late 1800’s, train robberies were a frequent occurrence, and later became a staple of popular entertainment. This program will dive into an interesting part of Michigan’s history.
Michigan 337 - The Biggest Year in Michigan Birding History
Daniel Bernard
Avid Birding Enthusiast
Sunday, February 18, 2024, 2:00 PM
Join birder Danny Bernard as he shares his story of battling a limited budget and the time constraint of a fulltime job on his initially unplanned journey to break the Michigan Big Year record. Danny met dozens of new people and learned loads about birding, himself, and life in general as he traveled over 45,000 miles and spent nearly every waking minute of 2022 on his quest to see more birds in a single year than anyone in Michigan history.
Nature Play
Carrie Spencer
Director of Environmental Education
Seven Ponds Nature Center
Sunday, February 25, 2024, 2:00 PM
Children are spending less time outside, but there is no
evidence to suggest that kids enjoy outdoor play less
than previous generations; today’s children have more
obstacles that were not present in the past. During this program, we discover what some of those obstacles are, and how we can help create places and experiences for our kids to get outside.